Fate is cruel like that

5.

FIVE YEARS LATER…

As Annabel stepped out of the plane and set foot in New York City once again, a wave of emotions washed over her. Memories of her past flooded her mind as she looked around at the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling city. She took a deep breath and tried to steady her racing heartbeat.

On one hand, Annabel felt a sense of trepidation. Returning to the place where she endured so much pain and heartache is a daunting prospect. She wondered if she would be able to confront the ghosts of her past and move on from the trauma that she experienced.

But on the other hand, Annabel also felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had come a long way since she left New York five years ago. She had worked, and raised a beautiful daughter, despite all the challenges that life had thrown her way. As she looked down at her daughter, who was holding her hand tightly, Annabel felt a surge of love and gratitude. She knew that everything she had been through was worth it, just to be able to see her daughter grow up and thrive.

As she walked through the airport, Annabel could feel the eyes of strangers on her. She knew they could sense her confidence and success, and it filled her with a sense of satisfaction. She was no longer the broken and helpless girl that she once was. She had overcome her struggles and emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before.

As she claimed her baggage and headed out, her emotions were a complex mixture of fear, pride, and gratitude. She knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but she was ready to face whatever challenges came her way. She was determined to make a new life for herself and her daughter in New York, and to leave behind the pain and heartache of her past.

“Mummy, who's that waving at us?” Olivia, her 4-year-old daughter, asked, pointing at a lady.

Annabel looked up and screamed. “Sasha!” 

Sasha rushed to her and engulfed her in a tight hug. “Oh my goodness, Annie!” She shrieked. “I missed you.”

“I missed you more,” Annabel smiled. They pulled away, checked each other out and hugged again. “Meet my daughter, Olivia,” Annabel said.

Sasha picked Olivia up and spun her around, making the little girl giggle as her ebony hair flew with the wind. “She's so cute.” Sasha pecked her cheeks.

“Olivia, meet Aunt Sasha, my best friend.” Annabel introduced.

“Nice to meet you, Aunt Sasha.” Olivia hugged her.

Sasha smiled. “Let's go home. I prepared your favorite!”

Annabel chuckled as she switched on her car. “We're using my car. Your chauffeur will bring yours home later.” She smiled.

“No problem.” Sasha chuckled as they went to the red Ferrari parked in the parking lot. Her joy was boundless when Annabel informed her that she had been working on her transfer to New York, since she wanted her child to grow up where she lived the 20 years of her life before leaving. Her apartment was ready with everything she needed, and she was to report to her new workplace the following day to meet the President of the company — the owner and main person in charge of all the companies.

****

THE NEXT MORNING…

“Roland!” Mrs. D'Ville snapped.

“Mum, we've been over this. I'll get married when I find the woman I want.” He argued as he knotted his tie. Every morning was always like this. His mother was always on his throat to get married. She would set up blind dates for him secretly, but he would find out and decline. He had only one person in mind, and that was a lady he once had a one-night stand with; the lady that had been giving him sleepless nights for the past 5 years.

“A woman you want? You mean, the woman you've been searching for, for five years?” She snapped.

Roland sighed. “I'll find her, mum.” He muttered.

“This is the same thing you've been saying for five years, five fucking years, Roland. The woman is gone for good.”

“She isn't, mum. She is out there somewhere, and I must find her,” He said and grabbed his briefcase. His mother wanted to talk, but he stopped her. “Enough! My mind is made up. It's her or no one, and please stop setting up secret dates with girls for me. I am not interested in having anything to do with them.” He warned and walked out.

Mrs. D'Villle sighed. She had no idea what had come over her son. Suddenly, he stopped seeing women and going to clubs like he normally did. He started to focus on the company, and whenever she asked, he would tell her, there was someone he needed to find at all costs.

“Who could this lady be and how was she able to change my son this much?” She asked herself.

*

D'VILLE HAUTE COUTURE COMPANY

Roland stepped out of his car and the employees sprung up to greet him the moment he entered the company. He ignored them, entered the elevator to the last floor at the top where his office was situated and plopped on the chair.

Ashton, his manager and best friend, walked in to meet him.

“Has the lady who worked her transfer to the technical department here come yet?” He asked.

“No. I learned she arrived yesterday. She should be here anytime from now.” Ashton answered.

“Alright,” He sighed. “What about the lady we've been searching for?” He asked.

“Still no trace of her,” Ashton answered, and he frowned. “Why don't you forget about this lady? It's been five years already!”

“You don't understand, Ashton. I can't stop thinking about her. Believe me, I've tried, but it's not working. After that night with her, I crave for her. She was different from other women, and that pulled me to her,” He said, and Ashton sighed. “And most importantly, I owe her.”

Ashton wanted to ask what he meant by that but was interrupted by the secretary.

“Good morning, sir. The lady who got transferred is here.” He announced.

Roland faced Ashton. “You can go back to your office. We'll talk later,” He said. Ashton nodded and left. Roland turned to the secretary. “Let her in.”

The secretary bowed and rushed out while he glanced down at his laptop.

“You can go in, ma'am.” 

Annabel smiled. “Alright, thanks,” She sighed and exhaled. She had heard rumors of how arrogant, rude and merciless the president was and didn't want to end up in his black list. She was going to put in her best, for her daughter.

With that decided, she pushed open the door and walked in. 

“Good morning, sir,” She greeted. 

Roland didn't know why her voice sent a familiar sensation down his spine.

When he didn't answer, Annabel continued. “I'm the lady that—” Her words got stuck in her throat the second he looked up and their gazes met. Her eyes widened and she gasped.

 That moment, it was like her world had come to a halt.

It was him… The last person she expected to see when she returned to New York… The father of her child and Damn it! He was her Boss.