Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Charlotte led her way upstairs, holding some flowers. She was supposed to place the flowers earlier in one of the hotel rooms where she does a part-time job to earn extra income. But unfortunately, she came in late today, and to avoid losing her job, she snuck her way to the room to place the flower before the manager finds out she came in late. She can't afford to lose the job, not anytime soon. She pushed the door open, and gently ease her step, as quiet as she could towards the jar, and placed the flowers inside. Charlotte heaved out a small sigh after placing the flower in the jar. There won't be anymore scolding from her grumpy Boss. She spun towards the door, and turned on her heels. She was about turning the doorknob, when her phone chirped, and it made her groan. She pulled out the phone and checked the caller ID, it was her mother, she quickly pressed the answer button. "Hello Mum, is everything okay? I just left the house a few minutes ago?" She asked, with uncertainty. Her mother wouldn't call her for any reason, not when she just left the house not long ago. "You left without giving me the money I asked for, don't you Know it might cause trouble if we don't pay off the debt?" Just like she thought, it has to do with money, that has been their most immense challenge. Since she lost her father a year back. She had to drop out from school to save up money before she can afford to go back. "Mum, I have told you I will pay up when I get my monthly wages. You know why I took an extra job is to pay off the debt. Once I get paid, I'm paying off everything." She replied, pulling a long face, even though she wasn't there to see her. "Fine, I hope nothing happens before then, immediately you get paid, please let's settle off the debt.""Okay, I will hang up now, I have work to do." She said, and they hung up. Charlotte muttered a little prayer's hoping things won't go wrong before she gets paid. She marched her way to the lobby, thinking of how to come up with the money. On her way downstairs, she suddenly felt someone grab her, and before she could blink her eyes, and register what just happened, she was pulled into one of the hotel rooms. She spun around to look at the figure, but the room light was dim, and she couldn't see his face. A small light flashed into the room from the sliding window, vivid enough for her to see his face. But she was unable to take in his facial features vividly because the light suddenly vanished. Charlotte got nervous seeing the figure's shadow, slowly striding towards her. Just when she was about to ask questions, he pushed her on the bed, striping off his clothes. Charlotte wanted to yell, but she was scared he had a knife or a Sharp object with him. If she does yell, he might kill her, and that will be the end of her. No one will care about what happened to her. 'No, I can't be a victim of rape, I cant. I have to escape' She though, as she kept moving backwards on the bed, until her back hit the wooden bed. Charlotte was about to step off the bed and run away, when he grabbed her again, and this time, he climbed on top of her. "Please you can't do this to me, let go of me, please don't hurt me." She cried out, struggling to free herself from him. But he was too strong for her to get him off her. He claimed her lips, and used his hands to shift her skirt, which stopped her mid - thigh. Charlotte tried to get him off her, but before she could, she felt something huge penetrate inside her, and just then, she stopped fighting. The next day, after the incident from last night, Charlotte couldn't find her phone with her, and it was almost time for her to get off work. She went back to the room to search for her phone. While she was rummaging the bed for her phone, her gaze landed on a wristwatch in the front mirror. Charlotte furrowed her brows, and picked up the watch. She felt tears on her cheek, seeing the wristwatch. The incident from last night crept into her head, and more tears streamed down her cheeks. After all the pleading, he didn't let her go, she was lucky to escape after he was done with her, and drifted off to sleep. 'Did he leave a watch as a token for what he did? What does he take me for? A cheap whore?' Charlotte thought, tears streaming down her cheeks. She wiped her tears, and began to look for her phone. While she was at it, she sighted the phone on the floor, close to the bed. She carried her legs to the bed, and picked up the phone from the floor. She made sure to clean her eyes to avoid suspicious from her colleagues before she left the room. As she walked out of the room holding the watch, she headed to the trash bin to throw it away, when a friend and colleagues of hers who were supposed to take over the morning shift saw her with the wristwatch. As soon as she saw the watch, she recognized it and was astounded to see Charlotte holding such an expensive watch. She knew the worth of the watch, and quickly approached Charlotte. "Charlotte, where are you heading? Why do you have that watch with you? Have you suddenly become rich to afford such a watch?" Charlotte halt when she heard her voice. She inhaled and exhaled, before turning to the figure. "Oh, I'm heading to the trash bin, I want to throw this away?" Charlotte replied, trying to avoid eye contact with her. If Arya finds out she has been crying, she won't hesitate to dig into what happened to her. 'Is she stupid? Why would she throw it away? Does she not know the worth of it?' Arya thought, and smiled wickedly. This is a privilege for her to take it from her. "Oh okay, Let me do it for you, don't worry, just go back to the reception, I will throw it away." Arya responded, scratching the crook of her neck. Charlotte thought there was nothing wrong, so she gave her the wristwatch, and return to the reception. Arya made a little dance, and took a look at the watch. She believes if she sells it out, she has become rich. Arya loves vanity, and won't hesitate to kill for money. In the entire city, you rarely see people with such watch. Only the rich can afford it, not Just rich, you have to be extremely rich to afford such a watch. 'I have to quickly hide it, if someone recognizes it, they might steal it. I have to head downstairs and search for a spot to hide it' Arya thought, and made her way downstairs. Arya stride out and saw a Roy Royce parked downstairs, but she ignored and just walked pass it, securing the watch tightly. She halt and took a picture of it, then decided to post it on her social media page. Just then, the figure inside the car saw the watch in her hands. The figure quickly stepped down immediately he saw her with the watch, and approached her. "Good morning Mrs, please come with me, Mr Xi wants to see you." He informed her. Arya got a bit perplexed, why he would want to see her. It's not like she has a business with him, or has seen him before. She was skeptical for a moment, but knowing who Mr Xi was, she did not have a second thought, and hurried into the car.

Chapter 2 chapter 2

Four years later Charlotte stood by the roadside, waiting to hail a cab back home. She just got off work, and needed nothing more than to have a good rest, before heading out for another part-time job. Charlotte had to switch from her night shift because she's now a single mother, and needs to spend time with her babies whenever they're back from school. The manager understood her, and decided to switch her to a morning shift. She goes to work every morning and closes at noon, to go see her babies. The incident that eventuate with the Mysterious man four years back, got her pregnant, and instead of aborting the pregnancy, she kept it, with the support of her mother. It wasn't easy, but she did overcome the struggles! A cab halt in front of her, and she quickly hopped in and told him the address. "Ten dollar ma'am." The cab driver responded, and she just nodded. Charlotte stared at the window as the car drove to her destination. The thought of how she's going to earn extra income to take care of her octuplets babies filled her head. She has been taking care of their bills, for the past four years. She has a mother, and eight babies to take care of, all her part-time job's still doesn't pay off her bills, she needed something to add to the list. 'What if father was still alive? What if we had not lost him to the cold hands of death? I won't be running here and there to make a living. He would have done everything I asked of him' Charlotte thought, her gaze fixated on the door glass, while she plays with her nails. Being a single mother hasn't been easy on her, but she is glad, she could still provide with the little she makes from her Jobs. "Ma'am, we have arrived." The cab driver announced, which pulled her out of her reverie. She opened her bag, and pulled out a ten dollars, handed it to him, and stepped down from the cab. As she turned to the direction of her apartment, she sighed, with a smile. The thought of her babies, brings her lots of hope. She marched to the entrance of the house, with the smile still marred on her face. They stay in an apartment with two rooms, a parlor, toilet, and kitchen. Charlotte and her mother stay in one room, while the girls stay in the other room. Occasionally, Charlotte stays with the girls. "I'm home, where are my angel's?" Charlotte called out to them, and before she could even sit, they came running like always. "Mummy is back! Mummy is back!" They exclaimed, as they ran up to her, and she pulled them each into a hug. "Mummy you must be exhausted, come have a sit, I will quickly get you some water." Nadiyah said, the first daughter. Charlotte nodded, and hilda, Mariyah, Lailah, Zarah, and Naefah held her hands to the couch. Her mother strode into the living room with a sad expression. She has been waiting for Charlotte to come home. Charlotte knew something must be wrong, but she restrained herself from asking questions. Nadiyah returned with a glass of water, and handed it over to her mum. Charlotte gulped down the whole glass, and gave her the glass to return to the kitchen. "Thank you sweetheart." Nadiyah smiled and turned to the kitchen. Charlotte tilted her head, ready to question her mother. It could be money related, and she's ready to listen. "Mother, what is wrong this time? Why do you have to always look this way when you have something to say?" Charlotte asked, knowing the type of mother she has. "When are we going to keep living like this? Ain't you tired? Don't you also want to live a life like that of Arya? Don't you envy her?" Matilda asked. Just like Charlotte had thought, it's the same conversation, and each time she comes up with it, it hurts Charlotte, she tends to be pained. Arya got rich over the night, no one knew how she made her money, and each time her mom wants to compare her, she always uses Arya as an example, and it breaks her heart. Matilda has been the one taking care of her octuplets, and it hasn't been easy on her. She keeps comparing her to Arya, and it breaks her down. Arya disappeared after getting rich, she doesn't pick up calls, even if you have to call forever. Charlotte knew she was worth more than her, and instead of hanging back, she moved on with her life. Arya is her friend, but she never liked Charlotte. It hasn't been easy on her for the past four years, yet she has never begged anyone for help. All thanks to her best friend who has been supporting her. Charlotte looked at her mother, she wanted to utter a word of comfort to her, but was lost of words. It's always the same story, and she's not ready to delve in. "Grandma, mummy is going to buy us a bigger house soon, you won't have to worry again, okay?" Mariyah, the fourth child, spoke up, and the other nodded. "Yes Grandma, Mariyah is right, You don't have to worry, soon we will own a bigger house." Hilda, the second child said, and the rest nodded in agreement. Matilda looked at them, and was happy with the statement they made. She can be mad, but each time she sees the children speak words of encouragement, she is always happy. "I believe in your mummy, thank you angel's." Matilda responded with a tight-lipped smile. "Mummy, look, ain't they the sons of the noble family? I once heard grandma say it." Naefah, the seventh child asked, pointing at the screen on the console. Everyone's attention was now on the TV, watching the son's having an interview with the press. There are quite a lot of noble families in California, but the Xi family stand's out. They're known in different countries. Matilda smiled, she recalled telling them, they' are sons of the noble family, but didn't expect them to still remember. "We look like them? Don't we?" Nadiyah said, and her other twins agreed to it. Charlotte and her mother looked at each other, and she let out a small laugh. They never cease to amaze her, continually searching for people to point out their look alike. "Mummy Just needs to get a good job, and soon we will all be rich and noble. Not Just that, but we will also live in a mansion." Naefah said, and everyone including the girls laughed, cheering to what she said. ~ Arya, who has been living a luxurious life for the past four years, is seated in the living room, watching the ongoing interview with the noble's son. Arya has always loves vanity, she spends extravagantly, not caring how the money is being generated. She lacks nothing, and is proud of what she has done. She had a smirk on her face, as she watches the TV with the thought of Charlotte on her mind. If she had not collected the wristwatch from Charlotte four years back, she wouldn't be enjoying all the good things. 'It's good I didn't tell anyone about the watch. Charlotte must have become a mother of octuplets. I acted fast, and here I'm enjoying the good things of life' "She must have been shameless, and become a joke in the city. Too bad she wasn't wise, I was wiser than her, that's how I got here." Arya said, and burst out laughing. "This calls for a feast, I should celebrate this all by myself. Yes, I'm definitely having a feast." Arya said to no one, and stood up from the couch. She marches her legs to the kitchen, but halt when she saw a maid approaching her. "Good afternoon ma'am. The car has…" She was cut off, before she could finish. "Tell the chef to meet me on the balcony, I'm having a feast, they have a lot to do." Arya said to the maid. She nodded, and quickly turned on her heels.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Later that evening, Charlotte stride to the girl's room to check up on them. They had spent so much time together after having lunch, and played hide and seek. Spending enough time with them was one of the most imperative reasons she had to switch her night shift, and she is thrilled she's playing her role as a mother. Charlotte pushed the door open, she came into view with them laying on the bed, already fast asleep, and she smiled. 'Thought as much, I knew they were sleeping, they must have been tired after all the play' Charlotte thought, and closed the door back. She walked to the other room, and knocked on the door. After waiting for about some seconds, and she got no response, she pushed further into the room, and came into view with an empty room. Charlotte closed the door, she knew her mother must be in the kitchen ready to prepare dinner. As she walked into the kitchen, Matilda was engrossed chopping off some onions. Charlotte sighed, she closed her eyes for some while and smiled. She can't bring up the conversation from earlier. She forced a smile on her face, and marched further. "Mother, why didn't you call me to help out?" She asked, as she pushed further into the kitchen. Matilda couldn't stay mad at her for too long. Charlotte is the only child she has gotten, and she felt it's wrong to always be mad at her over their predicament. It's nobody's fault that Charlotte lost her father. Life makes decisions for us, and we have no choice than to accept it. Charlotte is doing the best she can to keep up with the everyday family expenses, and she's great full to her. She spun around to look at her daughter, and held her hands into hers. "I'm sorry about earlier, I don't mean everything I said, I just feel if you had a better job…" She trailed off. "Mother it's going to be okay, I believe we will overcome this, I don't want you sad please." Matilda smiled, and pulled her into a hug for a few seconds, before she disentangled the hug. "I believe in you, and I believe in what you can do. Please keep in mind, I will always stick with you." Matilda said, and ruffled her hair. "Thank you mother. I'm about to head out for work, the girls are sleeping, I will see you when I'm back.""Wait, before you leave, drink this, I made you your favorite pineapple juice. Drink it before you leave." Matilda responded, and spun around to get her the juice. Matilda thought Charlotte would be mad at her, so to make up for what she did, she prepared pineapple juice for her. She handed it over to Charlotte, who couldn't stop smiling. Pineapple juice is one of her favorite, and taking it before going out would definitely energize her. Matilda watched as Charlotte gulped down the whole glass without taking it off her mouth. "Thank you mother, I will take my leave now." Charlotte said, and dropped the glass inside the sink. "Take care of yourself, and please be safe, okay?" Charlotte bobbed her head in response. She strode back to the bedroom, and dressed into her costume for tonight. After putting on the dress, Charlotte painted her face with her usual touch of make - up, that changes her face from being beautiful to ugly. For the past two weeks, she has been going to the bar to sing, and each time she plans to go, she changes her features to someone whose ugly to avoid attention. Immediately she was ready to leave, She picked up her bag, and strode out of the house. ~ Xavier was at the airport, waiting for his cousin Tyler to arrive at the airport. While he waited, the ladies couldn't take their eyes off him. They kept squealing in excitement and whispering to themselves. It's not something new to him, he doesn't give a damn about it. Ladies can't stop drooling over him, each time he appears in public. Xavier isn't just known for his handsome features, but also known as one of the young richest CEOs in the whole California. A lady, who had been staring at him, mustered the courage to go strike up a conversation with him, thinking it will cause no harm to try. "Hello, can I have a word with you please?" She asked, diverting his attention from the entrance. He didn't look at her immediately, and thought of how courageous she must have been to come talk to him. Most Ladies, squeak and squeal whenever they see him, but never approach him. Xavier spun bit to look at the figure who just spoke to him when his gaze landed on a lady. "Yeah, what for?" He asked, not taking a look at her for the second time… "I was thinking If you could give me your contact, so I can invite you for dinner." She said, but before Xavier could respond, his guard standing three steps away from him, stride closer and whispered some words in his ear. Xavier nodded to the whispering, and turned to the lady. "No, thank you." He responded, and marched on his heels. He sighted his cousin coming already, so he left to welcome him. "Brother Xavier." Tyler said, grinning from ear to ear, clutching tightly to his backpack. "Welcome back to California, how was your fly? And how's Paris?" Xavier asked, as they exchanged pleasantries, shaking hands. "My fly was fine, and for France, it's there, I'm back to California." Taylor replied, and continued. "I can see you're still the center of attention, can't you just give your heart a chance to love someone?" Tyler asked, and nudged him, but he didn't budge. Xavier isn't interested in women. He has a best friend who is his opposite, a bad player. "I'm certain that's not why you are here, quickly, let's go home." Xavier said, and marched on his heels, with his cousin trailing after him. They got to where they had parked the car, and the guard opened the car door for them to hopped inside. He placed the trolling into the boot before he hopped into the car. "Brother Xavier, let's go to the imperial bar before we head home, let's have some fun." Tyler said. Xavier knew the kind of person his cousin was, an unruly being. So instead of opposing to his request, he just cajoled to it. "Take us to the imperial bar." Xavier ordered, and the guard made a U-turn. They had some little chat as they drive to the bar, until a few minutes later, they arrived. The guard opened the door for them to step down, and they lead their way into the bar. As they stride into the bar, they were greeted with the sound of a melody voice singing. Xavier's gaze traveled to the stage, but because the place was a bit dim, and they were far from the figure, he couldn't see the person singing. They marched towards the front seat, and took a seat. Tyler saw a waitress passing by, he stopped her, and ordered for some beer. They diverted their gaze to the stage to see an ugly figure singing. Tyler got interested in the figure, while Xavier retracted his gaze. He is not interested in women, so there's no reason for him to like such an ugly figure, even though he admits her voice is great. "She has a very sweet voice, I wouldn't mind coming to listen to her everyday." Tyler said, but got no respond. He shrugged, and fixated his gaze back to the lady on the stage. A few minutes later, their order arrived. "Let me pour you some beer." Xavier insisted. Tyler picked up a glass, and he poured them some, and placed the bottle down. "Cheers to me, brother Xavier." Tyler said. Xavier just cooed, their glass clinks, and they began to sip from it. Tyler diverted his attention to the figure singing, while Xavier's gaze wandered around, looking at some figure on the other side of the bar. The imperial bar isn't meant for commoners. You have to be high in status to get a pass. Some minutes later, the lady stopped singing, and the crowd applauded loudly. Tyler made a gestured at the figure, to come forward, and she slowly marches her way to meet with them. "Hello, I'm Tyler, such a sweet voice you have got." He complimented, with his hands out to shake her. Charlotte wasn't moved by his compliment, but still, she smiled and outstretched her hands out. "Thank you. I'm charl…." She was cut off before she could finish. "Do you always come here to sing?" Tyler asked. "Yes. I come here every day, except for weekends. But sporadically, you can find me here on weekends." Charlotte replied, looking at Xavier, who seemed uninterested. 'That voice sounds familiar, do I know her? It's like I have met her somewhere' Xavier thought, and turned to look at her. "Alright, I hope to see you here, each time I come around." Tyler said, and she nodded. "Excuse me, I have to take my leave." Charlotte responded, and spun around to leave. 'He looks familiar, but I can't just picture where I have seen him before' Charlotte thought, as she walks away.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Charlotte shook hands with Tyler, and turned on her heels. She strode back to the stage, and drop the mic. She picked up her bag, and stride to the back of the stage to get change. She was done for the day and needed to go home. As she strides into the corner, she bashed into someone, but he was quick to hold her. She lifted her head up, only to see Xavier. They both embark on a prolonged silent, staring at each other. He took a close look at her, and the memory of the lady he dragged into the room four years back, and took advantage of her crept into his head. There face looks similar, not just their voice. Even though he was drugged that night, he could still remember the lady's face and voice. He saw her face four years back, and he still recalled when she pleaded with him not to touch her. "Let go of me, will you?" Charlotte asked, breaking the silent, and try to release herself from his grip. Xavier snap out of his thoughts, and quickly let go of her. "Watch your way next time, you could have fallen to the ground." He responded. For the past four years, after the incident, he has never once left his villa to go pay her a visit. He offered her a mansion as a compensation for what he did to her, and that's how it has been for all this year's, but no visit. Each time his assistant ask him to go see her, it is always in his schedule, but end up being cancelled at the end of the day. That's how it has been for the pass four years, and never for once, did he visited. He got perplexed, he has never seen her before, and suddenly, she's in the bar with him. 'Does she think I will come pick her up' Xavier thought after seeing her in the bar, and thought she did it intentionally for him to take her back to the mansion. Xavier thought of who would have told her he is coming to the bar when his personal assistant isn't aware he was coming to the bar. He doesn't know the people that works for her in the villa. He only ordered his assistant to assign some maids to help her, but haven't seen them before. Xavier got astounded by her sudden appearance, and thought of what to do. He thought for the past four years she has lived in his mansion and enjoyed his wealth, she has never contacted him for once, and suddenly, she appeared in front of him. "I will, please excuse me." Charlotte said, and scurried away from him. She recognized his face after seeing him for the third time. And his cologne is still the same for the past four years. Xavier walk back to where he left his cousin Tyler and found him wasted already. "When did I just leave? And he is already drunk." Xavier muttered underneath his breath. He pulled some cash out from his pocket pants, settle the bills, and left the change on the table, before he picked up his cousin, and strode out of the bar. The guard saw Xavier carrying his cousin to the car, and hurried towards him to help hold him. "Master, please let me carry him." The guard held Tyler while they all walked to the car, and he was placed inside the car. As soon as the guard hit the road, Xavier pulled out his phone from his pocket pants. He scanned through his contact and dialed his assistant number. Immediately the phone starts to ring, the figure picked up and quickly spoke up. "Master, is there something I need to do?" He asked in an audible tone. "Yes. Call the maids that work at the villa, tell them to inform their Ma'am I'm on my way to come see her." Xavier said, without waiting for his response, he hung up. 'If she's up to something, I'm going to find out soon' Xavier thought inwardly. ~ Arya was live on her I******m page, showing the house around to her followers and sipping some red wine, twirling the glass in her hand. "A beautiful mansion for a beautiful lady like me. This is one of the most expensive wine, it tastes different from other wines ." She said, and drop the glass of wine on the table, showing off every corner of the living room. "If you want to live a life like mine, you have to work your butt. Work very hard to get rich." She added, patting her hair to the left, with a smile on her face. Arya believes she got everything as a result of her hard work, not because she stole the wristwatch from Charlotte. She was busy with her live video, when a maid walked up to her and bowed her head in respect. "Okay, I think I will have to end the live video now, my maid needs to do some work for me." Arya ended the live video, and turn to the maid. "What is it this time? What do you want? I have warned you to stop coming whenever I'm live on I******m." She asked with a scorn look on her face. The maid jolted back in fear. "I'm sorry to disturb, Mr jasper asked me to Inform you, the Master is on his way to see you." She dropped the bomb on her. Arya staggered to the back, almost loosing her stand, but the maid was quick to hold her. "Take your filthy hands off me. I'm sure you're tired of keeping your job. Get lost before I hit you." Arya thundered. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again." The maid apologies, and scampered off. Arya followed her with her gaze, until she was out of sight. She ruffled her hair, thinking of what to do. If he comes to the mansion and see her, her secret would be exposed. Year's back, Jasper was the one who brought her to the mansion, but she never saw Xavier because he never showed up, even when he requested to see her. She can't allow him find out she's been living someone's else life, enjoying all his money. She placed her hands on her waist, thinking of what to do, and finally an idea flash into her head, and she grinned confidently. "I know what to do, I can't let her take what is rightfully mine. Charlotte has to remain poor, this is my life, she won't take it away from me. I will do anything to keep living here." Arya mumbled, shaking her head. She picked up the glass of wine, and hurried to her bedroom.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

Xavier arrived at Arya's villa a few minutes later, and led his way inside. As he strode into the house, he scrutinizes the place, taking in the environment. For the past four years, he hasn't been to the mansion, and he doesn't know what has been happening around. He only gives orders to his personal assistant, and that's all. He got to the entrance, and a maid was quick to open the door for him. He stepped inside, and met another maid who hurried to welcome him. "Good evening Master." She greeted with her hands entangled close to her upper region, and her gaze cast to the ground. Being close to Xavier made her shiver in fear, and a sudden sweat arise between her thighs. "Where is your Ms? Go and inform her I'm here to see her." He responded, and spun around to his right. He gave instructions already, there's no reason for her not to know he is around. The maid quickly marched to her room to inform Arya of his arrival. But when she got to her room, after knocking for a few minutes and got no response, the maid pushes her way inside. Arya doesn't respond most times, even when she's inside. It's either you state your reason for coming from outside, or you leave. The maid heard the tap rushing, and figured out Arya must be taking her bath, which is unlike her. Instead of keeping him waiting, she quietly went back to the living room to let Xavier know Arya was in the washroom. Arya, who was in the washroom, wasn't taking any bath, instead she put on the tap to make the maid think she's taking her bath, just to avoid meeting with Xavier. Xavier was engrossed scanning the luxurious living room. He had given her the mansion four years back to make amends for what he did to her at the hotel. Now that he looks at the place, it's no ordinary mansion, but an expensive one that no commoner can afford, even if they have to work for the rest of their lives. The sound of footsteps diverted his attention back to the maid. He saw her walking into the living room, with her gaze cast down. "Master, she's taking her bath, please be patient, she will be out soon." 'She's taking her bath? What is that supposed to mean? Someone I just met at the bar. Wait, is she trying to seduce me? Does she think I will come for that?' Xavier thought inwardly, but nothing was making sense. He took one last glimpse at the maid, and marched out of the living mansion in disappointment. Arya feared being recognized by him, so instead of showing her face to him, she walked out of the washroom, and followed the maid to the living room, eavesdropping on their conversation. As soon as she heard Xavier march on his footsteps, she heaved a loud sigh she never knew she held, and popped on the floor, with her hands rested on her chest. "I can't believe he is this fortunate. He has never visited, why today?" She mumbled, with her eyes closed. ~ Charlotte got home, and walked into the house. She dropped her bag on the sofa, and slowly sat next to her bag. Her encounter with Xavier kept playing inside her head. She was certain he is the man she had something with four years back, but somehow she didn't want to admit to it. Even though the light in the room was dim, she was able to recognize him, not just his face, but also his cologne. The memories of that night are still fresh in her head, and the only way to avoid it is to denial him. Charlotte was deep in, thought, when her mother strides into the living room to find her lost in thought. She furrowed her brows when she saw her, walked up to her, and sat close, placing her hands into hers. Charlotte snapped out of her thought when she felt someone's hands inside hers. "You left happy hours ago, and now you're like this, is there something I should know?" Matilda asked, in a worried tone. She hoped it doesn't have to do with their conversation earlier when she returned from work. "Mother, there's nothing wrong, nothing you should know. You know I always tell you everything." She replied, beaming at her. She can't tell her mother that she met the man who took her virginity. Once she does, her mother won't hesitate to drag her out of the house to go and meet him. Four years ago, she followed Charlotte to the hotel to look for the person responsible for her pregnancy, but unfortunately, he was nowhere to be found, and she didn't take a good look at him. "I believe in you. Your girls can't see you like this, now put a smile on your face, I will be right back." Matilda responded, and stood up. She came back with a glass of milk, and passed it to Charlotte, who still had a smile on her face. "Drink up, Nadiyah made it for you. She insisted on trying, and I had to let her do it. Drink, it tastes excellent." Charlotte, with a wide grin on her face, took the glass to her mouth, and drank from it. "Mother, are you sure Nadiyah made this? It tastes wonderful." She asked, and took the glass back to her mouth. "When I tasted it, I was flabbergasted. It tastes perfect, your girls are astonishing, and diligent." Matilda complimented. "I must be lucky. Are they asleep already?" Charlotte asked, with much excitement. "I just put them to bed, they insisted on waiting for you, but I declined, quickly go to their room, I'm certain they are still awake." Charlotte, drop the glass of milk, stood up, and strode to the room. She walked into the room to find them laughing at something Aliyah said. "What is making my girls this happy?" They heard, and squeak, making Charlotte laugh. "Mummy, did you drink the milk Nadiyah prepared for you?" Aliyah asked instantly, and she nodded and ruffled her hair. "How does it taste? I'm sure you enjoyed it? We all did, it was great." Waliyah asked. "It was delicious, I enjoyed it, thank you girls.""You're welcome mummy. You have worked hard, mummy, you deserve much more than a milk." They all chorused, and stood up to kiss her one after another before laying back on the bed. "Mummy will definitely get her girls a big mansion some day, okay?" She said, and they clapped their hands, excited. Charlotte was so happy having them. She crawled her hands upward, and touched their faces, watching them close their eyes. "Good night mummy. We love you." They chorused. The picture of Xavier appeared in her head, as she watches their features. 'They look just like him, there's so much lookalike' Charlotte thought, still smiling. "No, they don't look like him, it's just my imagination, they can't have such a father." She rejected the thought instantly.