STEEL CITY

chapter 26

The entire city was in a frenzy at the statement released by the Cy family. The news was being circulated across all platforms from gossip blogs to business news channels and Daphne's scandal which was somewhat forgotten was once again in the limelight.

Many online bloggers began speculating theories concerning the statement or the situation in it's entirety, some in support while others against. The tides were neither against or in favour of Daphne.

"I believe the Cy family received some kind of favour or benefit from the Ross family," the host of a popular morning show said.

"The Ross family clearly stood with Imogen throughout the trial. Why would they suddenly ask for Cy family's help now, it makes no sense," his co - host responded.

The screen once filled with vibrant color suddenly flickered and became bleak fading into a soft grey glow and the once audible voices of the host left a murmur with the passing breeze.

Daphne sat silently on the beige sofa as she stared at the now blank screen. After some time she took a sip from her mug which contained her now lukewarm tea.

It's been over twenty-four hours since the news of Daphne's release was made public which was accompanied by the Cy's statement and things had been hectic for her.

Her phone had been blowing up with notifications as her so-called friends and extended family members had tried to reach her, even her former manager at Star talent agency had tried to contact her.

Some netizens had even bombarded her social media pages with comments with the fans of both Imogen and Daphne fighting it out in the comment section.

Daphne had to turn off her phone as she was overwhelmed. She thought turning on the tv would take her mind off things but she couldn't be more wrong. It felt like there wasn't an escape to this madness.

After an hour of sulking Daphne shrieked in fear as something heavy fell on her but was soon relieved as she realized it was her best friend.

Earlier that day

Mira made her way to the dining room where everyone was present including Quinn. Her mother Deborah had been feeling antsy since Quinn's disappearance so Quinn had been joining them whenever he could at the request of their father.

"It's good that you finally decided to join us," Damien said with a teasing smile to which Mira responded by rolling her eyes and taking her seat and proceeded to eat an apple.

"Who are you and what have you done to my sister? Normally by now you would have attacked me for ruining your perfect morning," Damien said trying to poke fun at his sister's expense and it worked as Mira chucked her half eaten apple to him.

"You mean like that," Mira responded with a smirk.

"You throw like a cheerleader," Damien said, further provoking his sister.

"What do you know about cheerleading you sexist fool," Mira responded picking up another apple to throw but was stopped by her father's voice.

"Enough, you are no longer children, comport yourself and you let your sister be," Edward said, turning to Damien who had his hands up in surrender.

"I'm done with breakfast so I'll be on my way," Mira said.

"And where are you going," Edward asked.

"Mum!," Mira whined.

"Edward leave her be," Deborah said, finally speaking for the first time since they started their meal.

"I'm not trying to stop her, I just want to know where she'll be and how long," Edward responded.

"I'll be returning back to my apartment so you don't need to worry about when I'll be back," Mira said.

"Ok, but you still haven't told me where you are going," Edward said stubbornly.

"You cannot be serious right now," Deborah said exasperated.

"Is it so terrible that I want to know the whereabouts of our only daughter," Edward asked his wife with a raised brow.

"I agree with dad, you are not to be trusted. Who knows wher..." Damien started but clamped his mouth shut as he met his mother's heated glare.

"Ofcourse, you'll agree with dad," Mira said, annoyed by the whole situation.

This was why she liked staying at her place. Too many eyes and restrictions were placed on her whenever she came to the main house.

"If you're really that interested in my whereabouts ask one of the many people you send to spy on me,"

"Why should I ask them when I can ask you," he replied.

"Fine! If you all must know, I'm going to see Daphne," she responded.

The entire dining hall fell into silence.

"She probably needs a friend right now and I want to be there for her like I wasn't last time," Mira said looking straight at her father like her words were only directed to him....and they were.

Edward nodded and watched his daughter's back as she made her way to the front door. It was obvious to everyone in the room that Mira still held a grudge against her father.

"I thought we spoke about you giving her space," Deborah said standing up.

"It's like nowadays you're not listening to anyone," she said walking out of the room.

"I'll be on my way," Quinn said a few minutes later, standing up with Damien following suit.

"Me too," Damien said with an awkward smile.

The only sounds left were the echoes of Quinn and Damien's shoes as they left the dining hall.

Silence enveloped the room as Edward sat rethinking all the decisions he had made since Quinn's disappearance.

He had made them all with the family's best interest at heart but they were all made in haste and he regretted not being patient enough to listen to his daughter.

He felt like he had caused a rift in the family.

Presently

"How are you holding up," Mira asked.

"The best I can," Daphne responded and silence enveloped the pair.

After they had reunited there had been an air of awkwardness around them and their friendship seemed strained.

Mira couldn't take the silence anymore and decided to speak first.

"I know I have been a horrible friend, I wasn't there for you when things went left with your family, when you were kidnapped or when you were arrested,"

"I wish I could have handled it better but I was just so powerless. I am so sorry for being a bad friend, I just want things to go back to the way they were," Mira said with tear filled eyes.

"What are you talking about? I couldn't ask for a better friend. You have nothing to apologize for if anything I should be the one apologizing for how coldly I treated you when you came to see me,"

"I felt like you had abandoned me and that made me a bit wary of you. With all this going on I've lost alot, family, friends, my reputation but I have grandpa and you and Grey," Daphne said which made the two ladies chuckle.

"I don't want to lose anything anymore most especially you....my bestest friend," Daphne finished with tears falling from her eyes.

Mira immediately tackled her friend with a big hug as they both cried their eyes out. After a few more minutes of crying Daphne felt a huge weight lift off her chest.

"Seems like all I needed was a good old cry fest with my favourite person" Daphne thought with a smile as she stared at her best friend.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Any suggestions?

Please comment and vote

Don't be a silent reader🍀

NB: Updates every saturday