Chapter 40: Chapter 40

“What are you going to say about this, Ms. Janice?” After stomping into the office Henrietta turned on the TV show. There, Greta Christopher was on live broadcast, having an interview. Ms. Janice glanced at her, then lifted a brow. “Seriously?”

“What do you want me to do? The company doesn't want your face on the cover of their fashion magazines. To be honest, I thought you're better but…I was wrong. The company sent an invite to Greta and she signed a contract with us. Our industry doesn't want to lose a big slot, so I have no choice but to sign her into our industry.” She explained thoroughly.

Henrietta tightened her fists ferociously. “So, what are you insinuating? You're kicking me out of the industry?” She tried to maintain her cool but she was pissed off. There were furies in her eyes while gazing into her eyes steadily.

“Don't be ridiculous!” She snapped, leaping up.

“You make me understand what it means. Greta is given what is supposed to be mine. I'm the queen in this industry, and I've always been a queen. Only my face will appear on the cover, not anybody's. You have to do something.”

“I'm sorry, Henri. The company chooses Greta, not you.”

“You've got to help me. I need it more than anyone else. This is a bully…”

They were interrupted by the sound of the door, Mr Wilson entered. “You don't compare yourself with the real queen. That gorgeous model has her face on covers of almost every fashion magazine. Do you still compare yourself with her? You're just a mere model begging for your way in the industry. If it hadn't been your ex husband you wouldn't have gotten the crown you have now.”

“Sir?” Henrietta murmured. Tears hovered in the corner of her eyes. She sniffed back the tears, trying not to break down.

“Since all companies reject you, I'm sorry, you'll be on a month's probation.”

“What?!” She gasped in bewilderment.

“That's all I can do for you.”

When she looked at Ms. Janice, she looked away instantly. She concluded she was aware of the situation beforehand. There was nothing left to talk about. She contemplated what to do but nothing popped up. Slowly, she fell on her knees, and the tears she had been sniffing back trickled down profusely. Actually, she expected Maggie to be given the contract but after she heard the news, she knew her reputation was going to suffer the most. Greta was better in many ways, she was the queen herself. She would definitely steal her spot. Henrietta didn't want that to happen, that was why she decided to appeal to them before it was too late.

“Henri!” Mr Wilson was completely surprised by her action. His eyes widened, he exchanged looks with Janice.

“Please, I'm begging you. Probation? The world is waiting for my face to appear on the covers.”

Mr Wilson clenched his fist irritatingly. He shut his eyes for a few seconds then opened them. He sighed out exasperatingly. “I'll get back to you if there's any reconsideration. Leave.”

She hesitated while standing up. Janice gestured to her to do just as he said. She rose. She adjusted her dress. “Thank you,” She bowed a little before exiting the room. She walked up to where Dolly was.

“Thank goodness, you're here. I'm feeling suffocated here.” Dolly emphasized, winking surly at Maggie and other people.

Henrietta switched gaze on Maggie, she faked a bright smile like Maggie did. “Good God. Have you heard about a throw party for Greta Christopher? You're coming right?” Maggie stood, attempting to mock her.

Henrietta forced a smile on her lips. “I'm sorry, I won't be able to make it.”

“Are you jealous?”

“I don't owe you any explanation. Moreover you've never received a warm welcome party before, it's good to always attend other's. Have a shit day, dear.” Henrietta seethed.

Maggie threw a grimace at her. However, Henrietta didn't care about her opinion. She gestured to Dolly and both of them left.

When they reached the garage, they hopped in the vehicle and the driver drove out. “Where?”

“To the mansion.” She answered while looking out through the window.

“Are you okay? Did anything happen?”

Henrietta didn't answer. Her eyes welled up with tears. Dolly couldn't force her to answer, so she decided to wait till they reached the mansion.

It was only the sniffing sound Dolly heard, every time she glanced over Henrietta was never looking at her, her face was facing the other side. The driver halted the vehicle outside, they alighted and went inside separately.

“What happened?”

Henrietta slumped onto the couch. She looked up at the ceiling and tears trickled down her face. “I don't know where to begin.”

“From the beginning, middle, or the end. Just explain to me.”

“I don't know if I'm actually scared about Greta or it's because I'm on probation that's why I'm crying. I'm perplexed. Did Richard have anything to do with this? No, I don't think so.”

“I don't understand.”

“I tried to make Mr Wilson see things the way I see it but it was futile. Greta's face will appear on every cover, and I am on a month's probation.”

“I thought Maggie won.”

“I thought that also. You know what scares me most, I don't have anyone right now.”

“Why don't you talk to Mrs Sullivan? She's willing to help you.” Dolly suggested knowingly.

Henrietta shook her head negatively. “She can't do anything. Richard is going to stop her. Dolly, I really want my face to appear on the cover of the fashion magazine. After many years of waiting, I couldn't get one.” She burst into tears.

Dolly skipped a pace close to her, she sat on the left arm and comforted her. “Don't cry. I'll do something.”

“Welcome, ma'am.” The babysitter appeared behind them.

“How's Miguel?”

“He's upstairs, sleeping.’

“Okay. Leave.” She walked away.

“Do you have any of…” Whatever Dolly wanted to say was interrupted by a call, she looked at Henrietta's face.

“Who's calling?”

“Mr Dominic!” Dolly replied.

“I'm not in the mood.” She rose, then left the living room. Dolly watched her leaving with the look of disappointment in her eyes. She had to pick up for her.

AFTER THEIR LITTLE dispute, both of them hadn't had a proper conversation. Richard had tried many times but Charlene felt like there was nothing for them to talk about. After all, he had made it clear to her what he wanted. She was apparently tired. The fact her marriage was complicated, her relationship with her best friend was also crumbling. She explained everything to Charles, but it was futile. He advised her to discuss it with Kathleen, but Charlene didn't want her mother to hear about it. After all she only opened up to Charles when she had reached her limits.

After Jeremy stole Richard from the gang, Charlene was left with Devyn who had been on her neck ever since they arrived at the party. Devyn noticed she was bothered, he tried to force words out from her, but she told him nothing. Bryant was having a chat with Mr Howard, they were discussing the partnership with their sons.

Charlene checked her phone, it was ten thirty-five PM. The party was already over and Richard was nowhere around. “Are you okay, Charlene?”

“Yes.” She replied, looking around.

“You seem bothered tonight. Is there any problem?”

Charlene looked at Devyn, she smiled brightly at him. “I'm perfectly fine. And if there's anything that bothers me right now, it's how we're getting home at this late hour.”

Devyn chuckled when he remembered something. Charlene arched her brows. “That's ludicrous. I actually understand what you meant. Just like the first time we met at the party, I told you this isn't the kind of party you feel enthusiasm for. You lack that. Do you club?”

“Not really. Maybe once a month, Charles always dragged me to a nightclub.”

“So, what do you like doing?”

“Reading novels, stealing magazines from dad's room and looking through them. I don't think there's something I feel excited about.”

“That's boring. Unlike Richard, he always visits nightclub thrice in a week to relieve stress. You really have to change your hobby.” Devyn teased her.

She grinned. “It's too late to change that.”

“Why?”

“I think it's too late.” She repeated.

“It's not too late until it's too late. I guess you can't change the real you.” Devyn enunciated.

Charlened raised a hand to her face to stroke a strand of hair back but it kept distracting her. Devyn extended his hand to help her. He stroked it behind her ear, and she appreciated it. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.”

“How about the lucky lady?”

“Well…she informed me that something important came up and it will take her two weeks to sort it out. I'm sorry, I disappointed you.” Devyn apologized for the disappointment. Devyn already informed Charlene how he felt about her, and she advised him to do the needful now that he still had a chance with her.

“Oh. It's nothing.” Devyn checked his watch, he looked at her face and smiled lightly. “Time to go home?”

“Yeah. It's getting late.”

“All right. Goodnight.” He pecked her on both cheeks, he stood, stealing a last glimpse of her before leaving.

Charlene was the only one left in the room, all the guests that were in the room with her had left. She opened her purse to bring out her phone and call him, that was when she heard his footsteps. She abruptly pivoted her head.

“I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, sweetheart.” When he got closer he kissed her neck from behind.

Charlene sighed. “It's awfully late. Are we leaving now?” She was already on her feet. She was cladded in a red strapless dress, diamond heels and purse that matched along with the dress. Her golden hair was styled and she was wearing hair ornaments which made her look more alluring.

“Yes. Let's go.” They exited the room alongside. They took the elevator down to the first floor.

“Has dad left?” Charlene asked while they were approaching their car.

“Yes, he left after his meeting with Mr Howard.” He opened the car door for her.

She glanced back and smiled. “Thank you.” She got in the car and he also hopped in.

The driver drove out. “Did you have a good time tonight?”

The answer was supposed to be ‘no’ but Devyn really made the night awesome with his little chat. She beamed. “Not bad. The fact that the guests kept looking at me, I felt uncomfortable. But, Devyn was there, made it easy for me to ignore their stares.”

“It seemed like I missed something. Frankly, you're the jewel tonight. In fact the youngest and the most beautiful. I'm glad you enjoyed the boring party.”

Mm-hmm. I'm flattered.”

“Don't be. You look appealing.”

Charlene gulped. When she looked at him, his gaze was focusing on her. “Thank you. But I'm flattered.” She had complimented her dress right from home, hearing from him now made her happy but she wasn't showing it.

The driver halted the car in the garage and they alighted . They walked in. None of them had to check the opposite room since Miguel was away for a while, they headed into their room. Charlene started with the jewelry, she took them off one after the other while Richard was taking off his suit.

“I really need a warm shower right now.” She sauntered into the bathroom leisurely. She stepped out of her dresses, dropped them in the laundry before stepping under the shower. She allowed the warm fluid to smooth her body. She relaxed her body and shut her eyes. She stood under the shower, enjoying the smoothness, suddenly she felt a body contact from behind. She opened her eyes, without turning back.

“Richard?”

“I thought you might need help.” He breathed against her neck. Smooching it.

“To bathe me?” She turned around, her face brushed on his well built chest.

“More than that.”

“More thathat…uhh.” With alacrity, he kissed her at once. Then his hands were all over her, doing a meticulous job with them.

Charlene didn't give it another thought, she reciprocated the kiss and to his touch. Richard lifted her off the tiling floor, she wrapped her legs around his waist and curled up her hands behind his neck for support. She gasped when he penetrated in, it was a matter of seconds before they resumed kissing. She moaned against his lips multiple times which gave him more energy wanting more.

***

He was already sleeping after a pleasurable love making. Charlene was tired but she wasn't sleepy anymore. She turned to him and watched him sleeping. The pillows were wet because of the water in their hair.

After a long stare, Charlene reeved to the edge. She sat up and put her feet on the tiling floor. She opened the nightstand to take out the birth control pills. However, there was nothing related to birth control pills in it. She checked every drawer, even searched the other nightstand but she couldn't find any. “Where could it be?” She wondered, contemplating where it could be.

Richard adjusted in bed. Since she couldn't find it, she returned to bed and crawled back into his arms. Richard wrapped his hand around her body.