by Ivy Clyde
“That’s good.” He looked satisfied. “Dinner is served at seven. Please come to the dining room. My mistress would be happy to hear you’ll be joining her this evening.”
I closed the door when Ruben left. It was just dinner but it felt like I’d agreed to something daunting. I wasn’t even able to get through my mother’s funeral. Suddenly, exhaustion overcame me. Could I act normal enough to have a meal with two people?
6
Paris
At five minutes to seven, I opened the door of my room to walk to the dining room downstairs. I wore a knee-length powder-blue dress with matching pumps. My blue hair was arranged in gentle waves down my back. My appearance was very different from usual but there were no jeans or casual t-shirts in the whole wardrobe that Clara provided me.
While Clara joked about throwing tantrums over clothes, I just couldn’t do it. She was from a very different world to the one I lived in, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t a kind person. There was no way I would complain about clothes when she’d put up with a sulking, grieving teenager for three days without reprimanding her even once.
Two maids entered the dining room with carts of food. I followed after them, glad that I wasn’t late to dinner. My gaze fell on the figure seated near the front end. His vivid blue eyes met mine and I suddenly remembered where I’d seen him before. He was one of the most handsome boys I’d seen coming out of the gates of Knightswood Academy. His dark-haired friend had even smiled at me.
My heart squeezed painfully at the memory. It was the last time I’d felt happy and excited before receiving the news of my mother’s death.
Swallowing the choke, I took deep breaths to calm myself. The guy stared at me unblinkingly, taking note of my every action. He wore a maroon blazer with the Knightswood Academy emblem stitched on the breast pocket.
Feeling self-conscious, I slowly walked to the table and took the seat opposite him. Clara was yet to appear, so I was stuck with the handsome stranger.
“You’re here, Paris!” came Clara’s excited voice as she entered the room. She looked between me and the guy sitting opposite me. “Have you introduced yourself, Liam?”
I glanced back at him and suddenly, I could see the resemblance between him and Clara. He had the same shiny chestnut-brown hair and vivid blue eyes as his mother.
“Hello,” he said shortly.
Ruben moved forward to serve us our first dish- some kind of creamy white soup with bits of parsley on top.
“Paris will be joining the academy from tomorrow,” announced Clara.
“Tomorrow?” both Liam and I said at once.
She gestured for us to start on the food. I put a spoon of the soup in my mouth and almost sighed at the heavenly taste. It was the best potato and leek soup I’d ever tasted.
“I just had a call from the admissions department,” said Clara, opening her napkin. “It was a bit of a hassle to make them agree to take her in when semester already started, but I tugged on all the strings I could get hold of.” She looked particularly proud of the accomplishment.
“Mother,” said Liam in a cool voice. “Why does she have to attend Knightswood? She can go somewhere else.”
“Why go somewhere else when Knightswood is the best and closest school to our home?” asked Clara. “I’m sure she’ll do well at Knightswood.” She smiled at me.
I glanced at Liam. His mouth was pressed in a thin line as he glared at his mother. He didn’t seem to like the idea of me going to the same school as him. I spooned more soup in my mouth, choosing to ignore him for now.
“Mr. Farrar called,” said Clara in a more reserved tone now. “Your father collapsed at a meeting this afternoon. I’m flying to Hong Kong tomorrow morning. I wanted to leave tonight but there were no flights available.” She looked strained now. “I’ll leave the other arrangements in your hand, Liam. Take care of Paris’s accommodation at the school. And while I’m away, make sure she gets settled in properly.”
Ruben moved forward again to collect our empty soup plates and replaced them with steak, bean salad, and mashed potatoes. Back home, we would have simply had a few more servings of soup with bread and call it dinner. Even though the sight and smell of what was before me were extremely enticing, I missed the simple meals we had. Suddenly, I felt a craving for Mom’s bean and sausage stew that I liked eating with boiled noodles.
“Your uniforms will be in your room tonight,” said Clara, turning towards me. “Your transfer papers and other documents are also there. Meet with Principal Thorne tomorrow and discuss about the classes you want to take. I’ve also arranged a credit card for you. Buy whatever you need. Books, clothes, supplies. I’ll take care of it all.”
My gaze flickered to Liam. He was staring at me with rage-filled eyes.
“Are you okay, Paris?” asked Clara, looking at me anxiously. She missed out on her son’s expression completely as she focused her whole attention on me.
I nodded.
“I know it might seem like I’m pushing you but being around others your age would actually help you take your mind away from grief. With me gone and no one in the house to look after you, I thought going to school would be the best for you.”
It was funny how she didn’t consider the maids and servants good enough to look after me. Clara was sweet in her own way but her son’s hatred for me was steadily increasing. Even though he was one of the most handsome guys I’d ever met, I decided right there to avoid him completely at my new school.
“Where is my phone?” I asked, desperate to call Zoya. She had to know I wasn’t returning to Kensington but attending Knightswood. I could already predict it would upset her. She hated Knightswood Academy.
“It’s in your room,” said Clara. “I placed it in the first drawer of your bedside table.”
“Thanks.”
For the rest of the dinner, I ate whatever else was placed before me, waiting for it to be over. I tuned out the conversation Clara had with her son, focusing on the fact I’d be attending Knightswood Academy from tomorrow.
In the space of another half hour, I’d already made up my mind to finish my senior years at Knightswood and move away to a distant college on scholarship. There was only so much I could take from Clara Davenport until I was able to support myself. I didn’t want to get too comfortable in this strange world of excess and luxury. Mom would want me to stay strong and make a life for myself without depending on anyone.
After dinner, I returned to my room.
My new uniforms were neatly stacked on the bed along with a folder. Moving forward, I leaned down to run my hand over the white shirts and red plaid skirts. Tears formed in my eyes and I tasted ash in my mouth.
It had always been my dream to wear these fancy uniforms and attend Knightswood Academy. Mom spoke so much about it, I felt like I had to be there too. My dream came true but it didn’t bring me any happiness. Without Mom, every opportunity seemed bland.
I sat on the edge of the bed, hugging the clothes to my chest. Tears seeped into the crisp white cotton shirts as I sobbed uncontrollably. “I want you here, Mom,” I whispered. “If you come back, I’ll happily give up on attending Knightswood.”
I must have fallen asleep while crying. Waking up with a start, I looked around the well-lit room and heard knocking at my door. The uniforms slid out of my arms to fall on the floor as I rushed to open it.
Liam Davenport stood there.
Without a word, he pushed the door wider and entered the room without an invitation.
“Why are you here?” I asked. My glance fell on the ornamental clock on the wall. It was past one in the night. Without answering me, he knelt on the floor to pick up my uniforms. Dusting them off, he placed them back on the bed before turning to face me.
“Is this the way you treat things my mother gives you?” he asked. His gaze burned with rage as he focused his attention on me.
“It’s not like that,” I said, hoping to explain the situation. “I fell asleep and when I got up t
o open the door, they fell to the ground. Thinking it was Clara, I ran to open the door. I didn’t mean to keep them on the floor.”
He scoffed. “You’re good with excuses.” Taking a seat at the edge of the bed, he beckoned me with a finger.
I moved forward a few steps.
“Closer, Charity Case,” he said.
My eyes widened at the name he called me. I stood on the spot, frozen.
“You need to get better at obeying instructions.” His gaze dropped down my face, taking in the crumpled blue dress and my bare feet. “How much would it take for you to get the fuck out of our lives?”
“What?”
He took out a pen and checkbook from inside his jacket. Opening it, he poised over a page. “How much money do you want to get out of my house and out of our lives?”
My mouth parted at what he was saying. It was both cruel and demeaning. “I don’t want your money,” I grit out.
“Are you sure?” he asked, cocking a perfect eyebrow at me. “Better take this deal. It ends tonight.”
“Does your mom know you’re doing this?” I asked, feeling my own anger rising. It was a good change from the sad and lonely thoughts crowding my head. I held onto it, glaring at him.
“My mother is too stupid to see through a girl like you.” Getting on his feet, he came close to me. I stood my ground, despite him invading my space. He slowly circled me, eyeing me from head to toe. “Don’t think for a second I’m as easy to fool as my mother. You came to the school that day, dressed like a hobo with Zoya Ivanov.”
So, he’d noticed me…
“So what?” I demanded.
“It must feel like a dream to live in a house like this after the hovel you lived in burned down.”
I whirled around to face him. “Shut up.”
“You’re just a bitch my mother picked up from the street without a second thought. She didn’t even care to run a background check before rushing off to get you from the hospital. All because of some stupid promise she made your mother years ago.”
Blood pounded in my ears as his every word hammered on my sore emotions. “My mother saved your father,” I hissed. “If it weren’t for her, you’d have no dad!”
“And in return, she wanted us to take you in.”
“Only if something happened to her!” I shouted. Tears were running down my cheeks now and I hated them at the moment. I didn’t want to cry in front of this asshole. “She didn’t ask for anything in return for saving your dad’s life.”
A mocking laugh escaped his luscious lips as he stepped away from me and headed for the door. He halted just as his hand closed on the knob. “I’ll be checking out that story myself. As for the offer I made you, it stands until tonight. Don’t make me stay up too long and tell me how much cash you want.” Opening the door, he let himself out, leaving me to fume and sob over every word he’d said to me.
Stomping to the door, I latched it.
Breathing heavily, I straightened out the uniforms and draped them over a chair in the corner. I was tired at that late hour, but opening the wardrobe, I took out the travel case I’d spotted there earlier. Tears continued to run down my face as I stuffed underwear and clothes inside the suitcase.
Come morning, I was going to Knightswood Academy.
“I am going to make something of myself and pay back every single cent,” I vowed, shutting the suitcase. “My mother never begged anyone for anything. And neither will I!”
Even though I was exhausted, sleep didn’t come to me that night.
At least, Liam Davenport was awake too, waiting for me to go to his room and take his filthy check. It was the only consoling thought that got me through the night.
7
Paris
I got up from bed at six-thirty the next morning.
Even though I barely got any sleep last night, I felt wide awake.
Making sure the door was locked, I stripped out of the crumpled dress and headed into the bathroom for a shower. Setting the knobs at the coldest temperature, I started the water. It was uncomfortable for the first few minutes but after that, I felt fresh and energized.
It was early but I decided to get dressed in my new academy uniforms.
Both the shirt and the skirt fit me well, making me marvel at the tailor who made it without even taking my measurements. The fabric of the shirt was soft and airy while the pleated, plaid skirt was stiffer, flaring out around my hips and ending a few inches above my knees.
I stared at my reflection in the tall, ornate mirror. For years, I’d dreamed of wearing the Knightswood Academy uniform and visit the same halls and campus corners my mom and dad visited. It choked my throat to think Mom was no longer by my side to see me doing the same. She would have been the happiest to see me attending Knightswood.
“Hold back the tears,” I commanded myself. “You won’t cry before anyone.”
I swallowed and took deep breaths, fighting against the surge of emotions and tears. It took a while but I was able to calm myself. “Good,” I told my reflection.
A knock sounded at the door. Swiping back the long lengths of my indigo-dyed hair, I stomped forward to open it.
However, it wasn’t Liam Davenport. Clara smiled at me from the doorway.
“You look so pretty and smart in that uniform,” she said, moving forward to hug me gently. Her affection was infectious. I breathed in her floral perfume and soaked up the warmth she offered.
“I wanted to see you before I left for the flight.”
“How long will you be gone?” I asked. No matter how obnoxiously Liam behaved towards me, his mother was a sweetheart.
“At least a week.” She moved further inside the room and took in the packed case at the foot of the bed. “You’ve already packed. I was about to get one of the maids to do it for you.”
“It’s fine, Mrs. Davenport,” I said. “I can pack myself a few clothes. There’s no need to bother anyone over it.”
“Nonsense! Nothing is a bother when it comes to you or my son.” The sincerity in her voice struck me. Damn! I could feel myself choke up again. “Also, call me Clara. And listen, Paris,” she added in a serious tone. “If you feel like you need to talk to me, call me at this number.” She pressed a card in my hand. “I’ll always be available on it. And if anyone gives you any trouble at the new school, just tell my Liam. I shouldn’t be bragging but he’s kind of popular among the kids there. He’ll take care of things for you.” She giggled, her bright blue eyes lighting up with pride.
It was a struggle not to balk and keep a straight face. Her son was an asshole. It had to be his pretty face that got him the popularity vote.
“Thanks for everything,” I said. Liam could be as hateful as he wanted but I’d never say a thing about him to Clara. She was a kind person and proud of her son. If she ever knew the way he treated me last night, she would be ashamed.
“Get ready and come have breakfast,” she said.
I nodded. Giving my shoulder a squeeze, she went out of the room.
Taking my phone from the drawer, I looked at the blank screen. The battery was completely dead.
Pocketing it, I headed out to the dining room.
Liam was already seated there. There were pale shadows under his eyes. A hint of a smile came on my lips. Walking into the room, I took the seat opposite him. Only the slight widening of his eyes indicated his surprise at seeing me in my new uniform. He gritted his teeth, stabbing a piece of sausage on his plate.
“Morning,” I said brightly. “Had a good night?”
“You’ve made a mistake, Charity Case,” he whispered. His gaze shifted from me to look behind me and next moment, I heard the sound of Clara’s heels on the floor.
“Look what I got for you.” She came before me and held a large satchel bag in her hands. Made of sleek brown leather with golden clasps, the bag was beautiful.
“Thank you,” I said, taking it from her. It looked luxurious and just by looking at it, I knew it was a branded item.
Zoya was more of an expert on brands but even I could tell it was expensive.
“It will look amazing with your uniform,” said Clara. “Try it on.”
Pushing back the chair, I stood up and slung the bag around my torso.
“Perfect!” She smiled, pulling me in for a hug. I watched Liam’s murderous expression over Clara’s shoulder. “I always wanted a daughter,” she gushed after letting me go. “It will be so much fun to shop now.”
“Aren’t you late for your flight, Mother?” said Liam in a cold voice.
“Oh?” Clara glanced at the watch on her wrist. “There’s still time to see you guys off to school.” Moving towards him, she hugged him from the back and kissed his cheeks.
“Mom!” he hissed, wiping at his cheeks. Clara grinned, not caring for her son’s discomfort. I always imagined rich people to be cold and aloof from all the TV shows and movies I watched. Clara was the total opposite of the stereotype. She was a loving, doting mother.
She came back to sit at the head of the table and began buttering toasts for us. I opted to eat them and a glass of orange juice. Nervousness was settling in the pit of my stomach. Suddenly, I wasn’t hungry anymore.
Liam pushed back his chair and stood up. “Are you going now?” asked Clara.
“Yeah. I’m meeting Gabe at the gates.”
“Wait, Liam!” called Clara. “Take Paris with you. Show her to the principal’s office and arrange her dorm for her while you’re at the admin office. I am counting on you to take care of her.” She nodded at me encouragingly.
I glanced at him before getting to my feet.
“Well, hurry up,” he said coldly.
Grabbing the new satchel, I hurried after him. Ruben stood outside the front gates of the manor with my suitcase. He tilted his head at both of us.
“Good luck, Miss,” he said. “I hope you make lots of friends at the new school.”
Liam scoffed, opening the back door of a shiny, white vintage car and sliding in.
The driver and Ruben helped load the suitcase in the trunk. Ruben opened the door for me and motioned for me to enter. With one last smile, the elderly butler closed it after me.
