Tensions (3) with Disconnections

The next morning, the shrill voice of Madam Gizel pierced through Charlie's slumber, dragging him out of bed and forcing him downstairs. As he entered the dining area, she handed him a long list of chores to complete, her tone commanding and demeaning. "Wash the dishes, clean the entire house, and make sure there's not a single speck of dirt anywhere!" she ordered, a cruel glint in her eyes.

Fury and frustration bubbled inside Charlie as he protested, "But it's not fair! Why am I the only one doing all this work? Steve doesn't have to lift a finger!" He tried to suppress his anger, attempting to sound respectful, but the injustice of the situation made it difficult to mask his emotions.

Madam Gizel's lips curled into a sinister smile as she snatched Charlie's requested for Charlie's. As soon as he placed it forward She snatched it from his grasp, her fingers tightening around it possessively. "Oh, you think life's supposed to be fair, do you? Well, guess what? It isn't!" she spat venomously. "And just to teach you a lesson, I'm keeping this!" she taunted, waving his phone before him like a trophy of her cruelty. "And don't you even dare think of stepping out of this house. I've decided to stay in today! and I'm not going anywhere, I suppose that'll teach you a lesson, brat."

Feeling trapped and defeated, Charlie's heart sank. He knew arguing further would only worsen the situation. With a heavy sigh, he reluctantly began his arduous tasks, his anger festering with every dish he washed and every corner he cleaned.

Meanwhile, in her elegantly furnished room, Richelle was greeted by the soft glow of the morning sun as it filtered through the curtains. She pushed the curtains aside, allowing the sun to embrace the room with warmth. She stepped out onto the glass-guarded porch, absorbing the breathtaking view of the city landscape. In the quiet serenity, she hoped for a day without family drama or arguments.

After freshening up, Richelle changed out of her pajamas and leisurely made her way downstairs, idly scrolling through her phone, lost in the world of YouTube. But then, she came across a video of Charlie, showcasing his incredible singing skills during the duel with Mr. Wisely. Her eyes widened in recognition, and a spark of excitement lit up her face.

Eager to share the discovery with Ryan, she rushed to find him. However, she encountered him as he stepped out of his room, his face still bearing the remnants of last night's anger. "Look, Ryan, it's Charlie!" she exclaimed, hoping to share her excitement.

But Ryan's mood was far from receptive. Still simmering with frustration from the argument, he didn't respond to Richelle's enthusiasm. Disheartened, she realized he was still upset and merely replied with an uncertain "Oh," her excitement waning.

Before Ryan could explain the situation with Charlie, their mom emerged from her room, curious about the commotion. "Who's Charlie?" she inquired, overhearing Richelle's excited utterances.

Ryan hesitated, unsure how to navigate the situation. Richelle saw his discomfort and tried to conceal the truth, but their mom could see through her façade. "Don't lie to me, Richelle. I know you too well," she said, her tone firm yet empathetic.

With a heavy heart, Richelle finally confessed who Charlie was and how they had met. But as she shared the story of her new friendship, their mom's expression grew stern, her concern fueled by their family's status in society.

Richelle's pent-up frustrations erupted like a volcano. "Why can't we just be a normal family, Mom? Why can't we have friends like other teenagers and live normal lives?" she cried out, her voice cracking with emotion.

Attempting to convince Richelle, their mom gently replied, "It's because you're no ordinary kids, Chloe. You're Richard King's children, and that comes with its responsibilities and challenges."

But Richelle's anger was uncontainable. "Oh, yes, we're Richard King's children," she exclaimed, her voice filled with bitterness. "The same reason we have to hide and pretend in public, where we're supposed to be ourselves. The only time we can show our true identities is when the TV set lights up or for some stupid product advertisement. I'm sick and tired of it all! I want to be a normal teenager, to live without the burden of defiling someone's reputation. The same man I'm not even sure is my dad!"

A sharp sound echoed through the room as Richelle's mom slapped her, a mix of shock and pain etched on Richelle's tear-streaked face. Ryan emerged from his room, witnessing the heartbreaking scene unfold before him.

Richelle, feeling deeply hurt and betrayed, stormed into the elevator and out of the house, her mom called after her in vain. Unheard and unfazed, Richelle made her way to the coffee shop where she and Ryan had first met Charlie and Chloe. She needed a refuge, someone to talk to and confide in.

Seated alone at a table, her heart heavy with sorrow, she suddenly realized that she had Charlie's number. She reached for her phone and dialed Charlie's number, hoping for his comforting presence. But as the phone rang, it seemed to echo in the emptiness of her surroundings. Charlie couldn't answer because his phone was locked away in Madam Gizel's room, and he begged in vain for the chance to pick up the call.

Desperate for a listening ear, Richelle tried again, but her call was met with the same cold silence. With each unanswered ring, her emotions intensified, feeling more alone than ever before.

She tried calling Chloe but her phone was switched off.

After, a few more tries, she decided to accept that she was alone in her pain, but little did she know what the others were going through.