The Princess & The Pauper

Unexpected Dinner

KARINA'S POV

"Now Karina, tell us if all the rumours about the people from the other side are really who they are? I mean, did they eat food from the floor? Did you eat food from the floor? Or did you bail on the first day?" I have no idea why I even agreed to go to this luncheon with these bunch of idiots.

I could be enjoying my time at my family’s private beach if I didn't agree to be here. What was the purpose of me being here again? I really can't remember anything.

"No, they don't eat food from the floor. And no, I didn't bail on my first day. But I did drop my candy on the floor once because it was my last bit of sweet, and I don't want to waste them," they were shocked.

"Anyway, regarding the reason for your presence here with us, we would like to discuss your position within the Dungeon," Wait, they wanted to discuss my position.

"What's wrong with my position? I was the one who created the Dungeon, and you all have no power against me," I pointed it out straight away.

"When you were in Grimcross student council, yes; you are on point, but position-wise, you're not the president of Grimcross Academy anymore. Lauren is, and according to The Dungeon law book, she's automatically become the leader. Not you," I was speechless!

"Are you trying to revoke my membership from The Dungeon? For God sake, I was the one who created all of this! I was the one who established all of your position in the eyes of society! Is this the way you guys treated your creator?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, Karina, it's just the way it is. The Dungeon can't function the way it should be if our leader isn't there to make great things happen. Lauren is promising, and I'm sure she can do better than you can. At first, we were reluctant to accept her, but she shows how much she cares for The Dungeon and; she already proved herself well.” Did they forget that it was me who helped that b***h to be the person she is today?!

Hell, I even taught her how to be just like me!

"You guys have no idea what you're doing! You all terminate my memberships is one thing, but to dismiss me as your leader, that's just plain cruel!" I can't believe I have to deal with this now!

"Oh, don't say that, Karina. We want something fresh for The Dungeon. Your ideology was great for the first time we heard it, but now that we grew a lot better, we want to think far ahead for ourselves and with Lauren as our leader; we don't have to worry about anything," I can't believe they toss me aside just like that!

"I was the one who created The Dungeon- I can also destroy it as well," their expression changes.

"And as the person who's been by your side for years, I can also stop you from destroying our future. Karina, I admit that you changed a lot in me, in us, but- we need a leader who doesn't think of herself. We need a leader who can be a mentor for us," Lauren gave me a small smile.

"I'm sorry, but you're just not that person," she looks at the time and excuses herself. Before she left, she placed a cheque in front of me.

"Your membership fee. I think this should be sufficient for your hard work and diligence for all those years," Lauren and the others smile before leaving me alone. I reached out for the cheque and chuckled at the amount they thought was enough to repay me for my effort.

"New girl?" I look up to the person talking to me.

"Oh, hello there, miss Knox," and I thought I could be alone.

"You do know my name is Karina. Why do you always call me a new girl?" I asked because of curiosity. She shrugged.

"I do, but calling you by your name doesn't sound cool," she smiled.

"So, who was those people you were with? It seems like you had such an intense discussion," so she was watching me? Why didn't I notice her before?

"They are some of my former friends from Grimcross," I said.

"Former?" She asked.

"Well, after what they did to me, they don't deserve to be my friends anymore. I don't have time to think about some ungrateful b***h who only appreciated my hard work when I was on top," her eyes then landed on the cheque that was on the table.

"What is-," her eyes widen.

"Holy mother of God!" She half yelled. Her reaction was priceless.

"What?" I was halfway drinking my drink.

"What? Seriously? Normal people wouldn't let a cheque of 10 million dollars just chilling on top of a table! Jesus!" She immediately took the cheque and gave it to me. I decline.

"No. You can have it," Isabella’s reaction was once again priceless.

"It was given to me by my former friends. I don't want any of their things in my possession. I don't owe them; they owe me. So here,” I place the cheque in her palm.

"This 10 million is yours to have. You can do whatever you want with it. My hard work, my sweats and my sleepless night trying to make them all look presentable can't be labelled. The amount of effort I put into it doesn't cost this little," karma is a b***h. One day they all will know how big of a mistake they made.

"I can't accept this! It's yours, and 10 million is a lot of money. If you don't want this money, you can always donate it to charity," that's not a bad idea.

"What kind of charity do you have in mind?" I asked.

"My mother works for the government, and in her free time, she volunteered at a non-profitable charity to help the homeless. There is a lot of them out there, and they're helping what they can. Most rich people don't care about them. They tried to ask for help from the senator office, but those egghead receptionists said that senator Marina didn't have time to care for the homeless," What?!

Even though my mother is evil reincarnated, she stills help those who need help.

"That's odd. I know my mother; she wouldn't say no. She probably is helping them personally," Miss Knox shrugged her shoulder.

"Introduce me to this group you mentioned. Who knows, I can put sense into my mother's head," I can finally see her genuine smile when I mentioned that.

"Really? You'll do that?" I nod.

"Why not? I have 10 million dollars worth of money that I'm planning to give you anyway," I gave her a small smile.

"What were you doing here even?" I asked.

"Oh- well, that's another story for another time," she smiled.

***

"I didn’t expect to see this many kids. Why didn't the government take action?" I asked while we walked around the shelter.

"Because even the homeless want to be with their kids, new girl.” That feeling is foreign to me. I have a loving mother, but because of her duty, I hardly see her in person.

"Belle! You brought a friend?" Isabella hugged the woman I assume is her mother.

"This is Karina Delvaux," her mother reaction was priceless. Now I know where her daughter gets it from.

"Belle, are you mad?! Bringing senator Marina's daughter into this kind of place. What if they-," I have to interfere or else they will only see me as that woman's child than the person I am individual.

"I'm here on my account. I don't bring my mother's name everywhere I go. Rest assured," I smiled at Mrs Knox.

"Still, Belle. What you did is not wise. We tried; we did ask for help from the senator's office to build a place for the homeless, but; it's hard to make an appointment to meet the senator. She's busy, and her assistant said she doesn't have time to entertain such a small group of people who are trying to help useless people; his words, of course.” Him? I thought mother's assistant was aunt Amber.

"Hold on. I don't think you met the real assistant. As far as I know, her assistant should be Amber and not anyone else. Maybe I can help," I look around the shelter.

From just looking around, I can see how they work hard to make a place for everyone. It's not much, the food is eatable, and they seem too short on warm blankets and clothes for everyone, but I know the volunteers tried, they did. And that I admire that.

"I will help you guys," I smiled. They seem confused for a second.

"I will help financially, and I will try to get another non-profitable group to join forces with you. I have some connection in an association that might help," I watched as one of the volunteers presented warm blankets for an old man who was shivering.

"But why? You don't even know us that well yet. Why would you want to support us?" Mrs Knox asked.

"Well, I've done some shitty things while I was in Grimcross. I guess now that I'm a student of Mercywood, I should repent and maybe help those who need help. My mother sent me to Mercywood so I could be more like her when she was a student. A refine and more like a trophy child," I chuckled.

"Meeting people like Miss Knox here made me realised how small I am in this world. I noticed that once I was not in power, those standing behind literally stabbed me from the back. It's a miracle that Miss Knox just miraculously appeared today after my defeat," I took out the cheque.

"This is the amount of my hard work. Those ‘friends’ valued me this much after they had what they wanted," Mrs Knox eyes widened when she saw the amount.

"I will fund this shelter. Not only that, I will find a way for them to have a second chance in life. My mother always told me that everyone deserves to have a second chance," I smiled. But not my father. That man can die in a ditch somewhere.

Maybe by doing this, I could forget how my supposed friends treated me.

"You'll fund the shelter?" I nod at Mrs Knox question. I understand that it seems too good to be true for them.

"Why? I mean, not many people would even think of doing something that doesn’t benefit them back. Supporting and funding this shelter will not give you any profit whatsoever," Mrs Knox try to make it more transparent for me to understand what I'm about to get myself into.

"I know. I've joined a lot of charity events and philanthropic activities to know that. Trust me; I don't expect anything back from this. I want to change," it wasn't that surprising anymore when I saw my driver suddenly showing up unannounced.

"Lady Karina," he seems grateful now that she saw me standing in front of him.

"Harry? What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Please! Next time, if you ever wish to go somewhere, please, I'm begging you, please let us know. Your mother has been worried sick since you didn't answer your phone. We've been searching for you," my mother is worried? That's even weirder.

"How did you know that I'm here?" I asked, curious.

"Your car," he said.

"Oh, yea- the tracker. I'm sorry, I am. Oh Harry, meet my new friends. Isabella Knox and her mother- hmmm. I'm sorry, I didn't ask for your name," Mrs Knox smiled.

"Carrie. My name is Carrie Knox," Harry shakes hands with both of them.

"Are you two related?" Mrs Knox asked. Harry and I look at each other before we both shaking our heads.

"He's my driver,"

"She's my employer," we both said at the same time. Harry looks around, and from the looks of his expression, he's wondering what I'm doing here.

"Harry, I've decided that for my first good deed, I'm going to fund this shelter," his eyes widen.

"Are you serious? But you're Lady Karina! Lady doesn't care about other people than herself!" I squint my eyes. I can't believe he just said that in front of everyone.

"A person can change," I said.

"Hold on, was there any reason for you and the others to search for me? And I'm sure my mother rarely worried about me. She knows that I'm capable of taking care of myself," Harry seems to realised something.

"Senator Marina requested to have dinner together as a family.” What?

"I understand the surprise, milady, but you have to attend tonight’s dinner. It’s compulsory.” Harry explained. My mother is a busy woman. There is no reason for her to have dinner with me. That woman is trouble! I clicked my tongue in annoyance.

"Are you free, Miss Knox?" I asked the cheerleader.

"Well, yea. Why?" I don't know if it's a good idea, but; it's the only way, I guess.

"I would like to request your help with something if that's okay," I smiled.

"What kind of help?" She asked. I'm happy she asked me that.

***

“Wow! Look at the view! It must be nice to wake up every morning to this kind of scenery.” I watched Isabella walked towards the windows to admire the scenery.

“Oh- I didn’t expect to see a guest tonight. Is that your friend, Karina?” I nodded at my mother.

“Hello. I don’t know if I should be here, though.” Isabella smiled at my mother before turning her eyes to me. Was that a warning? I don't believe that it’s my fault, though. She agreed to be here. I told her I would sponsor the cheer team for the championships if she decided to come to dinner with me, and she did! I didn't even force her.

“You’re welcome to join us for dinner. My name is Marina.” My mother offers her hand to Isabella.

“My name is Isabella. It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” My mother chuckled.

“Ma’am? Call me Aunty instead since you’re friends with Karina. Come- we have a lot of things to talk about.” My mother leads Isabella towards the dining room while leaving me in the living room. Am I invincible in my mother’s eyes?

“Karina! What are you waiting for? I am starving!” My mother called out before I walked towards the dining room.

“Mom, your daughter is right here, you know.” My mother ignored me while she started a conversation with Isabella.

“So, are you Karina’s classmate?” Isabella nodded while I asked for a glass of wine.

“Hey! Who told you that you could drink alcohol?” My mother suddenly asked me. The servants were shocked.

“Umm- I always had wine. It’s not my fault you don’t know that, mom.” My mother turned to the serving maid.

“Is that true? Karina had always been drinking wine?” The maid nodded.

“It seems I’ve been neglecting my daughter. Although I told myself that I will spend my time with my daughter more this year, it seems it’s slipping away.” My mother suddenly turned to Isabella.

“Am I a bad mother? You can be honest.” Isabella turned to me.

“The woman said you can be honest, so be honest.” I smiled at Isabella.

“You’re the worse mother ever. All you do is work, and you ignore your daughter. Perhaps that is why your daughter is rude to everyone.” Isn’t that too honest of you? I wonder how my mother will respond to that.

“Hmmm- I guess I am. I’m sorry, Karina. I’ve been a bad mother for you.” I can’t believe this. Is it because Isabella is here or-

“Are you drunk? Did something happened at the office that made you come home today?” My mother smiled.

“I decided to have a week of rest from all official work and meetings. I want to spend my time with my daughter and perhaps her friends.” Excuse me? I look at her in disbelief.

“You’re kidding me. There is no way my mother would leave work for something like that. Are you even my mother? Who are you?!” My mother chuckled while she enjoyed her dinner.

“I am your mother. Trust me. Anyway, Isabella, did Karina ever maltreat you and the other students?” I can’t believe this woman.

“For now, not really. But today, Karina did help me out a lot. She agrees to sponsor the cheer team to the championship and donate quite a sum of money to a charity my mother volunteering in.” My mother dropped her spoon after she heard what Isabella had just said.

“Are you sure that the one who donated is Karina? Because this child doesn’t care about anything other than herself!” My mother just recited the exact words that Harry utter not long ago.

“You shouldn’t be too surprised, you know. Anyway, mom- I have something to say. Mrs Knox- Carrie and her team tried to meet you officially, but your secretary doesn’t allow them. And I thought your secretary is aunt amber.” My mother seems confused.

“What do you mean? I have no idea what is going on.” I begin to explain about the man that forbids anyone from meeting the senator. My mother doesn’t seem to know about the man that I mentioned.

“What do you men’s a man is acting like my secretary? Your aunt Amber is the only secretary I have. It is my first time hearing about this. Tell me more about this shelter.” I smiled when I saw Isabella’s eyes shining as she talked to my mother.

“I like her. Isabella might be the only friend you ever brought back who doesn’t talk about their parents as much. Transferring you to Mercywood might be my best decision yet.” Well, at least my mother is happy.

“Why don’t you spend a night here. We have a few guests rooms. What do you think of that idea, Karina?” I nodded since I didn’t mind at all. But of course, Isabella needs to make the decision herself.

“I don’t want to be in the way of your bonding time, though.” My mother waved her hands.

“Nonsense! Spend a night here. Since it’s Friday night, you don’t have to worry bout school. And you can borrow Karina’s clothing for the night. My daughter will send you home tomorrow morning.” My mother suggested.

“It seems I have no choice then. Thank you, ma’am.” My mother shakes her head no.

“Aunty. Call me aunty.” Isabella smiled.

“Yes- I forgot. Aunty.” Wow- I never expected to see Isabella smiled like that. Good job, Mommy!