UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
By Mayor
CHAPTER 11 & 12
Tatiana sat frozen in the car, her face turning red as a tomato, and her lips sealed shut. The image of Cassius carrying her replayed in her mind, causing her heart to race uncontrollably.
Regaining her senses, she shot a glare at the man driving. “What was that? Why did you carry me?” she snapped.
“I needed to talk to you privately. Resist again, and I’ll do more than that. I hate disobedience,” he replied, his voice cold. But Tatiana couldn’t care less.
“Why should I obey you?” she questioned.
“You don’t need a reason. No one does,” he responded, his gaze still fixed on the road.
Tatiana scoffed. “You’re used to people obeying you, aren’t you? Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but I’m not that kind. I do what I want.”
“Not with me,” he turned his head towards her, his emotionless blue eyes piercing through her. “I told you I would show you the consequences of crossing paths with me, little rebel,” he added before returning his attention to the road.
“What’s with the nickname?” Tatiana raised an eyebrow.
“It’s suit you well. Little. Rebel” He stretched the nickname enough to upset her and it did.
“Now be quiet before I do something else”
“Are you upset because I rejected your offer?” She raised her brow. Cassius shut his eyes momentarily, then opened them again.
“No,” he mumbled. “But I’m wondering why you think I would accept such a deal from you. You want my resources and help to find your sister’s killer… in return, you’ll pay me? How?”
“Money.”
“You think I don’t have that?”
“I’ll make a successful comeback soon, so my fame will be yours.”
“You think I don’t have that too?”
Tatiana sighed. She knew that getting help from this man would come at a price. She had nothing to offer him yet.
“What do you want, then?”
A smirk formed on the man’s lips. “Whatever I want. You’ll come whenever I call you, help whenever I ask you to. No matter the circumstances.”
“If it’s something I can’t do, then I won’t. You have to consider that too,” Tatiana stated firmly.
“Fine,” he replied. Tatiana didn’t expect him to agree so easily. She felt guilty for thinking he was about to ask for her body. He was just so confusing!
The car stopped in front of her apartment, and Tatiana wasn’t surprised that he knew where she lived. She got out of the car hastily, and he drove away without uttering a word.
___
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
“How are you feeling, ma’am?” the nurse asked Maya, who sat on the bed with a blank expression.
“It hurts a little,” Maya replied, her dry, pale lips quivering.
“Alright, ma’am. All you need is rest, and please be careful not to fall again. It could cause internal injuries, possibly requiring surgery,” the nurse informed Maya, who nodded slowly.
“I’ll go get the doctor before you’re discharged,” the nurse said, leaving after receiving a nod from Maya. Maya’s tired gaze shifted to her hand, covered in bandages.
She had lied, claiming that she had accidentally spilled soup on herself while cooking. Her chest, stomach, back, and leg ached tremendously. She concealed her pain behind a smile.
If people were to discover the truth, her husband would kill her.
She had no one to turn to. Or maybe she did…
She simply didn’t want to involve her in her mess, particularly when they had no power.
After being discharged, Maya headed to the grocery store. She disguised herself to avoid being photographed by the media.
Mason loved freshly cooked food and wouldn’t eat the same meal twice, so she had to cook two or three times a day.
“Cookies! Cookies!” a tiny voice caught her attention. Maya’s eyes landed on a young, adorable boy pointing upwards.
She let out a pained smile—she didn’t have a child of her own, and the reason behind it felt like a stab in her heart.
“Maya?”
Maya froze; someone had recognized her even in disguise.
“Maya, it’s me, Cat,” Catelyn said, locking eyes with Maya.
“Auntie,” Maya forced a smile.
“Maya,” Catelyn closed the distance between them and hugged Maya, sensing her wince and frown.
“Are you okay?” Catelyn asked, her narrowed eyes taking in Maya’s shocked and fearful expression.
“I’m fine. I… I got into an accident, so I don’t feel well.”
“Oh my God, are you alright? What are you doing here all by yourself? Where’s your husband?”
“He had something to attend to. I’m fine, and I have to go. I need to eat and take my medicine,” Maya nodded hurriedly and left the scene.
Catelyn’s brow furrowed; something was definitely wrong.
“No! That’s not yours!” Dylan suddenly snapped at a man, diverting Catelyn’s attention.
A man was holding the chocolate cookies she intended to buy for him—the last pack.
“I saw them first, and I wanted them first,” Dylan spoke again, leaving the man unsure of what to do.
“Please, sir, those are his favorite cookies. I was about to buy them before I got momentarily distracted,” Catelyn politely explained, and Hudson nodded.
He handed the cookies to Dylan, and the boy’s smile returned. Catelyn thanked the man and walked away.
Hudson narrowed his eyes at the boy; he resembled his boss so much.
“Well, this is nonsense,” he shook his head. “The boss doesn’t have a child. What a coincidence that they both love the same cookies. The boy is adorable, but quite cold.”
He looked up and found none of Cassius’s favorite cookies remaining.
“He’s going to kill me,” Hudson mumbled.
“What? You have them to a boy?” As expected, Cassius voice didn’t sound pleased.
“He wanted it so badly so I gave them to him. I’m sure the store will have…”
“Hey!” Cassius voice cut him off. “Do you know badly I’m craving for them. I’m definitely chopping off your head once you get here!”
“Did I do a wrong thing making a young boy happy? Fine! Fine! I’ll find your damn cookies!” Hudson snapped and ended the call.
“Fuck him, fuck him, fuck him” He cursed glaring at his phone as if it was Cassius.
His face suddenly dropped, recalling the fact Tatiana had rejected the offer.
“Something is definitely between my idol and boss” He mumbled.
___
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
It was Monday, Tatiana gushed spotting her son’s school outfit. She said sweet words to him assuring, he would love the school.
After dropped her son off the school, Tatiana kissed his cheek bid him goodbye. She entered her car and zoom off after making sure he was in.
Unknown to her, Paisley sighted her from a distance. She was in her car with her son, Landon.
Tatiana just dropped a kid around the age of her son to the school her son also attend. With a rough guess, the boy is around the age of five. Nathan betrayed her six years ago.
Could it be, that boy was Nathan’s son. Impossible!
Getting home, Tatiana took out her laptop and continued her research. Catelyn told her something strange about Maya.
Though, she tried to ignore the strange feeling but couldn’t help her curiosity. She scroll down Mason’s page and saw how lovely their couple pictures are.
Just last week, Mason claimed to have gifted his wife an expensive car. Nothin seems weird buy still..
Jolene came in with a long look on her face.
“How long are you going to be like this?” Tatiana asked.
“As long as you don’t tell me what’s between you and Mr. King. I thought we promised not to keep things away from wash other” Jolene pouted, crossing her arms below her breast.
“Can you handle it?” Tatiana inquired with a playful smile.
“You guys are dating?” Jolene guessed and her face lit up.
“No” Tatiana scoffed. Dating Mr. King is like a big uproar, especially when he is engaged to an international model. The closest woman to Cassius according to her research.
“Definitely not, he is engaged remember” Tatiana added, a pang of hurt struck her heart.
“Yeah. Is he your friend? No it can’t be, I literally know everything about you and I’ve never seen him in the picture, that is why it’s driving me crazy since yesterday” Jolene took a deep breath. “Wait!”
Tatiana watched a frown settled on Jolene’s face, seeming to have caught the answer.
Jolene laughed at her thought. “What in insane guess that just pop in, right now”
Tatiana raised a brow at her, and Jolene hot the answer. Her face dropped in shock.
“No way. Mr. King is the man you had a night with and he is.. Dylan’s. Father?” She mumbled, feeling the air around her choking.
“You’re right” Tatiana responded and Jolene remained frozen for five minutes.
“I need some water” She took a cup of water and gulped it down at once. “Argh, I feel so hot. Mr. King is Dylan’s father!! I’m freaking out!”
Tatiana laughed. What a drama queen!
__
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
Just as Tatiana had predicted, her scandal began to fade away, replaced by the news of Cassius King’s engagement. The story was trending everywhere, and Tatiana couldn’t help but sigh when she saw it.
She needed to inform Cassius about Dylan, if only for Dylan’s sake.
While in the car, her phone buzzed, and she furrowed her brows upon seeing an unknown number.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Where are you?” The voice belonged to Cassius. How had he gotten her number?
“I’m on my way to an audition. Is there a problem?” Tatiana asked, while Jolene, who overheard the conversation, wore a knowing smile.
“I’ll text you an address once you’re done. Be there, Little Rebel,” he ordered before ending the call.
“Who does he think he is?” Tatiana mumbled. He hadn’t even given her a chance to agree or disagree.
“A date?” Jolene smirked.
“No. I already told you about the deal I made with him. He probably found something out,” Tatiana shrugged, looking out the window and concealing her hidden smile.
Jolene smiled, her eyes lighting up as she discovered something.
“I found something odd about Mason.”
Tatiana’s expression turned serious. “What is it?”
“Mason had a scandal two years ago, where he was accused of being addicted to gambling. There was even a picture as evidence, but he denied it all,” Jolene replied, and Tatiana pondered on it for a moment.
____
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
Tatiana noticed other artists waiting for the audition, their skeptical gazes fixed on her.
“Why is she here? Isn’t that Tatiana?”
“Yes, it is. How could she show up? I would hide in shame if I were her, especially after what happened to her sister.”
“The Wallington have no shame.”
While Tatiana remained calm, Jolene seethed with anger. If looks could kill, those idiots would be six feet underground.
“Save your strength, Jojo. They don’t deserve it,” Tatiana said, slipping on her boots.
“They think they’re better? Tsk,” Jolene scoffed, crossing their arms.
Once again, the gossip resurfaced about Tatiana’s attire. Unlike the others, who were dressed elegantly, Tatiana wore a simple dress with a small tear on the shoulder of her polo.
Others assumed she hadn’t noticed, but they were mistaken.
Soon, one of the candidates who had just finished auditioning rushed out in tears.
“What? Wasn’t she one of the best among us?”
“Why is she crying?”
“I heard the director called for his senior. I heard he is strict and bad-mouths every artist who makes a mistake.”
As fear trembled through the others, Tatiana remained composed.
“Next!” a voice thundered inside. The next lady gathered herself and stepped in. Within five minutes, she was sent out in tears, further shattering everyone’s hope.
“Next!”
The woman in line before Tatiana glanced at her.
“You go ahead first. I don’t think I’m ready.”
“Next!” the director roared again, and Tatiana stepped in confidently.
The senior director’s gaze alone could make anyone shrink, which explained why the others kept failing. Tatiana had dealt with many directors before, so handling this one wasn’t an issue.
Initially, the senior director was irritated that he had to call her twice, but upon seeing her, his expression softened.
Mostly, he had been rejecting artists not because of their acting, but because they failed to dress the part.
The character in the script was a wealthy assassin disguised as a poor woman to achieve her goal.
The senior director’s gaze flickered with interest. Tatiana seemed familiar, but he couldn’t place from where. The director who had accepted her smiled slightly.
Tatiana received her cue and began her audition. As she performed, the senior director noticed the tear on her shoulder and smiled.
She had truly brought the character to life.
Soon, the door opened, and the senior director stepped out, his gaze fixed on the remaining artists.
“Go home now. We’ve found the woman we’ll cast,” he simply stated before leaving. The others peeked and saw Tatiana signing the contract.
“She?!”
“What in the world!”
“I underestimated her. Why didn’t I say something positive? She could have been my tutor!”
“How did she do it?”
Jolene smiled, knowing Tatiana wouldn’t disappoint. They would reach the top in no time.
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
Once Tatiana had finished changing and was ready to leave, an uproar erupted from the hall. Paisley had arrived.
Everyone recognized Paisley as a famous actress in the industry, and they would kneel to get her autograph.
Tatiana rolled her eyes, knowing Paisley was here for her. She attempted to walk past her, but Paisley spoke up.
“How embarrassing for you to work on such a low-quality project. I must say, Tatiana, you’re quite pitiful.”
Remaining calm, Tatiana tried to leave again but paused when Paisley spoke once more.
“The boy you dropped off at Golden School, who was he?”
Paisley had seen Dylan? Tatiana turned to look at her, and Paisley got her answer. The boy was Tatiana’s son!
“I was about to drop off my son, the one I had with Nathan, and then I saw you. I’m just curious,” Paisley smiled, stepping closer to Tatiana.
“Was that your son, Tatiana? Who’s the father?” Her voice low for only Tatiana to hear.
“Your shamelessness knows no bounds,” Tatiana scoffed and turned to leave, but…
“He’s a bastard, isn’t he?”
In an instant, anger surged through Tatiana, her eyes reddening with rage. Did Paisley just call Dylan a bastard?
“Oh, you’re dead, bitch,” Jolene thought.
Paisley knew how Tatiana had always struggled to control her anger, especially in public.
“What did you just say?” Tatiana glanced back, her tone icy.
“He’s a bastard.”
That was it!
Tatiana swiftly delivered three sharp slaps to Paisley’s face. Paisley tried to dodge the next one, but Tatiana swept her feet off the ground, causing Paisley to fall heavily and hit her head.
Blood oozed out Paisley’s lips and nose instantly.
Gasps filled the air.
Tatiana didn’t stop there. Her anger remained unsatisfied. Her blood was boiling and all she wanna do is teach the bitch how to use her lips.
She grabbed Paisley by the hair and forcefully dragged her, heading straight to the restroom.
“Let me go bitch!” Paisley yelled but Tatiana didn’t stop. Insult her all you want but not her Dylan.
Hell will break lose!
Getting into one of the toilet, Tatiana sighted a lady just coming out from one. Perfect.
“Wait I haven’t..” The woman tried to tell.
Tatiana dragged Paisley in and didn’t waste a moment, shoving Paisley head into the toilet…
The lady who just came out completed her word in shock.
“Flush”
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
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