CHAPTER FIVE
It was Saturday morning. Warm sunshine filtered through the tall windows at the Cole mansion casting soft golden hues in the huge dining room. The staff were busy setting the breakfast table as the Cole’s were getting ready upstairs to come down for breakfast. The house staff moved with quiet precision, arranging expensive china on the table, glass jugs with homemade juices and smoothies, well-made toasts, bacon, sausages, eggs and a jug of water were all set on the table. After all the preparations were completed, the butler rang a bell and the staff stood in a line beside the long table awaiting the arrival of the Cole’s. each of the maids held a towel by their left arm.
Amelia was the last to arrive at the table and sat opposite Vincent who sat at the end of the long table. Beside her sat Viviana.
“How was your night sis?” Viviana asked Amelia with a smile.
“It was lovely, thanks. I slept like a baby” Amelia answered averting her gaze and with a forced smile. She knew too well it was a lie, she had tossed and turned the whole night thinking about the humiliation she had endured at the spa and shopping mall. How everyone had looked at her like she was a parasite carrying a deadly disease just because she seemed not to fit there.
She had cried and wished her grandmother was alive to hug her and tell her that she was perfect just the way she was as she fondly used to tell her. But the last thing she wanted was for Viviana and Vincent to worry about her so she kept all this to herself.
Amelia was not used to all the glamour and the past few days that she had spent with the Cole’s had proven that she did not belong here. But she was willing to try a little harder for Viviana who seemed excited to have her there.
The staff served them in quiet unison. They seemed to know what both Vincent and Viviana preferred for breakfast without even asking. The silence was only broken when serving Amelia,
“What will you have Miss?” One of the young staff members asked as she picked a plate.
“Toast and eggs will be Ok” Amelia answered, “Orange juice too.”
“so, how did the spa day go?’ Vincent asked dabbing his mouth with a towel, “ and the shopping? Did you girls have fun”
“Viviana responded immediately, her voice bright and sugary. “ it was the best day ever! We totally bonded. Didn’t we, Amelia?”
Vincent turned his eyes to Amelia, waiting for her to confirm. Amelia glanced up startled, as if her mind had wandered for a bit. She smiled awkwardly and nodded “It was okay,” she said quietly then lowered her gaze again.
Vincent studied her a moment longer, a flicker of concern passing through his eyes, but did not say a word.
“I can’t wait to spend the afternoon with you two” Viviana continued, pressing her shoulders against Amelia’s. “You’re coming, right?”
Amelia hesitated. “I’m not sure. Maybe I should rest today. It’s been a little overwhelming.”
Viviana’s eyes widened, her smile unshaken. She tilted her face in a faux cute way. “today will be different, I promise. We’re going to my old orphanage to volunteer with the kids. Dad did tell you I’m adopted, right?”
Amelia’s brows rose slightly as she looked up at Vincent. He didn’t seem surprised and continue slicing his steak.
“I didn’t see the need,” he said calmly. “adopted or not, Viviana is my daughter. That will never change.”
There was something in his voice that made Amelia feel envious of the two. The conviction made her feel like a stranger sitting at that table. Vincent didn’t ask for a DNA test to be carried out so he could make Viviana his daughter. But to Amelia who carried his blood, he had to prove she was really his before he could reach out to her. She doubted if she would ever be close enough to him to have a bond like the one he shared with Viviana. But she felt it was a long shot.
“you should come,” Vincent said glancing at her. “it’s in the countryside. Not your area of the countryside, but it might still feel familiar.”
Amelia nodded faintly “I’ll think about it”
The staff began clearing the utensils at the table and folding napkins with quiet efficiency. Vincent stood up adjusting his tie, a gesture he normally did when nervous.
“Amelia, could I speak to you in the study?”
Amelia wiped her hands on her napkin and followed him out of the dining room. As they walked, Viviana subtly followed behind them pretending to head to the balcony on the far end of the corridor beside the study room. She didn’t like the way her father all of a sudden wanted to speak privately to Amelia. What if Amelia spills the beans on what happened yesterday? She thought.
Vincent led Amelia into large and spacious stud room. Wooden bookshelves towered along the walls. He closed the door behind them but it didn’t fully click shut. Viviana slipped quietly down the hallway and leaned just close enough to the slightly open door to hear.
“Is everyone treating you right here at the house?” Vincent asked, motioning to Amelia to sit on the leather chair across from his desk.
“Yes, everyone has been kind. Viviana has especially tried hard to make me feel welcome” Amelia answered folding her hand on her laps.
Vincent nodded, a broad smile on his face. “that makes me happy. I know it’s not easy adjusting to all this and especially after losing a loved one”
He leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. “have you thought about what we talked about? About staying? I meant what I said Amelia. This is your home to if you want it to be. If school is in your plans, I can help with that. Or you can take your time and figure out what you really want and whatever you choose ill help where I can. No pressure.”
Amelia thought for a moment before responding. “I’m not sure I want to stay here permanently, but it would be good to get to know you more. You’re the only family I have left, and Viviana too. Maybe take things one day at a time”
Vincent eyes softened, a rare sight for the powerful business man.
“Fair enough. That’s a good place to start” he said with a smile.
He stood up and walked to the window, staring out at the garden for a moment before turning back to her.
“Will you be joining us at the orphanage this afternoon? It’s for a good cause. The kids are wonderful and the place is peaceful. No press, no business, just people interacting and helping out.
Amelia gave a slow nod. “yes I think I will.”
“Good,” he said. “I’m sure you’ll love it”
Outside the study by the doorway, Viviana clenched her fists. Her teeth ground together as rage bubbled beneath her elegant exterior.
Amelia! So after all the embarrassment and humiliation you went through yesterday you still think you belong here? She thought bitterly.
She turned away from the door and tiptoed towards the staircase making sure the click of her heels was not heard inside the study. Inside her bedroom in front of the mirror she sneered.
“So you have tasted the life of the rich and dressed in designer clothes and now you want to stay longer?” She spat tearing off her earrings.
“You want to know me more? An evil smirk ran across her face.
She yanked open a drawer, threw her earrings in with her eyes still looking at her reflection in the mirror.
“I’ll let you know me more Amelia! Only by the time you know who I really am, you’ll be running back to your village shack in tears, that is if luck will be on your side”
Viviana’s mind was already racing with plans for that afternoon and when she finally figured it out, she let out an evil laughter.
Her reflection laughed back, perfect and deadly.