Expensive Favours - Favours Series #1

Chapter 37

Friday rolls around quickly enough. I don't allow a word of Collin taking me as his date to leak to anyone. I skip school to collect the dress Vivian had put away for me, visit doc for our monthly fixture and then send another deposit to my mother's account.

I didn't tell Linda of my plans; afraid Belinda is paying her extra to pry any details from me. But I still had blackmail over her. No real proof but she didn't need know that. I did wonder if she pitied me, for what I was doing to get the cash to my mother. All to avoid Belinda and my dad from getting to her. There were so many lies spun to keep it together.

If only my mother knew, the people she hated and collectively depended upon had already stopped giving a shit about her. They only used her as a threat now. Maybe I should get her out of the country. Somewhere they won't find her. Then I could join her when all this blows up. If they don't kill me first.

After seeing my dad and Belinda out the door, I hurried to get dressed. The twins were thankfully sleeping over at their friend's, and so they couldn't report back to mommy about what I was up to. I bypassed fancy hairstyles and excessive makeup to greet Collin by 6.20.

When we arrive, no one is acutely aware of my presence for which I was thankfully of. I stick to Collin's side as he greeted a few people at the entrance.

I spot Michael and just in time, he turns, his eyes falling to us. Or me specifically. He frowns, surprise showering his face. He grits his teeth next and clenches his fist discreetly, shoving the hand into his pocket.

That's when I realise. It was him. The association kicked my name of because he made them.

I turn my head abruptly. He saw me, so now he was going to do everything in his power to stop me. Idiot. You had to seek him out like always.

"Camille, you alright? You're cutting off my blood circulation there," Collin gestures with his index figure at my hand clutching his bicep like I would fall if I didn't hang on.

I loosen my hold immediately. "Oops, sorry. Big crowds." He wraps the arm around my waist instead, trying to be the knight in shining armour.

"Don't worry. You're with me. Nothing will go wrong." He then turns his head in Michael's direction but I don't dare look, already knowing the glare awaiting me.

Oh darling you have no idea how wrong it is about to go.

I smile at him, like the damsel in distress I am playing alongside the enigmatic beauty. "Can we sit down?"

"Sure. Let's go." We tread down the spectacular room, passing tables with so many people dressed head to toe in expensive couture, tailored suits and diamonds. Each person at every table had at least a net worth of five million dollars. It was truly amazing.

I was marvelling at everything and sheer magnanimity of being in this room with all this influential people while knowing a secret they all held dear. It was a dream come true in both ways.