Outwitting Destiny

Chapter 17

"Wait, what?" he said, as the door opened. My mother walks in. I walk up and curtsy in front of her.

"Hello, Mother." I spoke.

"I see that your secret has been compromised." She mentions Asher.

"Mother, it's not like that. I told him. He can help me." I said, stepping in front of her, blocking her view of Asher.

"It is what it is, my dear. Cole, it's good to see you again but this small talk is not what I am here for." she said.

"Yes of course mother, let's go to my office." I said. I put my head down as she walked by me. Charles leads her to my office. She walks over to the chair and sits behind the desk while I sit in one of two chairs in front of it. Lexi sits in the other one.

"So, Raylee, have you made any progress in finding your brother?" she spoke. Right to the topic.

"Yes, actually I have." I said.

"Good, where is he?" she asked

"Well, he is currently being tracked." I said

"What?"

"Yes. There is a crime boss here that Father got mixed up with and they were holding Ryan captive. A few weeks ago, Ryan escaped and ever since then they have been trying to find him. At one point, I was kidnapped because they thought I was Ryan. It worked in my favor because I was able to find information about their boss." I gave the short version of my report to her.

"Good work. I will be staying for a little bit. Keep up the good work." She stood up and walked out of the office. She didn't care that I was kidnapped. I can't stand her. I get up and head down the hallway. I walk downstairs and head to the door leading to the gardens. I open the door and walk outside. The autumn air kisses my skin. I walk down the steps and down the stone path. On the opposite of the training building, is a gazebo. My heels clack on the path and up the steps. My steps echo through the gazebo. I place my hands on the wood railing and stare at the forest. Moments later I hear footsteps behind me. I turn around to see Cole standing at the entrance.

"Penny for your thoughts?" he said. I laugh.

"Your mom is still hard on you?" He watched me grow up with mommy issues. I nod.

"I'm sorry." he places his hand on top of mine.

"It's okay. I actually have a little money saved up to get away from her. I could probably open up a place where I can teach females self-defense lessons." I sigh.

"Yeah, you would be really good," he said. He sighed. I can tell there is something he wants to say to me.

"Whatever you have to say to me, just say it." I said.

"You don't love me anymore do you?" he asked. I give him a confused look.

"I see the way you look at Asher." he said

"I'm sorry Cole. You were my first love and you always will be but I moved on. You are my best friend but I don't love you like that anymore." I said. I could see the sadness in his eyes but he understood what I was saying.

"I will always love you Ray. I wish you luck with Asher." he said. He pulls me into a hug. I kiss his cheek.

"Thank you Cole."

"Your welcome, but if he ever hurts you I will kill him.'' We both laugh and continue talking like old friends.

"I have to go to bed now. I have to be at Leo's company tomorrow. I will have Charles prepare you a room here." I said, walking away. I walk back into the house. I walk back to my room and head to the closet. Lexi shortly walks in to help me undress.

"Thank you," I said as she took off the corset.

"You're welcome. Charles showed your mother to her room. He had a room prepared for the boys as well." Once I'm free from everything, I change into pjs. I unclip the wig and place it on the mannequin head. We both walked out of the closet. She hugs me goodnight. I grab his wrist.

"Please stay with me." I said, she nodded. We climb into bed and I break down crying due to everything. My own mother didn't care what happened to me. Lexi comforted me until I fell asleep in her arms.