In the restroom, Selina scrubbed at the stain with a napkin, but it stubbornly refused to come off despite her repeated efforts. She threw the napkin aside in frustration and fixed her gaze on her own reflection in the mirror.
Her weary eyes fixed on her true self, pounding once again with the question of how long she'd continue to conceal her identity just to survive and mingle after losing everything that mattered most: her family, her sense of belonging, and her identity.
She didn't want to keep living in the shadows, enduring the mockery that came with it. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, then rolled slowly down her cheeks.
Just then, a voice outside the restroom broke through her thoughts. "Selina, are you still there?"
His words pulled her back from the edge of her memories. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her purse and stepped out.
In the corridor, her father stood waiting, concern etched across his face.
"Selina, dear," Hudson whispered.
Without hesitation, Selina walked into his arms, resting her head on his broad shoulder. His warmth enveloped her like a comforting blanket, soothing the storm inside.
"Father, is it wrong to be ugly? They mocked me because I'm a nobody," she murmured, sniffling against his chest.
"Darling, never forget—you inherited your mother's beauty, the kind every woman envies. You're not a nobody; you're my daughter," Hudson said sincerely, his hand gently rubbing her back.
Selina shook her head, voice trembling. "But how long can I live like this? I don't want to be taunted and picked on." Her sobs broke through her words.
"I'm sorry you have to bear this. I'm sorry I failed to protect you as a father. But I'm keeping my promise to convince your grandfather that you have great potential—that you're not a disgrace to our family," Hudson said, regret heavy in his voice.
"Please hang in there, even if it's just for a while," he added softly.
His heart ached at his past hesitation to claim Selina boldly, and at the distance that had always lingered between them.
"I'm trying to make you proud. I won't do anything to embarrass you," Selina declared, determination steadying her voice. "I'll keep striving to build a respectable identity, one that stops society from seeing me as a nobody."
"That's my girl. I believe in you, and I'll always be on your side," Hudson said, forcing a smile to hold onto hope for her future.
"Thanks, Father," Selina replied gratefully, comforted that he hadn't left her side.
She only had him and Clarissa.
Gently breaking the embrace, Selina locked eyes with Hudson, understanding his apology came from a place of helplessness.
Glancing around, she noticed they were alone. "You can't be with me when Madam Leah is around. She might report it to Grandfather," she warned, concerned with filling her voice.
Hudson waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that. I'll handle it. I can't pretend I didn't see my precious, beautiful daughter tonight," he said with a warm smile.
Selina beamed at her stubborn father. "Fine then."
As a quiet moment passed, Hudson's eyes caught the expensive branded necklace around Selina's neck—the one he had given her.
His expression brightened in surprise. "Have you finally found a boyfriend? Did you have a date tonight? Who is he?"
Selina chuckled softly, the weight lifting from the air. She lifted her hand to caress the necklace. "I don't have a boyfriend yet," she confessed, cheeks flushing as Hudson nearly choked on his words.
"Then why wear the necklace? I bought it for your first date—because a girl needs to look her best!" Hudson said, his voice tinged with mild disappointment.
"I know, Father," Selina mumbled.
Hudson straightened, teasing, "You're twenty-four, and Clarissa's already taken. Do you want to die single? I was hoping for a son-in-law soon."
Selina squirmed, shy. "It's not that I'm single… It's complicated. Well, I have a crush on someone," she stammered, lowering her gaze.
Her mind drifted to Mr. Zane.
Hudson adjusted his medicated glasses, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Really? Who is he?"
Selina bit her lip and glanced around as if checking for eavesdroppers. She couldn't tell her father—he might ridicule her for liking someone so cold and indifferent.
Seeing her struggle, Hudson asked gently, "Does he know how you feel?"
"He doesn't," she admitted softly. "I haven't told him yet. I'm scared he'll reject me."
"It's a gradual process—don't rush it," Hudson advised calmly. "If he's a good man, introduce him to me once he accepts you. I can't wait to be a grandfather," he teased again, and Selina nodded shyly, hope flickering inside her.
Selina linked her arm with his, nodding. "Okay, sir."
As they walked down the hallway toward the elevator, their lighthearted chatter and laughter quietly filled the space. Though others glanced their way, they paid no mind, choosing instead to savor this fleeting moment, knowing it would be a long time before they had another like it.
***
Selina was about to escape the hotel with her father after their exciting moments together when Damien approached her, requesting that she follow him at his boss's request. She accepted her without hesitation.
As the car pulled up in the spacious vicinity, Selina stepped out of the back seat into the dark atmosphere. The cool breeze swept past her skin, wrapping her in uncertainty about Zane's intention to see her alone in an unfamiliar, vast place that seemed like an estate. She could barely see anything around her, but it felt lonely and quiet.
When she spotted Damien heading into the mansion's grand entrance, Selina quickened her pace to follow him. They both stepped inside the house, illuminated by the chandelier above, which showcased the mansion's expensive and intricate design.
Still trailing behind Damien, Selina ascended the staircase, her heels clicking against the tiled stairs. They arrived in front of a partially open door.
"Mr. Zane is waiting for you," Damien said, gesturing toward the room.
Selina glanced back and noticed Damien exiting the lonely mansion. She never expected to meet him in such a private setting. A rush of wild and naughty thoughts began to tease her mind, prompting her to shake her head.
'No. Don't get ahead of yourself, Selina. Remember Annabelle's words.' She reminded herself.
Taking a deep, calming breath, Selina knocked on the door and pushed it open with a soft creak, entering into the sweet scents of the room, which smelled like lavender mixed with alcohol. The neat tiles beneath her heels echoed her presence as she cautiously advanced into the spacious, furnished room.
Zane didn't move at first, as if he had missed her presence. He stood before the transparent window, his hands sliding into his pockets.
She wondered what view outside captivated him. His tall frame appeared striking, and his perfect, well-built physique was closely visible to her gaze.
She envisioned his broad chest and abs, imagining how flawless and sexy they must feel. She felt her body wanting to clash with his, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat and absorbing the heat emanating from him.
Her fingers tingle with anticipation, and a soft giggle escapes her lips as her cheeks flush red at the thought of his intoxicating scent.
"You're here," Zane's cold voice cut through the air, interrupting her fantasy.
"Yes, Mr. Zane! I'm here," Selina responded abruptly in a subconscious state.
Silence fell between them, heavy with secondhand awkwardness that hung in the air, accompanied by Zane's incredulous raised eyebrow directed at her. Selina looked away from him, feeling her self-consciousness and pride shattered. She hoped he didn't notice her foolish reaction earlier.
"Are you all right?" Zane asked, eyeing her closely, and Selina nodded sheepishly.
"Yes, I'm okay," Selina managed to say, trying to maintain her composure. "You were enjoying the night view, and I didn't want to interrupt you."
"I see. Your consideration for my serenity left you drooling," Zane pointed out, gesturing at the corner of her lips, which sent Selina's eyes widening in shock.
Letting out an awkward chuckle, she wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. "I can't be drooling while I'm awake. It was… It was just a slip from the drink I had earlier," she stuttered, meeting his skeptical gaze.
How could she let her infatuation make her seem foolish? The drooling? He should have pretended he didn't see it. That was too embarrassing; she scolded herself again inwardly.