Arranged marriage : I hate you

Chapter 23

Jennie was woken up by someone gently shaking her. She opened her eyes a bit, the light from the open curtains almost blinding her.

"Nini, wake up," came a whisper from the woman who made her sleep peacefully after so many nights with just the mere presence of her. She rubbed her eyes, opening them to be met by beautiful eyes looking at her with so much care, a small smile on the older woman's face.

"Did you sleep well?" Riley asked, her smile never leaving her face.

Jennie buried her face in her hands and grunted.

"My back hurts," she said, her voice muffled by her hands, but Riley still heard her. The older woman chuckled and stood up from the bed.

"I know, we slept in sitting positions," she said laughing and glanced at her watch before looking at Jennie.

Unlike Jennie who had just woken up, Riley had woken up an hour ago. She showered and got ready for the day. She was dressed in black pants with black sneakers. She also had on a plain blue t-shirt under a grey sweater. Her hair was left to fall onto her shoulders, a grey cap worn over it. She also had on a black watch and the usual gold chain.

"Come on Nini bear. Get up and get ready," Riley said, burying her hands in her pockets.

Jennie looked at her in confusion as she forced down a smile at the mention of the nickname.

"Why?"

Riley grinned. "We have plans today, remember?"

"Right," Jennie said as she tried to stretch, her back and neck hurting from the movement.

"Aw," she groaned in pain, which made Riley chuckle at her cuteness.

"Come on you cute bear, get up," Riley laughed, pulling the blanket away from the body of a now blushing Jennie.

"Fine," the younger girl sighed, getting up and walking to the bathroom. While Jennie showered, Riley fixed the bed and tried to just tidy up. Once she was done she walked downstairs to look for the maids. Fortunately for her, Mary was just walking around the house making sure that everything was in order.

"Hey mama," Riley greeted as she walked up to the woman, grinning like a little kid. Mary smiled at the younger woman.

"Morning Riley, you look happy," Mary responded, the smile not leaving her face.

"It's Saturday, I'm alive and healthy, that's enough reasons for me to be joyful," Riley responded, her grin widening. Mary laughed then, she always enjoyed the woman's humour and her ability to stay positive even when things were rocky.

"You keep it at that, I love seeing you like this,"

"I'll try. Tell me, is my father still around?" Riley asked, her face getting a bit serious as she asked, curiosity audible in her voice. Mary shook her head no.

"He got a call, as usual, and left here without even having his breakfast," Mary responded, her voice showing her disapproval. She worried about the distance and non-existent relationship between father and daughter.

"Well that's a relief. Anything I should be aware of?"

"He asked about you and the girl, Jennie. As you know, he doesn't ask me about things that concern you because he knows that my loyalty lies with you, and not him. So, he asked the other maids, fortunately enough, they knew better than to snitch about the different rooms thing so you don't have anything to worry about,"

"Awesome. You're the best," Riley thanked the older woman, hugging her quickly before pecking her cheek and rushing out of the door, stopping just as she reached it.