002. Invitation

Melissa's POV

I cried my eyes out once I got to my room. My eyes were so dim on the iPhone I was glaring at while laying on the bed on my stomach. Without a specific destination in mind, my finger continued to flick restlessly across the screen. I was too confused to know what next of me to do.

Perhaps I should run away? If about money, I have a lot to elope with but where out there would be safe for me out of the reach of my father, —The Mafia Lord of the Whale Wing?

I was screwed! So damn screwed!

This engagement must not happen… I would rather do something hideous.

I shuddered slightly as my phone pinged. A message popped up. I was in too much distress to open it but pick it up quickly as the sender's name caught my glimpse.

'Joy Sanctuary Orphanage Home' 

They must have sent a reminder for their international conference with Orphanage kids across the globe. It was pitiful that I won't attend this one. 

Visits to the orphanage home back in Germany were part of my routine. I was one of the investors, too. I spent the majority of my allowance money at the home, and I never missed any of their programs. The annual conference was usually held simultaneously at their branches across the globe. Since I transferred here, it's so unfortunate that I would miss such a program. Besides, I haven't looked into whether they have a branch in my hometown. 

'Ms. Davis, The Joy Sanctuary Orphanage Home invites you to join our other branch at Saint Angeles Orphanage Home in your community. We miss you at J.S.O and we consider you as our guest of honor at S.A.O for this Annual Conference.'

I read through the address before pulling the duvet over my head.

I've gotten the remaining day to be alone and brainstorm on my hideous plan but now ruined by the Conference. —I would have to prepare something spicy and inspiring for those kids. At least as a new investor and family.

Although, I learned of the conference long ago and I've been hoping to attend until the news of my transfer reached me. I contacted the J.S.O to make them know of my dismissal but I had no idea they have a branch here let alone would receive an invitation as their guest of honor. 

How am I gonna do this? The time was stipulated for 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Due to the stress and mental trauma my father caused me, I have missed two days of my publishing schedule. For my latest serializing book, I was left with 5 stockpiles which were the stipulated mass-release chapters I promise those avid, devoted readers of mine.

Things got messed up because of this sudden summons!

Again, my phone rang. On the screen was Alice. I picked up the call on the first ring.

"Hello… Alice?" 

I pushed the blanket up to my neck and banged my back against the headrest. I felt as though my entire body had frozen like ice. My voice was similarly icy too.

"Lissa-" Alice stumbled over her words and drifted off. "-did something happen? Do you feel ill? Was the weather unbearable for you?"

Her numerous assumptions rang vehemently across the phone that it pinched my hearings, but I felt her concern that it got me hooked and I leapt my sicky voice to respond to her, vibrantly.

"A-Alice…" I gritted such that her name vibrated through my teeth. She needs to stop talking so much. "I'm great…always!"  

Her breath sighed relief, "Ok, hope you are set for the party. Come on now, press on the speeds, we are waiting!" merrily, she screamed.

'Oh gosh!' I screamed within, I'd forgotten the party that Alice and Kelly organized to welcome me. They told me about it but I honestly forgot!

I frowned when I glanced at the clock. Remorsefully, I bite my bottom lips for being 30 minutes late.

"Alice-"

"Don't! Don't tell me you've forgotten, Lissa! You sounded so dull, are you sleeping?" Her voice came out lowly as if hiding from the ears of others.

"Hear me out…" I scream to get her attention as she was just talking her mind out without giving any ears to my words.

Again, she interrupted as I was about to speak. "Hurry down here, everyone is here including those hot guys you will always dream to have!" 

"Alice, I can't make it! I'm sorry… it's a family thing." Hurriedly, I spoke to make her hear me. she displays this tense attitude whenever her mind got spilt… I hope she could be focused and calm for once.

"Is that Alice?" Kelly asked underneath. 

I raised my voice in an effort to get Kelly's attention instead. "Kelly… hear me out, I'm not gonna make it there, I owe you guys. It's all on me, please."

"Lissa sounds so sick in the head… I can't keep listening to her!" Alice's voice grieved beneath and I could hear how devastated she was.

If only they knew how devastated I am.

"Don't say to us 'please'. Just bring that your f*cking as$ here!!" Alice spoke out loud.  

"Your girl is damn freaked, Lissa… butt up and come here now. oooh..la..la." Kelly toned her voice melodiously.

A disbelieving smirk followed my frantic yell. "Hey!..." The call ended at the peak of my outburst. I leapt my voice as they turned into whispers. "Listen-" 

 'Hot guys worth dreaming of?'

Guys hot or cold weren't on my agenda… not when I have to run from this freaking fate!