Chapter 2: A Biased Mother
Cassie's triumph as Best Actress of the Year sparked a national frenzy, with the event replaying on every social media platform and TV channel for over a week.
As Brooke watched Cassie bask in glory on stage, a sharp pain shot through her leg, reminding her of the brutal beating her husband had inflicted that night.
He had caught her trying to escape with the help of a loyal maid, who was subsequently fired and banished from the house.
Oddly enough, it wasn't her husband's abuse that hurt her; it was the memory of her shattered leg, broken when she was just eleven years old.
She had landed her first audition for a supporting role in a drama, the same role Cassie had coveted but didn't get.
On their way out of the audition grounds, Cassie's jealousy boiled over, and she pushed Brooke down the stairs.
The doctor's words still echoed in Brooke's mind: " The fall caused a severe fracture of the tibia and fibula in your right leg. The bones are shattered, and the soft tissues are badly damaged."
Her mother's question, " What does that mean?" was met with a grim prognosis: " Even after surgery and extensive rehabilitation, your daughter may never regain full use of her right leg."
Brooke had later confided in her mother about Cassie's pushing her down the stairs, but her response left Brooke even more brokenhearted.
" Mom! It's all Cassie's fault! She's the one who pushed me-"
Her mother cut her off sharply, "You're imagining things, you fell because you were tired and didn't watch your steps."
Brooke could not believe her ears. "Mom. What are you saying? Cassie-"
"Enough already! So what if she pushed you a little? It's your fault for taking the damned role!" Her mom slapped her right across the face.
"I told you not to go to that audition, that Cassie wanted the part! But you still went ahead and did what you pleased! There! You ruined your future all because of some stupid pettiness!" She took the change of bandages by the side of the bed and left the room, slamming the door loudly behind her.
Her mother, was dependent, the woman had never been without a man to hook her arm around for a day. Which was why, she found herself doing anything to please her husband.
Brooke's thoughts were interrupted by her mother's arrival, fresh from the award ceremony. Serena was beaming, her extravagant dress a testament to her excitement. "Cassie was wonderful tonight! The cameras loved her, she's a true star!"
As she sat beside Brooke's wounded body, Serena reached for the first aid kit. But Brooke slapped her hand away, spilling disinfectant on her mother's new dress.
"Bitch!" Serena raised her hand, then stopped herself, frustrated. She ran her fingers through her hair, "Ahh! This dress was imported, one of only three in the country!"
Brooke scoffed through the pain. "Get out."
Serena scoffed back, "I would've felt sorry for you, but your stubbornness caused this. You never know when to read the room-"
Brooke cut her off, "I said, get out!"
Serena was taken aback by the anger in Brooke's eyes. She fixed her hair and jewelry, then left, muttering under her breath, "How did I get such a foolish daughter?" Then left Brooke alone in pain and tears.
Primestar Agency
Luther's office was abuzz with congratulatory flowers and scripts from various companies clamoring for Cassie's attention. But the latest news sent his assistant rushing in, out of breath.
"What?! The Grayson heir is back and seeking an ambassador?!" Luther's eyes widened as he sprang from his seat.
"Our timing couldn't be more perfect! Prepare Cassie's portfolio, both digital and hard copy!" He grabbed his ash-gray suit from the couch, his mind racing.
Grayson Inc was the crème de la crème of multi-billion dollar companies, pioneering advanced biotechnology and healthcare technology. Their influence spanned the continent.
The Grayson family was equally esteemed. Securing a meeting with one of them was a daunting task, but Luther had an ace up his sleeve - Ethan Halton, the richest man in the city.
With Cassie's award-winning talent and Ethan's connections, Luther was poised to make a lasting impression on the Grayson heir.
The heavens seemed to be smiling upon him, and he aimed to make damned good use of this golden opportunity.
Grayson Mansion
Thane's assistant, Gilbert, returned with a progress report on his investigations. "Mr. Grayson, we've informed all entertainment agencies of your return and search for an ambassador, with a special emphasis on Primestar Agency, as per your request."
Thane, still focused on the chessboard, responded calmly, "Have you located Brooke's residence?"
Gilbert nodded, "She's living with her parents, despite being married for over a year."
Thane moved a piece on the board before asking, "And her workplace?"
Gilbert replied, "After her wedding, she resigned from her stepfather's agency and has been living at home since."
Thane's expression turned thoughtful, his mind racing with the news. He had been taken aback by Brooke's marriage to another man, but something about this situation felt off.
"Is that all, Gilbert?" Thane asked, sensing his assistant was withholding information.
Gilbert hesitated before revealing his latest findings on the screen - a lawyer's profile with a low success rate. "My sources indicate that Mrs. Halton..." Thane glared at him harshly, scaring the poor assistant. "I mean, Miss Brooke contacted this lawyer just last week."
Thane's gaze narrowed, "What for?"
Gilbert took a deep breath, then let the cat out of the bag, "To file a case against domestic violence."
Thane's reaction was swift and intense. He tossed the tablet aside, rose from his seat, and ordered, "Prepare my helicopter within the next ten minutes."
His eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists, "Halton, you bastard. Now you've gone too far."
Author's Note: Hi guys, what do you think of the story so far? I hope it isn't too slow paced. And what do you think of Brooke's mother and her attitude towards raising her daughters?