Chapter 7: doubts
"Oceana!" Nina waved as she hurried over, her eyes couldn't help scanning Oceana over "are you okay?"she asked on reaching Oceana's side "you look pale" Oceana handed her a bottle of water
Nina smiled bashfully feeling pleased at herself "I was worried, but I didn't have your number to call" Nina pouted as she took a big gulp of the water, she had truly been worried after that confrontation and with Oceana not showing up at school almost a week after, she was even more anxious
"Oh" Oceana handed Nina her phone to input her number and Nina chuckled at the old worn out phone, it was so old and cracked almost beyond recognition. She wondered if the phone still worked
"I don't know what to do about those bullies but…. We can avoid them" Nina voiced out her thoughts causing, Oceana's eyes to flicker with emotion before they returned to their usual calmness "mm" she nodded in agreement
She didn't trust Nina however she wasn't in a rush either…. Whatever Nina's objectives were would come to light sooner or later hence she wasn't bothered
"Nina" yuri ran over, seeing Oceana she smiled bashfully "Oceana" she greeted warmly however Oceana only hummed in response, they hadn't interacted and she sure wasn't familiar with yuri "you look like you just ran a marathon" Nina giggled sheepishly "that's because I did" Yuri frowned as she glared at the already approaching Namito
"Nina"Namito nodded in greeting before smiling warmly at Oceana "Auntie Shen asked me to give you this...." Namito handed Oceana a small bag which was filled to the brim "thank you" Oceana thanked her sincerely, food meant more energy to work and she was happy with more food to quench her hunger and fill her stomach which would be broken down to more energy to work for her
"It's a small favor no need for formalities" Namito waved her off politely and turned to Yuri "still a 100 laps to do young lady" Namito spoke sternly and Yuri sighed in defeat "catch you later" Nina waved with a toothy smile, Yuri grunted and continued to run ignoring Nina's muffled laughter
"Are you gonna join us for the trip?" Nina asked as she pulled Oceana forward, she couldn't help smiling widely
Why did Oceana's presence give her so much calm?
"No" Oceana's reply brought her out of her thoughts. She sighed how she had dreamt of going to the 3 day trip with Oceana still she knew she couldn't force Oceana if she didn't want to go
"Oceana Lyndon" Xenir grinned widely seeing Oceana, she was so happy she was almost jumping for joy "prof" both Nina and Oceana stood rigidly clearly unhappy to see Xenir
"I'm so happy to see you" Xenir skipped over happily, pulling Oceana out of Nina's embrace "I guess I'll see you around later….."Nina awkwardly glanced at Xenir before running off
She was genuinely scared
Who hadn't heard of Xenir Beckett
"Prof" Oceana glanced at Xenir grimly, her luck was indeed really bad "I missed you so much" Xenir pulled Oceana to her office chatting about random things.
Oceana grunted, contemplating how to run off as soon as possible
"I bought so much….. I couldn't use them so I brought them for you " Xenir smiled as she rummaged through the pile of clothes, Oceana's brows furrowed slightly "I'm okay with my clothes prof" she declined decisively causing Xenir to smile even more "I bought them all for you….. this clothes are too hideous" Xenir giggled as she then strode to her table, retrieving a laptop from her bag which she handed to Oceana
"Why are you being so nice all of a sudden?" Oceana asked pointedly, she knew Xenir all too well and this might just be a trap "when am I not nice…? I'm the nicest person on earth" Xenir grinned widely, Oceana lowered her head cringed by Xenir's antics
"I've got 2 tickets to the movies, you can take anyone with you"Xenir alas tossed her two tickets and went back to her desk before sinking into her seat
Oceana glanced at the bag of things, a bit skeptical. She knew Xenir meant no harm to her however she was still wary
Humans could change
"Stop staring and take it already" Xenir sighed, she could tell what Oceana was thinking "okay" Oceana took the bags and turned to walk out "aren't you gonna say thank you at least….?" Xenir raised a brow. "Is it compulsory?"Oceana asked
"...…"
Xenir was speechless , she glanced at the kid who casually strode out without a care in the world
"You're out so quick!" Nina blocked her path seeing Oceana come out "you've beeen here all along…..?" Oceana glanced at Nina who was sweating slightly "yep I've been waiting here" Nina nodded. Oceana said nothing allowing Nina to pull her as she wanted, they finally headed to a small store which sold some girlie items where Nina excitedly shopped for some bracelets and necklaces
"You didn't have to apply makeup" Hades said to the young woman across him who couldn't stop fidgeting in her dress "you're quite popular now I wouldn't want to embarrass you" Tika bit her lips tiredly, she had spent hours on her looks to impress him yet he hadn't complimented her still. "What do you want to eat?" He took out the menu and handed it to Tika, she glanced at the menu then at Hades who had his head lowered while his fingers danced around his phone's screen "this is our first official date.... I'll have whatever you're having" Tika said to him, she glanced at his phone more times than she could count yet she couldn't see the screen as it was too dark for her to see
"You shouldn't do things that will make you uncomfortable... I'm not complaining" Hades glanced at the short clothes and the heavy make up on her face, he wasn't pleased however he didn't show it so as not to hurt her feelings
He ordered quickly before handing the menu back to the waiter who alas left to attend to their order. "I just wanted to make today special" Tika sighed "next time just be yourself" he poured her some wine which she downed slowly. "This restaurants expensive" she pouted causing his heart to soften "in the future when I make more money we'll go to more restaurants like this" he patted her head lovingly, she smiled bashfully feeling proud of herself "here" he took out a gift box which he gave to her, she glanced at the delicately wrapped box and a smile graced her lips wondering what could be in it
She felt like the luckiest girl in the world
"Thank you" she said sweetly, he smiled as he leaned in for a kiss "there shouldn't be thank You's between us" he whispered, his warm breathe tickled her resolve
She blushed
"I still have to thank you" she smiled even more, the waiter soon brought the dishes over and they both dug in, with Hades constantly filling her bowl with food "Tika" Hades called, his voice a low rumble "Hades" she bit her lips, staring at his handsome face so close, she blushed even more
Luckily she was tanned else she would have been red all over "why don't we make today special.... I already booked an hotel" he said softly, her grip on the cutlery tightened "that....I'm...." he held her hand giving her a reassuring look "we've only done it twice" he gave a bitter smile which made her chest tighten
Weren't couples supposed to do things like this? she thought to herself. In the end she agreed and after the meal he took her to the hotel which he had booked earlier
"Isn't that Hades….?" Someone asked from the side "Hades…..?" Isabella titled her head trying to see but there was no one "he did say he has training today...." She trailed off before grabbing her phone and dialing it however his phone was off "it might not be him Isabella, I must have made a mistake….. come one we have to prepare Lilian's birthday surprise" Emma pulled Isabella away.
Isabella glanced back at the hallway before turning the corner still her heart was far from settled
Dawn broke Tika peeled her eyes open slowly, the rays of the morning sun radiating in the room woke her up finally as she slowly sat up, the events from the day before came flooding into her mind, she blushed remembering how rough and gentle Hades was yet she liked it. She blushed turning her head to the other side of the bed however it was empty
She stood up and walked to the bathroom still there was no one 'maybe he went to get breakfast' she smiled as she begun to pick up her clothes which had been thrown around in the tense moment of their make out. She blushed harder as the memories kept coming in, making her blush even more
Several hours past by with no signs of Hades, with the appearance of the hotel staff assigned to clean the room since their stay time was already over an hour ago, Tika reluctantly left
She tried dialing Hades countless times yet she couldn't get through to him up until she arrived at her hostel his phone was unreachable
"You had an intense time" Olivia snickered staring at the obvious love bites on Tika, she wondered if Tika had come this way on purpose to show off to the other girls "are you jealous?" Tika taunted, the expressions of the girls downstairs was fresh in her mind, their hateful expressions pleased her. Now that Hades was making it big she was the woman by his side "you're crazy"Olivia rolled her eyes, she hasn't fancied Hades like ever, her ex's were rich guys. She had even dated two celebrities surely her tastes and preferences were higher than Tika's "you're still jealous" Tika laughed feeling smug, Olivia only gave her the dirty look and continued filing her nails
"Are you still going to the club?" Tika asked as she prepared some comfortable clothes to change into. "Yes" Olivia nodded no way she was missing out on an exclusive event. With the rumors flying around about wealthy men gracing the event. She would be stupid if she missed such an opportunity. "I'll be your plus one" Tika quickly changed her outfit and prepared to eat her takeout lunch "I already have a date"Olivia declined, she was never going to go with the party pooper "plus Hades will surely attend it's his opportunity to build connections" Olivia added. Tika fell into deep thoughts
He must have left due to his busy schedule she thought
"Big sis" Leo whispered as he munched on his popcorn "mm?" Oceana tilted her head to face him "eat some it's delicious" he stuffed some popcorn in her mouth which she ate slowly "baby, I want some" Nina pouted at Leo, She was envious of Oceana having such a good nephew who loved her so much. "Leo only feeds only big sis" Leo turned away ignoring Nina who glanced at Oceana with pleading eyes "he only feeds me" Oceana replied honestly
Nina "...…"
"Leo only cares for big sis" he opened his juice and gave Oceana some to drink which she drank, the little boy was neat and nothing like those kids who will put in saliva and snot in their drinks and water "baby is so handsome" Nina praised him in hopes of getting in his good graces "I'm the most handsome and big sis is the most beautiful" Leo boasted, the others in the movie room couldn't help glancing him
He sure was an adorable kid they thought however Oceana's face was hidden under her hood
Nina "...."
"Big sis eat more" "big sis is so skinny" "big sis drink" "big sis I'll massage your legs" "big sis are you tired" "big sis..." Leo blabbed nonstop, Oceana watched the movie regardless of his constant blabbing she enjoyed the show.
She would watch a movie or two in her free time in the past hence the show was quite to her liking
The movie soon ended and Leo clung to Oceana tightly not once letting go "he's so biased!" Nina chuckled as they walked, she glanced at Oceana then at Leo who snuggled so close to Oceana "mm" Oceana nodded, she agreed with the fact that Leo was biased with her, she wondered why this kid liked her so much even with her passive personality, other kids would run away from her in fear yet Leo was different
"Where should we go from here?" Leo asked "grocery store"Oceana replied, she had a few things to buy since she intended making her own dinner tonight. "You can cook!"nina gasped, the idea of cooking was foreign to her as the cooks at home did all the cooking all she had to do was eat. "I don't cook much"
"Anything big sis cooks
Is delicious!" "How would you know that? Big sis says she doesn't know how to cook much which means she can't cook a lot of things" Nina argued "you're so noisy" Leo glared at her, Nina froze in disbelief "I talk a lot cause I like big sis" Nina puffed out her chest proudly "is it something to be proud of?" Leo wrinkled his brow, he was embarrassed on Nina's behalf
Nina laughed lightly she couldn't believe she was being scolded by a four year old kid
Well she had been the one who adamantly tagged along without being invited and Leo wasn't the least bit pleased, his bonding time with his big sis had been interrupted with Nina's constant chatter
They arrived the grocery store where Oceana begun to pick a few things she would need for dinner. Nina's eyes sparkled at all the delicious snacks, she grinned widely and begun to pick all the snacks she wanted to try
Having only ate expensive or foreign snacks she was curious how this common snacks would taste and by the end of their shopping Nina's snack cart was several times larger than Oceana's grocery cart
"Big sis" Leo called "mm?" Oceana answered "what are we having for dinner?" He asked "pig trotters" Oceana replied, she purchased some pig foot on their way home and at arrival she left Leo with Nina and went into the kitchen to cook. The duo couldn't stop arguing non stop
Oceana listened to their banters as she cooked, she washed the vegetables and chopped them thoroughly, the pig feet was
Seasoned and cooked till soft and tende before she stir fried it all in soy sauce and garlic sauce. The fragrant aroma wafted out of the kitchen, Nina gulped unconsciously while Leo drooled tempted to run into her kitchen yet he couldn't Oceana had asked him to stay put, he could only wait to taste the delicious food. "Who's cooking….. do you want us neighbors not to live again!" Shouts came from outside the door, she ignored and proceeded to stir fry some salted vegetables and lastly she cooked a pot of rice
"Auntie I'm so hungry" Leo whispered wiping his drool "I'm hungry too….. we'll have to wait" Nina whispered back and Leo nodded obediently, he wanted to eat quickly
Luckily Oceana brought the meals out with several bowls "it's smells so good" Nina patted her lips staring longingly at the dishes "eat"she said to both of them after dishing their separate bowls, she found their reactions interesting. she chuckled watching them eat quickly even Nina had long lost the mannerism of a young heiress
The meal was just too good, the pig trotters were tender and juicy with a burst of flavors, the garlic taste added another depths of flavor to it, the vegetables was both mildly salty and spicy. Compared to the western cuisines the chefs at home made
This was the first ever meal she had ate which hit home "it's so delicious" Nina sighed stuffing her mouth with food, she ate an extra bowl before licking her lips in content
This was the best meal she had ever had all her life and she wasn't joking
"Big sis it's so delicious" Leo praised honestly, when was the last time he ate something so good? He couldn't remember
Other than auntie Shen's meal this was the second best ever "big sis you have to cook more for me" he pouted, his eyes pleading. He really wanted to eat more delicious food cooked by his big sis "I'll cook more when I have time" Oceana replied as she cleared the dishes.. Nina took some snacks in her bag and left the rest for Oceana and Leo
"I owe you one" she winked at Oceana before turning to Leo to say her goodbye's. She didn't want to leave, yet she couldn't stay she had to leave "I'll walk you out" Oceana wiped her hands dry before picking up Leo "thanks for today" Nina smiled contentedly "mm" Oceana carried Leo in her arms and walked Nina to the bus stop "I'll call you" Nina waved as she climbed into the taxi Oceana had flagged down for her "bye!" Leo waved happy to see Nina gone, Oceana also waved before making her way back to the apartment
"Oceana who was that friend of yours?" Jocelyn asked curiously, blocking Oceana's path "she seems rich, her skin is so smooth" Cleo added "when did you start making friends? Are you planning to marry your friend's rich brother?" Eleanor probed, the other women snickered
Seeing as they had no intention moving aside Oceana walked away ignoring them, she could use her time doing her cleaning job rather than listen to their rants and also help Leo digest a little. Leo had fallen asleep on their way back from walking Nina, he had already had a long day full of excitement hence it was only Normal he slept
Oceana allowed him sleep while she worked
"Who's it?" She frowned feeling the presence of someone, her instincts were never wrong
She glanced at Leo who she had put in a corner to sleep on a sofa, her gaze darkened as she picked a metal road slamming hard into the air and a yelp followed "bitch!" The man spat angrily as he took out his shot gun but Oceana was faster, she dislocated his hand causing the gun to fall to the floor. The man screamed raising his fist to hit her face, a smile settled on her lips filled with killing intent as she directly broke his arm
"You... you're not human!" The man screamed in terror, he wanted to break free and run away yet he couldn't even budge under Oceana's grip
His gun was just there yet he couldn't even reach out to take it and then he fell into darkness. He didn't know what had happened nor what she did to him
Was he dead?
If he was dead did he die?
Oceana cleaned up quickly before walking a short distance to the payment office which was down the street, she accepted her pay and proceeded to walk back to the apartment
"You cooked" irene stared at Oceana who walked in with Leo in her arms "how are you not sore carrying him like that?" Lester asked as he took Leo from her "he doesn't weigh much" she replied honestly
She had carried heavier weights hence his weight was nothing "the pig trotters taste so good" irene squinted her eyes savoring the taste of the left overs "I left it for Leo" Oceana frowned. "I'm your mother….. don't I deserve good things too?" Irene glared at her and Oceana rolled her eyes she didn't care whatever Irene had in mind "you're buying pig feet tomorrow" she grunted and walked to her room "that child….." Irene sighed "she obviously didn't cook it for you" Lester rolled his eyes and Irene glared at him, he didn't mind her tantrums, he just took Leo to the room to sleep
"You all don't care about me your mother!" Irene snapped "I should eat the food my daughter makes too!" She added
Oceana sneered
What right did that woman have to feel so entitled?
Remembering the close encounter earlier, her eyes darkened further
She turned on her laptop and begun to type furiously
~ Meanwhile somewhere far away
"He's really dead?"Tristan frowned, angered by the news he was hearing
Was his surbordinates weak
Or she was just too strong
"He isn't responsive.... To think she delivered him right to us" the Caller on the other end paused, the realization hitting him "she's not simple young master" he finally added and Tristan's jaw tightened "one simple job yet you failed miserably!" Tristan roared, the beauty by his side trembled "he was amongst our best men! We didn't anticipate she would act so fast!" The other party tried to smoothen things however Tristan wasn't in the mood and hung up directly "young...… master" the beauty called weakly, Tristan's brows tightened he picked the beauty up by her neck and flung her across the room " you disgust me" he spat coldly and stormed out. The beauty sneered, they had been making out so intensely yet he hasn't been repulsed by her
'Stupid man' she cursed as she stood up to cover herself up, glancing at her torn clothes she snorted in disdain at that man
"You don't seem to be in a good mood" Raymond chuckled as he twirled his wine glass, seeing Tristan out here for a drink was close to impossible the playboy was always cradled in the arms of women. "That bitch killed my man" Tristan grunted "I told you she was a feisty one" Raymond mused as he took a big gulp of wine before pouring more for himself "you seem more informed than I am" Tristan frowned clearly suspicious of his friend
"Drink some wine to calm your nerves... they are limited stocks" Raymond pointed to the wine bottles on the table all rare kinds, Tristan glanced at Raymond
"If you want to get her you may want to start by changing your approach" Raymond suggested glancing at his reflection on the wine glass with his snake like eyes, a contented smile settled on his lips "what do you mean?" Tristan asked with little interest. He could handle his things on his own however a little advice wasn't bad "I see….. she's making a lot of friends" Raymond pointed out the obvious as he glanced at Tristan briefly "her friends are just some rich kids how's that got anything to do with this? I can't offend this nobles for her sake and you know it would spell problems on our side" Tristan sighed rubbing his hands on his forehead he could feel an headache coming on "she cares about her nephew" Raymond added smiling like a psychopath he was "you can handle that leave me out of it" Tristan waved with a frown "you'll have to take care of the nephew and give her to me, else I won't be giving you all this ideas….. or have you gone soft?" Raymond teased earning him a glare from Tristan "I'm just here to drink nothing more" he took a gulp of wine whilst contemplating the words Raymond had just spoken
"Up to you" Raymond continued to drink his minds clouded with distant thoughts
That night Tristan drank a lot, so much he got drunk. Raymond glanced at his drunk friend and snickered coldly "so weak... so pathetic"
He pulled Tristan off the couch and hauled him out with the help of Tristan's surbordinates
His driver alas sent Tristan home
Raymond's eyes flashed with a cold glint before he alas retreated into his private lounge to continue drinking "sir" a shadow greeted, Raymond sat twirling his glass with disinterest "what news do you have for me skull? Raymond asked still twirling his glass and admiring his beauty, he was a walking god too beautiful to be human "there's been nothing on her side, it's just been her usual day except the attack at her cleaning job" skull replied and Raymond clicked his tongue "that nephew of hers?" He asked his countenance cold and menacing and skull gulped "they were together all day"skull lowered his head and Raymond laughed, his snake like eyes glinted with something sinister