❣️LOVE IN THE ELITES’ WORLD❣️
🌏🌏Her new world 🌎 🌏
📖📖CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT. 2️⃣8️⃣
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❣️❣️Broken trust❣️❣️
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Story by: SUC WRITES
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CHAIRMAN STANFORD’S MANSION^^^
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Ava tossed and turned on her bed trying to gather her thoughts together. She has been thinking of the best way to get rid of Paulina but no idea came to her head. Her friends were also annoying, they have all been chatting together on thier group chat like nothing conspired between them earlier. She got really angry, and left the group chat, clearing off all their messages before she dropped her phone.
A maid knocked on her door later to disrupt her from her thoughts, rendering her father’s message to her – he requested to see her in his living room, and she stormed out of the room, wondering what he wanted to discuss with her.
She got to the living room, and he gestured her to take a seat. She used to be very close to him when she was younger, but they grew apart gradually, and now she only enjoy a word that doesn’t involve any member of her family.
“Ava, you truly plotted the drama that happened to Paulina during that programe, why did you do it?” He asked, and she glared at him.
They have been distant enough, and she couldn’t help but wonder what he wanted to discuss with her. Ever since she returned from England, she hasn’t had a one-on-one conversation with him, only for him to summon her now to scold her for his illegitimate daughter.
“Are you upset that I set up your illegitimate daughter?” She blurted, and he glared at her.
“Ava, you know the consequences of what you are doing. Do you want to jeopardize your mother’s election?”
“Is mum’s election your major concern, or you are worried for your illegitimate daughter?”
“When did you become like this, Ava? This isn’t the daughter I raised.”
“The daughter you raised without an illegitimate sister is gone the day that illegitimate daughter of yours step foot in this house.” She shouted, and stood up.
“I’m not done talking!” He yealled.
“What do you want to do? What do you still have to say? Are going to give me an earful for me to accept her, or you want to threaten me? I’m not scared of you, dad. You lose my respect the day you brought your illegitimate daughter home.” She blurted, and he raised his hand to hit her, but he controlled himself.
“Ava…”
“What? Are you going to hit me? Why don’t you hit me? I was doing just fine in England, but you made me return and brought that illegitimate daughter of yours home as well. Don’t you think about how I’ll feel? Don’t you care about me at all? Obviously, you don’t. You only worry about yourself, that’s why you brought that illegitimate daughter of yours here. I hate you!” She shouted, and ran off.
She bumped into her mother on the way, but she ignored her and continued on her way, running all the to her room.
*
Grace looked at her daughter, and went to the living room to join Paul.
“Paul, what did you discuss with Ava to make her that angry?” She asked, and he let out a sigh.
“I just confirmed that Ava was truly the one behind what happened to Paulina during that programe, and she might likely be the one that set up that blackmailer to you.”
“So?” She blurted, and he looked at her.
“So? Your daughter is causing troubles, and that’s all you can say.”
“Are you worried about her? Are you worried about your illegitimate daughter with Charlotte?” She lashed.
“Grace… Ava did the wrong thing, and I’m trying to scold her for it.”
“Don’t you dare! You were the one who went wrong in many ways, you are the reason why our daughter is hurting, you are the one trying to jeopardize my election. It’s all you, Paul! If you haven’t gotten involved with Charlotte in the first place, if you never had a child with her then none of this would’ve happened.”
“What are you getting at? “
“What’s your justification for having an illegitimate daughter? What? You were with Charlotte before we got married? You would have married Charlotte if I didn’t enter the picture? Is that your justification?”
“Grace, don’t bring the past into this. As long as I’m Ava’s father, I’ve all rights to scold my daughter when she does something wrong,”
“Go ahead and scold her all you want, fight for your illegitimate daughter. But remember this, Paul. Her existence is still a secret from father.” With that, she took the exit.
“Yes, it was all my fault.” He lamented, remembering how he ended up with Grace.
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FLASHBACK to 19 years ago***
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Paul saw the news about charlotte’s accident, he panicked in fear and he hurried to the parking lot intending to leave the house when his father’s car drove in.
“Paul, heading somewhere?” His father asked.
“I’m in a hurry, dad. I’ll be back.”
“Where are you off to? We are receiving important guests later, and they will be here shortly. You should adjourn your outing.”
“It’s an emergency. My friend was involved in an accident.”
“Your friend? Or your girlfriend?” His father said, and Paul looked at him.
“Yes, my girlfriend.”
“Paul, I never cared about your relationship, but you have to end it with her. Her family are criminals. I can’t believe I allowed you hangout with such people in the first place.”
“Dad, please. Charlotte is in danger, I’ve to go to her.”
“What will that change? Your being there won’t bring her out of danger. Now go back in, I already instructed the securities not to let you out, just until we entertain our guests. Return back inside.” With that his father left, and Paul let out a sigh before returning to his room.
*
He was summoned to the garden few minutes later, and he met Grace and her father there.
“Paul.” Grace called cheerfully, waving at him, and he managed to force a smile, waving back.
“You are all grown now, Paul. You’re now a man. I totally forgot the young kid that was always roaming around the compound with Grace.” Mr. Packard (Grace father) said, and they all laughed.
*
The adults started talking about a wedding, and it took him a while to realize that they were planning his wedding to Grace because he had been absentminded since the whole conversation started.
“What wedding?” He muttered, and they all looked at him.
“Paul, aren’t you here the whole time? Our parents want us to get married.” Grace said, and the parents smiled.
“What do you think, Paul? It would be best for you two to get married, you’ve known each other since you were born. You literally grew up together.” Paul’s father said.
“But you didn’t discuss it with me, dad?” Paul muttered, in disbelief.
“Paul, Grace likes you, and I’m sure you feel the same. So why waste time?” His father said, and Paul looked at him.
“Do you have why objections?” Mr. Packard asked, and Paul’s father laughed.
“Why would there be an objection? I believe this month is best for the wedding. It’s a busy month, and they returned from school vulnerably on their own.” Paul’s father said.
“Excuse me,” Paul muttered, and excused himself.
“Paul.” Grace called, and ran after him.
*
“Paul, wait!” She shouted, when they got to the hallway.
“Are you kidding me? Didn’t I made myself clear when I turned down your feelings? We can only be friends, Grace. I can’t marry you!”
“Paul, it was all my father’s idea.”
“But you weren’t against it. Your father wouldn’t have brought it up to my father if you were against it.”
“Why shouod I? We both know I like you.”
“I can’t marry you, Grace. I can’t. We can only be friends.” He said, and turned to leave.
“Because of that daughter of a criminal?” She shouted, and he looked at her.
“Grace…”
“It should’ve just been me from the start, Paul. You shouldn’t have brought that criminal’s daughter to our friendship circle. If were just me, you wouldn’t be confused.” She said, and kissed him, but he pushed her away.
“Even if we were never friends with Charlotte, it can’t still be you.”
“What’s so wrong with me?”
“I don’t have time for this, Grace. Go back to your father and tell him to cancel his plans, I’ll tell my father the same. That’s all I’ve to say.”
“Never! Remember I told you Paul, you can either be mine, or you choose me. It’s either way, Paul.”
“Stop being pathetic! Our friend is in the hospital, and all you care about is this?”
“Who cares about her? To me, she was never a friend. And if you call this being pathetic, then you will be stuck with this pathetic woman for the rest of your life.” With that she left.
*
The Packard’s left later, and Paul’s father summoned him to his living room.
“Stupld!” His father shouted, and slapped him.
“I’m sorry, dad. But even if you hit me more than this, I won’t still marry Grace. You should have consulted me before making any plans.”
“Even if your chance of being the chairman is on the line?” His father muttered, and Paul looked at him.
“What are you talking about, dad?”
“The fact! The Packard’s are the only ones that can guarantee a future for you.” His father said, and hand over some documents to him.
In the documents, there are evidence that prove some funds embezzlements, and illegal tax payment.
“What’s all these, dad?”
“Exactlywhat it is. I got a call from the chief prosecutor today, and if I get charges for these, we will lost tons of money. If I want to get out without serving time, and I would have to trade all our shares for it.”
“So what does this have to do with the Packard’s?”
“You know Joffrey (Mr. Packard) is a very powerful politician, I could come this far with his help, so he will help me cover this up till I fix it gradually without getting the public attention.”
“But what does that have to do with me marrying Grace?”
“He presented the marriage proposal.”
“Dad…”
“Paul, our family’s future is in your hands. If we loose our shares, the company will no longer be ours, and your future can’t be guaranteed.”
“Dad…”
“Joffrey can’t let his daughter marry you if he won’t find a way to cover this, so it’s an assurance.”
“Dad…”. Paul shuddered, and his father patted his shoulder before leaving.
*
Paul left the house and went to a bar to drink, thinking about his father’s proposal and the consequences. He have always lived his life as the heir to the Stanford’s Group, the thought of losing it was very bothersome.
“You shouod have invited me if you are going to drink out.” He heard Grace said, sitting next to him.
“I want to be alone.” He muttered.
“I’m alone too. Let’s forget about our little fight, Paul. We’re still friends after all.” Grace said, and he nodded.
“Yeah… we’re still friends.” He muttered.
*
They both got drunk together, and also ended up sleeping together.
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FLASHBACK ENDS ***
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Paul let out a sigh, as he remembered everything, and concluded that it was all his fault. He failed to protect Charlotte and chose to protect himself instead.
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HOLLAND HIGH^^^
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Paulina got to school the following day, and she couldn’t stop thinking about Steven. She made sure she took his pendant, so she could give it to him and question his job at the noddles restaurant.
She was walking down the hallway when Sophia ran into her embrace.
“Paulinaaaaaa…. My loveeee.” She screamed, and Paulina wondered what have gotten into her. She was angry at her yesterday for keeping her relationship with Micheal a secret, and now she is being as lovey-dovey.
“Sophie, what’s new?”
“My parents received an invitation to the supreme class parents-students dinner.” She shouted, and Paulina looked at her trying to comprehend her words, until she understood.
“What dinner?” They heard Sage asked, joining them.
“The big dinner. The parents-students dinner, and this years it’s gonna be a hall party. I need to get my dancing shoes.” Sophia giggled.
“What dinner is she talking about?” Sage asked.
“It’s a school dinner hosted for the supreme class students, and she is excited because her parents got invitation.”
“Oh… but wait. If it’s a supreme class dinner, how come you got invited?”
“There is nothing connections can’t get you. Thanks to, Lina, my parents and I get to participate in this.” Sophia said, in delightfully.
“Did you gift her your own invitation?” Sage asked, in confusion.
“It’s a long story, Sage. We will be late for class.” Paulina said, and Sage eyes widened.
“Oh… I see. You two are keeping secrets from me now.” He whined, and they both laughed.
*
Paulina went to class, and met the MASS in class. Austin waved upon seeing her, and she waved back wondering what got into him. She looked at Steven whose gaze was fixed on her, and Micheal didn’t even spare her a glance.
She exhaled heavily and went to her seat, when someone passed a note to her.
She looked at the note, and the person who smiled before looking away. She opened the note, and read the contempt which reads…
📝*On behalf of all the students in, we’re sorry for everything! School president.
She looked around confused, and Micheal collected the note from her.
“Who’s the school president?” She managed to ask.
“That’s Jessica.” Austin said, and collected the note from Micheal.
“But Jessica isn’t in this class.” Austin said.
“Who sent this and from who?” Micheal shouted, and the entire class flinched in fear.
“It was form Jessica, she asked us to pass it to her.” A girl said, pointing at Paulina.
“Relax, buddy, they might’ve good intentions.” Stanley said.
“Good intention from Jessica? I doubt!” Austin blurted.
“Who’s she?” Paulina found herself asking
“Jessica. She’s Jessica Lockwood, the only granddaughter of chairman Brant of Haven Groups. At least everyone knows about Haven Groups, as long as you exist in this world.” Austin blurted.
“Then I believe we live in different worlds.” She said, and snubbed.
“Absolutely different!” Austin lashed.
“That’s enough! Stanley, I want you to confirm what Jessica has been upto lately.” Micheal said.
“Nothing, absolutely nothing. It told you she could have good intentions.” Stanley blurted.
A teacher entered the classroom, and they all divert their attention to the teacher.
*
Steven avoided Steven all day, she didn’t even get to return his pendant and she instantly understood that he was still embarrassed because she saw him at the noodle’s restaurant, so she decided to give him all the space he needed.
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CHAIRMAN STANFORD’S MANSION^^^
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Paulina arrived home after a long day at school she tried to work on her assignment till it was late, but a call from Micheal kept distracting her.
She ignored his calls severally, but she realized he won’t pick up, so she received it angrily.
📞*What? What do you what?*
📞*Yes, where is the owner of the phone.*
📞*Why am I the one he was trying to call?*
📞*Hmmmm… ok, I’ll be right there, can I get the name of the bar again?*
📞*Ok, I’ll be there in a jiffy.* With that she dropped the call.
Awry to what she expected, a bar attendant was the one who picked up the call to tell her Michael was drunk and trying to contact her.
*
She hurried out, and asked the driver to drive her to the nearest bus station, there she board a cab to bar he was, and met him there alone accompanied by a bottle of wine.
“Hey, it’s Lina.” He waved, and she scoffed before going to him.
“Why were you trying to call me when you’re dunk? You should have called shy of your friends, why me?”
“Because they… are my friends, but you’re my girlfriend.” He said, and emptied another glass of wine.
“Are you sure you are really drunk, or you are just acting up?” She blurted, collecting the glass from him.
“Lina… I know you don’t trust me, I’m actually a c0ward, I don’t also trust myself. I’ve failed my primes to you before, and I actually want to keep this one. But…. Can you trust me, even when I doubt myself?”
“What nonsense are you saying? We should get you out of here.” She said
“If I were your childhood friend, that Mikey that you always call me… would you trust me? Even if it was a tiny winky trust?”
“Even if it will make you feel better, Mike, I would be honest with you. I don’t trust you, and even worse if you were Mikey.” She muttered, and he looked at her.
“Really?” He asked, and she nodded; remembering her childhood friend again.
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FLASHBACK to many years ago***
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Paulina was on her way to school, and Mikey ran up to catch up with her. They’ve been friends for few weeks, they hang out together at school and always go fishing with her mother together.
“Hey, Lina, wait up.”
“Hi, Mikey.”
“There uou go again. I told you to call me Mike like everyone does. Mikey sounds like a puppy name.” He whined.
“You call me Lina, so I’ll call you Mikey.”
“But everyone calls you Lina.”
“It’s unfair to calm you Mike. It’s just a syllable, Mikey make us even.”
“There you go again. Then fine, I’ll allow you call me Mikey, you are the only one permitted to call me that.” He said, and she lausgged.
“I will always call you Mikey even if you don’t permit me to.” She teased.
“I know, that’s why I gave in. Now, I’ve the upper hand.” He muttered, and she laughed.
“You wish.”
“You should’ve waited for me, I’m always running to catch you. We both take this path to school, you should’ve waited.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Why?”
“What if I wait and you don’t show up? I once waited for Emil to show up, but she didn’t. Unknown to me that her father got a car, and he started driving her to school.” She muttered, a little disappointed.
“That’s good for her.”
“Yes it was. But I waited for nothing, and was late to school.”
“That will never happen with me. I don’t even have a father, and my mother can’t buy a car she rather buy a trunk filled with alcohol than a car, so you should always wait for me, and I promise never to keep you waiting.” He said, and she nodded all smiles. “Promise?” He muttered, and stretched his pinky finger to her.
“Promise.” She said, and they did the pinky swear.
*
Paulina waited for him patiently the following day for close to an hour, but he never showed up. She left angrily and went to school with intentions to confront him later but he wasn’t at school.
She waited the day after, but it was still the same and she started to worry. He didn’t come show up when she went fishing, and he never showed up again. She didn’t know his house, so there was no way she could check up on him, so she gathered courage to ask his classmates who always bullied her, and she discovered that he transferred school, and she never saw him again. They were friends for barely a month, but his sudden disappearance really hurt her.
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FLASHBACK ENDS***
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Paulina let out a sigh, and put the bottle of wine away.
“Come on, let’s go.” She said, and helped him up.
“Why? Why don’t you trust Mikey? I thought he was your friend.” He muttered, and she assisted him up, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
“Stip comparing yourself to Mikey. He is from an humble family, but you were an elite.” She muttered, and he looked at her wobbling on his feet.
She dragged him to confine walking, but he lost his balance and they both fell together, with him lying flat on her.
“Mike, get up.” She shouted.
“I… I’m not a true elite.” He muttered, and passed out.
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TO BE CONTINUED…
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