C10 CHAPTER 10

Ten years later, Stacy was twenty years and she grew up into a beautiful young lady. Shannon was 28 years already and was married to her husband, Freddy. Stacy was sitting with Lucille and Bob. They had relocated to the city already since Shannon's husband, Freddy was a rich man. He helped them move into a big house and assisted Stacy in furthering her education. Stacy came in wearing a pink chiffon blouse and black trousers. She greeted Bob and Lucille and said, “I have an announcement to make. By the way, where's Shannon?”

Lucille answered, “Shannon is at the office. She isn't back yet. Besides she will soon move to her own house with Freddy.”

Stacy sat down,“Uncle Freddy is a very good man and he really helped us a lot. I mean, he let us live here in his house even if he's married.”

Lucille sighed, “I just thank God for that.”

Stacy looked at her wristwatch,“I'm sure Shannon would be here soon, I sent her a text.” After a while, Shannon came in. She was wearing a knee-length red gown. She dropped her bag and greeted her parents. She faced Stacy saying, “You have to hurry up with your announcement Stacy. I have an appointment at the office and a dinner with Freddy.”

Stacy smiled, “Aww, that's so sweet Shannon. Anyways, I'll make this fast.” Then she stood up and said,“I want to start working. I thought it'll be nice if I work under Shannon or uncle Freddy.”

Shannon raised her hand asking, “You want to work under my husband? When did you think of that?”

Stacy answered, “The moment I knew I was ready to work. Come on Shannon, please!”

Shannon looked at Lucille and Bob said, “There's nothing wrong with your sister working under your husband. Stacy is old enough to work now...and this is a great opportunity.”

Lucille nodded, “I agree with your father, talk to your husband, I'm sure he'll understand that.”

Shannon looked at Stacy, picked her bag and walked into her room. Stacy looked at Lucille, “Is she mad at me for bringing that up? Well if she doesn't want it,I guess I'll start searching for a job.”

Lucille said to her,“Come on, go in and freshen up, I'll go check on her.” Stacy went to her room and Lucille went to Shannon's room.

Shannon was typing on her laptop when Lucille entered. She asked, “What do you want mom?”

Lucille sat down and asked, “Why did you act that way to your sister?”

Shannon stood up and yelled, “Would you stop all of this mom? Fine! You raised her, I helped you, but that doesn't mean she's my sister. I would never help her!”

Lucille stood up facing her. “What has gotten into you Shannon?”

Shannon scoffed and yelled, “Get over this mom! You have always done everything for Stacy! Always Stacy! Even after what her mom did to you mother! And this is my reason, for the fact that she's Danielle's daughter, I would never help her even if I'm her only hope!”

Lucille slapped her immediately and shouted, “What is wrong with you Shannon?! The fact that she's Danielle's daughter isn't your business. I have a problem with Danielle not Stacy.”

Shannon nodded, “You see mom, you slapped me because of her.” Then she opened the door, “Please leave my room.”

Lucille shook her head and left the room. Shannon slammed the door and slumped on her bed angrily.

Stacy was drying her hair when Lucille came in slowly. She sat on her bed asking, “Why do you want to work under Freddy?”

Stacy sighed, “Mother, I just thought of it as an opportunity, instead of looking for other jobs, I might be lucky.”

Lucille sighed and Stacy asked, “Is Shannon angry at me because of that? If she is, maybe I won't tell uncle Freddy.”

Lucille smiled, “Do not worry about Shannon my dear, just relax.” Then she went out of the room.

Olivia was working in her parent's company already. She was the assistant manager. Olivia was wearing a black and white fitted suit gown. She was looking at some documents when her assistant, Rose, came in. Rose continued, “You have a meeting with some of our clients. They would be here soon.”

Olivia groaned, “Ugh! Isn't that supposed to be mummy's job?”

Rose continued, “Your mom won't be at the office today, so she's leaving it to you.” Then she left.

Olivia took her phone immediately and dialed Danielle's number

“Hello.”

Olivia sat down. “Hey mom. Rose just told me I would be attending to the clients at the office.”

Danielle laughed, “Yes Olivia. Your father and I are out of the office and so we leave it to you. I have to go now.” Then she cut the call before Olivia could say anything. Olivia groaned hard and said to herself, “Damn mom! Damn!”

After a while, Rose entered and said, “The clients are waiting in the waiting room.”

Olivia shrugged, “Can I see the documents. I want to know what I'm working with.”

Rose placed the documents on her table and said, “There are only two clients for today. The first one is Mr Freddy Barnes. He owns an interior design company and the other is Mrs Lacey Banks, she owns a design company.”

Olivia looked at the documents and said, “Alright Rose, I'll be right there. Go.”

Rose left and Olivia stood up saying to herself, “You can do this Olivia. Deep breath!!”

Olivia walked into the waiting room and greeted the clients. She shook Lacey's hand and Freddy's hand to. She noticed Freddy didn't want to let go of her hand as he stared at her. She cleared her throat and he let go of her hand. She sat down and said, “I've seen your documents. Mr Barnes, you own an interior design company while you, Mrs Banks owns a design organization. I'm sure you guys know that we are into anything that deals with designs in our own company.” They nodded and she continued, “I'll talk to my parents and they'll do the needful. Thank you.”

Mrs Banks nodded and left the room immediately. Olivia noticed Freddy looking at her and she asked, “Do you need anything?”

Freddy smiled, “I'm so impressed. Why didn't you tell me you were working here?”

Olivia shook her head, “I really don't understand sir, what are you talking about?”

Freddy laughed, “Oh please drop it. Did your parents know you work here? Cause I'm pretty sure if they did, they would throw a party cause their daughter works in a large company.”

Olivia stood up and yelled, “What are you even talking about Mr Barnes. This is my parents company.”

Freddy nodded, “Yeah, you can drop the act now. I mean you even changed your name to Olivia.”

Olivia stomped her feet, “Are you crazy sir? I'm Olivia and this is my parents company. I'll have the security throw you out.”

Freddy looked around and asked, “Are you acting a play Stacy? What do you mean you are Olivia?”

Hearing Stacy, Olivia's mind raced to when she met her sister. She knew this man must know Stacy. She called Rose and security, “Take this man out of here!”

The security men held Freddy saying, “Please leave now.”

Freddy sighed, “You are throwing me out Stacy, out of your office. I never knew you were like this, just because you have the upper hand.” Then he left.

Olivia stormed into her office and locked the door immediately. She said to herself,

“No Anna, you can't be here again. Mommy mustn't find you. I need to know where you are and get rid of you one last time. I did it before, I'm sure I can do it again.”

TO BE CONTINUED.....