A LITTLE TOUCH OF ROSE - EPISODE 40

Rosita’s standpoint

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, the sad but grateful person I’d become. It had been three months since dad was put to sleep. I woke up a week later, three days after Zedekiah. It was a surprise to hear that my father woke up thrice but it was a good thing mom was smart and fast enough to inject him all three times. Since then, he hadn’t moved a muscle.

I miss him. Every day I would stand over him and cry silently as I smiled. I smiled because I knew that when it was all over, we would be a happy family again. During the three months, mom took care of him. She abandoned her life in Japan and came to live with him. I realise then that she never stopped loving him, just buried her feelings very good.

Sakura and Reece were still in Japan, schooling and helping mom take care of her business. Even if he barely remember a thing, he still tried. Bloom however, stayed with us. I looked at mom and dad everyday and think of everything, everything we had been through and it made me cry more.

It started with me mindlessly going to avenge myself, but things went opposite to the way I planned. I got my mother, my siblings, new friends and even the love of my life. And he has tried to be supportive of me during the months, even with the great distant separating us. I had to return to put things in order. I didn’t even tell my friends the real reason I left.

A particular memory always came to my mind everyday, the one memory that snap me out of my depression and remind me that I am Altansarnai Donahue and I need to be strong for my father to make sure the legacy don’t collapse. The moment words got out that my father was down with a terrible sickness and in a coma, rivals rose, moles revealed themselves. I let them, gathering everything I need for my magnificent return.

No one was sure if the rumoured daughter of Rico Donahue was true. And due to the fact that I kept myself hidden even after three months of the incident, they believed it was a rumour.

“Rosita, be careful with that sword,” dad shouted. We were outside, me practicing with the sword he recently got me for my birthday. He was sitting on a lounge chair, legs crossed as he read from a magazine.

“Oh come on, dad, I can take care of myself,” seven years old me said as she swipe the sword around.

“You have never used that sword, baby, so be careful,” dad warned.

“This sword, that sword, what’s the difference?” I scoffed, dropping the sword to my side as I cocked my small hips. Dad still didn’t look up from his magazine.

“Every weapon is unique and powerful in their own way. You cannot compare this sword to the others because you are yet to know it strength. You are not even paying attention to it, just swinging it around.”

“This thing is small and weak, father, it can’t do much harm,” I rolled my eyes and continued jumping around as I swipe my sword playfully.

“You are small and weak yet you can take down a man twice your size. Never underestimate your opponent or your weapons. Do not be too confident, Rosita, it’s dangerous.”

“Blah blah,” I said dismissively, swinging the sword carelessly. The sword was really light and weak. “If any enemy tried me, I’ll shoot him dead. And plus, you will always be there to take care of me and rescue me out of every trouble because I am your angel,” I grinned and threw the sword up weakly, but the sword surprised me with the speed in which it returned to land.

It was going to stab me, there was no way I could escape it. It happened too fast and then, I was still working on my speed. I screamed and covered my head with my hands, waiting for the pain, but it never came. Instead, I was knocked to the ground and heard a slashing sound. It took me a minute to realise my father somehow knocked me to the ground and used his body to shield me since he couldn’t stop the sword.

Many things went through my mind that moment. If he wanted, he could have easily shot the sword and deflect it or catch the sword at it hilt instead of taking the hit. When he pulled away from me, I broke into tears seeing that the sword had plunge through his back and protruded out of his upper left chest. One hand was bent back, holding the sword hilt to stop it from completely cutting through.

“Daddy!” I cried. “I’ll get Doctor Keagan, hold on!” I ran into the house to get our personal doctor and my nanny. After she treated dad, she put him to sleep. I remembered how I never left his side, holding his hand for the forty hours he slept.

When he woke up, I was so happy I cried and asked for forgiveness. My father only placed his hand on my cheek with his signature smirk-smile and said, “You are right, you are my angel, my one and only princess. But, were you happy when I got hurt protecting you?”

“No,” I wailed, “I don’t like it, I don’t want you to hurt because of me…”

“Then please, don’t depend on me. Rosy, you have to remember that one day, I’ll leave you, I’ll die, even if not yet. You need to remember that you must learn to take care of yourself; grow to become the one to protect me, not the other way round. If you don’t become both mentally, logistically, spiritually, physically and emotionally strong, you will die sooner than you plan. But if you are strong enough, you will be able to protect those you love…”

“But I can never be strong enough to protect you, or even be wise enough to rule the clan. What if…”

“Don’t,” he pinched my cheek, causing me to giggle, “don’t ever doubt yourself or what you are capable of doing or achieving. You will be strong enough, even stronger and better. You will lead this family even more greater than I do and when the time for your most tragic days comes, you will look at yourself in the mirror and see the great leader I see in you. As long as you never give up or let emotional and mental stress break you down. Always analyse, be quick to think every single detail through and you will never fail.”

“But how will I know if I’m truly strong enough? I couldn’t even deflect a stupid weak sword,” I said angrily.

“Okay, come here,” he put his hands under my armpits and lifted me up to astraddle his laps. “That sword might look weak, but it is strong. It unique function is speed. The sword is very light and gravity holds almost no control over it. Because of that, it moves very fast and can kill an opponent within four seconds of being thrown. It is also very sharp and hard to deflect, that is why I used my body to block it and my hand to stop it from plunging in completely. I am your father but I couldn’t stop it on time, now imagine you, a seven years old girl,”

“Rosita, you are strong and smart. You may not see it now, but as time goes on, you’ll see what I see. You would be great because a time will come when you will need to pull all your emotional and mental state together so your logistic side won’t fail you. That time, it would be very difficult for you as you will be newly ascending as the heir and I won’t be there to guide you. Promise me that you will pull yourself together and make me prouder than I already am. Can you promise me that, flower?”

“Yes, daddy, I promise,” I sobbed, wiping my tears, “I will become strong and not cry over everything. I, Rosita Donahue, promise to work hard until I never let my emotions and physical weakness control me. Daddy, I would be strong for you and one day, I’ll protect you and make you extremely proud of me.”

He smiled with tears in my eyes and pulled me in for a tight hug. “I know you will, my flower, wanna know why I know?”

“Because I’m my father’s daughter,” I giggled.

“Because you are my little Altansarnai.”

I opened my eyes to meet my smiling reflection. I reached my hand out and placed it on the mirror, right at my face. My rosegold hair was styled into a low twisted banana roll updo. Little strands framed my face a little, bringing it out. My makeup was centered on my eyes to make it darker and fiercer. It made my rosegold eyes stand out and made me look like the cold heartless killer I was.

“I promise you, dad, I will make you proud.” I smiled. The door opened and Romi walked in. She was my PA. Who else could be a better PA than her? She was both efficient, trust worthy and reliable. And for a machine, she had my best interest at heart.

“It’s time, Miss Donahue,” she announced with a smirk.

Boy, is she dramatic!

I smiled back at her and stepped back from the mirror, though not removing my eyes from it. I placed my hands on my flat stomach and exhaled. For my first day, Romi insisted I wore a smooth black midi-length knife pleaded skirt with a tight big double-belt band and small dainty chains. She paired it with a ash grey Bardot top and black knee-high sock boots. I had a all black and white diamond multi-layered princess-like necklace and matching diamond statement earrings and cuffs.

I looked too much like my father; terrifying the word.

“Let’s do this.” I spun on my heel, making sure the heels of my boots click when I stopped. I walked pass Romi, pushed the door to my bathroom open and walked out.

I literally run a security agency, so it wasn’t hard to get them to work for me. We took the latest car made by my company, four in total and drove to the main headquarter where the board was having a meeting for who would take over my father’s empire. After three months of killing themselves, they were about to get a real shock.

“Hey, babe,” Zed’s sweet voice filled my ears from my phone, “sorry I can’t call right now, really busy… Urgh!” He grunted. I could hear girls screaming their names, his especially. I smiled to myself, knowing Cedric and Alvin were probably busy posing for the ladies. “Keep it down, would ya!”

“Zedekiah, we need you up here to calm the crowd! It’s a stampede outside!” I heard someone shout.

“Five minutes!” Zed shouted back. He sent me a voice record like he did every morning. Though I was listening to it at noon. “Look, I just wanted to wish you good luck with your great reveal today. Looking forward to seeing the news and the looks on our friends’ faces when they finally recognise you, well, if they recognise you. Go show those old folks how a real Donahue runs the show…”

“Zedekiah!” Many people shouted.

“Urgh! I’m coming, don’t stress your pants! Geez! I have to go, love, call you…”

“Bloody Grimshaw!”

“Yeah, goodbye, I love you.” The record stopped playing. I inhaled and gave my phone to Romi. That was all the encouragement I need.

When we arrived at the huge company that have stood for decades, the bodyguards trooped out and made a path for me. One opened the door for me but Romi stepped out first. She stood straight and stealthily scanned the surrounding while the bodyguards blocked the reporters. The reporters were there to get the final scoop on who would take over The Donahue Dynasty.

They all stood marvelled at what was happening or rather who was so important. Once Romi confirmed that it was safe with a nod, I wore my side hat that had a black net to cover my eyes and nose. I couldn’t make it that easy for them. Romi insisted on dramatic.

As if snapped out of their trance, they rushed towards me to get answers but my guards did a good job stopping them from reaching me. I intentionally waved my skin colour gloved hand which had my father’s ring on it, as if trying to block out the camera. Those with brains would put two and two together.

The guards helped me open the doors so Romi and I could walk in. The guards in the company came out like I already instructed them to. They blocked the doors while the one I came with followed me inside. Romi was grinning from the dramatic furor my presence was raising. All the workers kept sticking their heads out to see what was causing others to break into a really unnecessary brouhaha.

When I reached the boardroom, Romi pushed the doors open for me. My entry startled everyone. I walked straight to the man sitting on my father’s chair and folded my arms.

“What is the meaning of this? Who are you and what the hell are you doing in such a confidential meeting?”

“Stand up, you are sitting on my father’s chair,” I commanded.

“What?” He spluttered.

“Get your old ass off my father’s chair,” I growled.

“What sort of…” He stopped dead when I removed my hat and throw it to Romi. The hell I looked exactly like my father. I never mentioned that he dyed his hair to look just like mine because he thinks it’s cute. The only difference between our hair was that while mine was pure rosegold, he highlighted his with pink and gold. So, I knew they could spot the resemblance within the blink of an eye. But that wasn’t what made him stop, my angry death glare was.

“Wh…wh…” Another stammered.

“My name is Rosita Jemisha Donahue, first born and only child bore to Rico Donahue, and heir to the dynasty by right. Now would you do me a favour and get your ass off my chair, now,” I spat venomously. The man flinched away from my chair, almost throwing himself on the other man. I smirked, the signature smirk I learnt from watching dad admire himself in the mirror–totally rolling my eyes by the way.

“Well then,” Romi kicked the chair away and replaced it with the one I had one of the guard carry. It was a gold chair with red roses of course, “let’s talk business,” I sat down and crossed my leg over the other. I lopsided my smirk when I noticed most of them shaking.

“So, let’s continue talking about who is taking over my father’s life long work. Please, continue,” I gesture for them to continue.

“W…w…we were not trying to steal your father’s legacy, someone needed to step up for him until…”

“Don’t give me that bullshit,” I snarled, “step up for him by dividing his companies between yourselves! Making plans to change it to your own company names! Trying to forge legal papers to take over everything! Killing yourselves and destroying each other! Selling away his shares to be on the advantageous side! The man you claim to want to help, whom among you except five here tried to check up on him! No messages, no phonecalls, no emails! The moment you heard he was down, you removed your cloaks and showed your true forms!” I slammed my hands on the table at the end, pushing all my authority into my voice and my darkness into my eyes.

More than dad’s.

“You are disloyal dogs, ingrates, selfish bastards,” I snarled, “wicked scoundrel…”

“Enough! You might be an imposter for all we know!”

Wow, she’s bold.

“Romi,” I smiled, “who’s the blonde witch?”

“Nicole Tanner, CEO of Efficient Tech, married to Senate Randolph Tanner. Age, thirty seven, two kids which are twins of male gender…”

“Tell our friend here her fortunate record,”

“Long list of illegal technology trade, murder, human trafficker and associated with long time lover, Kelvin Stiles, Mafia don, Florence, Italy. Husband, political fraud, sex tape recorded and accounted for and multiple silent cases of rape. All evidence of the following listed crime are recorded and kept safe by your father. Would you like to use it?” Romi smirked and winked at the pale woman. Dad had each and everyone of their weaknesses in record, but never used it. I on the other hand, found more dirt on them and I was so going to use it.

“I have files on each and every one of you, files filling up an entire room. Snap of my fingers and yourself and your company would forever be destroyed. Either way, I win. Dad never wanted to use it, but look where that got him.” I laughed maniacally.

“What do you want?” Nicole cried.

I pouted mockingly. “Already in tears, are you now, Mrs Tanner? Well, too bad,” I looked to the man that was sitting on my chair and grinned like a witch. “You, dear sir, need to tie your son’s neck with a chain. That boy’s libido might just put him in trouble… Oh wait, it already has.” I laughed again.

“Wh…wh…wh…”

“What do you have on him?” I tilt my head with a cute sick pout, “well, sleeping with his stepmother and sisters is one naughty thing, but anonymously sending it to his friends after blocking the faces is another. What happens when someone like me find it, clear the faces and put the videos to good use? What happens if I accidentally get a video he made himself, one where he… Hmm, how would I put it,” I stroke my chin thoughtfully, then waved my hand like I was thinking, “him having a fivesome with himself, his stepsisters and mother and a particular thin red haired boy?” I looked at the father of the boy. “That’s not good, huh?”

I let the fear seep into the silence before I clapped my hands and laughed. “Oh, don’t worry, it’s not like I have evidence of somebody’s son raping some important person’s daughter or anything. Since the case was closed with no evidence, I’m sure the father of the girl would love to see the evidence. I shouldn’t be exposing everything to everyone so, Romi, show them each what delicious things I have on them.”

“With pleasure,” she smiled. She opened the briefcase in her hand, brought out the sample files of what I have on them and distributed them one after the other. I watched them with a satisfied smirk. Their reaction was satisfying. The files contained lists, some were photos and some locations of what scared them. I however didn’t try the five innocent people.

“What do you want from us,” a woman cried, “you will ruin my family with this, I am all they have. I didn’t mean to betray your father, I just did what I did because I was told to and promised something, I’m sorry.”

Don’t show emotions, don’t smile, don’t let it affect you, Rosita.

“Keep it to yourself, chew and bloody swallow it.” I snapped my fingers. The head of my bodyguards gave his briefcase to Romi. She opened it and once again distributed the documents.

“These documents are legally made property transfer papers. Each and every one of you will pay by signing the documents. While few are to completely sign their business to Miss Donahue, most are to sign half of it and the rest just some specific property like lands, houses, warehouses etc. Any sign of protest and twenty for hours is all it takes to carry out the threat.” Romi spoke, almost automatically.

“I do not want to hear any protest. You either sign it to me or face public disgrace that would wreck your companies and I still end up buying them, or deal with the law like Mrs. Tanner is likely to face. I will accept no negotiation or suggested agreement. You either sign it in the presence of my lawyers,” the guards made way for my army of lawyers, “and on record,” they didn’t need to know Romi was the recorder, “then you will sign the papers to never bother me and if any threat is made on my life, my party have every legal right to persecute you. And though you can’t kill me, I can’t be too careful. So, when you are done crying, sign the papers or get out, my lawyers will submit it to me.” I stood up and Romi gave me back my hat.

I ignored their cries and protest and walked to the exit doors, but before stepping out, I held the door and threw a dirty look at them over my shoulder. “And for those of you whose companies is now mine, the shares you own is also automatically mine and your ass is no longer permitted to grace my property. Good day, gentlemen and ladies, happy signing.” I laughed as I walked out, letting the doors close behind me and their cries bless my steps.

At least, I was nice enough to not leave them homeless or have them empty their personal accounts, just their business and company accounts would be mine. If it was grandfather or even dad, they would strip them until they are not worth a brass farthing. They were that cruel. I was too, but that changed after Japan.

“Not all would sign,” Romi’s voice said in my ear, “some will find a way out,”

“Some are meant to die, and some are meant to suffer. If they resist, we shift to Plan B.” And plan B was so much more fun.

I’m almost there, dad, I’ll surely make you proud.

Odin’s standpoint

We were having a party, people dancing here and there. It wasn’t a huge party, just a small one with only our friends and few of their friends. It was to celebrate our new song with the new Gempire Female Fronters. The girls were cute, really shy creatures. Alvin already took a strong liking to their leader while Cedric was going crazy over her similar looking but not identical twin. She wasn’t a singer but a model and rising actress.

Good for them.

“Hey,” I said, plopping myself on the sofa beside Zedekiah who was busy with his phone, “heard from Rosita?”

He raised his face from his phone and stared at me as if ‘idiot’ was written on my head. “Dude, she’s his girlfriend, of course he has heard from her,” Jake rolled his eyes.

“I know that. I meant to ask if she asked about us,” I pouted, “I miss her,”

“Yeah, why would she leave us anyways!” Yuki shouted in annoyance. “I thought we were best friends! And only Alyssa knows why she really left since she’s dating her brother. It’s no fair! She chose that sugar queen over me!”

“Yuki, she didn’t choose anyone, she left to take care of something I can’t tell you about. Jem would tell you all at her own time,” Zedekiah said evasively. Yuki was about to shout again when Meena rushed in and grabbed the remote from me.

“Have you guys seen the news trending? It’s huge!” The music turned off completely before I saw Hime running over to us. Meena on the other hand was searching for a channel.

“What’s going on?”

“The rumoured Donahue heir is true! She’s real!” I catch Zed’s fingers froze. She stopped at a channel displaying the conference of Donahue Dynasty’s new heir reveal. She changed it again to show us that it was everywhere. Everyone started gathering to see what she wanted to blab about.

“Yeah, I heard she came out of nowhere almost a week ago, ten days to be precise,” Cedric said as he scrolled through his phone, “the bitch is ruthless. Do you know that within an hour of entering the company she fired a lot of workers, took back the shares from the business partners and even went as far as somehow converting their properties to hers? She’s worse than her father!”

“I know!” Fusae, leader of the new group exclaimed. “My father received a call from her and she scared the hell out of him with what she told him. As I’m talking to you, he sold some his shares to her and handed her our beach house in Miami,” she continued angrily.

“And you know my mom has shares there. I was there when she called and truly, she’s scary,” Haruka, Fusae’s teammate hugged herself with fear, “she didn’t take anything because mom didn’t join the conspiracy to share her properties.”

“They are calling what she did The Great Plunge,” Yomato, leader of another group said as he ate an apple, “my older brother is the manager of one of the hotels she seized from a Taiwanese man. She just popped out corrupt records of workers that not even the former owner could find and fired them. It’s a good thing my brother is good, she promoted him to acting CEO.” He grinned.

“I also heard she took a bottle factory in Bangladesh, a popular casino in Mongolia and Korea and gave it to Hezekiah Grimshaw, her father’s best friend.” Everyone looked at Zed who smirked once he felt eyes on him.

“You are not getting anything out of me,” he said smirkingly.

“So you know her,” Yuki gasped, “how is she like? Is she beautiful?”

“According to the news, reports says she looks exactly like her father and acts like him, only scarier,” Cedric said, reading the news from his phone. “I’m just happy my dad wasn’t kicked out for some reason. I can swear my father does a lot of illegal shit.” He laughed.

“She also sent my father an email to collaborate with Gempire,” I said, causing them all to look at me with wide eyes, “it’s a good deal. With Gempire working with both Zedekiah’s father’s empire and the Donahue’s, things would run smoother for us. And, she is now co owner to entertainment industries in Australia, London and Las Vegas. Once we partner with her, few of us would be signed to those industries as well. My dad is already planning to agree.”

“Yeah, mom said that too,” Meena said lost in thought.

“I guess she is angry that her father fell ill and instead of supporting her, they tried to ruin him. They deserve it.” Yuki said with a shrug.

“She’s coming!” Sachie shouted, pointing at the television. We all turned to the screen with curiosity. Bodyguards surrounded the lady as she walked to the podium. All I could see was her rosegold hair.

Something about her made me hold my breath. Even if she wasn’t there, I felt this strong urge to pay attention. It was almost like I did with Rosita.

“Wait a minute, is that Romi?” Meena asked unsurely.

Who’s that?

“Oh my God! It is Romi!” Hime and Yuki shouted.

“Who’s Ro…” Yuki covered Darra’s mouth. The guards stepped away from the girl.

Wow! She’s hot!

“Fuck! She’s smoking!” Alvin exclaimed.

“And has this darkness to her look,” Dean said, “but hot,” I stared at her face seriously. It looked really familiar in a way. Oh yeah, she looks like her dad.

“She really looks a lot like Rico,” Zed said lowly but I’m sure we all heard it since we were waiting to hear his comment.

“Good afternoon to you all,” she started.

That voice…

I turned sharply to see Zed smirking while the girls had their jaw hanging down.

“No fucking way!” Alvin screamed.

“My name is Rosita Jemisha Donahue, daughter of Rico Donahue and the new head of the Donahue Dynasty…”

“What!!!” The shout boomed in the room like a clash of thunder. And that was Zedekiah’s cue to laugh.

It finally makes sense.