chapter 3

The morning sun painted the sky with hues of orange and gold, but its warmth barely reached Rita’s heart as she sat by the roadside, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. The events of the past 24 hours felt like a cruel blur. Her body ached from the cold night under the bridge, and her spirit was bruised from the betrayal she had endured. But as the dawn broke, so did a spark of determination within her.

For the first time in years, Rita allowed herself to think about the life she had left behind, the life she had hidden from James and his family. She had walked away from luxury, wealth, and a powerful family name, all in pursuit of love and simplicity. But that love had proven to be nothing more than a mirage, leaving her stranded and broken.

No more, she thought. No more hiding. No more sacrificing herself for people who didn’t deserve her. It was time to reclaim the life she had abandoned.

Rita looked around, spotting a woman sweeping the dusty roadside in front of a small kiosk. Mustering her courage, she approached her. “Excuse me,” she said, her voice still hoarse. “Could I please borrow your phone? It’s an emergency.”

The woman eyed her curiously but nodded. She pulled out an old phone from her apron pocket and handed it to Rita. “Just be quick,” she said kindly.

Rita’s fingers trembled as she dialed a number she hadn’t called in four years. Her heart raced with anxiety as the phone rang, each beep feeling like an eternity. Would he even answer? Would he still care? Just as doubt began to creep in, the line connected.

“Hello?” The voice on the other end was deep and familiar, laced with both surprise and cautious hope. “Who is this?”

Rita’s throat tightened, and for a moment, she couldn’t speak. Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, “Harry, it’s me. It’s Rita.”

There was a beat of silence, followed by an audible gasp. “Rita? Is it really you?” His voice cracked with emotion, disbelief mingling with joy. “My God, Rita! Where are you? Are you okay? Do you have any idea how worried we’ve all been?”

“I’m fine,” she lied, though her voice betrayed her vulnerability. “I need your help, Harry. I’m in Meru. I’ve lost everything, and I don’t know where else to turn.”

Harry’s response was immediate and filled with urgency. “Stay right where you are. I’m coming to get you. I’ll be on the next flight. Just tell me you’re safe.”

“I’m safe,” Rita replied softly, though the faint tremble in her voice hinted at the truth. “I’ll wait for you.”

“Don’t worry, sis,” Harry said, his tone firm and reassuring. “I’ll be there soon. You’re not alone anymore.”

As the call ended, Rita handed the phone back to the woman, her hands still shaking. “Thank you,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. The woman smiled kindly, sensing that the stranger before her was carrying a heavy burden.

Hours later, Rita sat on a bench at the edge of a local park, her mind swirling with memories and regrets. She thought about how she had walked away from her privileged life, driven by a longing for something real and untainted by wealth. She had believed in love, believed in James. But he had betrayed her in the cruelest way imaginable.

She clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. The woman who had been humiliated and discarded was gone. Rita wouldn’t allow herself to be a victim any longer. She would rise again, not for revenge, but for herself and the child she secretly carried.

The distant hum of a plane overhead drew her attention. Minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up near the park, and from it emerged Harry, her elder brother. His sharp suit and confident demeanor exuded authority, but his eyes softened the moment he saw her.

“Rita!” he called, rushing toward her. His voice was filled with relief, and his arms enveloped her in a protective embrace. “You’re really here. I can’t believe it.”

Rita broke down in his arms, the weight of the past few days finally spilling over. “I’m so sorry, Harry,” she sobbed. “I should’ve never left. I thought I could find happiness on my own, but I was wrong. I need you. I need my family.”

Harry held her tightly, his own eyes glistening with tears. “Don’t apologize, sis. You’re here now, and that’s all that matters. We’ve missed you so much. Mom and Dad will be overjoyed to see you.”

Rita pulled back; her tear-streaked face filled with hesitation. “Do they even want to see me? I abandoned them. I didn’t even tell them where I was.”

Harry cupped her face, his expression resolute. “They love you, Rita. We all do. And whatever you’ve been through, we’ll face it together. You’re family, and that’s something that never changes.”

His words warmed her heart, and for the first time in years, Rita felt a glimmer of hope. As she stepped into the car with Harry, leaving behind the town that had brought her so much pain, she knew she was taking the first step toward reclaiming her life.

As the black car pulled into the grand estate, Rita felt her breath hitch. The sprawling mansion stood tall and regal, just as she had left it years ago. Its polished marble façade gleamed in the sunlight, the large fountain at its entrance bubbling serenely. Memories of her childhood came rushing back, moments of laughter, love, and luxury. Yet, mingled with those memories were flashes of the day she walked away, defiant and determined to chart her own path.

The sight of familiar faces greeted her as the car came to a stop. The estate’s workers, some of whom had practically raised her, stood in a neat line, their faces lit with joy. The housekeeper, Auntie Beth, was the first to rush forward, her arms wide open. “My baby is home!” she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Rita stepped out of the car, and before she could say a word, she was enveloped in Auntie Beth’s warm embrace. The older woman sobbed openly, murmuring words of endearment. “We’ve missed you so much, my dear. Welcome home.”

The other staff followed, their cheers and applause filling the air. They showered her with words of love and admiration, their happiness palpable. It was as though the prodigal daughter had returned, and they were determined to make her feel cherished.

Harry stood beside her, his hand resting on her shoulder. “They’ve missed you, sis. We all have,” he said, his voice laced with emotion.

As Rita was ushered into the mansion, she was overwhelmed by the sight that awaited her. The grand foyer, adorned with crystal chandeliers and intricate carvings, was decorated with fresh flowers. The dining hall was transformed into a festive space, with a long table laden with sumptuous dishes. The aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and exotic spices filled the air.

The staff had prepared a feast fit for royalty a testament to how much they adored her. Rita’s heart swelled with gratitude, but a pang of guilt lingered. She had left all of this behind, and yet they welcomed her back without hesitation.

Her mother, elegantly dressed and radiant as ever, appeared at the top of the staircase. Her eyes filled with tears as she descended, her steps quickening until she reached Rita. “My darling girl,” she whispered, pulling Rita into a tight embrace. “You’re home. You’re finally home.”

“I’m so sorry, Mama,” Rita choked out, her voice breaking. “I shouldn’t have left. I shouldn’t have,”

“Shh,” her mother interrupted, stroking her hair gently. “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters. We’ve missed you more than you can imagine.”

For a moment, Rita allowed herself to bask in the love and comfort of her family. But as her mother pulled back, she noticed a figure standing at the edge of the room, his arms crossed and his face stern.

Her father.

Richard Moreau, the patriarch of the family, was a formidable man. His presence commanded respect, and his sharp eyes seemed to see straight through a person’s soul. He stepped forward slowly, his polished shoes echoing against the marble floor.

“Rita,” he said, his voice deep and measured. “It’s good to see you alive and well.”

Rita swallowed hard, her father’s tone far from warm. She stepped closer, her hands clasped tightly. “Papa,

“Save it,” he interrupted, his expression unreadable. “You left this family against my wishes. You defied me, married a man unworthy of you, and disappeared without a word. And now you come back broken.”

His words were like a slap, each one cutting deeper than the last. Rita’s eyes filled with tears, but she stood her ground. “I know I’ve made mistakes, Papa,” she said softly. “I thought I was following my heart, but I was wrong. I’ve paid the price for my choices.”

Her father’s gaze softened ever so slightly, but his stern demeanor remained. “Your heart led you astray, Rita. And now you return to this family after all the pain you’ve caused. Do you think an apology is enough?”

“Richard,” her mother interjected gently, placing a hand on his arm. “She’s been through enough. Let her heal.”

Richard sighed deeply, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. “You’re still my daughter, Rita,” he said, his voice quieter. “But trust is something that must be earned. I hope you’re ready to work for it.”

Rita nodded, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. “I’ll do whatever it takes, Papa. I’m ready.”

The tension in the room eased, and Harry placed a reassuring hand on Rita’s shoulder. “Welcome home, sis,” he said with a smile. “Let’s celebrate your return.”

The feast was in full swing, laughter and chatter filling the grand dining hall as the family celebrated Rita’s return. Servants moved gracefully between the tables, serving delectable dishes and pouring glasses of fine wine. Rita, seated between her mother and Harry, felt a bittersweet warmth settle in her chest. For the first time in years, she was surrounded by love, the kind of love she had almost forgotten existed.

Her mother leaned over, placing a hand gently on hers. “You’re glowing, my dear,” she said with a smile. “Despite everything, you still look as radiant as ever.”

Rita chuckled softly, brushing her fingers over her cheek. “If only I felt as radiant as I look,” she replied, a touch of sadness in her tone.

Harry, ever the attentive brother, picked up on her hesitation. “Something on your mind, sis?” he asked, tilting his head. “You’ve got that look, the one you always had when you were hiding something as a kid.”

Rita hesitated, her eyes darting between her brother and her mother. She had intended to keep her pregnancy a secret, at least for now. The betrayal she had endured, coupled with the heartbreak of James’ rejection, made her wary of sharing such a personal revelation. But as she looked around the room, taking in the warmth of her family and the joy of her homecoming, she realized this was her safe haven. These were the people who would stand by her no matter what.

Taking a deep breath, Rita placed her hands on the table and cleared her throat. The conversations around her quieted, all eyes turning to her. Even her father, who had been silently watching from the head of the table, raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

“I have something to tell you,” Rita began, her voice trembling slightly. “Something I wasn’t sure I’d be able to share, but I think you all deserve to know.”

Harry leaned forward; his concern evident. “What is it, Rita? Are you okay?”

Her mother’s hand tightened over hers, a silent gesture of support. Rita drew strength from it as she spoke the words that had been weighing on her heart. “I’m pregnant.”

The room fell silent, the weight of her announcement sinking in. For a moment, no one spoke, and Rita’s heart raced with anxiety. Then, her mother gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes.

“Oh, my baby,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “You’re going to be a mother.”

Harry’s face lit up with a mixture of surprise and joy. “Rita, that’s incredible!” he exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

Rita’s voice cracked as she replied, “I was scared. With everything that’s happened, I didn’t know if I could handle the responsibility or if I deserved to be happy after everything I’ve been through.”

Her brother pulled back, his hands resting firmly on her shoulders. “You deserve every bit of happiness, Rita. And don’t you ever doubt that again. This baby is a blessing, and we’ll all be here to support you.”

Her mother nodded in agreement, wiping away her tears. “You’re not alone, my dear. You’ve never been alone. This child will bring so much joy to our family.”

As her parents exchanged glances, her father’s stoic expression softened ever so slightly. He stood, walking toward her with measured steps, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Rita,” he said, his voice deep but kind, “you’ve been through more than most people could endure. And while I’m still angry about the choices you made, I can see how much you’ve grown. This child is your second chance, a new beginning. Don’t waste it.”

Rita looked up at her father, her eyes brimming with tears. “Thank you, Papa,” she whispered. “I’ll do my best. I promise.”

With the support of her family, she was sure to rise again and get back at the villain’s that wasted her three years and made her life miserable.