Possessive Rich Bully

Chapter 10

Wallace - seventeen

Winter-Arwen - eighteen

Astoria and Axel - fourteen

Playlist - Ashley by Halsey

Axel

I rolled my eyes at the stupid godforsaken charade my family indulged in. A goddamn farce in my eyes. All I wanted to do was to be with Astoria, cause a little trouble around us, be kids in love. Not that I had ever cared for the pretentious crowd ever in my life, it never occurred to me that there could be so much spark outside these walls.

"Lurking in shadows isn't your style." A familiar voice came from behind. "Aren't you supposed to be the life of the party?" I immediately recognised the owner of the voice.

"Who says I am not?"

"Nobody." He came to stand beside me with a drink in his hand. "Yet," he added.

"That's very pessimistic of you, Ares. I assure you I am everything they say."

"Reputation precedes you, they say. That's not the case for you because out of anywhere in the world this is the last place you want to be."

Ares had a keen sense of observing everyone around him and my friend spared no one from his critical opinion. In a way, he was more of an older brother to me.

He knew when to call me out on my s**t and there was no such thing as keeping up pretences around him. He was way too good at reading and predicting your next move.

"Let's keep me aside for a moment. Why on earth is a drink in your hand? You're not sixteen and this is not your debutante ball."

"Throwing fancy words, are we now? Thanks for reminding me of the obvious facts. You see, I am merely holding your cousin's drink. The alcohol didn't touch my lips, I swear," he mused.

With a tilt of his lips, he appeared very much like

mischief.

I shook my head and stared into the crowd. Our family ballroom was decorated from top to bottom in the best thing money can buy. There was not a single piece out of place, only the honorary debutant was missing.

The time read a little over eight o'clock. He was supposed to make a grand appearance minutes ago. I searched to locate the faces of my parents. They had an iron mask up their face, but I knew appearances can be deceiving and the way my father frequently checked his watch told me everything that needed to know.

"The king is still in his chambers, isn't he?" Ares read my thoughts. "Here I am like a fool holding this stupid flute of champagne for him." Annoyance evident in his tone. He handed the glass to the waitress without acknowledging her.

"This is not looking good," I stated the obvious. "The guests have started with their whispers." I turned to Ares. "I'll go look for him and you stall here."

I righted my custom "T" cufflinks which were a part of my family legacy.

"Don't get yourself into trouble. You're father will bust your balls when he finds you gone."

"If not when," I corrected. "That's why I've asked you to stall over here. I'll be back with Ace."

"Where do you think he is?"

"I have an inclination. Let's hope I am right."

I better not find him traumatising Astoria's poor cousin. I knew that he wanted to get inside the girl's pants, but heck, now wasn't a good time for it. I didn't want him to be anywhere near Astoria's relatives.

He had asked for some special arrangements to be made in the solarium. That was my safest bet to find him. As I neared the sun room, something caught my peripheral vision. I averted my head to find Ace, alone. His face turned towards me.

"This is really funny, cousin." I said, snapping him out of his thoughts. Momentarily, his back stiffened, but he didn't turn around. "The ball was held in your honour, guests have arrived from all over the country. You're expected to be your father's son. If you ask me, this would've disappointed him."

He remained still.

"I thought you were going to traumatise that poor girl. I am relieved to have found you alone. God, help me, if I ever catch you messing with Astoria's relatives. That's off limits, alright?"

When he still showed no signs of movement, I went in to hit the nerve.

"For a guy with your caliber, it should be a child's play to land any girl of your wish. In fact, Sonia Chamber is waiting to shove her breast right in your face. That'll be a treat, I bet. To waste your time on an ordinary girl like... what's her name? A freaking nobody, isn't worth the rush."

"You know an awful lot about wasting time on an nobody. Why is that? Because there's nowhere you can feel true control. You hold them in chokehold, a meek little b***h like them enjoys every moment of it despite the fear of danger looming right above their heads."

He finally turned around with an expression so lethal, if I wasn't used to staring back at it in the mirror, I migh have been scared.

"They're a treat meant to be swallowed immediately or else they might overthrow the control you think you have over them." He paused. "Look at me, I thought being nice with the innocent ones was a good thing. Oh, boy, how wrong I was." He chuckled to himself. "A piece of advice, if you want your little girlfriend to be in your chokehold, then don't let her consume you.

***

Astoria

I silently followed Winter as she led the way for me. I tried to be as discreet as possible. We were supposed to appear natural to the onlookers as if we belonged to this world. Despite the fact that my boyfriend belonged to this world, I never chanced a glimpse at it. I stayed as far away from it as possible.

It had the ability to lure anyone into its charm of glitter, money and power. My mother had fallen prey to it which ruined her life and mine as well.

Sometimes I wonder what my life would've been had my biological father accepted both my mom and I. Then this world wouldn't seem so alienated to my eyes. I would get treated with respect instead of pity. Maybe, then it wouldn't be controversial for Axel to date me.

With a click of my tongue, I banished the thoughts away and focused on blending among the crowd. I was amazed to see Winter moving and acting with utmost grace as if this is what she did everyday.

Had I not known her, she would appear just like one of them. And my cousin wanted to be present for her friend's big moment. To say I was surprised would be the least astonishing thing, I couldn't believe she actually knew Wallace King to begin with.

Winter's family was just like mine. They barely managed to get their bills paid and on some occasions they were deprived of a home. As for now, Winter and her family took residence in a sketchy area that accommodated hundreds of caravans. She also lacked funds to attend a college this year, or the next.

I really felt bad for her. Despite all the s**t she has been through, her smile is always the brightest in the room and eyes that are full of life.

It's hard to imagine her being friends with someone as grumpy as Wallace. She told me they met through a friend of friend and hit it off instantly. I snorted at the thought of it. I mean who wouldn't want to be friends with Wallace King? He lived in one of the wealthiest towns that rivaled with ours. He breathed money and his group of friends were undoubtedly snobbish, careless kids who had no worry in their lives.

Everyone wanted to be a part of his circle, but Winter was different. She was the friendliest person who can even befriend the cows. Her strawberry blonde hair, hazel eyes, heart shaped lips, symmetrical face and figure will capture anyone's attention. No doubt Wallace' intention wasn't as pure as Winter thought it to be.

"Act natural, Astoria," she said through her teeth, without letting her smile flatter. "Do you want us to get kicked out or worse have grandma Paige find us red handed?"

I immediately eased up and took a seat on a comfortable ottoman in the large ballroom. The hushed whispers vanished as the clink of the glass caught everyone's attention.

"May I have your attention, please." Oh, it was beginning.

"Tonight is a special night for my family. It's not the birthday anniversary of my beloved brother-in-law; without him none of these things would've been possible, but also, this day will mark a historic feat of King's arms and ammunition legacy. My nephew will walk and do justice to his father, Wallace King Sr.' legacy, but also will honour and cherish the legacy of his mother and uncle. This day not only brings upon a new beginning in my family, but we also get to strengthen the bond that we have with our trustable friends of Chamber pharmaceuticals inc. My friend Gabriel Chamber and I have decided to further strengthen the bond that our family shares by actually becoming family. I, Blake Trent, announce the marriage of Wallace King Jr. and Sophia Chambers."

A deafening round of applause was carried out. I saw both Wallace walk up to his uncle and exchange handshakes, appearing ever so mighty in his expensive suit. He was followed by a tall, timid looking girl who by the looks of it wanted to be anywhere else. but in this room.

They got busy as people approached them one by one. I snuck a glance at Winter who was beaming with joy, looking ready to jump up and down. Wait a minute...she was happy?

"You saw that?" She turned to me. "I am so happy for him."

My eyes landed on them. If possible, I could feel a scathing energy in the room. If anything, Wallace looked straight up hostile and the poor girl right next him was nervous.

"This is what I had wanted to see. I couldn't miss his engagement announcement for the world. Oh, it reminds me to text Nathan. He lost the bet." She flushed out a flip phone and impatiently pressed the buttons.

I didn't miss what she said. "You knew about this? How?"

"Nathan told me about it," she said without taking her eyes off the screen. "He's Ace' best friend and I met Ace via him. He actually orchestrated the whole engagement idea." She finally looked at him. "He told me that Ace secretly wanted Sophia, but she's a traditional girl. You know, no boyfriend, anything. There was no way she would consider dating Ace if her family didn't approve of it and now; they're bound to get married. What a fairytale." She whispered, dreamily.

My gaze went back and forth from Ace to Winter and one thing was clear, there was no way he was happy about this. As I was about to turn my gaze away, I saw Ace's hostile stare land of us, more specifically, Winter.

Oh, God.

I wondered if Winter was that dense or if Wallace's intentions acted out wrong.

"Hey, beautiful." A familiar voice whispered in my ear. "Looking for me?" He hovered over me and bended down to steal a kiss from me.

"Axel," I whisper-yelled. "Someone might see us," I reminded him. "Go away."

"C'mon, I missed you." He went to capture my lips, but I moved away. He groaned. "That's unfair."

"Everything is fair in love and war," Winter quipped. "And you mister should learn to keep your hands to yourself."

Axel smirked and shot me a sly look. "He behaves, most of the time." I turned to Winter. "But all hell breaks loose if the diva ever fails to catch any Naruto filler episodes."

"It's the entire essence of the show, Astoria. I have explained it to you countless times now. You know, I give up. If it ever happens with your sailor moon episodes, you'll know."

"I know I won't cry."

"That was one time... ugh... forget it." He angrily walked away. Winter and I bursted out in a fit of laughter.

"He's too cute and adorable," Winter said.

He was a bully sometimes, but a gooey chocolate from the inside. It was easy to make him happy, to get along with him, to love him. He was just too lovable.

"I know," I replied.

"Don't let him go," she said. "Childhood love is the purest form of love anyone could ever find in their lifetime.

***

It was almost eleven and the ball was still happening. My grandparents had retired from their duties for the night and had gone to bed. Winter was in the guest room and I felt more alone than ever.

I sat perched on the windowsill, head resting on the glass as I gazed at the mansion that stood atop and looked so far away probably for the first time ever.

Before we left the ballroom scene, I had snuck a glance to where Axel was and I couldn't help but notice how comfortable and happy he seemed with his crowd. Girls and boys that belonged to the same social circle, had the same upbringing and opportunities were meant to be together.

I couldn't dream of being a part of his crowd, his friends. Just watching them made me feel like I didn't belong in the same breathing room as them. How could I ever dream of being a part of their circle, even if it was solely for Axel's sake?

With a sigh, I grabbed my cardigan and decided to go for a stroll. We had a small garden that surrounded our cottage and thanks to my grandfather, the bushes and flowers were well maintained. I had taken the responsibility to look after them.

A gush of cold air hit my face when I stepped in the garden area and made sure to leave the door open. The night was fading away quickly and before I knew it, my eyes started to drift down. It was time for bed.

A hand seized my waist in a tight hold and another landed on my mouth to muffle my voice.

"I'll let go, honey. If you promise not to scream."

I stayed oddly calm in the situation when I should be thrashing and screaming against his hold. I knew who it was immediately.

"I'll take my hands off you. No screaming," he reminded me, I stayed and once he removed his hold off me, I elbowed his stomach and bloated away.

"Not so quick, hellraiser." He grabbed my elbow, the same one that hit him.

This time I thrashed. "If you don't let go, I'll scream."

The hand was back on my mouth only this time there was a cloth to muffle my screams. I was thrown over this shoulder and the psychofreak took me somewhere.

Wallace King was slowly proving himself to be the villain in my life. What possible business does he think he has with me? Wait till I tell my grandparents about this.

He came to a stop to put me back on my feet.

"You freak. How dare you put your hands on me?" I shouted.

"Calm down. We could have done this cordially, but you chose violence."

"I don't want to hear a word from your mouth. You're going to pay for this. Mark my words."

He c****d an eyebrow. "Is that so? Then, I suppose your grandparents will be pleased to hear that their obedient girl is secretly locking lips with Axel plus that'll be a fest of news for my uncle as well."

My eyes twitched, apprehension taking its root in my head. "What do you want from me?"

"That's more like it." He reached inside his jacket pocket and fished out a sealed envelope. "I want you to slip this inside Arwen' bag. Make sure to be discreet and don't dare open this envelope."

I eyed him, warily. "No, I won't do it." I folded my arms around me. "Not unless you tell me what's in it. Her name is Winter, not Arwen," I added to the sentence.

"What makes you think that I am at your mercy? And I'll call her whatever I like." He narrowed his eyes on me. "My patience is running thin today so don't test me."

"Nuh-Uh." My tongue clicked. "I need to know first. Or just give it to me. I'll open it as soon as you're out of sight."

"Trying to act smart?"

"Well, your uncle won't be proud when he finds out you're missing the ball that was held in your honour, now, would he?" I smirked. Now two can play this game.

To my surprise, he looked more amused than angry. "You're something else. I like you."

"Enough with chit chat. Now, tell me," I prodded.

"These contain letters. Your cousin will understand, and if you want your little teenage brain to scatter around in shambles, then go ahead and read it."

I chuckled, wryly. "Give me that." I snatched the envelope from him. "In a civilised society, you normally 'ask' in a polite manner if you want something done."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Do you like her?" I reluctantly asked. "I mean, do you like my cousin?"

He looked thoughtful as if he was just considering whether he liked her or not. After a beat, he answered,"No."

Disappointment buzzed through me, but I guess it was a good sign that Winter wouldn't have you deal with such a flippant person.

I nodded. "Okay... I'll be on my way now."

"Listen." I turned my head towards him. "The reason I don't like your cousin is because she will never fit between my people. Just like you don't mix with Axel's friends. If you're in anyway smart, then take the f*****g hint and leave my cousin alone. He can't see it yet, but you'll eventually be his ruin. He has a great future mapped out for him. Something you can't even imagine. If you have a heart in your chest, then you'll do what's best for you and leave Axel before this gets serious because I know my cousin, he won't stop until he finally gets what he wants. He deserves someone like Sophia who understands the expectations of our society. Save yourself from being destroyed in the process. After all, girls like you and Arwen are only good for one thing and that's what you'll always be good for."

***

a few weeks later

"Hey."

I was pulled in Axel's warm embrace, his nose buried in the crook of my neck. His breath tingled my skin which in turn made me giggle.

"We are in school and this is the girls' washroom. Someone will see us," I chided, playfully.

He lifted his head. "And what will they do? Spread rumours about us? I will gladly make them pay for it." His thumb caressed my lower lip and he leaned down to press his plum lips on mine.

When he pulled away, a smile played on both of our lips.

"You can be very persuasive." I brushed away the luscious copper locks that fell on his forehead. "Because of you Miss Park gave me extra homework for the weekend."

He chuckled. "Me? You're reaching."

"If it wasn't for you trying to blow air in my ear, then maybe I wouldn't have squealed and disturbed her important instructions."

He just laughed it off.

"As punishment, you'll do my homework."

"Your wish is my command." I pushed him away when he leaned to steal my lips in a compelling kiss.

"I need to go back. The teacher assumed I wanted to wash my apparatus." My boyfriend, being who he was, stole a quick peck from me, then walked away throwing a wink at me.

I shook my head, smiling to myself. He was the dream boyfriend for every girl and I was so relieved that he was my boyfriend. Wallace was an i***t. There was a stark difference between Axel and the other rich teenage boys of my school. He was not like others and will never be. I knew him better than he knew himself.

Back in class, I paid attention to what was going on. The back of my mind flashed with memories of Axel and I together. I had a smile playing on my lips and soon I had drifted off to a dreamland.

It was serene, perfect and all mine. Nothing to worry about, no one to pull me back to reality, because there was everything I wanted in my thoughts.

Like always, reality reared it's ugly head and I realized that I was in the middle of the school hallway.

"So is that a yes?" Jenna Rivers, a sweet, bubbly girl who happened to be my classmate stared at me, quizzically.

Oh, shoot. I had no idea what she had asked me. I just nodded my head and feigned a grin.

She clapped. "Then, it's settled. I'll sign you up

for the math club."

Not this again. I couldn't buy my way out of this. s**t. I had promised to go on a date with Axel this afternoon. I hope the first meeting is not today.

"Today, after school, we'll have our first meeting. Till then, bye."

He'll be pissed now. Ugh!

***

We got into a fight, unfortunately.

Axel had thrown a tantrum when I broke the news to him. I had simply asked him to reschedule our date, but he stayed adamant and demanded that I quit the club immediately.

Jenna was the only person that had bothered to talk to me in class. If I bailed on the club this early, then it would dampen a friendship that barely got any time to develop. I couldn't be loner, now.

"Fine. Go then." He sounded and looked agitated. "I have different s**t to take care of."

With that he disappeared from my vision and I walked away with my own upset mood. It's like if we take one step forward, there's always something to push us two steps back.

I met with Jenna at the nearest bus stop. We both rode in her Mercedes benz. The first meeting of the math club went well. I met new people, talked, joked and had a fun time with like minded people.

"Hey, you seem sad." Jenna nudged my elbow. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," I nodded and plastered the fakest smile I could manage in the moment.

She snaked her arm around mine. "So what are you gonna do now?"

Probably patch up with my boyfriend. "Nothing much. I'll finish homework, do some studying and that's it."

"Boring." She made a face. "How about we hang out at your place?" She suggested and stared at me as if it was the most brilliant idea anyone could ever come up with.

"Uhm," I hesitated. "I am not sure."

It was no surprise that people knew about my poor status. I wasn't affluent and connected like them, no news there. Still no one knew that my grandparents worked as live-in servants for the Trents. I wasn't exactly comfortable letting anyone discover my secret.

"Hey, don't be grump now," she whined. "How about you hang out with me first? I swear you'll enjoy every minute of it and if you don't, then..." She paused, searching for words. "Scratch that. You will love it. There are no buts."

I wanted to go back home and see what Axel was doing, but reluctantly I agreed to spend time with her.

Jenna lived in a beautiful Spanish style mansion. The house was in the same gated community as Trent's palace. Her community had comparatively smaller sized homes.

The fact that Blake Trent, Axel's father, was on another level of rich sunk deeper in my head.

We lounged in her home cinema which looked like a kid's room compared to the one at Axel's home. Jenna had put on a disney movie and we laughed, gossiped and barely paid any attention to the movie.

We both were casually discussing different types of nail art when a loud bang suddenly snapped us out of our world.

"What was that?" I asked her.

She looked just as puzzled. "This is strange. The room is soundproof. The sound must have come from the preview room."

Bang!

Then footsteps could be heard. I stood from my seat as did Jenna. The pace of the footsteps increased and then the dimmed lights of the room were brightened. The door opened and in came a tall, athletically built, blonde, attractive guy.

Oh, who was this?

He was definitely older than us. Probably in college, I presumed. But— he looked amazing.

"Joseph," Jenna exclaimed and rushed towards him. "When did you get back?" She hugged him tightly.

"Not long ago, monkey." They pulled apart and he ruffled her hair. His gaze fell on me, realizing that there was company in the room. "Did I disturb you?"

"No, we were just talking." Jenna leaned on him. "This is my brother, Joseph Rivers. He's in college. Joe, this is Astoria Emerson, a friend." She made the introductions.

"That's a lovely name," Joseph complimented me.

I blushed. "Thanks," I muttered. "I think it's time for me to go home," I said to Jenna.

"Yeah, sure." Jenna didn't protest. "I'll have my driver take you home."

"Okay." I slipped my cardigan back on, righted my glasses and grabbed my backpack. "Thanks for having me over."

I walked past both of them and the entire time I felt eyes on my back. It felt strange. Maybe it was my own delusion. I was imagining things. Still, I don't think I had imagined the foul look in Joseph's eyes.

***

Things had started to become rocky between me and Axel. There was a point reached where we disagreed upon everything. I was getting irritated by our constant bickering.

"It's not normal, you know," I spoke, breaking the silence in the room.

"What's not normal?" Axel laid beside me, shirtless. His fingers lightly caressing my inner thigh.

I exhaled. "Us."

His fingers stopped its gentle caressing and now rested on my tight.

"We argue more than we kiss. When there's nothing to argue about, it's crickets. We are drifting away even if we are together."

"I don't want to talk about it now." He pulled down the covers and sat upright on my bed. I reached out to touch his naked back, but it felt like an overstep.

Does he even want me to touch him?"

"Where are you going?" I asked as I watched him put tshirt back on. "We were supposed to spend the night together."

"Yeah, whatever," he shrugged. "I require my own space too sometimes."

"Or do you just want space from me?" I bolted to a sitting position. "Don't string me along, Axel. Be honest."

He c****d his head. "What exactly do you want me to be honest about?" He scratched his chin. "You're unbelievable," he chuckled, humourlessly.

"You've lost your interest in me," I whispered. "Isn't that it?"

He said nothing, just flexed his jaw.

Dread surged through my veins and took root in the pit of my stomach. The fears that I held before entering this relationship came to light. He wanted me. Then, he had me and now he wants me out of his life.

I was the plain, boring, stuck up b***h now.

"This is why I wanted us to remain friends," I whisper-yelled. "But you wanted more and now see; everything is ruined."

I was angry and he was exasperated.

"Okay, you were right, You won, happy now?"

I got out of my bed. I pushed him hard.

He stared at me, livid. "If I push you back, you'll f*****g break your neck," he said, vehemently.

Tears welled up in my eyes. "Go ahead. I deserve it anyway. A girl foolish enough to let you in her heart deserves every bad thing in her life."

"I am so fed up with your bullshit. What do you want me to do? Worship the ground you walk?"

"No, I don't and will never expect anything from you because we are done."

I didn't look at him and made my way to the bathroom. I was suddenly whipped around and crushed in a tight grip.

"Who gave you the right to decide the course of our relationship?" Axel invaded my personal space, nearly talking in my face. "Huh, pretty girl, a little attention made you believe that you had the balls in this relationship? Well, let me break it to you— I am done with you. I was done with you a long time ago, do you understand me?"

I swallowed the tears that were threatening to flow. "If you were done with me a long time ago, then why did you wait to end things?"

"Mouthy like always." Our lips were inches apart.

His eyes fell on my lips and for a moment I thought he was going to kiss me, but he pushed me away. I fell on the floor. Axel towered over me.

"I can't believe I thought I loved you. That was a mistake I'll never repeat."

"Don't worry. I won't do it either."