NATHANIELI stood before the floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the night streets of Manhattan. In the Shaw Powers 60-storey headquarters, I could see lights blinking and shining down the streets. However, my office was a stark contrast. Dimly lit, overwhelmed with the burden of several documents that determined people’s destinies and companies. All day, I signed away deals, denied investments, and partnerships. My pen carried power but even at that, I was unable to protect the one person I cherished the most.Lucille King. My life was just as desolate before she came in, smiling genuinely like no heiress had done to me. She didn't want my money, power like her family had pushed her to get. She only wanted my heart, my soul, and even if she wanted more, I would have given it to her. I would will my entire existence and achievement to her if she as much requested them. However, she was too calm, too easygoing, and contented with the life she had, a breath of fresh air different
ADELINEThe Miles mansion was bustling with laughter, lights shining on the faces of family members who should be grieving. It was a mini-party to celebrate my pregnancy and Mother Miles had made sure it was an intimate, welcoming atmosphere for me. I smiled all through, seeing the three-step congratulatory cake and flowers delivered to me by Semion that morning, accompanied by a love note that made my cheeks hurt from smiling too much. This was just for my family and the Miles family to celebrate me. We were complete, no insolent outsider, an ungrateful bystander who was just there to leech off of us.“Do you like what you see?” Mother Miles appeared from behind, her hand lay gently on my shoulder and then Semion appeared by my side too. He rubbed my belly as he pulled in to place a soft kiss on my cheek. “Thank you, for welcoming me.” I hugged her, by the side while I placed my palm on Semion’s hand. “You deserve it and more!” Mother Miles smiled, her eyes thinning. “You gave th
DAVINA“You didn't fail, ma’am.” Maria had told me, with the most reassuring smile ever. “You aren't Lucille yet and you cannot embody her just because you have makeup on.”“Away from trying to embody another person, work on improving yourself internally, and then you can finally blend your attributes with your goals.” My goals were to become Lucille King while biting back at Davina Williams’ enemies and also Lucille’s adversaries but I wouldn't be able to do that if I didn't have even an iota of Davina in me. “The aim isn't to become Lucille King completely, ma’am. We strive for a better version of yourself too.” “You are important.” As always, Maria didn't judge and it seemed Shaw had strategically placed her by my side. She knew her onions, her way with words was magical and as I took off the makeup on my face, I was reminded of her words again. Lucille King was just a mask, to achieve my goals. I was the real person being transformed. As the night deepened, I retired to bed,
DAVINA“Welcome, Mrs. Shaw.” Doctor Victoria Dean addressed me with a smile, but I only nodded with an awkward one. That name seemed to bounce off me with indifference. It was foreign to me. She examined my face with her gloved hands and eyes that shone with interest, quickly making me comfortable. She turned my face gently, using sharp tools to pick at my acne flares before she would inspect them closely. I wasn't in pain, unlike times when I would try to pick at them. As Maria said, Victoria was a renowned Dermatologist and had helped multiple women regain their confidence, their smile which wouldn't strain across multiple pus-filled pimples and cysts. In her private clinic, she had staff waiting on her patients, smiling to make them feel comfortable and not less than themselves. I received exceptional treatment and here I was, lying on the examination chair that seemed more cushioned than the mattress I had in the Miles mansion. “You have new acne flares compared to the picture
DAVINAI clenched the baton with a tighter grip this time, I was not going to just throw, I was going to continuously wreak havoc just the same way I would do in Adeline’s life. However, I wasn't going to move rashly. I was going to move with precision, sneak up on them like a quiet storm and they wouldn't see me coming. As I held the baton, Shaw’s suit jacket covering me, I felt powerful and covered. Adeline’s innocent smile flashed in my eyes, her jabbing words that were disguised as concern and love echoed in my ears. Behind her mask, I envisioned her real face. The face that laughed evilly at me while I did her bidding. And then me, standing timidly before her while I listened to her, worshipped her, and looked up to her for years. That was what I aimed for, to tear off her mask and fire at her real face and then raise my head up high before her, so I wouldn't be that timid sister again. My hands moved, my muscles flexed, and my veins flowed with energy as I smacked the baton
DAVINAI hesitated, searching Shaw’s face to really know if he was really interested in hearing me out. Or was he just showing superficial concern? But then, his gaze that rested on me was sharp and assessing, one that was deliberately boring into me, to slice me open. I couldn't hide it. My lips moved, quivering as I narrated the horrific nightmare. When I talked about the fire, I broke into sobs again. “I feel stupid.” I managed to say, in between my sobs. “I don't even have any real children and yet I cry over...”“You can’t help it.” He said, his eyes carrying understanding now. “It must have been a dream or a wish of yours to become a mother someday.”I parted my lips in surprise, seeing that he didn't see my nightmare as pathetic as I was still clinging to a wish that couldn't be fulfilled. Growing up in a foster home and being adopted by a family devoid of true affection, I craved to have my own, to give love without bounds. “But Semion took that dream away.” Yes. If he ha