CHAPTER 10: PAYBACK TIME

ELENA'S POV

7 YEARS LATER

Seven years already.

How has life been for me?

Better, I guess... I now have a family, businesses around the globe. Let me just say I've gotten almost everything I wanted in life, except my payback visit to my past.

The door burst open, and footstep rushed in.

"Ma'am."

I turned.

"Information reaching me right now is that Ethan Marcus and Emma Armstrong have finally fixed a date for their wedding," Cleo, my secretary, announced.

On hearing that, a smile crept onto my lips as my finger circled the rim of my wine glass.

Isn't it funny? I was just thinking about them, and they appeared.

"They want to get married?" I asked to be sure I heard correctly.

"Yes, ma'am." She pushed her tablet toward me.

Really, they want to get married after all they did to me?

"Why don't we pay them a visit?"

"What do you think?" I laughed a little more.

"Your wish is always my command," she replied with a little bow.

"Mom..."

"Mom..."

Jade and Jaden's little voices exploded in excitement the moment they stepped into the mansion.

You wouldn't blame them. I've been away for two weeks on a quick business trip.

"My babies." My knees slowly went to the floor as they rushed into my arms.

But Jade's face wasn't as bright as it should be.

"What happened, baby?" I questioned as I moved my hands around her curved face.

They hesitated like they didn't want me to know, but after persuading them, they finally opened up.

"Someone insulted us in school today... He called us fatherless children," Jaden said.

My fists clenched at that very moment.

"How dare that child!" My voice vibrated.

"Cleo, call for that child's expulsion letter right now..."

Jade's little hands slowly curled around mine.

"Mom, this is why I didn't want to tell you earlier... Don't expel him... He was just stating the fact," she whispered.

I frowned and bent completely to her level.

"You don't have to hesitate... I own that school, and I can..."

"No, Mom! How many students will you expel because they say the truth? My sister and I will be seven in two months, and yet we don't know our..." He paused.

"Mom," he called out softly, tugging at the tip of my dress.

"We want to know our father," he whispered.

My heart dropped.

I had prepared myself for many things... their first day at school, their first cry, even the day they would ask why they had no father.

But I had never prepared myself for actually answering who their father was.

How do I tell them their father is Ethan? The same man who pushed me down the stairs for what I didn't do?

No, I can't let them know.

"Look, my babies..." I swallowed hard.

"Your dad..." I shook my head and looked away from them.

"Your dad is dead. He died even before you guys were born," I said, while trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall.

"I'm sorry for lying to you guys, my babies. I just can't tell you who your father is." I whispered beneath my breath.

then turn my gaze back to them.

"Mom, I'm sorry... for keeping this away from you." The tears I was holding finally flowed down.

Their eyes melted on seeing my tears.

"Mom, we are sorry for making you cry," they chorused, bringing their little hands to wipe my tears.

"No, you guys deserve to know." I chuckled and cuddled them into my arms.

"Already giving Mom a hard time?" We heard the voice that had become my comfort from behind.

"Grandma!" Jade and Jaden shouted and ran into Mrs. Adams' arms.

I heaved a sigh of relief.

Staring at my world in front of me gave me a warm feeling that sent my soul flying to heaven, even while I'm still on earth.

"What have I said about disturbing Mom?" she asked and playfully held their ears.

I laughed slightly.

"Come with me." She dragged them away but not without winking at me.

"Thanks, Mom," I whispered after her.

"Ahem." Cleo cleared her throat, bringing me back to our previous conversation.

"Hmm, set a meeting with Emma Armstrong as soon as possible... You know what I mean, right?" I muttered.

She bowed and walked out.

I picked up my drink as I walked to my study room.

On the wall hung pictures of Emma Armstrong, Ethan Marcus, and Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, and beneath each picture was the fate I'd prepared for them.

First... Emma. Let's see how you would react to my little visit.

Minutes later, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my secretary.

"Emma Armstrong has agreed to the meeting."

A dark but satisfying smile spread across my lips.

"Put me on call when you get there," I typed back.

She won't know what's going to hit her.

She wants a wedding, right?

Then she should be ready to receive her gifts.

"And as for you, Ethan..." My fingertips traced the edge of his picture.

"Hold on a little longer."

I'm coming for you!