Chapter 2

FIVE YEARS LATER

KIARA’S POV

The warm rays of morning sunlight fell on me through the kitchen window. I looked at the beautiful sight of the neighborhood while sipping a cup of coffee. The thought of the past came flashing in my head like it was just yesterday.

Five years have passed since the fateful night that my world came crumbling. The memories of Leo and Miriam's betrayal are still fresh in my head, but I'm not the same woman anymore.

I'm now stronger and wiser. And thanks to Alex who came right on time to save me that fateful day… I would have lost my baby and even died too.

Alex has been my friend since high school. We always look out for each other. I know he had a crush on me but I don’t have feelings for him nor even consider being in a relationship with him. I only had eyes for Leo,which broke his heart but still, he never left. Luckily for me that day,it was his number that I dialled before passing out.

“I must get my revenge “ I murmured,biting my lower lips.

“Mummy! Mummy! Look what I made” my daughter Sophia snapped me out of my thoughts.

She held up her colorful drawing of a woman holding hands with a little girl.

“Oh baby! Is that us?” I asked as I crouched to her level.

“Yes mummy,” she nodded.” Do you like it?

“I love it.” I said hugging her so tight.Her innocent smile made my scars almost insignificant.Almost.

I heard a knock on my front door, which interrupted our moment. As I opened it, it was Alex.

“Hey Kiara,”he said, giving me a warm smile.

“So good to see you, Alex.” I pulled him into a warm hug and ushered him in.

Immediately Alex entered my living room, Sophia ran to him, excitedly calling out "Uncle Alex!" Alex smiled and raised her up, spinning her in the air as her giggle filled the room. "Hey, kiddo! Missed me?”

“Yes! Will you stay for dinner?” she asked excitedly.

I couldn't help but smile at the sight of Alex and Sophia. Alex had always been like a father figure in her life.

“Maybe later,” he replied, placing her down gently. Then faced me,”Let's talk.”

"So, what's this huge job offer you were talking about over the phone?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Alex smiled mischievously. "You’ve been shortlisted for Evergreen’s major project. You know they’re one of the top interior designing firms in the country.They want you to pitch for their upcoming project.

”My eyes widened in excitement. "This is huge! Evergreen designs are legendary. How did this happen?”

Alex chuckled “I may have sang your praises to the right people. They saw your portfolio and were blown away. You, my friend, is an incredibly talented designer in town, so who wouldn’t want to work with you?”

I blushed and smiled at the praises,feeling a sense of gratitude towards Alex.

“But there’s just one more thing..you will be up against Williams & Co. & Harrison group too”.

“Wait! What? Williams?”

“Yes, and I heard that his company is going through some financial constraints now and it’s only Evergreen's project that will restore him back. Alex explained.

“Ohhh I see, that scumbag, I will make sure that his company doesn’t get this.” I said with a sly smile.

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I walked into the sleek conference room. My eyes scanned the room,taking in the professional atmosphere. I noticed a man standing not too far from where I was standing, he was talking to a group of people in front of him that apparently were his subordinates.

Judging by his commanding presence and the deference shown to him, I guessed he must be the CEO of Evergreen company.

While I was standing there observing,the man happened to glance over and caught my eye.He began to work towards me with a confident stride.

“You must be Kiara right?” He said warmly, stopping in front of me.

“Yes,” I replied,my voice steady.

“It’s so nice to finally meet the popular interior designer in Los Angeles,” his smile wide and genuine.”You can call me Mark.”

I was caught off guard by the compliment, that I felt flattered and a bit shy.

I extended my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too Mark.”

As we shook hands, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Interior design was something I had always liked and dreamed of even as a child. After I finished schooling in Los Angeles, I was ready to venture and sharpen my skills. But life took an unexpected turn when I met Leo.

He had come to Los Angeles for a work function, and it was love at first sight, atleast for me. He convinced me to move to London with him,assuring me of a beautiful life together. But after the divorce, I returned to Los Angeles, to start my life and career over again, with the help of my friend Alex.

Lost in my thoughts, I was startled by a voice behind me.

“Hello,Mark,” the voice said, polite yet unmistakably familiar.

I turned around I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked, just like always. His piercing eyes, chiseled jawline, and charming smile that once captivated me..

Immediately he saw me, he was stunned. “ Kiaria?”