Devil For a Wife

"Can you be my friend?" Christine asked nervously trying to avoid her gaze through the inner mirror.

Before she could speak, Christine jumped over shyly.

"I know you are older than me and more experienced but I will love it if we become friends, sharing woes together" Christine added and she smirked.

"You don't have to be so worked up, Christy," she smiled.

"So you mean... you agreed to be friends with me?" Christine asked impatiently with her eyes glimmering in hope, she nodded.

"Yes, I will but promise me you will never go against me or stab me behind my back" she said and Christine quickly raised her hand.

"Pinky swear, I will never do anything that aunty Em doesn't like," Christine said enthusiastically, making her smile brightly.

"It's alright. Now hop down and get ready for class" she said.

"And the meeting..." Christine frowned.

"Don't worry, baby. I will be there for you" she said lovingly, Christine smiled and alighted from the car.

"What an admirable child" she muttered softly to herself, watching as Christine strolled into the school entrance.

Emerald can't remember when someone last asked to be her friend, her relationship with Deborah went cool unlike Christine. She felt Christine is lonely and needs someone closer, to hear her cry and care for her. And as a maid, she thinks it's her job to do so as long as it pleases her.

She waited around the school environment till it was time for the school meeting, she had nothing to do at home rather than thinking about the unfair treatment she received from the Blakes. If not for the pay, undoubtedly, it is obvious she will be willing to stay in this job till date.

"Aunt Em!" While other students find their parents to get prepared for the tour, Christine spotted her amongst the crowd and screamed happily with a smile on her face. The school management hired some reporters to take care of the event. It was also for advertisement so other parents will be anxious to bring their children to the school.

"My lovely Christy" they embraced tightly for some time before letting go, smiling.

"Is it time for the tour?" she asked anxiously.

"Almost, the tour guide is trying to get locations from our dean" Christine informed politely.

With her eyes synchronizing the people, a stout arm wrapped her waist tenderly and she shivered in shock before turning to her side.

"Blake?" this word escaped from her mouth unconsciously.

Immediately, the reporters rushed to their spot.

"Mr. Blake, how come you are here? We thought you left the country for a business meeting?" a reporter asked.

"Mr. Blake, is this your new mistress? Where is your wife?"

"Mr. Blake, how come you are here with a maid rather than your wife?"

"Are you two timing, Mr. Blake?"

The reporters bombarded him with a series of questions but he didn't break out the smile on his face.

"I'm here with my child and her maid, is that an offense?" he paused.

"But as of today, she will represent my wife," he said vividly, making everyone gasp in shock.

"Wife?" she turned to him in astonishment.

Is he drunk or something?

Christine also didn't react as she would do in the past, she smiled.

"I'm glad to see you here, dad. This tour is the happiest day of my life" Christine said in excitement.

The camera kept rolling as they strolled around the school premises, Blake didn't take his hand off her waist nor did she urge him to do so; luckily Christine was able to hold her dad's warm hand all through the stroll.

She returned to the mansion with Christine as Blake left as soon as the tour ended. Shirley was in the living room, intriguingly watching the live video advertisement from Christine's school on the large television.

"Guessing you had a wonderful day, home wrecker" Shirley cursed just as she entered the room with Christine, she was so angry that someone stole her spot.. not even anyone but an ordinary maid.

"Good evening, ma" she greeted courteously.

"Hold your filthy greeting to yourself. Are you truly insane?" Shirley stood from the armchair.

"What did I do wrong this time, ma'am?" she asked sadly.

"You snatched my husband publicly! I will only be a laughingstock in front of my peers! What have you done, dear maid!?" Shirley cried out angrily.

"Well... your husband made the first move and I can't afford to offend him in public, at first he already introduced me as a maid" she defended herself courageously and Shirley smirked scornfully.

"I won't let you live in this house any longer, your service here is no longer needed" Shirley informed in contempt.

"So sorry to offend you, Madam Shirley but that is never possible" Christine crossed her arms staring at her mother, confidently with no fear.

"If not dad, I'm afraid no one can fire her, not even you," Christine added curtly.

"How dare you, you little inch!" Shirley raised her hand to slap her child but she quickly grabbed Shirley's hand in the air.

"Sorry ma'am, but you can't hurt your child in my present.... Any longer" she said confidently.

Shirley staggered backward in shock, the scene happening in front of her was too thrilling to admit. What has gotten into her child?

"Guard! Maids! Hold this rebellious human being down!" Shirley yelled in ire.

The guards on standby rushed into the living room in an attempt to hit her to the ground but Christine intervened.

"Never! Not under my watch" Christine said annoyingly.

Christine walked closer to her mother looking furious.

"Get this into your stuffy head. This. Is. My. Father's. House!" Christine said emphasizing on each word, angrily and in shock, Shirley staggered backward.

"No! Never! What have I given birth to! A child that will abandon her own mother?!" Shirley shook her head in disbelief as she stormed out of the room, Christine exchanged knowing stares with her. The guards and maid gradually fall back to their former position.

"Thank you very much, Christy" she whispered softly with a smile on her face.

"It's actually nothing," Christine smiled back.

It's too good to be true that the affair between Emerald and Blake spread like wildfire in the city, few of Blake's supporters were disappointed while others were impressed. But the obvious fact remains, he has nothing to do with his maid.

Emerald prepares breakfast for the morning with a smile on her face while she hums her favorite music "Older'' by Sasha Sloane.

She turned to the dining room and saw Christine, she was already dressed for school and looking beautiful. Christine cleared her throat awkwardly as she entered the dining room to place the dishes, Christine took her seat.

"Good morning, Aunt Em" Christine greeted.

"Morning," she smiled.

"Go ahead and eat, your parents left early for work" she informed sadly.

"I know and I'm already used to their absence" Christine said slyly but her facial expression spoke differently, she looked sad.

"It's alright, baby. Now you have me, I won't let you feel lonely" she said softly whilst patting Christine's shoulder tenderly.

"I'm so lucky to have you beside me, Aunt Em" Christine smiled brightly.

Suddenly, after a sharp sound from the entrance door; Shirley entered into the living room with a strange tall man.

She rushed into the living room with Christine, only to see Shirley discussing it with the stranger.

"What's happening here, mum?" Christine asked cryptically.

"Is that how you speak to your mother in front of a guest?" Shirley queried annoyingly.

"Good morning, ma'am. I did not see you leaving this morning" she said.

"And how does that concern you?" Shirley rolled her eyes in disgust.

"Forgive my negligence ma'am, Mr. Blake does not permit visitors without his consent" she paused.

"Does he know about your private meeting with this man?" She added confidently, Christine who is standing beside her smirked.

"How dare you indulge in my affairs, are you insane?" Shirley got petrified and annoyed.

"Forgive me, ma'am. I'm only acting by the contract" she said apologetically.

Shirley sighed.

"My husband has no idea about this because he is busy and it's none of your fucking business if I bring in my guest here" Shirley informed.

"So, do you mind introducing this man to us?" Christine's voice came alive, again.

"Of course, of course," Shirley said energetically.

"Meet Ashton Kutcher, and Ashton meet my darling daughter, Christine, '' Shirley said.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Ashton" she said and the man nodded.

"Why is he here?" Christine asked lividly.

"Well, Christine. From now on, Mr. Ashton will be your private driver and maid" Shirley informed her child with a smile on her face.

Christine and Emerald laughed in confusion.

"What?" they spilled in unison.

"You heard me clearly," Shirley said sternly.

"But... but that is totally impossible. Emerald is still here and I don't need anymore maid" Christine informed her mother.

"I made the decision here. Whatever I say is final" Shirley stamps her hand on the table.

All these while, Mr. Ashton remained silent while his eyes synchronized the room. He let out a mischievous smile whenever he saw quality objects, none of them noticed his behavior.

"Impossible!" Another voice filled with authority pervades the room.