Torn in Two (Elite Girls 2)

Chapter 1 - Paris

CHAPTER 1

PARIS

2 years ago...

"Where do you want to put all your luggage, Madam?"

I refrained from loudly groaning and rolling my eyes at one of my mom's helpers. I am not rude, and I know it's not their fault they're here in Paris with me. If anything, they are thrilled to be here with me.

Sana all super saya.

I chose to just let out a sigh and settle down on my bed. "Wherever you want," I simply answered before lying down.

"Everything alright, Madam Iris?" Camille, my handmaid and one of my closest friends, worriedly asked after she had told the helpers to leave the room. She has been attending to all my needs ever since my parents hired her four years ago, and she's just the same age as I am.

"I don't think so," I admitted. I sat and made a face. "None of this is okay, Camille. I can't believe my mom would do this to me! I made it perfectly clear that I wanted to travel alone, but look at what she did! She planned my itinerary and worst---" I stopped before I could offend her.

Hindi lang kasi talaga ako makapaniwala na kailangan pa 'kong samahan nang anim na katulong namin, isang driver at isang boy para lang sa limang araw na stay ko dito. What am I, a child?

I stood up and went to look outside the window. The view was outstanding, but it wasn't enough to lift my mood. "Do I look like I need someone to help me? I'm old enough to be on my own, Cams. Kaya ko na ang sarili ko. Hindi ako tanga para mawala o 'di kaya, maloko."

"But it is your first time out of the country without them, Madam. I'm sure, gusto niya lang pong maging safe kayo."

I pouted. "Never naman siyang naging ganito kay Ate Irene." Bumuntong hininga na lang ako at inalis ang hat na suot ko.

Well, it's not like I could do something about my situation. It's either I endure being with them for five days or my parents will immediately drag me back home.

I sometimes wish I could be my older sister. Palibhasa, siya ang magpapatuloy ng legacy ni Papa kaya mas maganda ang trato sa kanya. I, on the other hand, chose a different path.

My parents own a food chain company called 'Sweets from Leona'. It was originally called 'Leona Cakes', a traditional bakery our ancestors started decades ago but when my Dad, a renowned baker around the world, took over the family business, he decided to change its name.

I love baking so much but I've always wanted to do my own thing. Proud akong maging isang Leona pero ayokong makilala lang ng mga tao dahil sa apelyido ko. You could say i'm a rebel but engineering is actually fun for me. Nage-enjoy ako kahit na minsan ay iniiyakan ko na ang mga pinagaaralan namin.

My parents were against it. They wanted me to study HRM so we argued a lot last year but in the end, they didn't have a choice. I insisted on the course that I wanted and they soon gave up.

Si Ate Irene naman, talagang mula pagkabata masunurin na. They molded her to be perfect, like my Dad. Hindi sa naiingit ako dahil wala namang favoritism sa bahay namin. I know my parents love me too but I just wish they'll treat me like how they treat her. Tingin yata kasi sa'kin ng mga magulang namin ay bata pa rin ako.