CHAPTER 8
"Like I said, one of the maids will come show you around. Take a look at the house and let me know how else you can be useful to me while you're here. I can't be giving you stipends for school runs just like that. You need to work for your money. I mean, I know you're not used to doing something legit, but at least try to make cautious efforts," Orion said to Calista as he picked up his briefcase to leave the house.
'I know why I've been enduring your drama Mr. Orion, but you can't continue to push me the way you do. You won't let me work, and you know I'm a student, how do you expect me to sort out certain school requirements and other personal expenses?" She said in a firm voice.
"Hey! Watch your tone. I'm not the cause of your many life problems. I won't stand here and banter words with you when I have more important things to do. When I get back from work today, I'll be expecting feedback. Tell me if you'll be cleaning, cooking, doing my laundry, or… just anything but like I said, I don't have a tree where I go to pluck money, so you have to earn whatever money you need. Are we clear?" Orion turned to leave, but Calista rushed and grabbed his briefcase.
Calista remembered she had to see Lyra at the hospital and knew she needed Orion's permission to go past security, so she had to ignore his demeaning comments and beg him to allow her to leave the house for some hours.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to raise my tone. I've heard what you said and I'll give you feedback, but please I need a favor from you today. I need to go see my sister, I can do that while you're at work and return before you get home," she said pleadingly.
"Please?" Orion said mockingly. "I thought you were about to fight me a few seconds ago. Anyway, I'll let you go, but you must inform her that you're now married and won't be seeing her every day like before, is that clear?" Calista nodded immediately.
"Thank you," she said and went ahead to get dressed.
'Hi darling, I'm glad to see you smiling today," Calista said as she sat beside Lyra's bed.
"You look stunning Calista, what's going on? Why did you dress this hot just to come see me at the hospital?" Calista smiled.
"You used to tell me everything, but these days you seem distant. I hope all is well?" Lyra asked, searching Calista's eyes, but Calista looked away.
"Anyway, you look gorgeous in it."
"Thank you, Lyra, it's a gift," Calista said shyly.
"You're welcome," Lyra smiled back.
"The doctor has started chemotherapy. When I asked him why he was being so generous, he said you had paid for it and even made some other upfront payments. I was grateful but couldn't believe my ears. Last I checked, I was the one working and assisting you financially. Where did you get that kind of money?" Lyra asked, her gaze fixed on Calista, her expression now serious.
"Erm… it was a gift, Lyra," Calista said.
"Start talking Calista, because I don't believe that. Who gifted you? And what did you do to receive such favor?" She asked again, but Calista remained silent.
"Remember, we promised to be truthful to each other always, Calista. You're my only family right now and so am I. I don't want you to get into trouble, tell me what you've been up to," Lyra said in a calmer tone, touching Calista's hand.
"Okay, fine. I'll just tell you. I know you'll be disappointed in me, but please don't judge me," Calista said after clearing her throat.
"I'm listening," Lyra said.
Calista told her how she's been paid on several occasions to act as people's girlfriends for a day, two, or even a month in some cases and Lyra was gravely upset.
"You need to stop doing that. There are other things you can do to make money as a student, why do you choose to do something not honorable? Do you know the scar that comes with it? You might not understand it now until you're ready to be in a serious relationship." Lyra said.
"I'm sorry I kept it away from you, but I needed to sustain you and also pay my bills. You were no longer able to work because of your health, and I don't have anyone to go beg for money. It was an easy way to make quick money."
"Nothing justifies that, Calista. You used to be reserved, what happened?" Lyra asked.
"I was desperate. Things were not going well for me at all. But you don't have to worry too much, it's not like I sDonp around with these guys, it's strictly business. They pay afterwards and I'm out of their lives, no strings attached." Calista tried to explain, but Lyra got even more pissed.
"No more excuses, Calista. All that stops today, you don't have to endanger your reputation and life for me. I'll be fine, and if I have to die from this illness, then so be it. I've already accepted my fate," Lyra said.
"Well, I'm not even doing that for now. I'll try to find a legit job later, but right now, I'm paying a debt I incurred on myself due to being hot-tempered and seeking revenge," Calista said.
"Stop speaking in parables, what trouble did you get into Calista?"
Calista explained how she became a wife on hire for the famous Orion Wolfe, and Lyra angrily asked her to leave her ward.
"It's just for a while, Lyra. I'll come out of it before you know it," Calista tried to explain that she had no choice and was sure she wouldn't win the court case if she declined his request.
"I don't recognize you anymore Calista, get out of my sight now!"
Calista felt bad when Lyra asked her to leave but went anyway.