Chapter 2: Humiliation

Veena finally arrived at the Harrison family’s residence. It’s been three years since she last set foot in this place. She’s no longer the weak woman from the past, she came back to take back what belongs to her.

The whole family was waiting for her at the living room; they were giving her disgusted looks. The moment the Harrison family created a place in Geneva city’s social circle. Was the time they took advantage of her.

She held on to their wicked tricks for years and successfully defended herself. But the more she took the damage the more her defenses fell. Everyone betrayed her and she vowed to take back everything and destroy it in one sweep.

“Congratulations on your release, sister.” Ashley said. Veena glared at her evil sister. This is the woman whom she no longer called family. She stole Stephen from her and they cheated behind her back. Her parents didn’t even care and were happy of her fall.

“If you didn’t know yet, I’m the new CEO of your company.” Ashley added.

“What!?” Veena growled in anger.

“Your sister is right Veena. She was the one who took your spot when you were locked up in the mental hospital. Don’t you even dare try to take your company back. Everyone knows that you’re mentally unstable, what a pity.” says Helen Harrison, her wicked mother.

They’ve been planning this for years. To overthrow her position as the CEO of Fontana, her beloved fashion line.  The company that she worked hard for years! Without her company the Harrison family would be considered a middle-class family already.

These evil leeches were clinging on to her for money and fame while waiting for her to succeed, and then pulled her down from her seat. She can’t let them to take advantage of her again!

“You can still live here, but you need to become Ashley’s mentor. We need your expertise to guide your sister in handling Fontana. If you refuse then we’ll make sure that you’ll be crawling on the streets.” her father, Cedric Harrison added.

Veena scoffed. Crawling on the streets? What a joke! Her parents froze her cards but they didn't know that the cards only contains a thousand dollars each. She already planned ahead and transferred most of her money to a highly secured bank account. 

Ashley was never a smart girl. She cheats her way through school and her parents even bribed the school to let her pass. Money surely makes way into people’s mind. There is no way she will succeed in handling Fontana. 

“Veena? Is that you?” A lovely voice said from behind.

Veena smiled and wanted to cry. It was her grandmother Meredith. She was the only one who took her side and loved her more than her own parents.

“Grandma…”

“Come here dear, I miss you so much.” They hugged each other tightly. Grandmother Meredith is really sick. She was diagnosed with a heart disease. It pains her heart to see her grandma suffer.

“You should leave right now, sister. I wouldn’t want your disgusting mental sickness to get its way to me. I don’t want to be infected.” Ashley said her voice filled with venom.

“Ashley!” Gradma Meredith said.

“It’s okay grandma. I should go than stay in this place. I hope all of you are happy with your success. But do remember this, that not all things will last forever.” She gave them a warning.

Kissing her grandmother’s cheeks then left the Harrison’s residence. Now, the question is. Where will she go now? Her family already took away her apartment and going to Fontana doesn’t sound good.

Knowing everyone knows about her stay in the mental hospital. They’ll turn her into a laughing stock.

She decided to call one of her friends and to see if they’re good with letting her stay in their place. Scrolling through her contacts and dialed Nadia’s number.

“Hello? Veena?”

“Hey, Nadia. I have a favor to ask you. If you’re okay with it that I’ll be staying in your place for a while? I promise that I won’t bother you.”

“You’re out already from the hospital?”

Veena frowned. How did she know about the mental hospital? Something’s going on here.

“How did you-”

“Ashley told me. Sure, you can stay here in my home. I’ll invite everyone to welcome you.” Nadia said in a hurry.  Veena frowned but shrugged it off.

“Thank you so much, Nadia! Don’t listen to those rumors about the mental hospital. None of it was true.” Veena thanked her friend. Nadia has always been there for her no matter what problems she’s facing.

“Sure…anything for the queen.” The sarcastic remark from Nadia didn’t escape from Veena’s ears. What does she mean? She wanted to ask Nadia about it but her friend hurriedly said a good bye then ended the phone call.

“Thank goodness you’re still here.” Veena clenched her teeth upon hearing the annoying voice of Ashley.

“What do you want now? Aren’t you happy that everything that you wanted is all yours?” She said bitterly.

“I am very blessed to receive your gifts, sister. I’m just here to drop off some little stuff.” Few maids unceremoniously dropped three bags filled with her clothes. The bags was not zipped properly and everything spilled on the dirty ground.

Veena clenched her fists controlling the anger within her heart. She tolerated their actions and began grabbing the clothes back into the bags. They chuckled in a mocking tone then left her alone.

She tightened the dangerous feeling inside her heart. The Veena Harrison does not cry and she will never ever cry again. The last time she did it was three years ago. Now, that she’s free from the metal cages she’s here to take revenge.

She’ll make sure to make the Harrison family fall.

After her encounter with her wicked sister, she arrived at Nadia Sabrera’s expensive home. There were a lot of cars parked outside and she wondered if Nadia has visitors. Once she opened the door everyone greeted her with happiness.

Veena’s heart lightened in joy for a second until someone threw a cake frosting on her clothes. The happy expressions of the people in the room soon turned into disgust. She fell in their trap thinking that they’re happy to have her.

“What are you guys doing? Please respect my new maid.” Nadia said.

Maid? She wanted to laugh at Nadia. There must be something wrong with her mind for falling into a trap twice in a row. No wonder Nadia was saying strange things from their phone call.

“Hey maid, I can pay you a lot if you can service me well.” A man commented. Everyone chuckled as if he’s saying something funny.

Everyone began throwing insults towards her and a lot of catcalling. She dropped her head down avoiding the burning gazes. Nadia has been planning this kind of surprise all along. No wonder she easily accepted her request.

“The queen has now fallen.” Nadia mocked her. “Where did the crown go? Oh, I think it’s on Ashley’s head now.” Her sister stood beside Nadia with crossed arms.

“I’ve always been second to you, Veena. With your tainted name I can use this chance to humiliate you.” Nadia said.

“Second? I never treated you anything wrong, Nadia.” Veena replied with her venom-filled voice.

“Most of the men went their attention on you. None of them paid attention to me and I was always the supporting character in your life. This time I’ll be the villainess and destroy any chances for you to get back up.” Veena felt even more betrayed.

“No one will save you, sis. Go and scurry off where you belong in the streets.” Ashley said.

“I will never forget this. I’ll make sure to bring you down with me!” She declared.

Everyone laughed at her remark thinking that it will be impossible. Grabbing her bags then left the venue. She bumped into someone making her fall on her butt.

“Veena?” A voice said from above.

She glared at the man infront of her. Her heart filled even more with anger.

“Stephen.” She whispered his name out leaving a bitter taste on her tongue.