Go back to her old life
“You should go and get her,” Christian said hesitantly while playing with some carrots he found on the counter. Madeline threw him a side glance and continued making dinner.
“Why should I…anyway it's past three months now…if she would rather not stay why force her,” Madeline said without even looking at Christian, which made him wonder exactly what happened between the mother and daughter.
“She's your daughter…whatever it is …sort things out,” it was pointless talking to Madeline when she was as stubborn as Shania. He had tried for a week to convince Madeline to coax Shania to come back to the Kingston mansion. Unfortunately, she wasn't willing.
“For now…you should focus on your wedding… Mr Smith is anxious…we would rather not let him down…again, “this time Madeline said while looking at Christian with furrowed brows. Of course, Christian rolled his eyes in annoyance and tossed the carrots away.
“I would rather not get married…”
“We discussed this…your father is going to endure losses if…is we go against Mr. Smith,” Madeline remarked, cutting Christian off. By now, Christian was annoyed. He would rather not marry Ashley whatsoever.
“We can rebuild our company without relying on anyone…we all know I'm against this marriage,” saying that, Christian prepared to leave the kitchen when what Madeline said next stopped him in his tracks.
“You are going to marry her…and yes, Ashley is coming for lunch…make sure you treat her right,” Madeline said with authority, but Christian was already out the door leaving Madeline thinking. She should have known bringing her daughter to the Kingston family would lead to something so despicable.
___
“What do you mean?” Ashley asked with a frown as soon as she settled in the private lounge with Christian's cousin Emily.
“Ha! Such a beautiful woman you are…aren't you afraid he might…reject you?” Emily asked as she crossed her legs elegantly and stared at her phone lazily. Ashley was not desiring drama. She came to see Christian.
“I'm going to be his wife…what nonsense are you spitting,” Ashley frowned even more. She was beautiful and the most loved woman in the city. Who didn't know her and her family? Even the Kingston family had to bow to her powerful dad.
“What can I say…men are alike…they see skirts and can't have what's in their pants…when is…the last time you and Ace got intimacy," Emily remarked shrewdly as Ashley's eyes flashed with rage? Of course, Emily had a mission.
“Don't say rubbish…”
“It's not rubbish… Ace has eyes for another woman and that's…his stepsister,” Emily said, finally getting to the point, Ashley's eyes flashed with anger that Emily was overjoyed.
“What sort of nonsense is this…did you call me for cheap talks!” Ashley spat out and rose from the sofa. Emily wasn't bothered about Ashley's outburst. But slowly picked up a glass of champagne and took a sip.
“I'm sure you've seen the sighs…every little action…those too are together…and you are the foolish bride, Ashley…. Ace doesn't want you, he wants Shania,” Emily spoke with disdain in her eyes, making Ashley even angrier. Ashley stormed out of the room angrily, leaving Emily smirking from ear to ear.
“Ah! How beautiful… Shania, Shania…such a slut you are… I'm going to ruin you,” Emily whispered disdainfully and gulped down the entire champagne in the glass. She hated Shania the moment she set her eyes on her. Especially when Christian chose Shania over her.
When Ashley left the private lounge, she met Christian by the stairs.
“So, are you ready?” Ashley said, stopping Christian in his tracks.
“Ash, I have work to attend to… I'm sure we can schedule this some other time,” Christian said while scratching the back of his neck. Ashley scanned him from head to toe and smiled.
“It's just a lunch date…as it is…we'll be getting married soon,” Ashley remarked and grabbed his arm. Christian tried to shrug out of her hold but Ashley tightened her grip on him.
"Ash, no…" Christian managed to keep her at arm's length and she frowned.
"Come on, Ace…okay once you are done…can we go clubbing?" She suggested knowing Christian loved clubbing. Christian was left with no choice but to nod slightly. The only thing he wanted was to be with Shani. To find a way to bring her back. He was miserable without her.
___
Shania glanced around the club and sat comfortably in her chair. The feeling was different. Danny had done so much remodeling that Shania smiled at the waiter who brought her a drink.
"So the queen is here…remind me why you are asking?" Danny said, breaking Shania's trail of thoughts. She let out a sigh and shifted comfortably in her seat.
"Let me work here….just like before," Shania said for the third time and again Danny gave her that look.
"No way Missy…the boss man won't allow it," Danny said shaking his head in denial. Shania was angry seeing how Danny was putting Christian first.
"I'm not asking, I'm telling you…I want to work as…the butterfly queen," she said, making Danny choke on his drink. His eyes widened in awe. "In the past, you didn't have a problem with it…so…" Shania added angrily but she stopped when she noticed Danny had his eyes glued toward the entrance door. Shania was curious and hence shifted her gaze only to stop when he saw the person she wasn't expecting. But what surprised her was the woman hooking hands with him.
"Oh damn," it was damn who said finally taking a breather.
"I'm sure my outfits are still intact," saying that angrily, Shania rose to her feet and stormed away toward the private rooms. She was free to do as she wanted. Being the butterfly queen again was what she wanted. However, Christian saw through her and found a way to ditch Ashley and went after Shania. They needed to talk. He missed her.
