Respect

DAY 3

Just like he said, Patrick came back early. He was still with his typical frown. He asked Sara to deliver the message to Phina and then went upstairs to change into a new outfit.

Phina invited the intruder inside when she heard a knock on her door. 

She said, "Come in." She also completed the last bit of her makeup. Patrick had mentioned earlier in the morning, before leaving for work, that it was about time for him to return. 

In the kitchen, they shared a moment. Before leaving, he stopped to make her tea and told her he would return by 4:00 pm. 

She had laid out her outfit for the occasion. She had also chosen a purse and shoes. She was relieved that she would have to wear every one of the pricey outfits that were supplied. She's going to leave the mansion, too. 

Sara entered. Her gaze immediately fell upon the fabric resting on the bed. She didn't say anything, but she loved the black outfit. 

"Mr. Patrick is home." You have thirty minutes to make your way downstairs, she added. She delivered her message. 

"All right. I'll be asleep before then. Phina spoke without glancing at her. 

She stopped short of opening the door as she heard her leaving. Looking up, Phina glanced at her. 

"Is there anything you want, Sara?" She enquired. 

She said, "Uh... No." Phina didn't ask any more questions; they just nodded. 

She got to her feet and combed her hair. 

"Your makeup looks good." When she finally said anything, Phina turned to face her from where she had been observing her—the door. 

She said, "Thanks, Sara." 

Phina grinned. She was aware that she would soon recover. She knew she would become tired of the attitude, so she wasn't acting naive; most likely, she was resentful that another lady was living there. 

"And your gown is beautiful." 

Indeed. Regards." 

After giving a nod, she eventually left the room. Grinning, Phina checked her appearance in the mirror to see if her makeup had smeared. 

Once, she was content. She slid into them after picking up the rag off the bed. She put on her footwear. A pair of black heels on a gladiator-style lace shoe. She then went to pick up the purse she had chosen for the outfit. She slipped her phone and purse inside with a tissue roll, lipstick, and powder. 

And before Patrick could arrive and eat her alive, she went downstairs. 

When Patrick entered, Sara was in the living room taking a picture of Phina. He gave the two women a rolling look. She was already down, so he didn't have to bother going to her room, which made him happy. 

"Can we please leave now?" Startling the two women, Patrick stated. 

With a sudden turn, Phina gave him a frown. 

"You don't have to scare us." She expressed dissatisfaction. 

She also caught Sara giving a hushed "Ahh" sign. She doesn't care, though. 

"Sorry, sir." She advised running from Patrick's fury. She handed her phone to Phina in a hurry and walked away. 

Patrick remained silent. All he did was look at Phina. 

You are getting too blunt for my likeness. He stated. 

"You'll just have to put up with it. I promise not to be like this if you behave. We were both afraid of you. Would you have approved if I had treated you the same way?" She enquired. 

He attempted to control his anger by fisting his hand. In actuality, he is not accustomed to having others respond to him. Everyone carries out his desires. And since it's him, they do it even if they don't like it. 

But not the woman in front of him. She was speaking so frankly for his sake. He had no idea she was so assertive. She didn't resemble her calm, kind father at all. 

"Are you talking to me in that manner?" He enquired. 

"Observe, Mr. Patrick. Even though you are older than me and a billionaire, this is important. We are dependent on one another. However, if you don't respect me, this won't work. I won't treat you with respect if you don't. Honor...respect is not a given…It is EARNED." She stressed the final word. 

To relax, she closed her eyes. She finds it difficult to become angry, and Patrick has been doing a fantastic job of bringing that side of her out. 

"Are we going or not?" Now, she asked quietly. "I'm sorry." She expressed regret. 

Patrick didn't say anything but left, and she trailed behind him to the waiting car outside the home. 

The driver started the vehicle when they got inside. She was relieved it wasn't her dad. She cannot allow her father to drive her around while she sits in the back. 

And for that reason, she has been composed around Patrick. He had done great by informing her father that she would stay with him and that he would not work for thirty days. At the end of the month, he will fully pay his salary. She is appreciative of that. 

It was a fascinating party. It was completely different from her expectations as if she had never gone. They are affluent folks. The hosts look stunning in their elaborate gowns. She was happy Patrick had purchased all those pricey outfits for her. She noticed the looks on the faces of the female hosts, especially the youngest, and felt the attention of a few men on her. 

She was not fond of Patrick because of her continued look at her. If only she knew, though, that it was all a lie. However, she remained silent and cooperated as expected. 

Patrick brought her up with a couple of his pals. She has a thing for the guy and his attractive, trim wife. He was a hilarious man. As they nicknamed him, Henry is the short one who can't stop staring at her and asking questions.

And she and Patrick shared some time in the spotlight. Because of him, she seems to be liked and respected by everyone. 

She surmised that's what it takes to be a billionaire's girlfriend. She attempted, though it was difficult, to seem sophisticated. She also smiled and was courteous to everyone. 

She went to her room when they arrived home at around eleven that evening. As she left the sitting room, Patrick remained silent, tapping on his phone before they got into the car. When she came out of the living room, he was still in the sitting room, typing on his phone. 

He didn't seem exhausted, which made her wonder whether he was an alien. However, she assumed that was his manner of living. The one he'd known since childhood. He was also accustomed to it. 

She answered her phone, and it was Avery. She protested with a sigh. Avery will not allow her to complete her mission and go straight to bed. She'll continue to push her. 

Nevertheless, she took it up and turned it on speaker so that she could take off her clothing while she spoke. 

"Hey, young lady. "How was your dinner party? She enquired. Last night, during their call, she had told her. 

"Avery, it went well. I just got back, and I'm worn out." 

"Well, my sweetheart. But at least you have fun." She says. 

Yes. Yes, I do. They are considering how those women were observing me. They seem to be trying to eat me. They were dripping with envy." She says. 

"Guy, who won't he? You are one of the most attractive and young, wealthy guys in the world. "What more could a girl ask for?" stated Avery. 

"You're right. However, Avery, you'll want to lick those women after seeing the lace and gowns they're wearing." 

"Really? Tell me something, please." Avery said. 

And Phina started describing the designs and fabrics of the garments she noticed on the ladies. She hadn't even remembered that she wanted to go to bed.

"Then, that party, boom. Baby girl, I wish I were in your shoes. Thus, savor it while it's here." Avery said. 

"You're heard. How did your day go, then? "How is doing?" 

"I am. It's okay today. And I haven't received a call, the idiot. 

Give up trying to be all that you're not." 

"I'm not trying to be sly. That guy is just too uninteresting. He must behave more like a guy if he wants to date me." She says. 

The typical Avery. Although she acts as though she doesn't care, she does. She won't, however, ever tell you. 

"Girl, I want to go to bed. Tomorrow, we'll talk." Phina yawned. 

"All right. I'm going to leave you now. Good night. 

"Likewise, you. Good night. Best friend, have sweet dreams." 

"Sweet dreams," Phina grinned as she spoke. 

She calls her best friend, but the girl has never gotten used to it and doesn't want to acknowledge it. However, she is aware that Avery won't think twice about calling her name if they inquire about who her best friend is. 

Grinning, she plugged in her phone, removed her makeup, and then stretched in her comfy bed to enjoy it.