4. A New Life: I'm Gonna Pay For What They Did

Scarlett’s POV

As I stepped off the plane and onto the familiar soil of my hometown, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. The warm sunshine and gentle breeze enveloped me, carrying the sweet scent of nostalgia. Nine years of absence melted away, and the comforting feeling of being back home washed over me like a soothing embrace.

My heart raced with excitement, yet a hint of trepidation lingered, like the whisper of a forgotten memory. I yearned for the thrill of reunions, the comfort of familiar sights and sounds, and the warmth of loved ones’ embrace, yet I knew no one awaited my return.

“Where is your driver, Miss Scarlett?” Razi, my daughter asked.

She was hugging her large pink teddy bear. Her words brought up tears in my eyes. I blink the tears away and smile.

“He is coming,” I said.

The airport, once a place of departure, now represented a new beginning, a chance to reform all their opinions of me. I have struggled all the years for this; no one will be spared.

“Can we just walk over there, sweetheart?” I asked Razi.

“You should have just told me you were going to make me walk!” She groaned and dashed off, leaving me behind.

“Hold on, Razi. You can’t just take off like that,” I hurried after her.

As I made my way through the airport, the sounds, the smells, and the sights all blended into a sense of familiarity, welcoming me back to the place where my heart had always remained. I was finally home, and the sense of belonging was like a warm hug that enveloped my very being.

Just then, a red Ferrari car swerved in front of Razi, halting her abruptly. Her long, black hair danced in the wind as she stood startled.

“Have you lost your mind, Gabriel? Why are you driving like that?” I snapped at him.

Gabriel is more than just my driver. He could be referred to as my personal assistant because he takes care of all my needs and business schedules. He is strong; he could be seen as my bodyguard. He is handsome and can play the role of my lover. He is charismatic and businessmanlike and can represent me in business meetings.

“I’m so sorry, ma’am,” he apologized. “Hello, cutie,” he said, waving at Razi.

“You almost killed me!” Razi groaned, opened the car, and entered, sulking as always.

“Get us out of here,” I told Gabriel. He opened the car door for me before taking the driver’s seat.

“You didn’t call me when you arrived, Gabriel,” I said.

“I’m so sorry about that, ma’am. I was busy trying to get everything in order before you arrived. Besides, I know you were still dealing with Mr. Rodriguez, so I didn’t bother you,” he responded. I nodded and relaxed my back, watching as everything slid by.

“I’m back for you, Nathan,” I mumbled to myself. Razi looked at me, and I smiled.

The mighty gate to my mansion slid open as Gabriel drove in. He rushed out to open the door for me and Razi. As I stepped out of the car and onto the driveway, I was awestruck by the majestic sight of my newly built mansion, whose grandeur and beauty exceeded my wildest dreams. 

I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, wonder, and accomplishment, knowing that I'd created this stunning haven with my own hard work and determination.

Staring at my own house brought tears of joy to my eyes. I never knew I could fulfill my dreams.

The majestic mansion stood proudly, its grandeur and elegance evident in every detail. The exterior walls, painted a brilliant white, glistened like freshly fallen snow, radiating a sense of luxury. The white façade was accented with subtle hints of cream and ivory.

“Can’t we at least go inside?” Razi suggested. I snapped out of my reverie and looked at her. She must really be tired.

“Sure, sweetheart. Let’s go.” I tried holding her hand.

“I can walk by myself,” she said, pulling her hand away from mine and heading inside. I sighed and followed her. Gabriel opened the door for us.

The moment I stepped in, I smiled. This is indeed an accomplishment. I finally broke the barrier between the rich and the poor. Success isn’t for the privileged anymore.

“You are welcome, ma’am.”

Five women, led in by Gabriel, greeted, curtsying.

“They are the servants you requested, ma’am,” Gabriel stated. “This is Maganda, Elenita, Selina, Luningning, and Elmarie,” he introduced them.

“And who is the nanny?” I asked.

“I’m the one, ma’am,” one of them said, stepping forward.

“Your name again?” I inquired.

“Elenita, ma’am,” she replied curtly.

“As my baby’s nanny, you have to pay close attention to her needs. There’s going to be an agenda for that. Who is the cook?” I stated.

“Luningnig, ma’am,” she said, stepping forward.

“My baby is allergic to some spices, so you have to be very careful when handling her meals. Gabriel is going to give her food menu to you and mine included,” I set forth. “We are done here. Gabriel, show them to their rooms, and then they can begin work immediately. Sweetheart, off we go,” I said, and headed upstairs with Razi.

“I told you I don’t need a nanny, Miss Scarlett,” Razi grumbled.

“I’m your mother; I know what you need and what you don’t. Besides, you have to drop that Miss title now that we are back home. No Filipino calls their mother that,” I stated, my high heels echoing through the building.

“I don’t have a mother, and you know it,” she retorted.

We reached upstairs, but the rooms were still locked.

“Gabriel!” I shouted in frustration.

It was late in the night already. I sat in front of the vanity table, ready for my nightly routine. I pulled out the drawer and took out Nathan’s photo. I slid my finger across it.

“It has been many years, Nathan. How do you look now? It’s a pity; I can’t help making you feel the pain that I felt,” I told the image.

“Who is he?”

“Argh!” I was startled as the picture fell from my hand to the floor.

Razi picked it up, looking at it. “Who is he?” she repeated.

I grabbed the picture from her. “He is nobody.” I put it back in the drawer.

“You seem to be lost staring at him,” she said, going to the bed to sit.

“Why are you still up? Where’s your nanny?” I queried, facing her.

“I told her to go. I don’t need a nanny.”

“You need a nanny, Razi,” I declared. “Every child with a busy parent needs a nanny. You are starting school soon, and you really need a nanny, so you have to get used to her being around. Am I understood?”

“I want to go back to boarding school. This is the reason I never liked you. You always force me to do what I don’t want to do!” she snapped, standing up. “Miss Bernard is better than you,” she declared and dashed out of my room.

I fought back my tears.

“Everyone will pay dearly for this!” I grunted, glaring at my reflection in the mirror.