Chapter 297 - One step at a time

''Where is Nicklaus? ''

''He's at work, he knows you are coming back home today so he'll return a bit earlier than usual. ''

''Mm... '' Gwen nodded as she continued unpacking her things.

''Alright, you must be tired; I'll leave you to freshen up. When you're done, come out for dinner. ''

''Okay. '' The smile remained on Gwen's lips until the door slammed shut.

Her eyes eyed the door and she pulled it back to her bag slowly; look at how she was acting all high and mighty when she had cunningly taken what was hers. 

Did she think she had forgotten so soon?

Gwen scoffed. It was good as she thought so, so she wouldn't know what hit her.

After she finished arranging her clothes in the wardrobe, she took out a short dress. It was too short to be the first sight she would show to Nicklaus. Although she was going to be wearing short things around him soon, she didn't want the first clothes he would see her on, to be that. It would create a bad impression of her in his mind and she didn't want that. So for now, she was going to be a good girl and wear something very covering.

Gwen soaked in a warm bath as she let the hot water knead her nerves. She couldn't remember the last time she got so much comfort, she was studying away in New York while Tiana didn't do anything, she just had to breathe and keep herself beautiful.

She closed her eyes as she imagined what their room would look like if her room looked like this. She must be so happy, knowing that she wouldn't have to struggle or worry about anything ever again.

Gwen stepped out of the bathroom and blow-dried her hair, she had long hair which accentuated her beauty. She and Tiana were on the same level of beauty; the only difference was that she had a cute face. It didn't look like she was capable of hurting a fly, which was mostly to her own advantage.

Gwen applied her cream and oils, even though there was no makeup on her face, she was already attractive enough.

When she stepped out of the room, the workers stared at her wonderingly. They knew Tiana's sister was coming to stay in the house till after the wedding, and although they suspected she was going to be pretty since Tiana was pretty they weren't expecting such gorgeousness. Some began to compare who was prettier, between Tiana and Gwen.

Gwen didn't see Tiana anywhere, so she walked to one of the workers and asked;

''The boss just returned, so she went upstairs with him. '' Gwen nodded at her statement and sat down in the parlor watching the TV.

After a while, the doors pulled open and Tiana walked in with Nicklaus.

''Gwen, it's nice to see you again. ''

Gwen smiled and stood up to greet him when she saw them walk in.

''it's nice to see you too. Hope you've been okay? '' she asked, and he nodded;

''Yeah, I hope your room was furnished to your tastes? ''

She nodded; ''yeah, it was perfect, thank you. ''

''Dinner is ready, let's go eat. '' Ordinarily, they ate upstairs but since Gwen was here, they had to eat together as a family.

Gwen sat beside Tiana as Tiana sat opposite Nicklaus.

''So tell me, what do you plan on doing now you've graduated? '' Nicklaus asked as they ate.

''Uh, '' Gwen paused; ''I plan to apply to some companies in the entertainment industry; I might get a contract along the way. It's not easy at first, but I'm determined to succeed.''

Nicklaus nodded, ''that's great. But you don't have to struggle; I'll help you get into any company you want to partner with, as long as your skills are great. I have a lot of connections, and I invested a lot in these companies, so it wouldn't be a hassle signing you with them. ''

A gleeful smile brightened her face; ''Thank you, thank you so much. I'm so grateful. ''

''Ahem, you all are forgetting that I'm a model and I'm sitting right here. ''

Tiana spoke, bringing their attention to her. Nicklaus chuckled;

''Oh, that's true. I don't know why I always forget that. Maybe, because you have been a housewife for quite some time now. Beautiful, when last did you go to work? Three months ago? Or was it four? ''

Tiana glared at him; ''It was just two weeks ago, and the last time I checked you were the one that insisted that I stay home and take care of my body, so I don't think you have the right to complain.''

Nicklaus chuckled; ''I wasn't complaining, I was just remembering it. Okay, I'm sorry. ''

Tiana pouted and dug into her food. Nicklaus turned back to Gwen;

''Do you want to work in the modeling industry? '' He asked and Gwen sat up on her seat.

Working in the modeling industry was the easiest way to become a model. With her looks and being Tiana's sister, she was just one step to success.

''Yes, I would love to. '' Gwen beamed.

''Alright, I'll call the director and he'll get in touch with you. ''

Gwen smiled happily, ''thank you, thank you. I'm so grateful. '' She thanked profusely. But all the while she didn't even glance at Tiana once. They continued eating, and she ate with a sweet smile on her lips.

Everything was working out just fine!

''Beautiful, eat this, it's good for your health. ''

Nicklaus whispered as he placed some lettuce on Tiana's plate.

Tiana glared at him since he knew she didn't like lettuce but she still ate it. It was a whisper but was still loud enough for Gwen to hear.

Beautiful… such an endearing name, Gwen thought. It wasn't that he called her that, but the way his voice sounded when he said it, as though she was the most beautiful thing on earth.

Envy coursed through her heart but she smiled. It was just a matter of time and she would be the one he would be calling that.