_____SEVEN YEARS LATER_____
''You're free to go now, Mrs. Ivy,'' Hearing those words as the place I had lived for ten years was finally opened for me to step outside freely. I walked out of my cell slowly, taking one step at a time. This was my happy moment, and I was taking my time to relish the feeling.Tears of happiness streamed down my cheeks while walking out to the counter. I could finally see my babies, and most importantly, I was finally going to get my revenge on those who betrayed me.Cindy cried in happiness at my release, but was sad at the same time. She had an extra year before she could get released, and I was looking forward to seeing her outside as a friend and sister. Laura couldn't stop shedding tears, and I had to turn my face away with a throbbing heart to prevent my tears fall endlessly with hers. Kissing both of them goodbye, I set out for my journey into the unknown. ''Finally,'' I exclaimed while staring at the bright sun hovering in the sky, ''I'm free,''* * * * * * Who could guess the first place I went to? Of course, it was Emily's. I had missed Kyle and Khloe so much, and couldn't wait to see how grown they had become. Emily had dropped her address with me while I was still serving my jail term, and she said it was important if I had it.I met with disappointment as soon as I got to Emily's residential address. It turned out she had moved out four years ago after she stopped working as a prison warden. The pain and sadness I felt when the new occupant of the house told me the information was undescribable.''i'm sorry for being a bother,'' I apologized first to the chubby man I had met at the apartment, after he told me the devastating news ''But do you please know where she moved to?''He nodded negatively to my question, and I couldn't pay attention to the next words he said. I couldn't believe my ears at the news. What was I going to do? How was I going to locate and find my babies? The chubby man felt sorry for me, but there was nothing more he could do. I began to lament and soloquize, while walking to an unknown destination. I had no place in the world to go. I couldn't go back to my husband's house, because I had no idea what plans they had for me. The only place and person I had in mind all through my time in prison was Emily. But now, my chances were ruined.I didn't even remember I was still putting on my prison uniform. And it was slowly dawning on me that I hadn't eaten all day. I had no money to pay for a meal, and no good clothes to put on. And the worse of all was that I had no roof over my head and also no idea on where my kids were. It was all pathetic and painful!* * * * * * *It was already dusk and I was still wandering on the busy streets of L.A. I noticed the wierd looks from people as they stared at me horribly, and I knew for a fact that it was because I was still dressed in my prison's wear. Maybe they thought I was involved in a jailbreak.The long walk from earlier was taking a toll on me and I had to stop to catch my breath for a while. I felt something in my hands and realized I was still holding the address Emily had given to me. Annoyed and hurt, I tore it into several pieces, while allowing my tears fall freely.''I have nothing left in this world,'' My voice conveyed the thoughts I was feeling, ''There's nothing worth living for anymore,'' Maybe it was best for me to resolve my grudges towards Jordan and the others. Maybe I needed to give up my revenge and focus on finding my kids. But I wasn't going to do so. I was suffering all these all because of the betrayal and crime leveled against me.My stomach made rumbling noises signifying for the tenth time that it needed something to fill it up. My eyes scanned the environment I was in. There was no sight of food or anything edible anywhere. Rather, it was getting quite dark and lonely as I saw people rushing to get to their various destinations in time.I forced myself up weakly, trying to find a spot to lay my head and throbbing heart. My eyes felt dizzy and I felt my knees suddenly going numb.I stumbled slightly and fell to the ground without warning. It turned out my whole body was already very weak and exhausted.My breath became shaky as I tried forcing myself up to my feet once more, but my body wouldn't budge. Instead, I felt my head banging like it was being hit by a wooden hammer. Everything felt so painful and severe, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't find the strength to pick myself up and continue my unknown journey.''God, please help me,'' that was all I could keep muttering. But sadly, it wasn't working or helping matters. The last thing I remembered was giving in to my tiredness and crashing to the group as thick darkness enveloped me.* * * * * * *When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a stranger's apartment. I couldn't tell for sure where I was, and I had no idea who had brought me here.While trying to sit up straight in the vast bed I found myself, a strong migraine prevented me, making me squeal out in pain. Everywhere seemed spacious and well decorated, and I wanted to know exactly where it was.I heard footsteps and it sounded like it was approaching my direction. Within the twinkle of an eyes, I saw the doorknob at the entrance of the room turn open. Swallowing hard in fear and anxiety, I awaited the visitor who was about to walk in.Drop dead gorgeous! My mouth seemed to hang in the air immediately I came in contact with him. His broad shoulders, and tall height gave him a sense of superiority. With a sharp jawline and a face card that could never decline, I found myself staring at him in awe and admiration.''You're awake,'' his husky voice uttered to me, walking closer to sit on a chair next to where I was. I couldn't get my eyes off him, not even for a blink. The blue t-shirt he had on fitted his physique perfectly.I kept staring, and without saying a word. I must have felt so attracted to him that I couldn't hear him speak as he continued talkingto me, until I saw him snap his fingers at my face. ''You're in a trance?'' ''No,'' I finally replied in a whisper to his question, forcing the lump I felt down to my throat. I had to compose myself rather than being swooped away by a stranger I knew nothing about.''Are you feeling pains anywhere?'' He inquired in a concerned tone, or maybe he was faking it. I watched as he moved his hands slowly until they landed on my forehead.''Do you have a migraine? A fever? Feeling hurt?'' he asked all at once, checking my whole body to find positive signs and answers to his curious questions.I ignored his inquiries, watching him instead. All I wanted to know was who he was, and why he had brought me here. So I proceeded to ask,''Who are you? And where am I? Did you bring me here alone? And what—,''''Easy with the questions,'' he beamed a smile at me while interrupting my speech, ''All you need right now is bed rest. I'll go downstairs to prepare dinner, and after that, maybe we'll converse better, Okay?''I found my head nodding slowly to his suggestion, wondering why I was so swept away by everything about him. He patted my head gently and slowly stood up to his feet to do as he had told me. Immediately the door closed behind him, I curled up in bed squeaking in embarrassment. A few moments ago, I was totally broken and hurt that I couldn't find my kids anywhere. I got reminded about everything I was trying so hard to forget once again. My kids who were nowhere to be seen, and my ex husband who framed me just to get married to my stepsister. Thinking about everything as past sceneries replayed in my head only brought back the pain, anger and hurt I was feeling. Along with all distateful emotions, the beats of the drum playing the sound of revenge kept ringing in my ears as I found myself gritting my teeth. I was never going to forget my revenge for everything they had made me go through. Not now, not ever!I could perceive the sweet aroma of the food he was preparing all the way from my room. And it made my stomach rumble in hunger. Honestly, I couldn't wait to have a bite of the food neither could I even care much about the way it was made.As expected, he came back to the room where he had left me, and announced that dinner was ready. I jumped to my feet in delight, but maintained my composure once I noticed he was watching me closely.The pasta he had prepared tasted just as nice as it looked on the dish. I couldn't help myself from eating like the hungry prisoner I was. Eating with this male stranger who had gone out of his way to prepare dinner for me brought back a lot of awful memories from the past I was forcing to forget. It slowly crept into me that all through the two years of marriage with Jordan, we never had a meal together. And I suddenly felt stabs of hurt and anger in my belly.''Do you like the food?'' he asked me, staring and watching my every move as I ate hurriedly.
I froze at a spot for several minutes, refusing to respond to his question. My heart was beating at a faster pace than usual, and my whole body kept shuddering in fear.''Why are you in here, Valerie?''I heard Tristan's voice ask me for the second time. His voice was more tensed and I could sense a hint of fury in it. I swallowed the lump I felt in my throat while slowly dropping his property I was holding in my hand quietly into it's original place.I struggled to get to my feet, fighting off every possible fear I felt. He was going to scold me and even hurt me, but I knew I deserved it. Coming into a place restricted to strangers like me was crossing beyond boundaries.Tristan walked slowly to my sides, bending over a little bit to pick up the box I had bumped into. I managed to look up at him, and I saw the controlled calmness in his eyes. For some strange reason, he didn't appear mad or angry at all. Or maybe he was trying so hard to suppress his emotions.''I…I just wanted to–''
The next few weeks I spent with Tristan at his place was the most beautiful moments of my life. And for the first time in forever, I finally knew and felt what it looked like to really have someone by your side. Someone who truly cared about you.I had gotten a whole new look to match with my new identity. For the record, I was no longer the timid, naive Ivy Winters. I was now the brave, fearless Valerie who made heads of both genders turn, and made several others shake with fear.I was going to take my time to go after Jordan, Aurelia, and my sly stepmother. And the plans were already mapped out. Emily also needed to be found, so I could get back the custody of my kids. And while I was busy trying to make a huge comeback on the Williams family, Tristan was trying his best to help me fish out Emily from where she was hiding.A reliable source had informed me about Jordan and Aurelia's daughter - Hailey. After her first miscarriage, Hailey was brought into the world after three years o
I spent the next few days shopping and preparing for what I was going to wear. I needed something so oblivious, yet visible enough to catch the attention of everyone especially my preys.The perfect look for me was achieved. And I found the perfect dress that suited my personality and taste. A red long gown that stuck up to my body, showing off my figure. The chest area was lacy, and also adorned with silver. It was just the perfect dress for me to wear to the occasion.It felt like I was more excited than Tristan. And of course, this was my cup of tea. All he had to do was play along with me and help the best way he could.*****Saturday evening came slower than I expected. Maybe it was because I looked forward to it with so much anxiety. I got ready in time and spent the next few hours of my time standing and observing my whole look in front of my dressing mirror.''Valerie King,''I muttered, staring at my reflection on the mirror, and trying to act like the real owner of the n
I held my neck up high, slowly veering round to face her. Her hand was still on my shoulders, awaiting my face reveal.Suddenly, Tristan walked into the picture and pulled Aurelia's hands away from me. I gasped out in shock and stared at him. He had his gaze on me, and appeared to be annoyed.''We have to leave now, babe,''He said to me with gritted teeth, holding my head in a spot I couldn't move from.I heard Aurelia muttered something under her breath as she turned to Tristan. ''I'm so sorry,'' I heard her apologize, ''I didn't mean to disturb your wife. I was asking her if she had seen my daughter, and I felt she looked familiar,''I couldn't utter a word, and still remained speechless. Tristan waves her off and grabbed my hand firmly. Aurelia proceeded to walk towards the hallway where Hailey had ran off to. And while she turned to leave, she tried catching a glimpse of my face, but Tristan pulled me into his hold before I could even move or speak.Disappointed, Aurelia muttere
I spent the next few days hiding in the shadows. After hearing the information that Jordan and Aurelia had killed me, I decided it was better for me to tread with caution.Hiding didn't stop me from mapping out plans. And in fact, Tristan had already gotten useful information about Emily's address.''She's moved to Baltimore.'' he disclosed to me one sunny afternoon, while I was relaxing in his study, ''And from what I heard, she's got nobody living with her.''My heart raced with fear. What could that possibly mean? What happened to my babies i left with her?''It can't be.'' I muttered to myself, nodding my head in disapproval, ''I entrusted Kylie and Khloe to her care. How can she be living alone?''Tristan clicked his tongue while pulling a seat next to me in the study. I was deeply engrossed in my thoughts, and I felt the deep urge to find Emily and rip out her hair.''You have to stay calm, Valerie.'' Tristan reminded me, seeing the sudden anger that was beginning to cloud my fa
''There's no way you're telling the truth.'' I muttered in shock at Emily's words. I couldn't believe she just confirmed the plans Aurelia and Jordan made six years ago. They really tried to kill me!I felt Tristan's hands patting my shoulder gently, trying to make me calm down in my seat. After much pleading and a little threat from him, Emily reluctantly ushered us into her house.''I decided to let you go, Ivy.'' she continued her confession, referring to how she was supposed to kill me in prison, ''So, I took pity on you and had to flee with the twins to somewhere safe. Jordan won't take it lightly with me if he finds out you're free and alive.''I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. Things were more complicated than I thought, and it made my revenge spirit even more stronger than before.''Does Jordan know about the kids? And that they're his?'' I heard Tristan's question while I had my head to the ground. Curious, I pushed my gaze to Emily for her answer.She took a deep breath
Emily's reaction baffled me alot. I couldn't believe she would actually be so hostile to me. She was one of the few individuals I trusted so much, and that was the reason I entrusted Kyle and Khloe to her. But it turned out she was taking my hospitality for stupidity.The next day was a boring one for me, and I thought it would be better to do some shopping to clear off my stress. Tristan was always working so hard and late these past few days, and I was always left in the house alone.Mall inlet was one of the biggest and most expensive in the city, and I decided to go there. Tristan had the driver take him to his destinations, so I had to drive myself.I knew shopping was the best idea I had for the day immediately I stepped into the mall. The whole building, and designs that graced various shelves were so alluring that I felt like purchasing every thing in sight. I couldn't remember the last time I had visited this particular mall, if I remembered correctly, it was since my first y