3. Facing The Past, Again.

Rachel's POV

I walked out of the hospital after being discharged, barely being able to keep my balance.

A familiar stood in the parking lot clad in her work uniform, my heart dropping at her presence.

My father was already aware of my situation.

"It's good to see you again, Boss." She greets me, and I nod, fighting the urge to let out a hiss.

"I'm fine, Diana. Just leave me be."

Diana worriedly states, "Boss, please, I can't leave you in this condition. Let me take you home.”

Diana is my assistant; she handles all of my affairs, both business and personal. Her father worked for my family since I was six; he’d come with her on most occasions, clicking our friendship, so we were best friends. Or sister’s from another mother.

Best friend?

It tasted bitter on my tongue.

Victoria's face haunted me.

Why did she do this?

Why did she betray me?

My anger grew.

"No-"

Diana caught me off: “With all due respect, Rach! My job is to protect your wellbeing at all costs. I have done all that you’ve asked over the years; let me handle this for now,” she pleads.

Victoria's betrayal made me begin to doubt if Diana was also loyal, but then again, I've known her far too long.

I nod, biting on my lower lip.

"Thank you,” Diana sighs in relief.

"Arrange only a car,” I ordered, to which she nodded with a slight smile.

"I came here myself, so you don’t have to worry about my attention.”

I nodded, and we settled into the car.

My mind ran with different thoughts, mostly related to Andrew and Victoria, their betrayal hitting me harder every time.

All this year, I have been nothing but a devoted daughter-in-law, trying my best to see to it that I gave them everything they ever wanted, even though it was undercover.

But they threw that all to my face.

I knew I had greedy in-laws but not a husband. Andrew was different; he loved me genuinely. He taught me to be a better version of myself; he softened my hostility towards humanity and made me believe everyone deserves a chance, but in the end, he destroyed me.

The gates of Beaumont Mansion swung open, welcoming the car.

I hadn’t stepped into the mansion for years, and when I did, I only came to visit and get some files, sort out something, or even console myself that my in-laws had oppressed me.

I came here for my training sessions too, which had thinned down due to a lack of consistency.

I did drop everything for Andrew and her family.

But you don’t always get what you deserve in return.

I stepped out, my guards bowing deeply.

"Welcome home, Boss," one guard said.

I ignored them, walking straight into the mansion.

My anger still simmered.

The grandeur of my home offered no comfort.

I strode past the marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and lavish artwork.

My footsteps echoed through the empty halls.

Each step is draining and reminds me how much of a failure I was a disappointment. My hands balled into a fist, Andrew’s words still fresh and clean, replaying in my head like a broken record.

It's almost like my heart has been ripped apart.

How could Andrew betray me like this? How could he?

Do they think Victoria’s family’s wealth would save them?

I wasn’t letting this go, not until I settled the score.

A knock came through the door, snapping me out of my train of thought.

I hissed as Diana walked in with a slight smirk tugged on her lips.

"Your father is waiting for you at the dining table,” she informs.

"I—"

She cuts me off. “You are aware he doesn’t like waiting,” she reminds me before turning on her show and walking out.

Ugh!

I followed suit shortly.

I met my father’s disapproving expression as I settled into one of the chairs, waiting for his reprimanding.

"It's good to have you back,” he states, looking up to meet my gaze.

My heart dropped, surprised by his statement. I expected him to scowl, mock, and… you know what I mean.

My father has always been so hard on me, being the only child, and with Muk not being around, he was always under my nose.

I nod, unsure of how to respond to him.

"Let me get straight to the point and explain things to you as I have a flight to catch in about an hour.” He starts checking his wristwatch.

"I need you to work undercover at your ex-husband’s firm.”

One

Two

Three!

"What!"I bolt up.

He sighs, leaning back in the seat and dropping his fork and knife. “This is no time to argue, Rachel. His company is merging with Dulex next week. They’ve got some dirt up on their sleeves and impending debt they owe to our company," he continues to explain, but I get lost in thought.

After what had happened, he wants me to go back and work for them?

Dulex is Victoria’s family’s company...

"I have Darius Reid assigned to you... You will be working with him at your ex-in-laws company; he’ll be reporting tomorrow morning; he has all the information you need to know,” he pushes the chair back, getting up.

"I am counting on you, princess... Don’t disappointment again,” he pleads, his eyes gleaming with disappointment that has my heart aching.

I still couldn’t form any coherent sentences with his request hitting me harder than I expected.

How do I face Andrew again without my heart breaking all over again, not to mention working for him along with Victoria?

I gulped bitterly.

Dad smiled a slight one, reaching for me and placing a kiss on my forehead. “I am counting on you,” he says, and I nod and blink back the tears.

He gave me a split second look before walking away.