A Fateful Chance — Chapter 43: FEELINGS, DEALINGS

Deandra's POV

I continued visiting Seri's mall and the media went wild even more. I encountered my stepdaughter a couple of times. She would meet me in front of many people. She would smile at me but then it is obvious that she's really angry already. She would invite me into her VIP meeting room just to say a lot of harsh words.

I would always decline her offer and it is making her mad even more. I admire her for being professional at all times. I know if she will let her anger out, it is the end of her career and everything in her.

"My dearest stepdaughter, you should try to enroll at an anger management course for you to be a pro in suppressing anger. I hate to say this but you're being obvious at times. You're not looking good at news articles already." I said in the calmest way possible that it triggered her anger more.

"Shut up, bitch. If I will tell the media that I am your stepdaughter and you married my father for his wealth, you would lose shares for sure!" She warned but I just let out a chuckle.

"Try it, I dare you, Priya! If you're going to have something against me, make sure it will not be an aimless shot or else you will only look more like a pathetic loser." I said as I raised my eyebrows. It made her mad even more that she started to turn the chairs down. She just looked at me, as if wanting to hurt me but she's stopping herself from doing it. Gosh, so this is how anger is eating one's sanity. A while ago, she looked sane but now? I am not sure...

I grinned as I enjoyed looking at her as she shouted and cursed me at once.

"You'll regret this! You'll see! Don't be so confident like you own the world."

"I owned it including yours and the ground where you're standing right now." I replied with sarcasm.

"Go to hell, bitch. I know your territory is waiting for you there as well." She hissed that I am starting to become so annoyed at her.

"Are you done? If you are then I should leave. I am wasting so much time already.

I could hear her soft cursing as I exited the VIP room of Seri Mall. I chuckled at the sight of her. I cared about Priya. What I can't last is her attitude and the way she would call me names. I realized that she only 'reconciled' with me because of her dad. Possible, the inheritance she might not be getting if she will treat me like trash, like what she's doing to me now.

I regret hiding myself from her for more than four years. I should've faced her instead.

I strolled around Seri Mall for the last time before I went to my car. I pass by Seri's bestsellers. Those were the designer clothes Priya wore herself during her exclusive fashion shows.

"Madam, you can try this one. I am confident that it will perfectly fit you."

"You do?" I chuckled as I put my hand on my chest while facing the humble saleslady.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm a fan of Ms. Dianne Swiss from The Reike Trends. She's sexy and she looked exactly like you. I know she can slay any outfit, even her rival brand."

"Wait, you didn't know me, did you?"

She shook her head and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, well," I smiled at her. I can't blame her. If I appear in several interviews or fashion runways, I prefer to overdo my makeup. If I shop at different malls, I wear only light make-up so that nobody will recognize me that easily. Just like what this saleslady did. She's cute and I can see that she's still a new employee of Seri's. I looked at her from head to toe. I noticed that her legs were already shaking and that changed my facial expression.

"How long were you standing?" She looked into my eyes as if feeling scared. She's doubting if she will say it to me or not.

"Ma'am, I am so sorry," She managed to smile and she looked down. I felt sorry for her right away. I grabbed my handbag and handed her a piece of card. When she received it, I could see the shock on her face. She looked at the card and shifted her gaze into my face and looked at the card again.

"Madam, it is you!" I know she wanted to shout because of too much happiness. I stopped her before she would do that by putting my pointing finger between my pouting lips as I smiled. She put both of her hands on her mouth as if covering it but she couldn't stop giggling.

I can feel that she's really my fan.

"Madam, I am a fan, believe me."

"I do. Don't worry," I looked around and when I can see that there's no trace of Priya, I leaned closer to her.

"You can resign here right away. I could offer you thrice your salary here when you work for Reike Trends." She nodded in excitement. I left the mall and bought her suggested dress and five of different kinds for her to take advantage of the sales. I just knew the feeling of working hard for the sake of my family.

I am on my way to the VIP parking lot of the mall as I open my bag to get my phone when I bumped at someone.

"Sorry, miss," That familiar, husky voice startled me as I looked down. I felt his body towering me because he's tall.

"Are you alright?" I could sense his worried tone as she gently touched my arm. I tried to let go of his hand when he gripped my arm a bit tighter this time.

"Y-Yeah. And please let me go." I said, trying to meet his gaze.

"Whoah...Dianne Swiss? Is that you?" He let me go right away as he smiled."I am really sorry. Did I hurt you?"

'How I wish you managed to ask me that seven years ago, Andrew...'

I looked into his eyes as I badly wanted to tell these words. I feel like melting because of the way he gazed at me like he owned me at this moment.

"No."

He smiled as he slid both of his hands on my waist, feeling my curves. This time, I lied.