The Princess & The Pauper

Charles

THIRD-PERSON POV

“Marina- when are you going to tell your daughter about her father?” Marina was cutting her steak into bite pieces when she heard her little sister’s question.

“I thought we promise to never talk about this ever again. Karina doesn’t need to know about that useless man. After what he did to Karina, why should I occupied my daughter’s thoughts about that useless man?” Amber sighed.

“Because if you continue to ignore this, Charles will find a way to find Karina instead. Tell your daughter that her father is trying to extorting money from you.” Marina placed her fork and knife down before drinking a full glass of champagne.

“We need another bottle of Dom Perignon,” Marina told the servants.

“Sister- listen. Karina needs to know about Charles. Please don’t keep this to yourself. I’m sure Karina knows how to deal with him if she knows that Charles is threatening you.” Amber smiled at the maid before she poured another glass of champagne for her sister.

“I thought having my husband sleeping with my sister wasn’t enough.” Amber sighed.

“Charles thought that having a child with Gina would solidify his standing as the first son in law. It’s not your fault that your husband is a dick.” Marina smiled.

“I hate him. But that man refuses to sign the divorce paper. And now that that woman is not part of the Delvaux family anymore, Charles is trying to get back to me. That man is used to living in wealth. Of course, he’s going to crawl back to me.” Amber pour herself a glass of champagne before telling Marina about the text she receives from their older sister, Gina.

“Gina needs money for her son’s hospital bill? Why? What happened to her son?” Amber explained to Marina about the accident Gina’s son had at school.

“Why didn’t Charles do something to pay for the hospital?” Marina asked while Amber shrugged her shoulder.

“Did Gina begged for your help?” Amber nodded.

“I feel sorry, so I decided to help her pay for the hospital fee. Gina is still my older sister, after all. I can’t exactly say much since I am not the one who she had issues with.” Marina waved her hand off while sipping her champagne.

“You should do whatever you think is right. It’s your money, after all. Anyway, I meant to ask you about Karina’s report. What’s the progress? Did your boyfriend told you anything?” Marina chuckled when Amber glared at her.

“That man is not my boyfriend. We remained friends, and that is all. Also, that man didn’t tell me anything about the case. It’s confidential.” Marina hummed.

“Is that so? Hmmm, I’m that case; all I have to do is use my title as the senator to know the progress. I didn’t trust Karina when she said she had nothing to do with Lauren and her brothers. I know my daughter well, and I know she is involved in this matter.” Amber raised an eyebrow.

“Why? You’re supposed to trust Karina. What kind of mother are you?” Marina smiled.

“A mother who knows her daughter a little too well. I raised that child. Perhaps it’s my fault that’s she became too daring for her good. That child has the worse reputation, but I’ve been covering her up. The only reason I send her to Mercywood was that Grimcross might not be a great place for her anymore.” Amber cleared her throat.

“But you have to admit that Karina is doing us a favour by exposing all those rich bastards who use their title and money to put us in a tight position. It’s only been a couple of years since you have had the office. Sure, there is no reason for the opposition to say that you used your father’s influence as the president of this country for your good since he is retired now. But those evil ones will continue to question your credibility. Karina is helping you involuntarily.” Marina smiled.

“I know, and I am proud of her for doing so. But I have enough people under my control to make sure no one dares to do me harm. This city is corrupted to its bones, and it’s crumbling. The people had voiced their concerns, and they chose me to fix that problem. But there are always people who will try to sabotage me. Find that man who pretends to be my secretary as soon as possible. While you’re at it, find those who have been acting as your proxy all this while.” Amber nodded.

“Alright. I’ll begin my investigation as soon as possible.” As they continued to talk about their work, Marina and Amber heard Karina’s voice coming their way.

“Mom- oh, hi, aunty. Anyway, do you anyone who’s in the mob?” Marina was shocked.

“What did you do?” Marina asked.

“Oh, nothing. Someone from Mercywood is the granddaughter of a mob boss, and she has been flaunting that fact right under my nose. Today that girl even try to humiliate Isabella in front tog everyone. I think that girl is pissed now. Also, why is Charles trying to get himself into the building? It’s embarrassing, and he is gathering a lot of the media’s attention.” Marina’s eyes widen.

“What did you say?!” Karina shrugged.

“So you knew?” Karina nodded.

“He’s been trying to get my attention for a couple of days now. He even tried to see me through the school. Luckily Harry manages to stop him.” Marina clicked her tongue in annoyance before sighing hard.

“Amber, call the lawyer. He needs to find a way for Charles to sign the divorce paper as soon as he can. I’m tired of dealing with this issue.” Amber nodded as she texted the lawyer.

“Don’t worry about it.” Marina smiled at Karina.

“And about that girl from school, do you need me to talk to her grandfather?” Karina shakes her head no.

“So you do know him?” Marina nodded.

“Good.” Karina smiled before excusing herself.

***

“This design is the store newest addition. No one has ever seen it before other than the lady. What do you think of it, lady Karina?” Karina tilted her head as she observed the dress that the store manager displayed.

“I like it, but isn’t it too revealing for a high schooler like myself to wear? But never mind. Please put it in my tab. Do you have any newer sunglasses?” The store manager nodded before showing Karina the sunglasses that were on display.

The store manager seems nervous for no reason as Karina trying out several different sunglasses.

“I like these.” The store manager nodded.

“These handbags though- hmmm.” Karina smiled when she saw Harry walking into the store.

“Harry- which handbag suits me better? The black studded one or the white which shows how innocent I am?” Harry seems contemplating whether to choose based on the lady’s personality or her current mood.

“I think the black one suited the lady more than the white.” Karina hummed.

“You’re right.” Karina handed the black stuffed handbag to the store manager before sitting on the couch.

“That is all,” Karina said before handing her credit card to the manager.

“How did everything goes, Harry?” Karina asked while enjoying the sweets that the store had provided her with.

“Everything went smoothly. I heard the minister went to Lauren’s home and arrested the brothers. And from what I knew from our spies, it seems Lauren will target the lady next. You ought to be careful, milady.” Karina waved her hands as she drank her tea.

“Oh please- just what can Lauren do to me? That girl doesn’t even know how to respect me as the one who gave her everything she ever needed. It’s easy to give it all to Lauren and the others, but it is easier for me to take it all back.” Harry sighed.

“I guess so. Anyway, is there a reason for the lady to be here? You didn’t even spend like you usually do.” I smiled.

“I’m here because I’m looking for a gift. I hope that girl like my gift.” Harry seems confused.

“I made a new friend, and her name is Maria. I was invited to her birthday party this Saturday, so I’m thinking of buying her a gift. After hours of searching for the perfect gift, I finally manage to find the item in this store.” I smiled at Harry.

“I’m glad you did.” Karina offered a cup of tea to Harry.

“Is it alright for me to drink this?” Karina nodded before patted an empty seat on the couch.

“Harry, how old are you?” The driver was surprised by Karina’s question.

“I am forty-five this year, milady.”

“Are you married?” Harry shook his head no.

“I’m single.” Karina was surprised.

“Why?” Harry shrugged his shoulder.

“Just because. Perhaps I haven’t met the one yet.” Karina scoffed.

“Are you that picky?” Harry laughed.

“I am not picky. Women like men who have money. At the moment, I am far from having any money to provide for my wife.” Karina look at Harry with sceptical looks.

“Well, since you said it that way. Have you been investigating the boy I mentioned? Any information?” Harry nodded.

“I searched for some information about Gabriel, but something doesn’t add up. The lady mentioned that he is dating miss Isabella, right? But it seems he is closer to a student named Marisa. I went to the hospital where he currently is and met a student named Marisa coming out from his room. The nurse was helpful enough to tell me the visitor’s name.” Karina raised an eyebrow.

“The nurse did? Did you get her number, at least? You need to find a lady, Harry. You can’t spend your life alone.” Harry laughed before shaking his head no.

“There is only one person who deserves my love, and I will never have her.” Karina seems confused by this and let it go. But she has a feeling that she knows who that person is based on his expression.

“Harry- don’t you think they’re taking way too long to pay for the things? Why don’t you go and talk with them.” Harry nodded and went to the counter to inquire about the purchase.

“Lady Karina.” Harry gave Karina a nod while carrying the bags with both of his hands. Karina smiled before stood up from the couch and left the store.

“I want to eat ice cream,” Karina said to Harry.

“Ice cream? I saw an ice cream booth when I walked through the mall earlier. Should we ask around?” Karina nodded. Harry went on and asked the mall worker the place they could have ice cream. As the worker explaining the way, Karina noticed a group of familiar people walking around the mall.

“Oh- I didn’t expect to see the daughter of a senator shopping at our mall. Oh wait- you’re here with your sugar daddy? Oh my- didn’t the senator gave you enough money to spend?” Marisa, who spotted Karina, suddenly talked nonsense in front of the mall-goers.

“Miss Marisa, please. Everyone knows that Harry is my driver. Even if you start calling for the reporters here, even they know who Harry is.” Karina smiled at Marisa while her friends glared at her.

“Do you think that you’re that smart? Don’t flatter yourself because there are always people who are better than you in everything.” Marisa took a step back when Karina leaned in.

“I know your secret.” Marisa seems confused.

“I know what you did with Gabriel in his wardroom.” Karina smiled before patted Marisa’s shoulder.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Karina laughed.

“Oh, I do. Behave yourself.” Karina turned her back to Marisa before following Harry to an ice cream booth.

“Is that the girl who you saw walking out from Gabriel’s room, Harry?” Harry nodded.

“She is not even that beautiful compare to Isabella. Why would that boy even do this to her?” Karina sighed in front of the ice cream booth before smiling at the worker.

“Two mint chocolate cup, please.”