A black taxi came to a stop in front of a huge villa. It was built forty years ago but still was listed in the most sorted estates in Potomac town. Jenny walked out of the taxi to breathe in the same air she had grown up in. The fall season here was always beautiful.

She had donned the best of her dress under her heavy coat to see her uncle. A blue ribbon had her hair bound to her back to keep them from falling to her face. Her uncle was never rude to her. But they were never on the best terms like a family. She remembers her parents talking about how her uncle, David Park was not good at business and had problems seeing Jenny’s father getting to have the most decisions in the business that was inherited by both brothers. David moved here after her parent’s death and never gave any importance to what Jenny had to say.

Jenny never witnessed her father and uncle in heated arguments when her parents were still around. They get along well on dinners. And, even after her parent’s death, he wasn’t rude to her. It was only his wife, Gloria Park and his two daughters, Kathy and Cecilia who Jenny knew weren’t all open arms for her. And, they didn’t have any problems showing it anytime.

Jenny gasped when she spotted two Golden Retrievers running to her. They were puppies when her father and she adopted them. “You remember me?” Jenny patted them and loved how they got her face wet in a few seconds. They were moving their tales and Jenny couldn’t help getting her eyes moist. She hadn’t even stepped into the home yet. Inhaling sharply she tried to get strong. She knew she had it in her.

“Miss Park? How was your journey?” Their maid, Samantha came out in her crisp white uniform and asked pulling all professional tone but Jenny couldn’t help stepping forward and hugging her.

“How are you?” And, Samantha hugged her back. “Welcome honey, it's cold outside. Why don’t you come in and I make you your favourite spicy latte.” But what left Jenny’s mouth was, “I missed you,” Pulling away Jenny stared at her face and asked, “How’s Stella?” Stella was Samantha’s sixteen years old daughter.

“Same, even more of a troublemaker. You will know.” Saying this Samantha got the grip on her suitcase.

Jenny walked in to find the voices coming out of the living area. She walked in there to notice Gloria in her robe. It was quite early in the morning and she had her hair made already. Mrs Park who was enjoying her herbal tea looked up and got her brows arched.

“Look who is here? We weren’t expecting you in the morning.” But then she looked at the suitcase Samantha was passing with. “A suitcase?”

And, Jenny couldn’t help the trouble on her face. “This…is my place.” And, met with a bored groan. “Nobody said it’s not yours.” She got her attention back to the magazine before looking at her personal maid. “Tell David his niece is here. I wonder what has gotten into him.” She murmured the last part and Jenny looked at Samantha who was passing the hall to get to the first floor. Jenny could tell what it was.

“Is Kathy using my room again?” And, Gloria looked at her.

“God!...” Gloria gasped a little before shaking her head. “...it’s Cecilia. She is thirteen for God’s sake. Or you plan to get into a fight with a child…”

“There is no need to fight. Why don’t you tell her not to use my room? How difficult it can be?” But before she could say further their butler walked in and announced.

“Miss Parker, your uncle has asked for your presence in his study,” Jenny recalled how much her uncle pressed on the phone that it was something important. She wanted to know this too. She literally had to run to catch the flight thanks to the traffic in New York.

She left for her uncle’s study which was her dad’s at one time. She walked in to realize that the colour scheme had been changed to white panelling. Well, so does the rest of the home that was changed from wood to white too.

“Hello Jenny, you have turned into a beautiful woman it seems.” Her uncle left his place to walk to her and shared a brief hug leaving a kiss on her cheek. Jenny smiled trying not to show the disappointment she had to endure listening to Cecelia using her room.

“Thanks,” She replied walking beside her uncle as he walked to the chair behind his huge oak table.

She had the choice to stay in this home. But remember how she stopped feeling belonged here. She was convinced she didn’t need her dad’s inheritance to go on. She knew she was doing great for herself. But why they had to use her room?

“I know I have not been a great uncle, Jenny. But I am not the one who forgot your existence either. I see you are not using your…bank account.” Jenny exhaled. It was in no way the share of the profits. More like pocket money. But in the past four years, it had been around two hundred thousand dollars.

“I didn’t need to. Also, they are more like my savings.” Jenny wasn’t here to pretend cool. She didn’t want any kind of attention.

“So, much like your mother.” Jenny only smiled recalling how full of ambitions she was.

She took notice of how her uncle had gotten his eyesight weak. He was in his mid-forties and gave the ambience of a person you can trust.

“How are you doing?” Jenny asked to which he drew a long breath.

“It won’t be true if I say everything’s fine. I hate to break it to you but our business isn’t too far from bankruptcy.”

“What!” Her loud voice didn’t come to check.

“I know for you… it's hard to believe. But the business was going down even when your father was around.”

“How is it even possible? I know you can manage it. We own a lot of other things too. The expensive homes, cars, jets, and what about the shopping mall? It’s unbelievable. You do realize it, right? And, what to do with the foundation on granny’s name. Will it survive? How is it even possible?” Jenny had certainly lost her cool. How was it possible for her uncle to send her a few grands then?

“It can be avoided, Jenny. But I want your…permission for a few stuff.” And, this made Jenny draw her brows. “Permission…for what?”

“We have a lot of things on your name. I know I am going to sound a little shady but there is really no such thing. It’s only you doing business and earning profits. Well, with those profits you can pay a few parts of the loans. I will take care of the rest.”

“You already know I don’t know much of this stuff. But no, if you are asking me to use my inheritance to gamble on something I don’t understand…”

“It’s not gambling. It’s business. Investment…” His uncle interrupted her.

“No,…” Jenny seemed unsure. Of course, it sounds shady.

“Look, it’s not about you. Think about the shelter homes working. It’s a lot at the stake. And, you sure don’t want everything to go down that had been established by my grandfather. My dad, your dad and I had worked a lot...”

“I have to talk to my lawyer. If he believes it’s a safe…” But David groaned exasperatedly. “If it wasn’t safe I wasn’t going to ask you to do this. And, yes…do talk to Jeff. Though it’s a little insulting. I don’t want to trouble you.”

Jenny knew her uncle had no reason to make it difficult for her. But she also knew how much her dad had worked to get the Park enterprise where it was today. Her uncle had every kind of authority until she didn’t turn eighteen. But now, she knew he was on his own. His authority had been limited since then.

Jenny took notice of how her uncle kept his cool intact. He really didn’t seem alarmed about her seeking professional advice. Jeff had been with her and advised her a few times about the things and authorities that she holds.

But how their company could come to this place was out of her processing. She walked into the guest room Samantha had prepared for her. She was still thinking about all the stuff her family owns when Stella jumped at her from the back. “How are you?”

“God, you scared me.” Jenny turned around to notice Stella with a pixie haircut. “You didn’t...how your mom reacted.”

“Well, as long as my grades aren’t affected she doesn’t care.”

They tried to catch up a little and Stella was quick to invite her for a night out at a club. Stella and Samantha were the only ones who welcomed her wholeheartedly. And, accepting her plan for a night out, didn’t seem like a bad idea.

Jenny had already set up a meeting with Jeff for the lunch tomorrow. And, staying home all the time was something Jenny wasn’t planning on. She didn’t want to come across to Kathy. She wanted to avoid it if it was possible. The girl had ruined her dresses and room more than Jenny could count.

“Are you for the real girl? You don’t really want me to use my car. You can literally get the Range out.” Stella told her but before Jenny could refuse Stella pouted.

“Fine,” Jenny got the Range Rover out and drove to the club. Jenny narrowed her eyes realizing it wasn't the club someone Stella's age was allowed to go to. Stella got her fake ID out. “What’s this?” Jenny nudged her elbow to her a little. “Come on, pay up.” She replied back making Jenny drop her jaw.

“You didn’t tell me I have to pay for you,” Jenny said paying for her too.

“I will pay for the drinks…for water maybe.” She replied and cried out louder the moment they stepped into the loud music.

Jenny had a long coat over her short dress and walked to the bar dragging Stella with her. “I don’t think you are ready for it. There are men there…not boys.”

“Come on…don’t destroy it for me. Please…and, don’t tell me you don’t mess around.” Jenny got her brows up at the mention. She does hang out with boys a little at the club but it never leads to anything serious. She could tell looking at them they were not looking for something genuine. And, clubs had stopped being a place for Jenny to look for boys. She was way too old school. Maybe her dad telling her no dating until she graduates from college never left her.

Jenny was about to order a drink when Stella elbowed her.

“No, we are fine,” Stella told the server before looking at Jenny. “Get your coat out and look nice. Someone will offer us drinks.” Jenny groaned a little shaking her head. “I can pay for you.”

“I don’t want you to pay for me. I didn’t get all ready to make you pay for my drink,”

“Look Stella…it’s really not nice,” Jenny warned.

“But boring…we got ready…look if you don’t know how to do it…just stare at any man who is without a date. But get this boring coat out first. Show a little cleavage of yours.”

“God, you are unbelievable.” Jenny gasped a little and ordered her drink anyway.

“Come on, Jenny. I was only asking you to not be boring. Why do you think I got you out? So, our chances to get free drinks doubles. And, don’t tell me it is not fun, ok?”

“Honey, let me tell you something. Nothing comes for free here, ok? You never know what they want in return.” Jenny passed her card to the man but he was quick to smile.

“Miss. It’s on the house.” Jenny got her brows up.

“Wow,” Stella hummed and was quick to take the glass. “It’s yum…” She commented but Jenny stared at the bartender. “Why it’s on the house?”

“You can ask Mr Wilson,” Jenny looked across the long round bar and had her breath stolen for a moment. Under the light over his head, his long blonde hair looked sleek. He had a black t-shirt on and how his eyes didn’t leave hers got her to avert hers to Stella.

No, it’s not happening. He can’t really be following me. Or he is following me? I could be his next victim for a video without my knowing.

“Jenny, I know him. He is Jason. The TikTok star. Oh God, I say it’s your chance. Forget about your boyfriend if you have any and jump into his arms.”

“Are you crazy?” Jenny looked at Stella before looking back at Jason. “Why is he looking at us?” Jenny asked Stella.

“Us? I am not to blame. He is looking at you. Can’t you see he is interested in you? Do you have any idea how many followers you can get if you get to date him for some time?”

Jenny had seen how their gold digger videos trended. He and his friends meant trouble. And, she refuses to be the next one. “I want to pay for it,” Jenny told the server.

“I am sorry, Miss. But his father’s company owns this place. I certainly can’t go against him. Why don’t you settle…” Jenny knew this is what he wanted.

“Well, if you can’t do anything. I guess I will have to drop the matter.” Jenny smiled and got her bag before walking to the exit. For some reason, she felt seen.

“Are you crazy?” Stella shouted for the fourth time in a row coming out. It was as if her statement will become an actual fact if she got any louder.

“He is not my type.” And, this made Stella narrow her eyes. “Who cares? You could have a chance to date him. Or, I can go talk to him. Maybe he still wants to talk to you. You will thank me later. He is a fine piece.”

“What are you talking about, Stella? Stop it,” Jenny got her hand on Stella’s phone before holding her wrist. “I say it is enough for the night,” Jenny announced.

The girls walked to where their car was parked. Jenny was the first one to notice the flat tire. “Oh God, I guess we have to wait here.” Jenny got her coat more to her before dialling for the services.

She was still talking on the phone when she noticed a man coming and offering help. Jenny was about to respond to him when she heard someone say. “At least, let me help the girls.” Jenny looked at the source of the voice while the person who came for help started working.

It took her a moment before she realized he got one of his men to do the job. Jenny stepped back a little and Stella was quick to announce. “I have to make a call…to…my mom.” Jenny huffed out disappointed at Stella's act before she turned to look at Jason. He was standing less than a foot away. Looking at her intently. He was obvious about the things he wanted to do with her.

"Can I ask you why are you staring?" Jenny asked,

“Can I ask you why are you avoiding me?” His voice wasn’t boyish the way it was in the café yesterday. It was much heavier and more profound.

“Can I ask you why are you following me?” Jenny asked back.

“Yes, I…” He turned to her and Jenny looked up too. Jason stared into her eyes for a moment before he offered. “…want to know you better. Maybe go out with you.”

“Why?” Jenny asked again.

“Why do you think?” And, only for a moment, his eyes fell on her mouth before he look up into her eyes.

“I…I am not interested.” And, this retrieved a chuckle from his side.

“Really? Because your red face says something else. It’s cute though.” This got her hands to her face before she whispered. “Oh, that’s alcohol I am sure.”

“I am sure too. Are you the shy type?” And, this got Jenny to huff out.

“Why do you care what type I am? I am not your type Jason.”

“And, who are you to decide my type for me, Miss…” He trailed off but Jenny refuse to give him her name.

“Everyone knows your type, Jason. And, let’s just say. It’s not you. It’s me. You are not my type.” She looked at him pulling her confidence and tucking her hands in her jacket. A crisp air passed them and she couldn’t help thinking how amazing his dimple was.

Getting her eyes away from him was hard but she knew he was the distraction she was to steer clear of. She unlocked her car before calling, “Stella,” Stella who wasn’t far and had her ears working for them was trying hard to suppress her laugh. Stella settled into the car while Jenny only took a step to her car.

She couldn’t help looking at him again and saying. “I follow you on TikTok. I see you every day doing stupid stuff. It’s not on you, Jason. I will rather date someone who gives Mr Wilson vibes. Someone dependable. I go clubbing for music and drinks not for boys. It was nice talking to you,” She noticed something changed in his eyes but his smile remained unaffected. She smiled too at the end and Stella shook her head when Jenny got into the car.

“I wish I could capture it and show to the world I know someone who can talk to Jason like this.”

“He is just a spoiled brat messing around. I am not going to date a boy.”

Jason stared at her car going away. It had written Park on the number plate. “Mr Wilson,…” The manager of the club called for his attention and handed him his jacket.

Jason wonders when was the last time he felt this way. In fact, never. Never in his life, had he had a girl tell him he is not her type. He was everyone’s type. He comes with money, publicity and power. Established models and actresses try to date him. His birthday bash has famous singers coming since he opened his eyes. He gulped hard realizing there was no way she was a mere waitress. Her features were Korean. There was a huge chance of her being a Park.

He called for his assistant who was a beautiful Latina woman, Sofia, in her mid-thirties. His dad had asked Sofia to assist his son to get ahold of his PR. “Sofia, I want you to look into a family. It’s Park’s. They don’t live too far from granny’s.”

“Anything more specific?” She asked back and he smirked, “They have a daughter. Surely eighteen plus…” A chuckle followed his request. “Of course, you got it. I envy you.” Sofia whispered before hanging up.

The next day Jenny met Jeff who was of the view it wasn’t something major to do in the business. He told her about the unseen setbacks his uncle had to handle. For a moment she wanted to go for a second opinion but then knew Jeff didn’t have any agendas. She could have thought more of it but an email got the best of her.

A famous stylist had replied to her email and was ready to offer her an internship. “No, no, no, no, it’s not happening. Oh God, no!” She squealed jumping out of her seat. She didn’t know someone will actually be kind to look at her designs and not steal them but invite her to work with them. Well, she hadn’t expected anything less from the famous designer, Kevin Hunt.

“Oh God, it’s like a dream coming true.” She raced the car to the home and had Stella all occupied with her deciding on a good dress for the formal meeting she was called for in yesterday evening.