The Princess & The Pauper

Sponsorship

KARINA’S POV

After sending Isabella home, my mother and aunt suggested having lunch outside for a change. It’s been a while since we met, and it seems my aunt has so much to say after we leave the shelter.

When we arrived at our favourite restaurant, the hostess was surprised to see us since we hadn’t made an appointment. But my aunt managed to pull some strings since she knew the owner of this restaurant.

“I feel bad for those who have to wait for their turn to dine in here. As a senator, this will be one of the things that my enemies will use to go against me.” My aunt waved her hands as my mother expressed her thoughts.

“Don’t worry about that, big sister. I will make sure that the media won’t get to say anything regarding this matter.” Sometimes I wonder if my mother’s side of the family is always this demanding.

Now I know where I got my attitude from. It’s highly influenced by both my mother and my aunt, whom I’m close to.

“So, Karina. Is that woman from this morning your official girlfriend? I like her. That girl is not afraid to say whatever she wants. Isabella is perfect for our family. I bet that girl isn’t afraid to do anything.” Excuse me? Isabella as my girlfriend? I don’t think that will ever happen.

That girl is as straight as a noodle.

“Isabella is not my girlfriend. She is just a friend I met in Mercywood.” My aunt gave me a look before calling for the waitress. After we ordered our food, my aunt continued to stare at me.

“I like Isabella too. She is different from the other girls you brought home before. That girl is dating, and she is perfect for you.” Even my mother thought that I was interested in Isabella. Well, she is beautiful, and I like how vocal she is, but Isabella is straight.

“Too bad since Isabella is not single. Please stop talking about this and enjoy our time together, alright? Besides, I don’t see myself dating anyone for the time being. I have other things to worry about.” My aunt seems intrigued.

“What do you mean? I thought your future was set when you established The Dungeon. Did something happened?” I explained to my aunt and mother what happened between the other members and me.

My mother seems calm about what happened, but my aunt doesn’t even try to hide her anger.

“That ungrateful b***h. Do you want Aunty to do something about this? How dare that lady betrayed my niece like that.” My aunt slammed her hand on the table, which gaining everyone’s attention.

“Amber- calm down.” My mother clears her throat before turning her attention to me.

“What are you planning to go with Lauren and the others?” I shrugged my shoulder before smiling at the waitress. After the waitress left, I told my mother about my whole plan.

“It was me who established The Dungeon, and it won’t take me long to destroy it. Besides, Lauren doesn’t know what that society is capable of doing. The only reason why I created it was because to ensure my future.” And Lauren ruined that by kicking me off the society.

“Hmm- I think we should stay out of this matter. I’m sure Karina knows what she’s doing. As long as you don’t get caught, everything should be okay.” What just happened? Did my mother give me her approval to do things that I want?

“But that doesn’t mean you can do extreme things.” I smiled at my mother and aunt.

“Define extreme. Because our views on things aren’t the same.” My mother sighed while my aunt chuckled.

“No murder. That’s all I’m asking.” I chuckled since I found it funny for my mother to think that I would go as low as that.

“Murdering someone requires a lot of paperwork. I’m not that stupid. Anyway, aunt Amber, are you still dating that gentleman from the ministry of defence?” Aunt Amber shake her head no.

“But we’re still friends. What can I do to help you, my niece?” Before I got to say anything, my mother glared at me.

“Don’t do anything stupid! I am still the senator, and you’re my daughter.” I chuckled at how worried my mother was whenever I turned to my aunt for help.

“Mom, I’m trying to make this city a better place for everyone. Why would I turned to the police when I can file an official report about the crime I’ve witnessed with my own eyes?” Even my mother got curious.

“What do you mean?” I told both my mother and aunt about the things Lauren’s brothers had been doing behind their parents back. Although they came from respected family background, it doesn’t mean that their children act like a saint.

“Did you get yourself involved?” I shook my head no when my aunt asked me about my involvement.

“I have never touched that kind of stuff. Did you guys seriously just thought that I would destroy my own body by taking drugs? Please- I’m far better than that.” My mother smiled, and so was my aunt.

“Good. I like that kind of answer. I will find the minister first thing tomorrow and help you file the report. I’m sure that man’s face will light up the moment he heard this.” My aunt seems eager. I thought they broke up.

“Keep your excitement to the minimum. Karina, aren’t you afraid of them? What if Lauren and her brothers decided to take out their anger on you?” I shrugged my shoulder.

“It’s what they get for kicking me out from the very society I created. Did they think they could survive without me?! Think again!” My mother smiled while eating her food.

“Alright then. I will only give you one last chance to do what is right. No more, no less. Okay?” I nodded. It’s more than I ever wish for from my mother.

***

“Hey, guys! I want to introduce you all to our new sponsor, Karina Delvaux.” I smiled and waved as Isabella introduced me to her teammates. How did I end up here? I was on my way towards my car when Isabella dragged me to the football field.

“Hello. You guys can call me Karina.” I smiled before turning to Isabella.

“Is that all?” I asked the cheerleader, who was shaking her head no.

“We have a lot of things to discuss the team and the championship. I’ve prepared all the paperwork for you to read and contract to sign so you won’t simply bail out on the team.” This girl- she’s thorough, I give her that.

“Is that so? Where is the paperwork? I will read it while sitting on the bleachers while you practice. Is that alright?” Isabella nodded her head before handed me the papers. I didn’t expect it to be this thick. I smiled and went to the bleachers.

Isabella wasn’t playing when she said she had prepared a complete report about her team. The captain even included the team’s expenses and strategy to win the championship. I am impressed.

“Isabella is so hot! If only she didn’t get serious with Gabriel, that would be better. Gabriel is not even a good guy, to begin with. I’m sure that star quarterback is using her for clout.” Oh- it’s fun to be here.

“I know, right. Poor Isabella. If only she knows how Gabriel been doing behind her back, she won’t be slaving herself for that useless man.” Oh- in other words, Gabriel had been cheating on Isabella? It’s been a week since I transferred into this school, but I have never seen this Gabriel fellow at all.

Was his injury that bad? What a p***y.

“Karina? What are you doing here?” I smiled at Maria, who walked towards me.

“I’m here because the cheer captain wanted to introduce me to her teammates. What are you doing here?” Maria pointed at a group of guys not far from where the cheer team was.

“The basketball team decided to exercise out on the field today. I’m here because I have to wait for my boyfriend. We agree to go back together.” I see. It must be nice to be in a relationship and happy about each other.

“I see. Say, Maria. Have you heard any bad things about Isabella’s boyfriend?” Maria seems surprised.

“You mean Gabriel? Of course. It’s a wide known fact that Gabriel is a playboy who often plays with girls emotions. Do you know Lily?” I nodded.

“Lily tried to warn Isabella about Gabriel, but Isabella ignored her advice and decided to be together with Gabriel despite his bad reputation. That’s just plain stupid!” So Gabriel is not a saint-like Isabella want others to believe, huh. Hmmm, interesting.

“I heard that you decided to sponsor the cheer team to the championship. Is that alright? Would it be too hard on you to do so?” Is it just I, or Maria is genuinely worried for me?

“It’s fine. I have some money to spare; besides, my mother has been bugging me to do some good deeds while I’m here.” I said while looking through the papers.

I should bring this proposal back so my accountant can make use of it.

“Oh my- it seems Isabella is in trouble with the student council. I wonder what is going on.” Huh? Isn’t that the president?

“That bitchy president again? Should I go there and do something?” Maria shakes her head no.

“You’ll get into trouble if you do. I suggest that we should wait here and see what will happen next.” But it seems it will go out of hand if Isabella can’t handle herself. I stood up from my spot and made my way towards the field.

“Excuse me. I think it’s best if we calmly talk about this.” The president turned to me with annoying looks.

“And who are you? This is a matter between the captain of the cheer team and me.” Is this a joke? Why would the president raise her hand to Isabella like that?

“My name is Karina Delvaux. I normally wouldn’t meddle in anyone’s matter, but I am currently sponsoring the cheer team for the championship. I don’t want the captain to get herself hurt while preparing for the championship. If the president continues to use such tactic, I have no choice but to call for my lawyer and let him settled this matter using the law instead.” I threatened this woman.

“You can’t threaten me like that! I am-,” I raised my hand and smiled.

“A granddaughter to a mob boss? Honey, my money is a senator. What do you expect? Ask your grandfather whether he knows Marina Delvaux or not. Because if he does, he is no longer a threat to my family.” I winked at the president before turning my back to her.

“It seems that the cheer team can’t practice in peace at all. I will prepare a more suitable place for the team to practice. I know some people, and I’m sure we can find a place for you guys to use.” I said while reaching for my phone before facing the president once again.

“I advise that the president restrain herself from using the granddaughter card wherever she goes. Why not make a name for yourself? If you keep this up, you’re only embarrassing yourself even more. Aren’t you tired of being the granddaughter of a mob boss? Think about your future. Geez.” I sighed before leaving the president together with the cheer team.

“Where are we going?” Isabella asked as I texted a friend whom I knew through my aunt.

“To a gym owned by a friend of mine. Don’t worry. That woman is a close friend, and I told her to keep the gym close for you guys.” I said as I walked.

“Have a good day, Maria.” I smiled at Maria before leaving the field.

“I will send you the location.” Hold on- I don’t think I have her number.

“What's your number?” I asked. Isabella naturally told me her number before I sent her a text.

“Alright. I’m going to save your number as ‘Isabella, the tyrant’.” I smiled before she hit my shoulder.

“What do you mean by that?” I chuckled.

“It’s the only word that perfectly describes your current attitude. It would help if you had ignored the president, but instead, you decided to get caught in her trap. Luckily I was there.” Isabella huffed.

“I could handle her without your help.”

“She is lying. The president would have revoked our request to enter the championship if you didn’t interfere.” I smiled at Isabella when her teammates backed me up.

“You guys!” Isabella blushed. I smiled.

“You guys may use the gym as much as you like. If you need anything, don’t be shy to tell me. Anyway, I have another engagement to attend to.” I smiled before getting into my car and drove away.