Chapter 1 Prologue

Friday end of September, Two in the afternoon.

***

Seattle was beginning to get warm as the rain subsided, even though it seemed like it would fall for the whole day an hour ago with how heavy it was.

The scent of the rain mixed with soil and dust still lingered in the atmosphere and in a kind of way brought a cool and comforting feeling that Penelope loved.

She traced her finger round the rim of the cocoa mug she had in her hands, the cooling sensation it sent from her palms to the rest of her body was welcomed. Raquel, the housekeeper has made it a personal assignment to always bring Penelope a cup of hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows, on certain days. Be it when it's cold, when she's sad, or even on cheat days aside general celebrations. Raquel is always there to present her with a cup of hot delicious, creamy goodness.

She moaned in delight of it's richness and sighed, "How did Raquel keep it being this delicious all these years?" She thought out loud to herself.

"She makes it specially for you because she likes to spoil you." Her Mother's voice coming from the door distracted her from the garden view she found herself lost in that she didn't even notice when her mother walked in to her room. She looked back, past the french doors to see her Mom's seemingly ageless face, her Black hair styled into bouncy curls was beautiful and vibrant and her lips were pink and plush. Her Mother was very beautiful, and she admired that about her. "She doesn't give the rest of us hot cocoa gifts like she gives you," her Mother eyed the mug In her hands before taking in her daughters outfit. Penelope walked back into her room. " You're like her favorite, she's always bringing you presents" she once again eyed the mug but this time she got a look at it's contents

"That's just because I help her out" Penelope smiled and her Mother Samantha just returned it with a smile of her own

"yeah, I remember. You were like her little apprentice as a kid, always helping out in the kitchen." Her Mother looked over at her dressing room "I used to help you keep it a secret from your Father and have you clean up before he got home".

Penelope smiled while nodding, " I do remember that"

Her mother nodded "uhm, don't you think you should slow down on the hot cocoa?" She eyed her taking a sip of the cup's contents with distaste this time, "I mean, you wouldn't want to have to deal with gaining a few pounds" she watched her daughter slowly drop the cup on the table nearby.

Penelope always thought her Mother made people feel bad about doing something just to make them stop doing it to please her and she always acted like she felt bad for herself when in actual sense, she didn't. But she knows better than to start a disagreement with her Mother. She looked inwardly at how her body was, she had slim toned thighs, slightly round hips but had a round bubble butt she was always conscious of. She had toned abs she's proud of herself for maintaining over the years, round and perky C cup breasts and a slim face. She came to the conclusion that her Mom like most Mother's was an exaggerator and perfectionist.

"Thought you were going into town today?" Her Mother asked looking at her daughters expression.

"I wanted to," she glanced over at the still hot cup of cocoa before continuing "but, Dad once again found out about my plans to open a cafe and ruined all my preparations and work." She gave a defeated sigh and sunk into her bed "he once again forbad me from doing something I love, said the daughter of an important figure shouldn't own a cafe." Penelope thought back to the time he nonchalantly said to her not to use her law degree to practice, she thought she was heartbroken then but each time he refused her from doing something she felt more heartbroken.

"I'm sure your Father only means well, Penny" her Mother reassured. "He has great plans for you" she patronized. Penelope sat up properly and watched her Mom take a sit next to her on the bed. She gave her daughter a thin smile.

"When does he get back from his trip?" She asked and her Mom stood up from her bed having offered the little moral support she could manage

"He just landed and is on his way home as we speak" Penelope widened her eyes in surprise

"oh! So soon," she came to the quick realization " I guess his meetings went well" her lips pressed together into a thin smile.

"They did and he's got good news to share with all of us" she took a hold of her daughters hand and pulled her daughter up, "you should get out of these comfort clothes and get ready" Penelope looked down at her soft purple socks, grey sweatpants and baggy Simpsons top

"you're saying Dad wouldn't like seeing me looking natural at home?" She gave a sarcastic smile "super!"

"c'mon Penelope! Don't say such rude things about your father" her Mother's voice chirped a tone higher and she had no choice but to give a defeated sigh.

"fine Mom, I'll get ready and even give a nice smile" she reassured her and turned slightly to look at her dressing room stocked with beautiful clothes. Her Mom rubbed her arms from behind

"Now, that's much more better," she smiled, content "you know, you're the easiest of my children and I am grateful about that in you" she patted her back softly "don't take too long, and one more thing. Put on a nice dress because your Dad has an important information to tell you." she added before exiting her room.

Penelope thought for a second of her Mom's words, did she mean it as a true complement or as a casual insult. Easiest of my children, did she mean that she was easily manipulated unlike her other siblings? Or just that she was pleasant.

She most times used to think of her Mom as a conceited, manipulative and condescending person. But, she couldn't think that of her, because she's her Mother. She sighed and picked a dress to wear, it was a short and flared blue flowery dress. And she loved it because it fit her and was smart on her.

***

It was late afternoon when George Burton's driver pulled into his estate. He was relieved to be home after his difficult meeting and tiresome flight, he couldn't sleep or rest throughout.

He walked into his mansion and was greeted by his maids who directed him to the living room where his family was waiting, his beautiful wife, his son Aiden who had his two year old son playing on his lap as he spoke to his wife, his first daughter Samantha who sat next to her husband smiled as she saw her father walk in and Penelope, who sat on a single sofa next to their Mother.

"Dad!" His two daughters greeted in glee before going to receive him, they all welcomed him and asked about his meetings and trip but he gave them little of an answer in response and said he would offer more indepth explanation after dinner.

He pulled Penelope aside as the others went back to their seats. "I hope you would have an open mind to what I'm about to tell you" he patted her arm softly and went to sit next to his wife and his words didn't ease Penelope at all, only made her anxious and a bit scared.