Chapter 11

Derek POV

I massaged my neck softly as I sat back in my chair. This has been a stressful week, and I had another busy one. Everyone has only been able to provide justifications, and I cannot handle ineptitude.

I thought about that girl from two nights ago again. I have no idea what occurred that night. I should have recalled her that night if I could recall anything. She was incredibly seductive and difficult to overlook.

She was seeking my money, and she had failed at it. Therefore, I needed to stop thinking about her.

Luke came to my door and knocked.

"Your mother phoned, sir. She responded, "You must bring a girl home; it's time to fulfil your half of the bargain." He said.

I averted my gaze.

I said, "Tell her I'm busy." "Also, let the architects know I want to view their restoration plans right now."

Luke said, "Sir, they still have one more week to work on that project."

"Alright, let them know that I'd want to view it by the end of the day."

"Just to wrap up, Madison is ready. I've spent the past hour trying to get her to go, but I believe it would be better if you handled this independently." He said. In addition, she is beginning to irritate a lot of people.

I sighed—yet another issue.

When she visited my penthouse the final time, I had to pretend I had an appointment with the doctor.

She comes from a family that has long-standing business ties with mine, but generally, I'm much better at keeping ladies off my back. I could not get into any more business transactions with them if I messed with them. For this reason, I only wanted her to take a clue and get away from me.

Maddison entered my office just as Luke was leaving.

"Well, I got you some soup since you weren't feeling well yesterday. If your helper weren't being so obnoxious and unpleasant, it would still be warm." She groaned.

She set the lunchbox down on my desk.

She inquired, "How was the doctor's appointment?"

I exhaled.

"It's terrible; the doctor told me I had a fatal illness. I'm not sure how much time I have left." I put my hand to my chest and pretended to be unwell. "He said that I needed to nap, and I was ready to do that." I went on.

I thought she would pick up on it. Instead, she took out a chair and settled down.

"You work too hard, poor baby." She said, "I believe we would work incredibly well together; you never responded to me asking what you thought of my concept." With a wink.

It isn't peculiar.

I tried to seem to have a headache as I mumbled, "Well if I manage to live that long, that would be a terrific project."

I'm amazed by what she said; I only remember attempting to avoid her.

"One of these days, maybe we might grab supper together. It could simply make you feel better." She said,

Sure, I replied.

When my phone vibrated, it was Mom sending me another message. All I had to do was glance at the last exclamations in her statement to understand its meaning. I had to take someone out to supper.

"You know, sweetie, you may contact me anytime if you need anything." She went on.

"You know, overeating sugar may lead to diabetes," I said.

"I'll let you relax," I said. She said,

At last, she got up to depart.

Another text message from home vibrated on my phone.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to have her around for supper after all. I'm sure that would help get my mother off my back for a little.

She stopped as I said, "How about dinner tonight?"

She was surprised by what I said.

"I'm sure my folks would be thrilled to meet you," I continued.

Indeed, I would be delighted to. She responded.

"I'll have my driver get you up at my parent's home at eight o'clock," I said.

She gave me a nod and left my office.

A few minutes later, Luke entered.

He said, "Don't tell me you haven't turned her down yet; why did she appear so happy?"

I said, "Luke, can you please let my mom know I'll bring someone home tonight?"

It took him some time to sign up.

He laughed and said, "What? It's not like you are taking Maddison to your mother right."

I was still serious.

Luke said, "You can't be serious." "You are aware that your mother will devour the unfortunate lady."

"That's the main idea, so she can put off organising my wedding for a few more years," I said.

Luke said, "I don't like Madison, but I'm beginning to feel horrible for her."

******

I'm not good at arriving on time, but this time, it was a valuable use of my time.

I was at my parent's place already. My mom, my grandmother, and Lucy—who raised me essentially when my parents weren't there—were all gathered in the living room. Unlike the other maids, she was almost like a family member.

Dad said, "I still find it surprising that you chose to invite someone over."

"Like, a genuine lady?" Mom inquired. "Derek, I always thought you had a vivid imagination as a child; you may be seeing a lady."

I said, "Yes, mother, that is a genuine lady."

To get me through this evening, I would require a big drink.

"So you're not going to get your helper some clothes so he can pass for a woman? You two are together all the time." Grandma told me.

I argued, "No, grandmother, she's genuine."

She had to be sincere, indeed? There has to be a genuine person there someplace below all those silicone breast and lip injections.

"Are you one of those wealthy guys that pay ladies to be with them, please?" Lucy laughed.

Dad said, "I don't know why you still distrust our son—he has my nice looks." "Those were the days, I recall when I was his age. Every woman I..."

His idea was cut short as Mom scowled at him.

"I find it surprising that he chose to attend," Mom said, shifting the topic while crossing her legs. I could see where this was going.

"You're not going to be able to go beyond it, are you?" I said something.

"Do you still not understand it?" Mother sighed. "This is not about you being born; this is about me giving birth to your ungrateful ass after sixteen hours of labour. Showing up was the very least you could have done." She went on.

I murmured, "Well, I'll tell them I got it from you if someone ever labels me conceited."

Fortunately, my mother didn't hear it; such remarks were worth at least someone throwing a shoe at me.

"Well, in my day, a guy had the courtesy to at least pick up a lady he asked to his parent's home," Grandma said.

Dad gave me a disapproving shake of his head.

The doorbell rang just then. Madison was here.

Mom had a cheerful smile as she heard the door open.

I was shocked to see the rest of the family trailing after me as I approached the door to greet Madison.

I said hi to Maddison. I said, "It's fantastic to have you here."

I said, "Everyone, meet Madison."

Dad said, "We're happy to have you in our house."

Mom stared at Maddison, and her face changed. Perhaps there was some way she knew her.

"Is that, indeed, Madelyn?" Mother said, trying to smile. "I assume you remember me. Do you recall telling your friends two years ago, while I was seated on the bathroom stool at the Gala, that my dress appeared to be from a thrift store?" Ma told me.

Madison stammered, "I'm sure you are confusing me for someone else."

Silence fell quickly over the room.

Lucy said, "Why don't you all go to the dining room so we can serve dinner?"

The Parents nodded.

We strolled over to the dining area.

Maddison got a chair that I pulled out.

Maddison whispered to me, "I'm glad to see that you are doing better now."

I sarcastically replied, "Well, it must have been your presence that healed me."

Mom smiled a little, then turned an unappealing back to her empty plate.

Lucy gave the maids the order to serve dinner. They served my grandma first.

One of the maids happened to get on Maddison's wrong side, nearly slipping the soup on Maddison.

"Watch what you are doing," Maddison yelled. "I can't stand these clumsy poor people," Maddison snapped.

My grandmother dropped her fork inside her plate.

"Excuse me," Granny said. "You know, I worked as a maid too. That is how I managed to feed my children and send my daughter to school. "

"I didn't mean you, ma'am. It's simply that people can be so foolish sometimes." Maddison spoke.

My father's mouth fell. He knew my grandma well enough that she would receive an earful.

Maddison was not helping the matter just now. Well, it was time for me to pour fuel into the flames. I wanted a killing blow that would ensure that my mother would never ask me to bring another girl home again.

"I believe she is the correct nanna," I remarked. "Two days ago, I went to a restaurant, and they brought their soup two degrees warmer than I had ordered. She then had the grace to place my wine glass on my left side; I lost my appetite." I said something.

I extended my hand out and gripped Maddison's on the table.

With a scowl, Mom said, "Derek." That was her signal for me to stop talking.

The remainder of the meal was a disaster as my mother and grandmother alternated, hurling obscenities at one another. I was beginning to regret including her in my scheme.

We drank wine after supper and enjoyed my dad's piano playing.

Maddison said, "I believe it's time for me to go home now."

"I was beginning to believe you were sleeping here since you didn't have a residence." Granma pretended to chuckle.

Madison seemed uncomfortable and unsure of her response.

I said, "I suppose I should drop you off at home."

I got out of my sofa.

Grandma said, "You should remain, son. I have something important to tell you." "You may have her driven home by one of the drivers." She recommended it.

With a nod.

Maddison followed me to the door.

"Having you here tonight was a pleasure." My lips found hers.

I waited until the vehicle was securely filled with her. I stood outside in the chilly wind until the driver had left the yard.

I knew I would get an earful as soon as I walked back inside the home.

"What were you thinking? Her name contains the word mad." Lucy gave me a shoulder smack.

I said, "Well, she just happens to be what I like."

Lucy said, "And when he chose to drop out of medical school, I believed my son was a failure."

At me, Lucy shook her head. She escorted her to her bedroom, taking her grandmother's hand as she was about to nod off.

"Please, could you fetch my heart medicine, honey? Your kid is attempting to murder me." With her back resting on the sofa, Mom said.

Dad reminded her, "You are not on my medicine, dear."

Mom took a straight seat.

"How could you subject yourself to this? She only attempted to take advantage of you for your money if you care about anything other than yourself. She has attempted to attack others before you." Ma told me.

I said, "You can't believe everything you hear. Where did you acquire that information?"

With nothing better to do but talk, Mom ran her club of "genuine wealthy housewives of New York," Consequently, they knew all there was to know about the affluent social circle.

I decided to see this as a victory and hope that she would eventually leave me alone.

"I should have found him a wife like any other mother; this is all my responsibility." Mom went on.

My mouth fell open. Honestly, I think she could pull it off.

"My kid has horrible taste just like you, Mom. Why did I allow you to get me pregnant?" Mom said.

I jokingly added, "I suppose grandfather said the same thing when dad married you."

Dad and I chuckled together.

Her look quickly hushed us.

Mom wept, "I can't believe you are smiling as our kid disrespects me."

Sitting next to her, I sighed. I said, "I didn't mean to, mom, I'm sorry."

"You've always been simple to trick," she grinned as she glanced up. "Don't worry; Mother will find you a suitable spouse." She patted my arm.

There was a feeling that I had just roused a monster.

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