Chapter 10: Unfounded if's

SIMONE'S P.O.V
I sighed and I am supposed to enter my dad's mansion when a car enter and it catches my attention. I stop and wait for the man to come out. I smiled and cross my arms.
"I thought you'll be in an overtime? You didn't even read my messages."-I teased.
"My belongings is on my locker. I only check them after my practice routines."-he said.
"Oh? Wait, have you ever seen my dad in his beast mood?"-I said. His eyebrow arches.
"Well, you still have time to leave."
"And you think my dad is not a lion himself?"
"I think my dad is twice as yours? So I have to warn you know. We might goes home with swollen cheeks."-I said. His face stiffens.
"Did uncle always hits you when you piss him off? Tell me."-he said seriously.
"What kind of expression is that? Don't tell me your concern?"-I said with teasing tone.
"Tell me. Did he always do that?"
"Often times. Don't worry, a single or two slap is just fine. He never hit me seriously."
"Men had a different strength, Simone. A slap from us when we're mad is lethal."-he said.
"I know. Drop the topic already. Let's go inside."-I said. I even fake a smile to make him feel assured. That it wasn't serious at all.
"Dad, we're here to visit."-I said. He is standing in front of his books. The maids told me that he is damn mad. He look on us. He is about to slap me when Russell step in front of me. He is holding my dad's wrist.
"Uncle, hear us op first."-he said. But dad's slap landed on his cheeks using his right hand. He didn't butt in and even meet my dad's furious gaze. All of a sudden, things is like in slow motion and my heartbeat is beating so fast. He even shines in my eyes. I gulp.
"Is this how the two of you rebels against me and your dad?!"-he shouted.
"Yes. We already do what you and dad wants. Now that we're married, we both wanted to show our true self. We will never lie to ourselves nor to the public. I'm sorry uncle. But this us, we are already old enough to choose for ourselves. If it turns to be a mistake then we will rise on our own."-he said.
"You think Lavelle Global and Solace Group won't suffer from any damages?!"-he said.
RUSSELL'S P.O.V
It hurts, I even hear that ringing sound in my ear. Now I know how Simone endure all these years. How she face his father's wrath and her own disappointments after. I will protect her.
"We both know. I may not be as expert as my wife in business empire but I knew what should I do to protect both of the companies. After all, a person told me that we are helping thousands of employees in feeding their families. We can't afford to be in the brink of bankruptcy."-I said. He look at me firmly.
"Simone, what kind of idiot ideas did you put in your mind, huh?"-her dad.
"I told you, whenever you make decisions for me, I will always do what I wanted. I don't want any paparazzi's to follow me everywhere and prove that we're lying. That we just made up a story about our romance. Instead, I chose that we should let them see how Russell and I will create the true romance in fix marriages that isn't base on television series."-she said.
"And this is how you wanted to prove yourselves to the public? Simone, you know that we are not a normal people. We are—"
"Yes. We are from the high class, people that everyone is looking up to. Dad, we are still human. We all do our best to survive and be happy each day. I may eat pancakes and bacon in breakfast but others are just scramble eggs but we still want to be full to start our day. I am using the latest phone model and a normal person uses a model from 5 years ago but we both receives the same messages and calls. That's why of they can be honest then I can either dad. So I won't be sorry for today."
"What an ungrateful daughter—!"
I still hide her in my back and uncle pointed his finger in my face. He still look pissed but not that much anymore. He turn his back.
"Do whatever the two of you wishes. But remember this, it is not easy that you publicize the true reason of the marriage between our family. Be ready and the public is much scarier than my wrath and your dad."-he said.
"Don't worry, I am good in solving problems that occurs. You trained me well, remember?"
After Simone said that. His father didn't talk back. I guess he already accept what we did?
"Don't leave, join me and Jackson for dinner."
"Okay dad. We will be in my room."-she said.
When she opens the door of her room. I already smell her scent. It is not a typical room for girls. Just as I thought it could be.
"Dark blue? Wow, your room is more like a boy's room."-I remark. She suddenly tiptoed and I catch her elbow before she'll fall. I kick the door close. I look at her.
"You're not okay. You're shaking. What's wrong, Simone?"-I ask. She scoffs.
"This happen always every time that I got into a heated fight against my dad. My knees suddenly gives up and then I will fall down. While sitting on the floor, I always think about things on how to improve myself."-she said. I lead her to the couch and take off her shoes. I started massaging her feet. She seems to be surprised and she even blushes.
"Don't be overwhelmed. You might love me first. It's your loss."-I joke. She laugh.
"And so? It will be favored to you, remember?"
"That's true. Simone, are you sure you have the courage to fight against your dad? What if you will acquire any emotional breakdowns?"
"Then I'll meet a psychiatrist to help me."
"Shut up. I am being serious here."-I said.
"And you think, I didn't? I know my limitations, Russell. I just wanted to make my dad learn his lessons and admit his defeat. He is being too high when it comes to shaping me and Jackson. He is sweet to my mom and showed his love to her. But to us? He is overbearing and that's what I hated."
"Dad is also like that. That's why I feel annoyed but I can't hate him. He treats my mother as a true queen and show him his different side."-I said. I massage the other.
"You're good at this, huh? Are you sure you're a swimmer Mr. Maxwell?"
"Shut up. I learn this for my mom. I always massage her when I was a kid and even up until now. Your dad's slap? It's lethal like what I said. How did you manage to hold up all these years? Your good acting is superb."
"Just a concealer when tomorrow comes and I'll be good. A little tears and its fine."-she said.
"From now on, you can show me your weak side. I won't judge you."-I said. She laugh.
"Nope. It will be lesser than my fingers in both hands. I will show you how badass I am."
"Wow. That's what I get from being nice, huh? I can't believe you."-I said. She laugh soundly.
SIMONE'S P.O.V
Yes, I was move and overwhelmed because this is the first time that someone cares for me. Especially someone who shielded me from dad. Jackson always do that but we end up protecting each other. That's why I never see her as my half-brother. I love that kid.
"Thank you."-I said. He stops massaging my feet and look at me. He seems to be surprised because I was serious and smiling.
"This is not you. Are you sure you're okay?"
"Why don't you accept it and be happy instead? I never thank anyone like this before—uhmp!"
He sealed my mouth and kiss me gently. That made blush even more. How can he steal kisses whenever he wishes to? This young man, he's a playboy himself. He lay me down the couch.
"What are you planning to do, huh?"
"We want babies, aren't we?"-he said. I cover my lips using the back of my palm.
"Now you're the one who's shy. Is it because you are being dominated, hmm?"-he said.
"Shut up!"-I said. I am about to push him when he lifted my shirt and expose my upper chest a bit. I moaned as soon as he softly bite my skin. He stood up and smile after.
"Let's wait for dinner."-he said.
"What was for? Why did you gave me a hickey?"-I ask. He just laugh and speak.
"To make you remember that you have once accepted that I am the dominant one, my arrogant wife."-he said. What the heck! At the dinner table, Jackson is staring at him.
"Your husband is more attractive than in televisions! Whoa. I am a fan of yours, Russell."
"Don't tell me you will ask an autograph?"
"Yes. And a selfie either."-he said.
"Behave in front of the food, Jackson."
"I'm sorry dad."-he said. I sigh.
"Dad, stop giving him a hard time. He is the only one you have here. Don't vent your frustrations to him."-I said.
"It's okay, big sister. I have been used to his rants on me. Congratulations anyway."
"Thank you. Let's talk about your request later on."-he said. My brother smiled in happiness.
"Thank you! Big sister you've found a great husband."-he said and wink.
"It's dad's fault anyway."-I said.
"I told you, I only want what is best in you."
"Is that so? Are you sure dad?"-I questioned.