Secret Lives Of Billionaires

Ophelia Keaten.

Fake smiles, flashing lights. I hate being the center of attention. One more damn photoshoot and I would go insane. To many this was a sweet life, but for me it's the worst part of being Ophelia Keaten, daughter of Manny Keaten. The billionaire who everyone loves.

My relationship with my father was far from the best. I only see him for a few hours every month and those hours were devastating. If I had to see him everyday then I would need therapy at least five times a week. Manny was a stranger to me even though we share the same blood.

To the world my family was perfect. A daughter who just finished high school, a step mother who is only a few days older than the daughter and a man who makes everything happen for them. The reality is that my life sucks, no matter the amount of money was in my bank account. Camila, my so called stepmother is a lowlife bitch who has daddy dearest wrapped around her ten skinny fingers.

The only part of my life that was a bit good is the part where my boyfriend comes in, Ryan Johnson. We met two years ago at a club downtown Miami. He was just a good friend until a few months ago when he asked me to be his girlfriend. I'm excited to finish this photoshoot so that I can see the look on his face when I surprise him with an early birthday present.

"That's a wrap Ophelia, thank you being so patient." The photographer says. My face was hurting so bad that I was unable to even give him one of my fake smiles. Instead I nod and walk past him.

I grab my bag from the chair right when my driver ways in. "Ms. Keaten your car is ready, shall we go?" I nod and begin to walk out with him when Manny decided to speak to me.

"Cami and I are going out for dinner, we need you to be at the house when we return. There is something important that we must discuss."

The look on that bitch's face as she clutches to Manny's arm like a panda on a bamboo was enough to let me know that this would not end well for me. Unfortunately I could not disobey him, Manny was not someone to play with especially with that bitch by his side.

My smile was forced like all the others. Fixing my Louis Vuitton bag I said the words that pained me more than maintaining a fake smile. "Sure, father, I'll be waiting."

"I hope that you won't be late, you're always late for everything," Camila said. Her voice was so annoying I hoped she choked on her words one day. Her stupid smile was as fake as the hair on her head. People who knew the real Camila knows that if she puts her real hair in a ponytail it would be as thin as a charger cord.

Her relationship with my father was disgusting. She was four years older than I am and that makes me sick. I celebrated the day when I leaked some dirty information about her to the media and they had a ball with it. It was the cover story on every magazine cover for a whole week. She lost many followers and her name was dragged in the mud. That was the best week of my life.

I didn't waste my breath replying to her. She should know better and not talk to me, instead I roll my eyes and make my way out of the building.

My driver stood by my black BMW with the door open waiting for me. I failed my driver's test the first time and never tried again. It is for the better because my attention span was the same as a two years old. I didn't like driver either, it was much better to have someone do all the hard work for me. My ankle hurt too much when I drive anyway.

As soon as I got in and he close the door I pull the envelope from my bag. I smile, Ryan will love this gift. It was a front row ticket to see his favourite basketball team play. I even got him a vip backstage pass. His birthday is actually next week and I plan on taking him to Las Vegas, but this game is tomorrow. It was all thanks to my ex, Kain Mahlid. He is one of the star players and when I reached out wanting tickets, he made it happen.

The thought of Kain made my smile disappear. Kain was a sweetheart, he remained the best boyfriend even when there were beautiful girls throwing their selves at him even when they know he has a girlfriend. Kain loved me and would have moved mountains for me. The only thing I hated was that he had to be out of the country almost all the time for his games.

My thoughts drifted to the reason we broke up. He was influenced by a few of his teammates and started taking drugs. Of course he kept it a secret from me, but I ended up finding out. He was Kain Mahlid and my boyfriend how did he think he would get away with it? The night I found out he got so mad. It was scary because I have never seen that side of him before, he was always this nice guy who wouldn't even raise his voice at me when I get on his last nerve. During our argument he started to break things. His rage terrified me. I decided that I have had enough and was walking out of his bedroom when a piece of glass slice the bottom of my foot, immediately blood started to soak his carpet. The moment he saw what he made happened, he picked me up in his arms despite of my protest and rush me to the hospital in the latest sports car he was driving at that time.

I ended up having to go to therapy and he went to rehab. He felt really bad and spent most of his time apologizing. That was three years ago, but I think he still feels bad which is why he was so quick to help me get these tickets even though it's for my current boyfriend. He still tries his best to make things right with me, even though I keep telling him that I forgave him a long time ago. Although he is clean I don't think I'll be able to think of him as more than a friend. I still love him, he was my first boyfriend but I'll leave it as that.

As soon as the car came to a stop I hurried out, eager to see the look on Ryan's face when I give his this. I have my own key to the penthouse since it was basically mine, therefore I have easy access in.

Relief washed over my body the moment I slip my heels off and my feet touch the cold floor. The real Ophelia hates heels, but unfortunately for the public I had to model around in them. Behind closes door I was free to be the real me. Which is the most amazing feeling in this world.

I got a sixty- four inch television for Ryan last month. It was blasting music much to my dismay. Ryan who is one year older than I am decided that College was not for him and is trying to become a famous YouTuber. Luckily for him, he gained a million followers plus the nineteen he had after he begged me to be in one of his gaming videos. Yes, I was that famous, which meant half of the people I know hates me and the other half tries to be my friend so it would benefit them.

Thanks to that, his channel was now being monetized and he was getting decent amount from that.

"Babe?! Does the music always have to be this loud?" I called out while making my way to the living room. "I can hardly hear myself sp-" The sight that greeted me made me forget what I was about to say.

A frighten girl stood to her feet and wiped her mouth before hurrying to pick her blouse from the floor. There was a panicked look on her face as she put it on.

"Are you kidding me right now? What the hell, Ryan?"

The look on his face made my heart fall to my stomach. He turn the TV off and walks over to me while fixing his jeans. The girl stood there looking at me like a statue.

"What are you still doing here? Get out you dumb bitch!" I scream frightening her to the point she almost fell on her face on her way out.

I narrow my eyes at Ryan who laughs at her. "Relax Heila. It's just brain, nothing serious."

This was just a joke to him. There was no sign of remorse on that bastard's face. He was way too calm and that made me furious. Using my purse I slap him across his naked chest. "It's just brain, you say. Are you for real right now? Would it be just brain if you walked in on me in that position?"

It felt as if the breath was knocked from my body in the blink of an eye. My back was against the wall and Ryan was squeezing my neck with a terrifying look in his eyes. "I have had enough of your bullshit you spoiled bitch, watch you fu*king mouth!"

His strong grip loosen and he ran his fingers through his hair as I grab hold of my neck trying to figure out how to breathe again. I stare at him, I would not show fear. People like him feed off the fear of women. He used to make playful threats before, but I was too dumb to see that they were red flags.

I was weak so tears ran from my eyes.

"Baby, I am so sorry. Heila?" He took my cheeks and started to rain kisses all over my face. "I'm so sorry baby, I'm just really stressed lately. You have to believe me that I will never hurt you."

But he just did.

"Shit, what have I done," he continues. Unfortunately for him, I was smarter than he thought. Not one word that came from his mouth was the truth. For my own good, I will play along.

"It's fine babe. It was no big deal." My throat hurt with every lie I whispered to him.

He nods repeatedly. "Let me go and get some water, okay sweetheart? I'm so sorry."

I nod. "I forgive you Ryan, take your time." The living room is not far from the kitchen. I liked having cucumbers in my water so I know he will cut them into small cubes and put them in my water. That will give me enough time to make my way out of here.

He moves to hug me much to my dismay and then kiss my forehead. "Sit down baby, I'll be right back."

I nod and watch him until he was out of sight. Clutching my bag I run for the door. The moment I enter the elevator I realized that I left my five thousand dollars stiletto in the penthouse. I could not care less. My life is worth more than a pair of shoes. Unlike myself it was replaceable. The way how Ryan behaved, I was surprised that he did not take my life.

I closed the door gently behind me. The lights were off which meant everyone went to bed so I hurried to the stairs. Halfway up a squeaky voice called out, making me grab ahold on the banister in order not to fall down the stairs from the scare of my awful step mother.

"I thought Manny and I made it clear that you needed to be here on time so that we could discuss something with you. It's past your curfew where have you? You know even though you are a highschool graduate, you still live under our roof so you have to abide by our rules." I glare at the witch who stood below with her arms folded. When did this become 'our' roof? "And where are your shoes?"

"You married my father, but that does not give you the right to speak to me about what I do or don't do. My life is none of your business. "Find someone else to play mother with."

Camila's long witch-like manicured fingers held onto the banister as she ascended the stairs. When she was two steps below, she stopped and smirk. The look on her face is so evil that even the devil would be scared. "Instead of being an ungrateful bitch you should thank me for stepping in and playing the role of your mother. You're so terrible that she didn't even want you. She dumped you on Manny and he had to deal with your spoilt ass and cries for your mommy who is never coming back. I can't wait until you are eighteen to have nothing to do with you, Manny looks forward to that day even more than I do and that's saying something."

Tears rolled off my cheeks. So that's their plan? To forget all about me once I turn eighteen and how dare she speak about my mother? She wasn't even in the picture at that time so how would she knows anything about my mother.

Her long bony fingers reach out to touch my neck. I slap her hand hard and she retreats with a grin. "Ryan deserves a little gift from me. I paid him to torture his little bitch, but this is icing on the cake."

My eyes widen. "What?" Did she pay him to mistreat me? Why would he accept something like that? Ryan is a lowlife just like her. I gave him enough so why would he take this bitch money to mistreat me? Before anything else I thought that we were friends, but I should have known that he was using me just like everyone else.

"I paid him to have fun with you, keep you occupied." She grins. "Do you really think that boy liked you? I'm surprised that a man like Kain even dated you. He already has money so maybe you were good for something else, but Ryan was only with you for the money. He became my puppet the moment I offered him a better deal."

"You crazy bitch!" I lift my hand to slap her, but she grabs my wrist before I can make contact with her face.

"Bet you couldn't show Ryan that much anger. I promise Ophelia, I will ruin you for all those nasty things you told to the media. Did you think I would not find out it was you? Luckily for me, you will be eighteen soon so consider this a taste of what I will serve to you."

I snatch my hand from her grasp and close the distance between us. "I knew you were stupid, if you think that I am going to sit back and let you harm me, think again. I will destroy you for everything you did to me Camila, that is my promise to you. You'll be eating with the pigs again once I'm through."

There was no more breathe in my body left to argue with that waste of space, so I turn on my heel and continue to my room.

My life was unbelievable. As soon as I closed the door behind me I slid against the door. There was no holding back, I cried into my palms as realty slaps me across the face. My mother really left me all alone with a man who hates me, my boyfriend did not care about me and now Manny bitch wife wants to destroy what was already close to destruction.

Ophelia Keaten.

“Wake up, Ophelia.” A distant voice says followed by someone shaking my shoulder.

“Heila, gosh you sleep like the dead,” I recognize that the voce belongs to Quin. Quin is twenty-four and we basically grew up together. Her mom, Leonie is the woman who took care of me after my mother left. She treated me no different than she did Quin and even though Quin and I are not very close, she treats like a sister.

She was a bit weird. We get along one minute and the next she seem to avoid me as if I was a threat or something. For my own good I succeed in not getting too close to Leonie. Yes, she and her mom was there when I was a child, but once I became a teenager and start to understand life a bit more, I pulled away. Spending most of my time alone, which is for the best.

“Go away, Quin,” I pull the blanket over my head hoping that she will take my order and leave me alone.

“It’s after twelve and you have been sleeping the entire time. Sweetheart, Manny wants to talk to you and that bitch is also waiting with him in the living room.”

That was all it took for me to sit up straight in the bed and throw the covers off. Quin sat on the bed watching me. Her caramel skin was flawless and glows from the sunlight that shined through my bedroom window. Her black curly hair was combed into w neat low but. Quin was perfect, not one hair was out of place and she looked great in her tight blue jeans and white button- front long sleeve blouse.

“Do you know what they want to talk to me about?” Maybe she over heard them talking, I need to have an idea of what I am facing before I go down there.

Quin frown then her eyes widen. “What the hell happened to your neck, Ophelia?” She make a move to touch it, but I got up before she could and walk over to my closet.

“Just our mutual enemy trying to get back at me for leaking that story about where she comes from.”

Quin enters the closet with me and took ahold of my shoulder, pulling me to face her. “Tell me now if she did this, Ophelia, because if she did nothing will get in my way from ripping her throat out.” The look in her light brown eyes showed how serious she was. As much as I would want Camila to pay for what she did, I can not risk Quin getting into trouble for me. I wonder why she would even want to go that extra mile for me.

I move away from her and start searching for something to wear. “It turns out that Ryan was a fake. She paid him to make my life miserable, but there’s no need to do anything about it. I have everything under control.”

Quin sighs, “We are family Ophelia, your battles are my battles. We will make both of them pay.”

I stop what I was doing to look at Quin. That is something she always says, that we are family. It was nice because I don’t feel like I have family. My mother left me and my father hates me.

I opened my mouth to tell her that I appreciate that she thinks of me as family, but she cuts me off by pulling me in a tight hug. My eyes widen at the feeling of her arms around me. This moment felt strange to me, but I manage to hug her back, feeling uncomfortable. “Forget everything everyone is saying, I believe that it is time for you to learn the truth. Take a shower, I’ll pick out your clothes and wait for you here.”

As soon as she pull away I search her face for answers. My thoughts were all over the place. “What do you mean, Quin? Who and what should we forget?”

“Do as I say Ophelia, you’ll find out soon.”

My thoughts remain on last night and today’s events, as the cold water runs down my body and wash away my tears. The moment I turn the shower off I also turn my feelings off. I can not spend my time crying about the crap life throws at me, I need to be strong.

I look at my reflection in the mirror. I had my curly blonde hair wrapped up in a mess on the top of my head to prevent it from getting wet. While fixing my pink towel around my waist, my exposed wrist tattoo caught my attention. Normally I wore a watch and a bracelet to cover it up, unfortunately, it was not enough to hide the entire tattoo.

The memory of why I got this tattoo bought a smile on my face. It is a tattoo of a lock with a piece of chain on it. Kain had the rest on his wrist, the key and chain. During the first year of our relationship he got the silly idea of getting matching tattoos. If he said jump I would ask how high so it was obvious that I would agree.

A loud knock on the door startled me.”Heila, I left your clothes on the hanger, hurry so I can style your hair.”

“I’ll be out soon.” Sure I can do my hair myself, but I liked having others do it for me. It was long and thick and made my hand tired.

The outfit that Quin picked out was a pink plaid skirt suit. It was cute, the skirt had two small splits at the side. The top was a long sleeve crop blazer and she paired that with a white turtleneck crop top. I would wear that with white shoes. I was thankful that she thought to add the turtleneck top to hide the ugly marks on my neck.

Quin is a stylist so it is necessary that she have good eyes for fashion, but I don’t understand why she paired this outfit with my Alexander McQueen sneakers.

Instead of questioning it, I put the clothes on and entered my room, where Quin stood waiting with my hair tools in her hand.

My hairstyle is exactly like Quin’s. She did not add much make-up saying that I would thank her later. I study my appearance some more in the mirror. I have never looked so basic before and I actually liked it.

“Alright go and hear what they have to say. I will be waiting right here for you.”

I took my precious time to get to the living room, I was not in hurry to hear what they have to say. When I arrived Manny was pacing the floor while Camila watched him. Her long ugly claws were wrapping around a glass of white wine. This was no surprise, Camila is an alcoholic and who could blame her? It was after one and she did live by the saying, ‘It is wine o’clock somewhere.’

“Why do you have to be so stubborn, where have you been?” Manny says as soon as his green eyes see me enter.

“Get to the important part, honey. We have wasted enough time.” Camila says with her signature evil smirk.

From the way they were stressing the importance of the matter, I know it will be something that I don’t like. It was a normal for him to fly out after a photoshoot and not return until he needs to be in Miami again. The only things Manny care about are his business, money, Camila, and himself.

Manny nods his blonde head in agreement with the witch and sits next to Camila. “You should sit, Ophelia.”

I took a seat on the sofa opposite them. “You seem tense, father. What is this about?”

“We have made a decision regarding your future since you are as hard headed and indecisive as your mother.”

It upsets me whenever he talks about my mother. It made me even more furious at the word we. I look at him then Camila. The latter looked very pleased, while my father had a serious expression on his face. We never discussed my future before so how would be know what my plans are?

“Leave my mother out of this. What decision are you referring to and what do you mean by us? When since she had a say in my life, when since any of you?”

My father stood suddenly. “Watch your tone, Ophelia Keaten!” He roared. My eyes widen, he has never been the nicest, but I have never seen him like this before. Camila was the one who influenced him. It was as clear as day.

He points a short stubby finger at me. “This is exactly why I made the decision. I have had enough of your attitude towards Camila, you have no right to hare her! I pulled some strings with the help of your principal and you have been accepted at The University of Manchester where you will be studying Financial Management for two years. After that, you will marry my friend Patrick’s son.”

I stare at him in disbelief. The man must be on some kind of drug. Going to University is one thing, but wanting me to marry for a business merger is something else. Patrick owns a company in the U.K. His son is two years older than me, he was as interesting as a doorknob. There is no way in hell that I will marry him. “You can not be serious right now! Manchester as in the United Kingdom and marriage? You want to arrange a marriage for me with some nerdy loser from across the world.” I stood from my seat and faced him. “You can not just waltz in here and pretend to be the father of the year by making decisions that you think are right for me!”

Camila who was enjoying this the entire time, placed her glass on the center table and stood holding onto Manny’s arm. “Tell her the rest sweetheart.”

“You are not eighteen as yet and you will do whatever I say. If you refuse to cooperate then I am cutting you off completely. You will be homeless. All your possessions you will have to leave behind. Maybe this will help you to act like a better person and not a spoiled brat!”

I glare at them. If it was possible they would both be on fire right now. Camila holds a smile that seems to be permanent. “I know this stupid bitch is the reason for all of your decisions. She has you wrapped around her finger tighter than that damn right. Did you know that she paid my ex-boyfriend to strangle me?! Maybe you had something to do with it as well.”

“Don’t be ridiculous Ophelia and watch your language. Why would Camila do something like that to you? You should be thankful for her. She is the one who convinced me to give you a second chance by making this suggestion. You must have done something for that boy to strangle you. Maybe this is another one of your lies!”

Tears ran down my cheeks. I wanted to hear nothing more from him. This conversation is over. I stormed out of the room leaving them. How can he be so cruel to his own flesh and blood? Why did he trust her so much? I have had It with them, to jell with them both.

I slam my room door behind, so hard it shake the walls. More tears rush down my cheeks that I refused to wipe away. Quin rushes over to me and pulls me in a hug, I did not even remember she said she’ll wait here for me. I cried on her shoulder.

“They want to send me off to the United Kingdom to study and then have me marry his friend’s son for a business merger. If I don’t follow through then he will take everything away. All my possessions.”

Quin pulls away and grasp my shoulders. Her light brown eyes study my tear-strained face. “He is getting from bad to worst. Listen to me Ophelia, he can not do anything like that. I promise you.”

“What?” I was confused as to why Quin sounded so sure about what she said.

She pulled me over to the bed and forced me to sit before doing the same. “Listen to me, Ophelia. A lot is going on that you are unaware of. There is a book of letters in your bag that you will read to understand.”

I stared at her as if she had three eyes. “Quin, you’re confusing me. Which bag and letters from whom?”

“Just continue your day like nothing happened. You are going to the game, right?”

I shake my head wondering what that had to do with anything or how she knew that I planned on attending. “That was the plan before Ryan cheated on me then tried to kill me.”

“Uh, forget about that loser. He is irrelevant. You need to clean your face and go to that game. Talk to Kain, he has something for you.”

I narrow my eyes and open my mouth to ask more questions, but Quin stops me. “Don’t ask questions right now Ophelia, just continue your day normally and everything else will fall into place.”

This was one complex day. Quin took my face and stare at me, it was creepy. “You are like an oyster hard on the outside, but you protect something beautiful on the inside. Never allow anyone to steal your joy, Ophelia, and remember that what we did we did it because we love you.”

My head will start to hurt with all of this confusing conversation. Did she also just compare me to an ugly oyster?