CHAPTER 1

Ivonne gazed out the window, noting her Father's compound. It was just as she had left it.

     The 2 flower pots in front of the huge pillar, the tiles used for decorations, the compound was as quiet as before. Nothing changed... Well except the new sparkling cars.

    " Madam, we are here". Her chauffeur annoyingly interrupted her thoughts.

     " I'm not blind ". She said while holding his gaze in the review mirror.

     She thought of possible reasons why her Father would summon her from a very important meeting. He wasn't the one to take business lightly.

     " when exactly did you start working for me?" she asked as she took out her Ipad.

     " Ma?"

     His questioning tone made her look up. She gazed at him in the mirror.

     " I said when exactly did you start working for me? Mind you, I do not like to repeat myself".

      " uh... 3days ago Ma". He replied. His voice filled with anxiety and Ivonne couldn't help but revel in it.

     " your name?".

     " Christopher". He answered almost immediately.

     " well Christopher, 3 days is enough to know the kind of woman I am... I'll just let this slide because today is just unpredictable for me. Know this, I do not like to be addressed as 'Ma' but Miss. Ivonne. I also do not like it when people like you look me in the eye.

     "we are from very different worlds and I'd like if you can respect that". Immediately she said this, Christopher quickly averted his eyes.

     "some other things I can't remember right now but be rest assured I'll let you know the minute I have time for you".

     " yes Ma... I mean, yes Miss. Ivonne".

     " Mmm". After a while, Ivonne put back her things in her hand bag and alighted from the car.

     The sun scorched hard on her back and she hissed from it, suddenly regretting her choice of clothing.

     She was putting on a black office skirt that hugged her curves nicely and a pink striped white top that stretched across her breasts.

     As she got to the door, she didn't even bother to knock or slow down a bit, she opened the door and was greeted by the sweet aroma of food. Her stomach rumbled wanting a piece of what the nose had perceived.

     She could hear the chattering of people, following the noise, she walked towards the dinning table and immediately rebuked the sight.

     Her siblings seemed to be enjoying their Mother's company. The huge smiles on their face made her groan silently.

      Not wanting to intrude, plus she had to see her Father, Ivonne turned to leave.

     " Ivonne?" Daniella's voice filled with surprise and doubt. She wasn't too sure it was her sister she was seeing.

     But with the curves and everything,..

     Cursing under her breath, she turned to face them, watching how their faces lit in surprise. Her Mother moved quickly and forced her into a hug.

     " oh my daughter, I've missed you so much". Mrs. Johnson pulled away, staring into her daughter's brown eyes.

     " Good afternoon Mom". Ivonne greeted rather dryly.

     Mrs. Johnson cupped her daughters face, taking note of her body. She was a bit slimmer than the last time they met. Although, her skin color was... Ok, she was doing really well, she furrowed her brows.

     " ah! Is it just my eyes or are you getting slimmer?" she asked while turning back to her other children.

     " I'm ok. Nothing is wrong with me, I'm just keeping fit that's all".

     Daniella, her elder sister scoffed " keeping fit? You can as well die because of it."

     Ivonne gave her a scornful look before setting her eyes on her brother who seemed to be wanting her attention.

     " Oh... I didn't notice you were there... ". Before she could finish, Daniella interrupted.

     " are we surprised? You don't notice anyone. No one is important except you ".

     Ivonne smirked " Glad you know that you're nobody ".

     "Enough!" Mrs. Johnson shouted at the top of her voice. " shut up both of you! There will be no arguments in this house, not anymore".

     " Daniella what is your problem?" David asked. " Amaka was not talking to you. Learn to shut up. You're her elder sister, behave like one".

     " ChukwuEmeka, Chukwuemeka, Chukwuemeka " Mrs. Johnson turned to him. " how many times did I call you?".

     " 3 times. But lets face it. She needs to start acting like an elder sister".

     Daniella hissed looking away as if she couldn't behold his sight.

     " Bro David, don't bother, you seem to have forgotten that Empty barrels make the loudest noise ". With that, she walked away, leaving her Brother laughing hard to Daniella's tantrum.

     She wasn't in the mood for Daniella's bad behavior. Right now, she just wanted to speak to her Father, find out why she was summoned, then go back to work.

     Just speak to her Father, no one else, but her Mother seemed to have other plans as she was on her tail.

     " Ugh! For the love of God! Mother, what is it?". Ivonne slowed down, waiting for her Mother to catch up with her.

     Mrs. Johnson tried keeping up with her daughter but her legs were just too long. She got that from her Father. That, her bossy bitchy attitude.

     But to her, Ivonne inherited the best from her. Fair flawless skin, Undying beauty, lucky charm and a slim body... All thanks to her former self.

    Mrs. Johnson was a fair short woman. She was fat and had a tight ass. She was in her late 50's but looked a bit younger than her age.

     " come here my dear, So you think you can barge in and out of this house anyhow you like huh?" Mrs. Johnson said between gasps.

     Ivonne rolled her eyes, turning to face her Mother. " I don't need anyone's permission in coming to my Father's house".

     Mrs. Johnson shook her head at her daughter's words. " oh please! When do you ever visit without being summoned here?".

     " when I don't have anything doing".

     "... And when are you ever free?" The answer to that question was very obvious. Ivonne never had a free time. She was always caught up in work.

     " I believe you know the answer to that question". She arched a brow.

     Mrs. Johnson sighed heavily, remembering the day Amaka packed out of the house. She didn't want her to leave. In her opinion, Family was supposed to live together and that would only change when the Children were married.

     " Amaka? May God help you, as you have decided to punish me by starving yourself. You're looking lean, you don't ever take a break from work".

     " oh come on Mother, you know I do not like to be called that and me being here? Is like a vacation to me".

     " I did not give you Ivonne. Your Father's Mother did, I named you Amaka... And that is what you'll be known as".

     Ivonne smirked " uh huh. Well too bad, the whole world know me as Ivonne already. There is nothing that can be done". She turned to leave.

     " Come ooo" Mrs. Johnson held her hand, drawing her back. "do you even know the meaning of that name?".

     She knitted her brows. " Ivonne? No... Not really, why?".

     Mrs. Johnson eyes widened " Amaka! You don't know the meaning of the name you're answering. What if the name is devilish?".

     Ivonne rubbed her temples. She couldn't believe she was standing there listening to her Mother's uh.... Er... What's the word? Religious thingy?

     "ok ok Ma, I'll check out the meaning and get back to you". She glanced at her wrist watch, it was almost 2pm. She needed to head to the office before the day was over.

     " that's what you always say".

     Ivonne carefully released her hand from her Mother's hold amd turned to leave but Mrs. Johnson held her and insisted they walk together on the same pace... Which was extremely slow.

     " so tell me, " Mrs. Johnson began after a few seconds of silence.

     Ivonne waited for a while, for her Mother to complete her sentence but when she did not, she groaned loudly.

     " why do Nigerian parents keep doing that? You were saying something a few minutes ago, you said 'tell me', tell you what?".

     "oh, yes I was saying something. I totally  forgot "  her lips curved up in a smile and Ivonne couldn't help but smile in her heart at the woman's beauty... And of course thankful that she partook of it.

     "Mmm. What is it?".

     " I just wanted you to tell me about work. How has it been?".

     Ivonne paused for a while. Her Mother rarely ever asked her about work. Well... Not rarely ever because they don't see each other often so...

     " Uh... It was... I mean it's been going nice. Really good. I recruited more staffs as well as I fired a few lazy, dumb, incompetent.... ".

     " I know,  I know". Her laughter filled the hallway. " but just remember you're not C. E. O yet. You're already firing people anyhow".

      As if she didn't know that already.

     " I just want your Father to step down and hand over... To one of you ".

     Ivonne smirked, did her Mother think she was dumb?or foolish?or maybe blind to what was happening?

     She knew exactly who her Mother wanted to be C. E. O.

     " Mmm. But I guess we will have to wait and see who he chooses, for now, Please excuse me". With that, she heeded to her Father's room which was just up ahead.

     She replayed the scene downstairs over and over again. Daniella wouldn't just let her be for one second. She was always butting in and out of her life, she was actually one of the reasons she moved out anyways.... And then shortly after, Daniella moved out too. But thankfully, she didn't move close to her.

     Right from when Ivonne was born, Daniella had never accepted her and it had actually hurt because she had done everything to please her sister but found out it was impossible to please her when, one day, she told Daniella  she'd do anything to make her happy.

     " your very existence bore me, it annoys me, it's irritating... That's why you can never please me". Those were the words Daniella replied with 17 years ago.

     Staring into space, Mr. Johnson lost track of time, he could hear his children's laughter from downstairs. Even though he did not know why they were laughing, he couldn't stop himself from smiling.

     He would be a fool if he said he didn't miss them staying home. But sooner or later, they were bound to leave the nest and soar the sky.

     Although, they were more than 18 years of age, in his eyes they were still children.

     His wife was having a good time downstairs as her laughter seemed to increase. He should almost feel guilty and sad for not making her laugh this hard whenever they were not around.

     But he wouldn't. He shut down every thought and feeling of guilt. He didn't have time to spend with her, his work was on the line. He needed to work to Carter for her needs as she turned out to be a very materialistic woman.

     However, the time had come for him to step down. To hand over the affairs of the company to someone. He needed a person who would take his company to higher heights. Someone who was honest, selfless and of good behaviour.

     Mr. Johnson paced slowly around his room, revelling in his glory and success.

     Who would have thought a man like him, the son of a poor driver, would become a multi-millionaire today?

     No one.

     He smiled.

     He walked towards the huge glass enjoying the view from up there. This was exactly how it was for him. A very good example for his status in the county.

     He couldn't be seen as equal with other men. Now, he could boast of being from the higher class.

     If only his Father lived long enough to enjoy his son's success. With the rate at which his company was progressing, coupled with his Net Worth, his father would have been proud.

     At last, he had gotten rid of poverty in his family name. Anyone who heard of Mr. Daniel Okoro Johnson, would tremble.

     He let out a laugh. If anyone could hear his thoughts, they would probably say he was full of pride.

     To him, this wasn't pride. He liked to call it Self Ego and Self Respect. He couldn't deny the fact that he was very rich and of course very famous.

     Turning a bit, he saw a small table which held a wine and two glasses.

     Mr. Johnson poured himself a glass of wine, paused for a while before beginning to fill the other glass.

     " I was beginning to think you weren't going to come".  He turned to face his daughter, who stood behind the door.

     " You know, Curtsey demands that you knock before entering Someone's domain". He sipped his wine while holding her gaze. Enjoying the taste of the wine. Seems like he would order more of this.

     Ivonne gave a small smile. She opened her mouth to speak but her Father beat her to it.

     " an apology would be nice. You see, Sorry can do many things along the way".

     She calmed herself " I'm... ".

     " But know this, you can't retake a step that leads to one thousand miles ". He smiled.

     She hated when he did this to her, cutting her short in her sentences with... Proverbs she was sure he made up himself.

     Her Father seemed to have recovered fully as he was not with his walking stick.

     As she gazed upon her Father, it seemed like she hadn't seen him in forever. Though he was still the same: Bald head that shone as if he rubbed ororo ( Groundnut oil). Strong, hard face that was beardless, he wasn't one to keep beards unlike her Brother.

     His dark skin that none of her siblings took. She was the only one amongst her siblings who looked like her Dad... Maybe that was why her Mother didn't treat her like the others.

      Ivonne stood for a while, and only moved when he stretched forth a glass of wine towards her. She hurried to get it and once she did, he turned to face the glass.

     She stood beside him in silence, sipping her wine as she told herself to check the bottle later, so she could have it at home. She was also enjoying the view.

     Her house didn't have this great view... But nevertheless she still liked it there.

     " The view was actually one of the reasons I chose to leave here... Well that and also because I wanted to feel my money".

     She knitted her brows and looked at him. She didn't quite understand what he said.

     " I can see you're in confusion". Only then did she realize he was looking back at her. He looked away after a while.

     " Living Gold Estate is one of the most expensive, luxurious and sophisticated estate in Nigeria."

     "Mmm, true." Ivonne said turning back to enjoy the view. " I'm guessing that's not why I'm here, correct?".

     Mr. Johnson chuckled at his daughter's impatience and walked towards a couch that was few steps away from where he was standing.

     " Have a seat Amaka". He sank down into the chair.

     Why wouldn't they just call her Ivonne!?

     " How was your day?". The question made Ivonne roll her eyes.

     " My day was going great when I was in the office". She wouldn't lie.

     "and now?how is it?".

     " oh God! I don't know really. Daddy please just tell me why I'm here so I can get back to the office and do some work". She rushed the words as if she had hot yam in her mouth.

     " that's one of the reasons I called you here. You see Amaka, even when you were a child, I would always tell you, all work... and no play, makes Jack a dull boy".

     Well Ivonne was sure of one thing, she wasn't Jack. The thought made her lips curve in a smile and she quickly looked away.

     " I know you've put in your best for this company and I appreciate it... I want to retire from my position as C. E. O. That means one of you is going to be my successor".

     Finally! Could this be it, the moment she'd been waiting for?

     " it would have been a lot easier if Emeka was interested in my company, I would have passed it down to him as he is my only son. But he has other plans already ".

     Ivonne kept nodding her head, waiting patiently for her Father to get to the freakin' point!

     The sound of the door closing made Ivonne turn towards it. There, Daniella stood in her deep blue sundress and black heels.

     Her hair was woven back with green attachment.

     Daniella sashayed to the couch and sat beside their Father.

     " did I miss anything?" her sultry voice only disgusted Ivonne's ears.

     " No not at all, I was just about to venture into the most important paft". He paused for a while.

     "I was just telling Amaka that I want to step down and pass the company to one of you... Since it's just two of you in this".

     Yeah just two, seems like her sister knew she was going to fail because she eyed her.

     "But unfortunately for me, I fear my business will surfer if one of you handles it... And then it will vanish from the surface of the earth if both of you handle it".

     " what exactly is your point?". Ivonne didn't waste time asking.

     " Patience little sister, you need to have patience". Daniella said with a smile in her voice.

     " patience is not something I exhibit... ". Ivonne fired back as she crossed her legs, sitting up right.

     " it is said that the Patient dog eats the fattest bone". She grinned.

     Mr. Johnson shook his head in disappointment. " it is also said that the patient dog shouldn't be foolish and remain patient forever".

     Immediately he said this, Daniella's smile fell and Ivonne bit her lip to contain her smile.

     " My point? I'll get to that later. I called you here because one of you, will be my successor".

     " But... There is something else".

     Ivonne arched a brow. A condition? What could it be? She was ready to do anything to get her Father's company. Anything at all.

     " I want to pass down my company to a married woman".

     "what?" Daniella and Ivonne said together.

     Only when they saw the seriousness on their Father's face, did they believe what he said.

     " I'm sorry, I didn't hear well" Daniella said with a smile on her face. " Did you just say, you'll pass down your company to a married woman?".

     Mr. Johnson nodded "indeed my daughter ".

     Ivonne didn't find this funny at all. " so in other words, you want us to get married to... Anyone before you'll hand over the company to one of us?".

      "Anyone? No. I believe you have a boyfriend, bring him home. Let me see him, you're not getting any younger. You need to start a family now, I don't want you to be crooked up in the office every day of your life and then when you realize that you want a family it might be too late".

     Mind you, don't go and get yourself an actor to pose as your husband. If after one year, you get a divorce, My lawyer will take away everything... The power of attorney will be with him and only after 2years will he have no power again".

     " incredible! I can't believe you're doing this to me". Daniella said and that caught Ivonne's attention.

     She was acting like the spoiled brat their mother trained her to be, her eyes were already tearing up, trying to gain sympathy in the eyes of their Father.

     " I always thought that the company would be passed down to me. I am the next after David. I don't understand why you're doing this to me". The tears rolled down her cheeks and Ivonne marveled at her acting.

     Mr. Johnson turned to Daniella " I can't give you the company because you have no manners, you're a pretense, you're too materialistic just like your mother. You'll either squander my money on cars, make-ups, throwing parties, or going on vacations to different country every 2 days".

     Her Father's words made Daniella shut up and lowered her head in shame. She was too embarrassed by the truth.

     Ivonne bit her lips to contain her smile. She cleared her throat and her Father turned to her.

     " Amaka, you... You have higher chance of having my company believe me... But one of the reasons I gave a condition was just so your sister would have a fair fight".

     Ivonne could feel her head swelling to the praises of her Father and she glanced at her sister who glared at her, but she didn't back down, she glared right back.

     "another reason for that condition is that, you need to loosen up. You're too strict with the staffs, you over work yourself, you hardly go on vacations or take a break... And that is why, Come Monday , I'm relieving you of your position... ".

     " what?" her eyes widened in horror.

     " I'm giving you a month off. Go and take care of yourself. Get some rest. Have fun with your boyfriend... I'm sure he doesn't like that you're working too much".

     Boyfriend? Who be that one?

     She didn't even have time for herself not more a guy. When was the last time she had been in a relationship? That was...

     " Amaka?".

     "hmm?" she heard the door close and realized her Father had dismissed them. Sighing heavily, she stood up, straightened her skirt and quickly reached for her hand bag.

     " Is there something on your mind?". Her Father asked and she could hear the worry in his voice.

     " there are lots of things on my mind right now". She proceeded towards the door and stopped.

     " But you know what?" she turned to face him. " a vacation will probably help... Maybe that could help my relationship with... Nelson".

     Her Father's face lit up at the mention of Nelson. " oh. Nelson? That's a nice name. When do I get to meet this Nelson?".

     " very soon. I'll be on my way now. Bye Daddy"... And with that, she hurried out of her Father's room.

She didn't even bother to say a goodbye to her Mother. She hurried outside and rushed into the car.

" Where to Ma?" Christopher asked as he started the engine.

Where to? Her schedule was with Patricia, she never thought of duplicating it as she believed that she would always be with her her P. A.

 But now that her dear Father had insisted she take a month off, a whole Month off. 31 days off, that is the whole of July she would sit at home, doing nothing.

 " Miss Ivonne?". Christopher said again.

" what? What is it Christopher? Leave me alone. I heard you the first time. I'm thinking ok? Just sit there and shut up let me think?". Ivonne yelled and that calmed her down a little.

" I'm sorry Miss Ivonne".

 " just shut up".

"ok Miss Ivonne".

Ivonne groaned " I said shut up".

 " ok Miss Ivonne". He replied again.

"ah! Do you think I'm joking?".

"No, Miss Ivonne".

She opened her mouth to speak but knew that he would respond again to it so she brought out her Ipad and sent a quick message to Patricia, telling her to send her schedule.

Almost immediately, her phone beeped.

     ' Miss. Ivonne, your Father called few hours ago and said that you were taking a month off. So I'll be handling your schedule for a month. He said you would be unavailable from Tuesday so the competition you are hosting would still be handled by you. For now, you have nothing on your schedule. '

Few hours ago? He just told her about it few minutes ago.

Seems like he had decided it even before she got here.

Shaking her head, she knew she was supposed to go somewhere... But where? The time was 7pm already... And it was a bit dark.

Inside her bag, her other phone rang and she knew she had a message. Taking out her Samsung Galaxy S9, she couldn't recognize the number but she opened the message.

' I'd like to believe you haven't forgotten about my engagement party, Ivonne! You better get out of that office before I come there and pounce on you.

Love

Kemi.'

     Uh oh, angry bestie ready to strike.

A/N: hey there, I hope you enjoyed this chapter... I'd love to hear what you think about the relationship between Daniella and Ivonne.

Don't forget to hit the like button. Thank you.

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