Veil of Deceit

ty'

than the last. How long had she been standing outside the door? Had she been waiting patiently for Terry

ight be on the verge of kicking me out of the Aveeno house. The thought left

minded myself to stay calm as I listened to the

of curiosity and uncertainty. "I forgot an important document for a very important meeting your father and I will be having with some investors today and I didn't want anyone but myself to get it, which is why I had to come back home." Mrs Aveeno said. So, exp

l here?" she demanded, her words cutting through the air like a knife. Caught off guard, I scrambled for an excuse. "I'm sorry ma'am, I know

u." She commanded. "Yes ma'am" I said as I i

the stair way and gave a faint

ortant visitor coming over tonight. I want you to set up a room, make it comfy and cozy, and of course, prepare something really delicious for dinner. My guest is very special

the hallway, his demanding tone slicing through the air like a knife. "Betty!

g to get me in trouble as I had already lied to Mrs Aveeno that the reason

lready made your breakfast?" She asked with utmost curiousity. "What? Mom, what are you talking abou

y heart pounding in my chest. "Phew," I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the narrow escape. But d

me breakfast you dim

mered and rushed d

he behaved so lackadaisically and uncultured. Was it simply a matter of upbringing, or was there some

st Mrs. Aveeno had mentioned. It was likely a business associate, I presumed, given the Aveenos' penchant for hosting me

retreat to the boys quarters where my father and I resided. Initially, I entertained the idea of seeking out Terry, but with his brother

**

called, concern evident in his tone. "Dad, oh, goodness, I can't believe I fell asleep," I confes

inquired gently, his eyes searching mine

e smile. "Nothing, nothing you should worry about, Dad," I reassur

oftened with empathy. "You're back early, Dad," I rem

are having a special guest come over, so they wanted to prepare," he explained. "

f respite, my father offered m

you a cup of tea," he suggested, his conc

In that moment, as I closed my eyes and let the warmth of home envelop me, I couldn't

**

come the new guest, a duty that all workers at t

**

new guest?" I called out as I hastil

lax a bit," my father r

the Aveeno house to welcome the new guest," I remi

ong right now," my dad muttered, his

d myself on the edge of his bed. "Is everythin

bit of fever," my dad responde

e, Dad," I offered, eager to alleviat

eno can be when you are not punctual," my

about it," I assured him, moving swiftly to

low workers had already gathered in a straight line to welcome the new guest. I tried to slip in