《Daman's Quest》Chapter 1
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Arriving at the rented out resort set for her father's destination wedding, Hera thanked the taxi driver and hauled out her luggage gawking at the prestige outlook of the reception area.
Youssef Uzayr was drowning in money and clearly he was one to splurge. If he could, he'd eat money for breakfast, lunch and supper and there was no denying that he was one to show it off.
Well of you've got it, flaunt it right?
One of the main reasons Hera decided to attend was to see her dad after 2 years and as much as it pained her, she swallowed her pride and decided to ask him for help. She was desperate. She wasn't even almost broke, she was completely broke and in debt. Her compulsive decision to use her credit cards thinking that she'd find employment before the end of each month was merely wishful thinking on her part. But then again, wasn't credit cards a scam in itself?
The night breeze in the middle east was sticky and sitting in the middle seat between two obese individuals on the plane served to be a horrific nightmare that Hera vowed to forget. She was in desperate need for food and a shower.
Out in the front of the hotel she smiled looking at the man she scarcely saw yet her love for him never faltered. Hera had understood that Youssef was a busy man and unfortunately his children always came second. Well at least she knew that she did. Her other siblings did not express it that way as they were all so successful and busy with their high profiles lives as well. However, Youssef never failed to call on her birthday and send her a lavish gift. He also provided well for all of them during their childhood and adolescence, equipping each and everyone with the best education and nannies.
"Darling!" greeted her dad enthusiastically and roped her in for hug. Hera wrapped her arms around her father adoringly and smiled as she closed her eyes relishing in the moment.
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"How have you been, gorgeous?"
Hera pulled away and smiled at her silver fox of a father. "I've been great thank you. I trust that you are well too?"
Youssef stood in his 6 feet glory and flashed a perfect smile at his daughter. His dyed jet black hair masking the salt and pepper look he usually had was gelled back neatly and he was dressed in lovely beige trousers with a dark blue shirt. "Well of course. It is after all my wedding."
Hera knew better than to comment on that. She had a strong intuitive feeling that her dad was aiming to create the world record for marriages and divorces. She was still yet to see who Evangeline was but from the google research, the girl in the pictures was a lanky model with blonde hair and striking blue eyes that couldn't be over the age of 30.
"I'm very happy for you, Dad," Hera said and genuinely meant that. Even if the marriage was only to last for a few months and the joy her father would experience was only temporary, it was still better than nothing. After all, life is simply a series of moments put together.
"Come now, you should check into your room and then freshen up. There is a little cocktail party at the banquet hall. All your siblings have already arrived." Youssef gently placed his hand on the back of Hera's shoulder and guided her inside to the receptionists' desk.
Hera rolled in her luggage behind her and cowered away at the thought of meeting all of her siblings. They were difficult to deal with in her opinion and she didn't mesh well with them.
"This resort is magnificent."
Youssef let out a satisfactory smile and held his face up high. "Well the best has to be done for the Uzayr name. Evangeline has retired for the night so everyone shall meet her in the morning. I do hope you will get along. She's remarkable, a true beauty."
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Hera could only smile. Her dad wouldn't be marrying her if she wasn't a beauty. He didn't care for the brains because he possessed that aspect in all of his relationships, all he needed was a trophy to show off. Perhaps that's why he and Ruwayda never worked out. She was anything but a ditzy woman. Her strong sense of independence wasn't cutting it for Youssef.
Was Youssef shallow in Hera's eyes? Not exactly. He was more of a paradox. He wanted his partners to be dependent on him yet he wanted his children to thrive. Only a few of her sisters had settled to be kept woman with rich husbands and there wasn't anything wrong with that. They were happy it seemed. However the rest of the rest of the Uzayr children were taking up the world by storm. Except for her, obviously. She was still in the struggle department.
After completing all the formalities for her check in, Hera was handed the key for her room on the 14th floor which was reserved for all the siblings.
She was still was in awe for the luxurious décor that enhanced the hotel. The little trinkets scattered everywhere was a brilliant touch that elevated everything. The hallways were adorned with remarkable chandeliers throughout and the plush Persian rugs were simply the cherry on top.
Arriving at her room, she entered with her mouth agape seemingly taken aback at the glorious suite. It was a single suite since she didn't arrive with a plus one yet by no means did it disappoint.
Hera dumped her suitcase on the couch and got ready for much needed shower. Afterwards she decided on a strappy satin mustard dress that hit just above her ankles. It was simple yet sophisticated and something that some of her religious siblings wouldn't scrutinize her for wearing.
The Uzayr siblings was certainly a mixed bunch. With their father being Muslim and their mother's being people of the book, they had the freedom to decide the extent of their religious stances. However, once again, Hera was the exception. Ruwayda was also a staunch Muslim lady yet she never pressured the religious outlooks on her daughter when she was present. Hera had therefore thought for herself and followed the religion as she saw fit.
Some of her siblings were agnostic or atheist whereas others were proper practicing Muslims or some simply went along with it.
Adding to her beautiful satin dress was pair of gold dangly earrings and light natural makeup that completed her look. Hera rummaged through her suitcase for a pair of gold heels and then spritzed on her favourite perfume.
A lady has got to have a signature scent.
Hera had stepped in front of the full body mirror and took a long look at herself. She nodded in approval and turned around to look at the trace of her butt. She was working on it. It was coming along mighty slowly though with all those squats she did in her living room. She figured that since she had a lot to work with in the tummy department, her butt could use some enhancements to balance it all out.
She grabbed her little clutch and threw her phone, card holder, sanitizer and lipstick inside. Taking a deep, long breath she braced herself for the reunion that would happen with her brothers and sisters.
She was by no means looking forward to it, but at the end of the day, they were her flesh and blood.
The followers of Abrahamic religions, especially Jews and Christians, considered in Islamic theology. (Google)
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