Chương 3: ➵ Three ➵
SIX YEARS PASSED IN A BLINK. Although the deal was to comeback when she graduated from college, Abby decided to get a master degree as well, so it took more two years. And when she got back to London, her family decided to throw a party to celebrate her arrival, and invited all the hottest celebrities from both Europe, America, and Asia to come.
It would be broadcasted. After all, it was the first time people would get to know who the mysterious daughter was. Because of Abby's descreet way and style, not even the paparazzi noticed she was the unknown Van Dalen when they were around.
And even before the big party, she felt overwhelmed by her reality again. She got used to living a low profile life, it was going to be hard to adapt. But it was all part of her plan to take revenge on Hendrick and Eline later.
When she arrived at the airport after a long flight, the place was flooded by paparazzi, and she freaked out, so she hid behind the crowd and got out of there unnoticed. Then Abby took her phone from her backpack and called her sister.
"Why the hell did you do that? Hanna, I asked you to come get me without a ruckus!" She exclaimed.
Her sister laughed. "This is without a ruckus, sis. And what did you expect when I'm the one coming to get you?"
"You are impossible!"
"Yeah, yeah. So, where are you?" She asked.
"I'm on a uber, of course. Ain't no way I'm letting these people see me with you," then she paid the driver before hand. "See you at home!"
When she turned her phone off, she sighed and rested her head on the seat. But then the office turned the radio on and her brother's song began to play. "Do you mind some music, ma'am?"
"No. Feel free to listen to it," she muttered.
"You seem tired, ma'am!"
"I am," she let out a sigh. "And I'm about to get even more tired when I get home. Everyone is going to be on my toes," another sigh. "I'm trying to prepare myself."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Yes. What is it?" She tried to sound interested.
"Are you the mysterious daughter of House Van Dalen?" What?
She opened her eyes wide and turned to meet his eyes through the mirror. "What makes you think that?"
"I'm a fan of them, and they mentioned that the mysterious daughter was coming back today. And you just said that your sister Hanna made a ruckus on the airport, and the one who put the airport in havoc was Hanna Van Dalen, who seemed to be here to get her sister," he rolled his shoulders. "Respectfully speaking, you are extremely gorgeous, and have many similar features to them!"
Giggling, she nodded. "You are the first one to put the dots together. Yes, it's me." She took out her id and showed it to him. "My name is Abby Van Dalen!"
He gasped, "Can I take a picture with you before you become a star worldwide?"
Still giggling, she nodded, "Of course. You seem cool, so I won't mind. But only post it tomorrow when people will see my face on the party, okay?"
"I can't believe it's really you! You have any idea of how the entire world is curious to know who you are. Wow, they will faint when they see how drop-gorgeous you are," he exclaimed exasperated. "Why did you stayed hidden for so long?"
"I'm not a fan of social media and reality shows," she rolled her eyes. "My family is, but not me. You can say that I'm a reserved person, and I'm also quite the introvert. Besides, I didn't want anyone treating me differently just because I'm a Van Dalen!"
He chuckled, "So, you are humble."
"Well, call it whatever you want. I just don't like all the attention," sigh. "Although it'll became quite hard for me to get away from it now."
"Indeed. Everyone is speculating for years about you, ma'am. Myself included. To be honest, just like me, I think most people thought you hid yourself because you were ugly or something," that made me giggle.
How adorable. "No. I'm just the polar opposite of my entire family. If I had done what my generation of Van Dalen did, made with my siblings and cousins, I would spend most of my life under the eyes of everyone. Under the spotlight."
"Anyone else would love that," I know.
"I'm not like them, though. I just... I want to go somewhere no one would know who I am. There would have no pressure, you know? Because although they don't show it, my family is constantly under the pressure of being some kind of role model. Which, to me, is ridiculous. There are lots of people who treat them as perfects and shit like that, and I can't agree with that," sigh. "It's all so annoying."
He seemed apologetic, "There is also the layer of protection, miss. If people knew you were a Van Dalen, you would be treated better. People wouldn't dare to approach you without thinking thrice!"
"They would be fake, you mean, right? Two faced assholes who only get close to me so they could benefit from the power me and my family possess. It's exhausting. They only see our assets, not us. Like a stair that can get you to the top. My family is surrounded by parasites because of that," she turned her gaze from him to the window. "Crazy people who don't have a life and keep trying to get involved to ours."
"Most fans are toxic and evasive," he agreed. "You are right not to like social media, ma'am, it's chaotic, problematic, full of awful energy."
Sigh. "I know."
"So, why? If you hate it, why are you going to show yourself to the public after all those years hiding from them?" Good question.
"I made a promise. Some years ago, after some traumatic things happened in my life, when I had left my home for around 2 years," she felt like a ball blocking her voice.
"Oh, yes, I think I remember when they all freaked out because the mysterious daughter, I mean, you... Had moved out suddenly and cut contact with them, right?"
"It's awkward that you know that. But, yes. It was around that time. So, when I came back six years ago, I promised that I would get my shot together and take over the position they all want me to have," sigh. "As the next matriarch of the Van Dalen. But first I need to go and get a college degree in business, so I would be able to run the conglomerate properly," he seemed excited to hear that.
"I can't believe I'm the first one to hear all of this! I feel blessed!"
She chuckled softly, "You are a funny guy."
"And you are calling me funny!" He exclaimed, making her actually laugh. "Feeling less anxious?" He asked after some moments.
"Yes," she said, still smiling. "What's your name?"
He blushed, "Dražen Brajković!"
Abby raised her eyebrows, "Oh, are you Croatian?"
"Yes. You got that just by my name?" He seemed surprised.
"Mhm. So, what's your dream?"
He didn't think twice before answering, "I want to be a fantasy writer!" His tone was dreamy.
"Have you written anything yet?"
"Hm, yes. I wrote a book called The Curse of the Black Witch," he exclaimed proudly. "But no publishing company has taken an interest on it. I've tried all of the ones in the UK. Maybe it's because I'm a foreigner."
Taking her phone out she asked for his number and he gave her, then she sent him a message so he could save hers. "Send me the PDF of your book. I'll do the rest."
He stared at her dumbfounded, "What?"
"Dedicate this book to me, okay?" She told him with a charming smile and his car stopped in front of the Van Dalen condo. Then she took two hundred pounds from her purse and gave it to him. "Keep the rest to yourself," then she got out and took her bags with her. "I'll contact you with the news of the publishing company. I have friends on the Bloomsbury Company, so you might heard from them as well."
"I... I... I... How can I thank you?"
"Dedicate it to me," she winked and ran inside the condo.
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