Billionaire's Treasure

Chapter 6

BERYL

I curse loudly as the alarm goes off, indicating it's 5am, time to prepare for work.

My head is pounding due to last night's beating and I won't be surprised if I find out that my skull has a c***k.

I pop up two painkillers and roll out of bed walking straight to the mirror.

I don't know how I got into my bedroom but I inwardly thank whoever helped me upstairs.

I almost collapse when I see my reflection. I have visible bruises on my hairline and tear stains are covering my cheeks.

One cheek is swollen and I have a large bruise around my neck where Mr. Wilson strangled me last night.

I sigh heavily. I'm really sick and tired of all this ill treatment from those whom I call my family. They should have left me to die in the streets or better still find a homeless children's shelter for me.

I've been at this family's mercy since I was ten.

I vividly recall my parents' appearances and the great love they had for me.

Mum was beautiful with a gap in her teeth and dimples. She was bubbly and ever happy. Dad too was a kind person and he loved everybody. He ran the BlackBerry corporation together with his brother Tyler Wilson. Back then, the company was named The Wilsons Corporation but Tyler changed it immediately he took over from my dad.

My parents memories always give me goosebumps and I always end up shedding tears whenever I remember them.

If they were still alive, I wouldn't be in my current situation. I wouldn't be everyone's scapegoat and punching bag. Under their care, I was loved and cared for, I never lacked and my needs were always catered for...always!

I quickly step into the shower and turn on the faucet.

The warm water brings some cooling sensation as it cascades through my tussled hair down my back.

I scrub my blonde hair carefully not to hurt myself and apply the only available shampoo. In this house, I'm not supposed to touch the rich shampoos or body wash therefore I'm forced to use whatever is available. I'm not supposed to smell like the rest! According to them, I'm supposed to smell like the miserable human being that I've always been.

I step out of the shower with a heavy heart and blowdry my hair, tying it into a ponytail. I start applying my makeup, ensuring that I cover the bruises, the swollen cheek and the puffy eyes. I don't want anyone to see how bruised I am, else I'll be in trouble with Tyler Wilson.

I wear a cream white Chinese collar blouse to cover the bruises at my neck and slip into black slacks then tie a belt after tucking in the blouse. I pick up my blazer and coat then slip in my black pumps. I need to look presentable. I'm ready to go.

I walk downstairs and get into the kitchen. I'm not supposed to use the dining table like the rest therefore I pull a seat and make myself comfortable.

Chef Andrew pushes a plate of scrambled eggs and bread towards me and a cup of cappuccino. I smile greatfully at the sight of coffee.

“How are you feeling now?” he asks me, his face laced with concern.

“I'm okay Andrew..”

I reply but deep down, I'm terribly hurting. I'm trying my level best to hide it from Andrew and Camilla.

“I'm so....”

Before he can finish his statement, Brenda walks in, still in her pyjamas and sits next to me on a different seat.

She demands for some coffee and scans me thoroughly.

She extends her long fingers and scratches the same place I'm hiding the briuses with a Chinese collar blouse.

I wince in pain and a smug smile is plastered on her cunning face.

“I hope you've learnt your lesson.” she states with an innocent tone but I can tell this is a warning. “At least my father was kind enough not to finish you off last night after the behaviour you displayed in front of my fiancee and his parents!” she adds, rolling her big eyes as if trying to make her point valid.

I almost choke on my cappuccino at the mention of fiancee but I try to control myself lest I get into trouble with her father yet again.

Fiancee indeed!

However, I decide to ignore her highness, finish up my breakfast and bid my goodbyes to Andrew who's wearing a sad look over his face. He nods and wishes me a great day ahead. I'm sorry to disappoint Brenda but I'm not saying anything to her this morning...

I pick my bag from the kitchen counter and I rush out of the godforsaken house.

Once outside the gate, I walk towards the bus stop and a surge of sadness flushes through my heart when I see the dozens of cars in the parking while I'm using the bus to work! I'm doing all the donkey work in the office for that family but all I get is a few worn out clothes and shoes and a meagre allowance.

No car, no new clothes, no new shoes....just the miserable me!

****

Once in the office, I greet the security man and head up to my office to prepare for Mr. Wilson's arrival. I prepare his cappuccino and place it on his table.

I then sit back on my desk and start going through my emails and the reports to prepare.

I remember Brenda's Audi which I was instructed to purchase for her and I immediately place a call to the car dealer to make it available.

“Hey Brenda...” Arnold's voice pulls me off the computer.

“Yes Arnold, how can I help you?” I ask with my well practiced professional smile.

“I have some papers which the boss needs to sign.” he says, passing me the papers.

“I'll hand them over to him when he gets in..” I assure him with the same smile I welcomed him with.

I expect him to leave but he doesn't. Instead, he just stands there awkwardly staring at me.

I furrow my eyebrows as I look up at him expectantly. “Is everything okay Arnold? ”

I ask with concern.

“Well um...I was wondering if you'd like to go on a date.... with me...” he says, running a hand over his cropped hair.

“Arnold, I don't think I can...”

I say as I smile apologetically at him.

Going home a second late will warrant me a thorough beating and I can't risk that.

I've had enough beatings to last me a lifetime.

His face falls slightly and a surge of guilt washes over me. I like him. He's a nice man. No harm in going out for lunch with him.

“How about lunch?” I ask.

His face brightens up and his lips are twitched in a boyish smile.

“I'll pick you up at 1pm.” he says and I nod. He waves me goodbye and walks away, smiling broadly.

I hear Mr. Wilson's door shut and I prepare the paperwork Arnold has dropped.

I knock at the door and he gives me a go ahead to get in.

“Sir, Arnold from the accounts has dropped these files for you to sign.” I say and wait for a reply. He looks up from his computer and smirks after seeing my outfit.

“Good work for covering up adequately.” he mocks me. “After all you know the consequences if someone notices!”

I gulp and feel all colour drain from my face.

“Y...yes sir!” I reply, a huge lump forming in my throat. I feel like crying. On top of mistreating me and beating me like an animal, he is mocking me. How on earth can I escape these tribulations? Will this ever come to an end?

My mind goes back to when I was a teenager and in school when some teachers noticed my constant bruises and black eyes and when I told them what happens back home, they confronted Mr. Wilson and Helen who made up unfathomable stories about how I'm into drugs, how I spend my time in clubs and drug dens and a lot of other bullshit like sleeping around with boys and getting into fights!

Poor me!

Since then, every student looked at me like a drunkard and a drug addict, all thanks to my foster parents.

“Set up a meeting with the Smiths tomorrow and make sure they're duly prepared. Blake will be here before the meeting for a brief. Make sure your statistics are completed and presented to me before the day ends.”

“Yes sir” I say and I immediately exit his office and head to mine to start the day's work.