Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I smiled. That was the only thing I could do.

Smile.

While every cell in my body screamed. While my identity—the name they buried with me—sat so casually on her lips.

Allison stood tall, poised, her eyes twinkling like she’d won. Like she’d earned it.

My name.

My life.

My future.

“You okay?” Rowan’s eyes were focused on me. I nodded. I wasn't okay, but I was good at pretending.

I remembered everything.

Every pain. Every humiliation. Every moment of suffering— rooted deep inside of me.

Then, just like yesterday I remembered how they entered my life.

—5 Years ago —

Dad… What are we going to do now?” I was 15 years old when my mom died and dad looked devastated, and everyday felt like hell. Our home that was filled with rainbow and sunshine turn into darkness.

“Move on… and continue living our life, your mom would’ve wanted that.” He smiled sadly as he hugged me tightly.

I look around, people looked sad as mom’s casket is getting lowered and when the funeral was done people came to us and gave us condolences but noticed dad hugging a woman while crying, I felt a gut wrenching feeling and beside the woman is a girl my age holding at the edge of her mother’s shirt while looking at me with serious eyes.

And true to dad’s words months later, he moved on and now we have a new family… no not us… him. While I felt like I’m being toss to the side.

The woman is fake and her daughter is a bitch, and just told me that everything I have is hers including my dad. I actually felt disgusted with them. The woman treats me nicely when dad is around but when he’s away she treats me like crap.

“Chairman! I didn’t expect to see you.” My step-mom Karen said.

“I wanted to see Mykayla, the woman that my grandson Rowan will marry in the future. I heard your husband is away, but we just couldn’t wait.”

“Oh, what a shame my husband isn’t around, I’m going to introduce you to Mykayla.”

I look at them from a distance and Karen looked at me and smirk as she call Alison… and what shocked me is that she introduced her as me. I wanted to run to them but thinking of the consequence that I will face later on stopped me.

Tears fell from my eyes and I jump when Chairman… Nena looked at my side and stared at me but I just bit my lips and hide.

I ran to the backyard and hide in the garden as I cried hard thinking that my life is now over and dad doesn’t even realize what his new wife is doing to me.

“Are you okay?”

I raised my head and my brows creased as a handsome boy appeared in front of me. “Who are you?” I wipe my tears with the handkerchief he handed to me as he sat down in front of me.

“Rowan Hermoso. How about you?”

“Mykayla Monroe.”

**

I snapped back from reality feeling suffocated in my dress.

But I stood my ground and grabbed myself a glass of champagne as a waiter passed by, I smiled— but inside… I was dying.

I was ready to cry. Run. Disappear.

But looking at their lovely pretentious faces ignited a fire inside my body—the kind that doesn’t burn out.

This was the day I was waiting for, the day that I prepared myself for years.

And for the first time in five years… I wasn’t running anymore.

I was going to take everything back. Tonight, I stop being the victim… and beside me is the perfect person to use for my revenge.

In front of me, Alison looked giddy and obsessed with Rowan. Her eyes batting up and down, arms wrapped around his arms that caught the attention of the crowd and camera… but Rowan’s eyes were focused on mine.

“Look at them! They look perfect for each other.” Karen announced.

They obviously don’t belong in each other’s arms— he’s mine to begin with… and I’m going to make sure they don’t end up with each other.

I chuckled at the thought, a few moments ago I hated his guts, not wanting to see his face again. Now I want him for myself—No, I don’t want him… I need him for my revenge.

Nena caught my attention. She has this weird look on her face, though she’s smiling. I smiled, she doesn’t know it yet, but I will make sure to steal her grandson from his bride to be.

“Excuse me.”

I walked away with grace but I slightly looked back at Rowan’s eyes— his eyes never left mine. I smirked, a subtle invitation to follow me.

I ended up on a balcony, open and just exposed enough for anyone inside to catch a glimpse.

Perfect.

The wind blew my hair as I leaned against the marble railings, glass of champagne still in hand. My reflection in the tall window of the balcony shimmered like a ghost.

In my own reflection, I could still see the little girl crying and begging for help… but now I stood my ground, I’m not that helpless little girl anymore.

Moments later, I heard footsteps from behind that made me smirk. Rowan’s eyes looked serious as he stepped closer.

“Why are you here instead of your future family?” I casually asked.

“You kept looking at me like you wanted to say something— like you wanted something from me.”

His brows creased as he stood with confidence and full of authority.

I was shaken by his remark but I pushed myself… even if that means I would look eager.

“Do you want me?” My fingertips slide to his shoulders. “A few moments ago you seem to be interested in me… but I guess that was fake, given that you’re engaged.”

He caught my hand and put it aside, hands shaking, teeth gritted and jaw clenched… my hands shiver and my legs weak as I pull my hand back.

He’s not an easy man to be with.

“Is this a game to you?” He combed his hair using his fingers and paced the balcony. “I’m not engaged and I don’t like that woman but I’m not a toy you can play with.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Why don’t we become partners? Marry me.” His eyes widened but shook his head.

“I doubt that would benefit me… only you.”

“I can see right through you Rowan. You’re the perfect son who does everything your family ask you to… aren’t you sick and tired of that?” His eyes soften, “So, do something for yourself. Marry me.”

He didn’t say anything and walked away, leaving me confused and helpless on the balcony.

I bit my lips… did I push myself too hard?