Tough Shit (Rejects Paradise 1)

Upon hearing her name, Maryne looks up and gives us a welcoming smile and I instantly like her. She’s the first person in this place who hasn’t looked down on us and something tells me that she knows a little about what it’s like to grow up the way we have.

Maryne gets back to work as Harrison walks over to a door. “Alright, I will give you a brief tour of the estate, and then you’ll be handed over to Maryne who will set you up with your uniform.” He looks down at me. “She also has all the documents you’ll need for your schooling.”

I nod and follow him out of the staff quarters as he leads us right into the middle of the mansion.

I stop and stare, most likely mimicking the gobsmacked expression on Mom’s face. This place is insane. Hell, I don’t even know what area of the house I’m in. It could be a living area or it could just be one of those filler spaces rich people like to decorate. I don’t know but it’s fucking awesome and it’s clear as day that an award-wining interior designer was the one who made this happen. No normal person would be able to put a place like this together so flawlessly. I’m in awe.

I don’t get a chance to think about it further as Harrison begins leading us through the place that is going to become my home for the foreseeable future. Who knows how long I’ll be here. If this guy is a douchebag, mom and I will be planning our escape as soon as we can. Not that we can afford that luxury.

We pass the second ballroom, and I’m listening to Harrison explain the grand parties that the Carringtons host when a familiar man comes walking out of one of the many living areas.

Charles Carrington. Billionaire businessman and CEO.

Chapter 3

Charles Carrington looks like he shits money.

I know nothing about designer brands, but I know the suit that covers his tall frame is worth more than anyone from Breakers Flats could earn in a year. He’s got that tall, dark and mysterious thing going for him, and I’m not ashamed to say that he’s a bit of a silver fox. There are grey hairs perfectly styled by his temples and kind, tired eyes that stare at the ground, deep in concentration.

The google search I did in the Uber on the way here did him no justice. It told me he’s divorced and has three kids. A son and twin daughters. Apparently, the daughters went to live with the mother after the split, but his son stayed behind to live with Daddy Warbucks. I don’t know how they can do that. If I had siblings, I couldn’t stand to be separated from them. Family is everything.

I didn’t really look into the son but considering I’m going to be living with the guy, maybe I should have. His name is Colton Carrington. CC just like his father. That’s such a rich guy thing to do. I bet Charles’ father’s name is Connor or Colby or something like that. Hell, his twin daughters are Casey and Cora.

I was too occupied with the man whose home we were moving into. I couldn’t find any dirt on the guy so I guess that’s a good thing but these people can’t be trusted. They can afford the best lawyers in the world to cover up every tiny little thing. When Harrison mentioned that we’d be in the pool house, I have to admit, I was kind of relieved. Mom and I will have a little space to call our own, a place where we can be ourselves and relax.

Harrison clears his throat and Charles’ head snaps up, his eyes bugging out in surprise. “Oh, how rude of me,” Charles chuckles, taking us in. “I didn’t see you there. I’m onto my third meeting of the morning. Forgive me.”

Wow. Third meeting before 8 am. I’m not going to lie, I’m kinda impressed. No wonder he’s so successful.

Mom and I smile politely because we honestly have no idea what else we’re supposed to do in this situation. “That’s perfectly fine, Mr. Carrington,” mom says almost as though she belongs in this world.

I give her a mental high-five. Nailed it.

Charles gives a welcoming smile and strides toward us, holding his hand out to mom. “You must be Maria Munroe? It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Well shit. I wasn’t expecting the guy to remember her name. Guys like this never remember little details, especially when it comes to people like us. “I was hoping my last meeting wasn’t going to go over, it would have been nice to welcome you in myself.”

Mom nods and takes his hand before giving it a firm shake. “The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Carrington. This is my daughter, Oc—”