CHAPTER 6: A CHANGE

I walked home feeling more devastated than I was this morning. I walked inside only to find the house that I left so clean and sparkling in a total mess.

I was trying to pretend like I didn't see a thing and headed to my room for a quick nap, but Annabella and Anastasia decided to approach me.

“Hope your salary is complete, or you better start packing because once Mum returns, you are going to hand over that money.”

“Why should I do that?” I am done condoning all this nonsense. I walked closer to both of them because I really needed an answer.

“Did you just talk back to me?” Anastasia asked.

“Yes, I just did. So what are you going to do about it?” I asked, approaching her, and she backed away immediately, her face looking terrified.

“Gosh, I never knew you had grown so many wings." Annabella stepped in to defend her sister, but I was so done with them.

I didn't hesitate as I grabbed a handful of their hair and dragged them towards the kitchen as they screamed.

“Who messed up my kitchen? Do you know what I went through to wash, clean, and keep this kitchen in order?"

I made sure I was grabbing them so hard by their hair as they screamed. I am so ready for Jane and these two tonight.

I made them wash the dishes, mop the kitchen floor, vacuum the house, and even do their laundry.

I was so satisfied with my actions. I went upstairs and packed my bag, but I wasn't leaving tonight. I have one or a few things to say to Jane before I leave.

I made sure I kept some very dirty, smelly water for a nice greeting the following morning. I made the twins serve me all throughout the night.

Is it a good thing Viv wasn't around? I didn't really want her to see this side of me. It was already late when I got a call from Jane saying she wouldn't be back until the morning.

I smiled to myself as I prepared for tomorrow. I took the card Alex left me and dialed his number.

“Hello, who is on the line?” I heard him ask.

“It's me, Lillian Anthony. I am ready to stop being a coward; let's meet again so we can discuss this business over breakfast, shall we?”

“That will be nice. Meet me at the same restaurant at ten a.m. tomorrow morning.”

“I will be there."

I ended the call with a satisfying smile on my face. I feel like tomorrow is going to be a good day. A day of no tears.

The next morning, I woke up in a very good mood. I haven't slept this well in years. I have been a coward for so long, and I'm so over it.

I made breakfast for myself: a fried egg and toasted bread, with a little tea to take it down.

I made sure Annabella and Anastasia watched me enjoy the food while they wallowed in pain, but I didn't give a d*mn.

After that, I took a bath and packed up my bags. I have come to have a lot of access to a certain will.

Like the will my father left behind, I know Jane has been looking for this for a while now, but I wasn't planning on letting her have it.

I will come back for the farm and ranch. I just need to get my stand again, like taking back my father's company from Uncle Phillip and then finding Michael.

The backpack Michael gave me contained every document concerning dad’s company. And I have been keeping it to myself, waiting for Michael to find me.

But I figured out I should find him myself. I just need to know what Alex wants in return for helping me.

When I heard voices downstairs, I knew immediately that Jane was back. I went into the kitchen and grabbed the bucket of dirty water I had been preserving since last night.

“Where is that b*tch? Oh, my babies, what did she do to you?"

I stood at the door, watching her panic at the sight of her girls. Viv stood at the other corner, laughing as hard as she could.

“Hi, Jane,” I said, not feeling like addressing her as my mother because she was not even close to being one.

“Did you just call me by my name?” She asked, looking so shocked.

"What? Oh, wait, am I supposed to call you the wicked stepmother, because that's definitely what you are? Thank God you are not my stepmom, and I am not anywhere related to you.

So before I leave, I have a little gift for you and your babies,” I said, using the exact voice she uses when calling my babies.

I didn't wait for her to recover from the shock on her face before pouring down the bucket of dirty water on her face and all over her body.

I think she was not just shocked this time around; she froze on the spot like a lifeless statue.

“That’s how it feels whenever you pour down a bucket of dirty water on me, mother,” I said, drawing out the word mother with so much disgust.

“I am so sorry, Viv; I didn't mean for you to see this.”

“Are you kidding? This is the best thing you have ever done so far,” she said, hugging me.

“Thank you so much, Viv. I promise to come back for you once I have set everything in order.”

“Okay, just take care of yourself, okay?”

“You too."

I took my bags and left. My ride was already waiting for me outside. I have one more place to go, and that is to visit my boss.

I paid the driver and walked into the shop. I saw May attending to the customers. She waved at me when she saw me entering the shop.

“Girl, you are late, and the boss is not happy with you.”

“I don't give a f*ck. Where is he?” I asked May, who was looking at me like I had grown two wings.

“Did you just say you don't give a f*ck?”

“Yes, I don't. Now tell me, is he in?”

“Yep, he is in his office waiting for you,” she said before she went back to work.

Getting to his office, I didn't bother knocking like I used to; I just walked in and found him busy with his computer.

“Yes, Lilly, why are you late?”

“Because I want to be paid for my hard work."

“Hmm, something is different about you today,” he said. I didn't know if it was a compliment or if he was just being sarcastic.

“Yes, and that thing is called anger. Now can I have my money?”

“Yes, sure, I mean, why not?” He said it with amusement visible on his face. He took out another envelope and dropped it on my table.

“It looks like you have finally decided to listen to my advice. Don't worry, I made sure I added all your money that I have ever withheld.

I was just helping you save it since you were busy running a charity for that senseless lady.”

I guess I'm not the only one who hates Jane.

“Thank you, boss, for looking out for me.” The money in the envelope left me with nothing but gratitude towards him. I am guessing I misjudged him.

“You are welcome; you can take a day off and relax, then return to work tomorrow."

I wanted to let him know I might never be returning to work for him again but decided against it with the idea that he might take the little money he gave me away.

“Okay, thank you."

I left the shop and headed to the restaurant where Alex booked a table for our business discussion.