Reclaim

Darla POV.

I sat on the edge of my old bed, hands clenched into fists, remembering everything. Melanie's voice echoing in my head: "Poor thing." Like I was some wounded animal they were putting out of its misery.

And Richard. God, Richard talking about my father's death like it was just another business transaction. "Some things are better left alone." 

They killed him. I knew it now, deep in my bones. My father worked so hard to build something for his family, died and those two thought they could get their hands on his money.

"Lucky," I whispered to myself. "I'm so damn lucky."

Not many people get a second chance. Not many people get to come back and fix the biggest mistake of their lives. I wasn't going to waste it.

Richard and Melanie thought they were so smart, so clever with their little plan. They had no idea what was coming.

I heard voices outside my door. Voices that made my stomach turn.

"She's been sleeping for almost fifteen hours," one of them said. "Think she's sick?"

"Probably hung over again," another voice replied. "You know how she's been since she started chasing that acting dream. Out all night, come home looking like trash."

"Her father's going to be so disappointed when he finds out what she's really been up to."

I froze. That was Maria, one of our longtime housekeepers. And the other voice belonged to Sandra, her daughter who Dad had hired as a favor.

"At least Miss Melanie has her head on straight," Maria continued. "Such a sweet girl. Always asks about my family, always so polite."

"Unlike someone," Sandra said. "Did you see how rude she was to us yesterday? Acting like we're beneath her."

My hands started shaking, I remembered now. In my past life, these two had always treated me like I was an inconvenience in my own home. They'd whisper behind my back, roll their eyes when I asked for anything. I'd thought it was just their personalities.

But now I understand. They'd been working for Melanie all along. Reporting back to her, probably. Making sure I looked bad to my father.

"She'll never amount to anything," Maria was saying. "All that money her father spends on her singing lessons, acting classes, and photo shoots. What a waste."

"At least when Miss Melanie takes over…"

I'd heard enough. I got up and started getting dressed quickly. I needed to get to that audition. This was my second chance, and I wasn't going to let anyone stop me.

I grabbed my bag and headed for the door. The moment I opened it, both women looked up, startled.

"Oh! Miss Darla!" Sandra stammered. "We were just…"

"I heard exactly what you were doing," I said coldly, pushing past them toward the stairs.

"Where are you going?" Maria called after me.

"Out."

"But Miss Melanie said…"

I stopped dead in my tracks and turned around slowly. "Excuse me?"

Maria and Sandra exchanged nervous glances. "Miss Melanie called this morning. She said you weren't feeling well and that we should make sure you stayed in bed today. She said you might try to leave for some audition, but that we shouldn't let you."

The fury I'd been feeling doubled. "She said what?"

"She was just worried about you," Sandra said quickly. "She said you've been pushing yourself too hard lately."

"And you listened to her? In my father's house, you took orders from my cousin?"

"Well, she said…"

"I don't care what she said!" I stepped closer to them, and they actually backed away. "This is not her house. She doesn't pay your salaries. She doesn't get to give you orders about me."

"But Miss Darla, she was just concerned…"

"No, she wasn't. And deep down, you both know it." I looked between them. "How long have you been spying on me for her? How long have you been reporting back about my comings and goings?"

They couldn't meet my eyes.

"I see." I nodded. "Well, that makes this easier."

"Makes what easier?" Maria asked nervously.

"You're both fired."

Their jaws dropped.

"What?" Sandra gasped.

"You heard me. Pack your things and get out of my house. Now."

"You can't fire us!" Maria said, finding her voice. "We've worked for your family for years!"

"And you've been betraying us for who knows how long. Did Melanie pay you extra for the information, or was stabbing me in the back just a hobby?"

"We would never…" Sandra started.

"Stop lying. I heard you talking about 'when Miss Melanie takes over.' Take over what, exactly? This house? My father's business? My life?"

They couldn't answer because we all knew the truth.

"I have bills to pay," Maria said desperately. "Please, I have children to feed."

"Should have thought about that before you decided to work for someone who doesn't even live here." I pulled some cash from my purse and threw it at their feet. "There's your severance. Be grateful you're getting anything."

"This is insane!" Sandra stepped forward. "You can't fire us over some misunderstanding!"

"Misunderstanding?" I laughed, but it wasn't a happy sound. "You were taking orders from my cousin to keep me prisoner in my own home. You were discussing how worthless I am and how she's going to 'take over.' That's not a misunderstanding. That's treason."

"Miss Melanie won't stand for this," Sandra said, but her voice was shaking.

"Then Miss Melanie can come talk to me herself." I met her eyes. "I'm not the same person I was yesterday. I suggest you remember that."

They pick up the money, whispering to each other.

"We need to call Miss Melanie right away," Sandra replied.

As they hurried away to pack their things, I smiled to myself. Let them call Melanie. Let her try to figure out what had changed. 

I walked toward the front door, feeling lighter than I had in years.

The audition was waiting, and this time, nothing was going to stop me from getting there.