Chapter Sixteen

Chapter sixteen

–FIVE YEARS LATER–

Mikaela:

I adjusted my glasses, my gaze fixed on the computer.

“Ah, my eyes are tired. I didn't get enough rest last night. It's going to be a long day. Adeline, what's the schedule for today?” I asked, glancing at my personal assistant who was standing nearby.

She quickly opened her schedule book, tracing it with her fingers. “A meeting at E.T Arts.”

“What's the meeting about again?”

“They've been outshined by D’arts and they're trying to get back so they wish to sign a contract with us where they get the most unique arts to capture bidders’ interest.” She nodded firmly while speaking.

I massaged my forehead. “Wait, go back. D’arts?”

I wanted to be sure if it was the D’arts I knew which was Kevin’s art conglomerate. Kevin and I had been in a contract for five years and I had learned how to paint. My paintings were not the only thing making his conglomerate flourish. The fact that I was the CEO of White Fine Arts and I supplied him with the best, exclusive arts was another reason. My trust in him also made most customers of White Fine Arts trust him.

E.T arts probably thought it was because I was supplying Kevin which wasn't true. There was a lot more it that just supplying.

The contract between Kevin and I had remained active and fair for years and some E.T arts think some supplies would make them climb the chart again.

Pfft- not after all the hard work, late nights, and consistency Kevin and I had put in.

They thought I would drop Kevin — the man who looked after my kids who didn't have matching DNA with him, the man I trusted with everything I had — and prioritize their own company instead?

Did they know how Kevin changed my life for good. Although I didn't know him from anywhere, he took me seriously and elevated me from nothing to something, taking my names to places I haven't been to.

Is five years a joke to them? They probably didn't do their research. There's nothing they could offer that would compare to the support Kevin gave me.

She hummed, confirming. “Yes, D’arts.”

I scoffed, closing the laptop on the table. “That's bullshit. Cancel the damn meeting.”

“But it might be worth your time, you know?” She shrugged.

Adeline was not just a personal assistant. She was also an advisor.

“Ugh.” I moaned, throwing my head back and shutting my eyes.

“Come on. I know you're tired, and I told you to rest, but you insisted. It's just a meeting and it wouldn't hurt.”

“Alright, fine. I just wouldn't prioritize them at this moment. I have some work to do.”

“Don’t worry. I'll take it from here. Go.” She stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I groaned, taking off my glasses, gently placing it on top of the folded laptop.

I rose from my seat, turning to view the beautiful cityscape through the glass walls.

“The sun is beautiful today, isn't it?” I smiled, digging my hand into my hair to remove the hair clip, letting my hair down to cascade down my back.

“I know you're only saying this to waste time.” Adeline teased.

“What?” I laughed, running my fingers through my straight hair.

“Just go! The chauffeur is waiting outside.”

I looked down, noticing the car parked outside.

“Oh shit!” I snapped, spinning swiftly and tossing the hair clip into the drawer. I scrambled for my phone and tossed it into my pocket.

I took quick steps towards the door, swinging it open.

“Don't forget, the elevator broke! Take the stairs!!” Her voice chimed.

I slammed the door.

Could today get any worse?!! We were on the fifth fucking floor and I had to take the stairs?

After running down the stairs, I finally got to the ground floor. I made my way out.

“Miss, you're a few minutes late.” My bodyguard who was standing by the door, said before I even got to the car.

I waved my hand dismissively. “Forget it.”

He pulled the door, and I got in.

Just as he was about to enter, I interjected, “No need to come. Don't come with me. I've got this.”

He knew I didn't like having a big guy monitoring me as if I was a toddler. I have to be independent sometimes.

“But-”

I cut him off, “I'm late! I don't have time to argue.”

He slammed the door immediately, realizing how serious I was.

“Drive.” I said to the chauffeur, pulling the seat belt and clipping it in place.

The car zoomed off immediately.

I heaved a sigh, running my hands through my hair. “It's gonna be a long day!”

After arriving at the place, I alighted and strode directly towards the building.

But just as I was about to take another step, I felt someone grab my arm.

I turned immediately, facing the person.

It was a slender lady. I scanned through her from head to toe, assessing her features, but little did I know I was throwing her a nasty look in the process.

Blonde hair. Heart shaped lips. Grey eyes. And slightly shorter than me.

I didn't remember knowing anyone with such features so she must have made a mistake pulling me.

I expected an immediate apology but she didn't seem to realize her mistake. Instead, she had the guts to cross her arms and throw glares at me.

“Do I know you?” I scoffed.

“Do you know me? You little whore.” She spat. “Where did you get the balls to confront me? Who do you think you are? A model in a red dress?!”

My lips turned down in disgust. “You're making a mistake but please, I have a meeting to catch. I'll forgive you for this.”

“Of course, a meeting to fuck my husband since he dumped you. You're as worthless as a leftover, and the only reason why he was eating you was because he had no other options!” She stepped forward, closing the distance between us that I could feel her hot breath on my face.

I felt rage brew in me but I wouldn't let anger have the better of me on a lady who was probably having some marital problems and doesn't trust her husband.

“I need to go,”.

Before I could turn, she raised her hand and even though I tried protecting myself, it was too late. Her hand ran across my face, planting a resounding slap on my cheek.

My neck snapped in the other direction, and I could feel the sting spread.

I shut my eyes.

And then, like a dam breaking, it all came rushing back.

I was 19 when I met him.

The police cell. Ma'am Maryanne’s death. E.T arts. Ethan.

Kevin. He came to rescue me. “Take your hands off my woman.”

The way he stood beside her, this woman. Ava Sunny! The way he loved her. The way he was silent to me and…and… indifferent.

The way she clung to his arm like I never existed. The way Ma'am Maryanne tried her best for me.

My mother’s voice echoed in my head: “I don't want you to taste the bitterness I struggled with as a young adult. You're just nineteen.”

But I had lost myself, I lost my memory trying to fight. Trying to survive.

And now, here she was. Slapping me as if I were the intruder.

I opened my eyes, the sting in my cheek nothing compared to the fire rising inside me, not of rage, but of remembrance of the cruelty.

I remembered everything!