Chapter 62: Chapter 62

NELINA

I left the condo for just a day, but I missed it already. Although I have had bad experiences in the same building, it feels like home after adjusting in two years.

My thoughts turned to the three girls that Royce and I met at the lobby the first time Royce dropped me home. I hadn't seen them at Royce's birthday party, so I assumed their family wasn't that close. I never wanted to see their faces again anyway, so it was good.

I smile at the thought of getting away from them since I'll be living in Royce's condo for quite a while. The more I stay in the same building with them, the higher chance of bumping into them any time.

I took my gray luggage and started stuffing what I needed, just a few of my clothes as Royce had bought me a lot. There's a few pieces of my home dress that I almost cannot leave without. A pair of sleeveless and shorts that feel comfy especially sleeping at night.

"I'll be alone in my room, so it's okay to wear them in Royce's condo," I muttered.

Next are the things I need for work, make-ups, accessories, my favorite bag, and my laptop. I hurried, locked the door, and decided to wait for Royce in the lobby since I only got a few things I could easily carry.

Thinking of leaving Grand Villa Residences was a relief, but not until I saw Lexxi, Mia, and Arya inside the elevator. I was in the dilemma of deciding whether to step inside or not.

"Look who's here?" Arya said in disgust; her face was the definition of an evil antagonist in the movie. Her pouty red lips match her fiery red mini dress.

"Nelina, are you coming in or not? Don't make us wait." Mia spoke.

"Come on, girl, we don't bite." Lexxi chimed in, and then she laughed like a wicked witch.

I ignored them and stepped into the elevator. I stood in front of them.

"So, Nelly, are you leaving this building? Why do you have a suitcase in you?"

"Yes, Mia, I'm leaving."

"I see. Can you possibly share where you are going?"

I froze and was afraid to tell them the truth. It's not like I'm ashamed to admit I will live with Royce temporarily; I wonder what would be their reaction. I knew she liked Royce; I can tell how they reacted when we met in the lobby.

"So, Nelly? Where is it? Is that so confidential that you can't share it with us?" Lexxi asked. She sounded impatient, like she had the right to command me.

You won't get the answer bitches. I thought to myself.

"Are you living with Royce?" It was Arya who spoke like she was trying to guess.

"My God, Nelly, did I guess it right?" She asked when they still hadn't heard from me.

It boils my blood thinking they acted like women with no class. They were raised by successful parents, yet they have trashy-like behavior. Who the hell gave them the authority to intervene in people's lives just because they feel like doing it?

"Yes, I'm living with Royce," I proudly said to piss them off.

Mia snorted, and I loved hearing her pissed off to death.

"You are such an opportunist. I don't know what you did to poison Royce's mind. But girl, it's not going to last long. You don't belong in our class anymore."

Mia stepped close and stood beside me.

"Just a piece of advice, enjoy whatever you get from this. You'll never know when it ends."

"Thanks for that piece of advice, Mia, so nice of you," I said casually. I showed her I wasn't affected, and I knew it would piss her off.

"My family and Royce's family are close, so you'll never know when I will get to replace you instantly."

The two girls at the back laughed like they were in victory.

"Really? I wondered why you were not even invited to Royce's birthday party. I haven't seen you there. Too bad, we had so much fun that I slept in Royce's bed."

I saw Mia in my peripheral vision in her scowled face. It was satisfying to watch her in a desperate state. She has to learn her lessons.

I don't envy her possessions that I enjoyed when we were rich. I know that Royce wouldn't want a woman like her. Arrogant and has no class. She doesn't even know her self-worth as she was ashamed to try to pester Royce when we were in the lobby. So desperate, pathetic.

The elevator beeped as it reached the ground floor. The door opened, and I carried my luggage without looking back at the three girls.

"Roxie, here," Mia said at my back.

What is she doing here? I didn't know she lived here; Royce would have told me. She seems close to these bitches at my back. The saying was right; the same feathers flock together.

"Nelina..." Roxie said my name slowly. She looked at me from head to toe before she snorted.

"Look what money can do to you. I have to commend your girl; you are smart. It was a smart idea to get close to Royce because he has the money you and your family used to have."

I laughed and shook my head in disbelief. How people assumed that everything is all about money. Even if we still have everything, money, and power but losing my brother, nothing feels the same anymore.

"Go on, laugh at me. It's your laugh now. But I swear you'll regret the day you met Royce. You'll wish you hadn't met him, remember that."

Roxie repeated it. It was the exact line she said at Royce's birthday party. The thought of it alarmed me; she might be planning crazy ideas to tear us apart.

"Roxie, guess where this bitch is going?" Mia asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Where?"

"To his prince charming, your handsome and hottie ex."

Roxie laughed, but it was a bittersweet laugh.

"So, you already have Royce wrapped around your little finger, huh? Like I've said, enjoy it while you can."

"Roxie?"

Royce was fast to come to my side.

"Baby, are you okay?"

"I'm fine; let's go."

"So the knight in shining armor is here. Girls, isn't it sweet?"

"It is." Mia, Lexxi, and Arya answered in unison.

"Listen, whatever you have in mind, keep that to yourself. Nelly and I don't need to hear any of your shit. Get a life."

"Hey, calm down. Royce, you're making me reminisce about everything we've had in the past. You were so sweet and overprotective. Oh, I miss those days."

Roxie closed her eyes like she was daydreaming about her days with Royce. She looked pathetic.

"Like you've said, it's all in the past," Royce thundered, making Roxie open her eyes. Royce held me as we walked out of the lobby; he carried my luggage in the other hand.

"See you around, Royce," Roxie said, but Royce didn't bother to look back.