Memories Of The Past

Years back, Phoenix, - known by her true name, Lara Kingston, - was the ideal angelic child any parent could ever wish for. She was fondly called Lara the meek at her elementary school, due to her calm and friendly nature.

At the age of five, Lara Kingston was the most lovable pupil in her class. She never ceases to amaze her teachers and classmates with her level of humility and generosity.

Lara could never hurt a fly or stand and watch one being killed. The sight of blood always traumatized her. When a child is bullied or beaten, she would cry for days as though she was the one that was hurt. Hence, at a very tender age, she was an advocate for peace and love.

Although her parents were multi-billionaires, Lara never for once acted proud. Her simplicity was contagious.

Before going to school every morning, she would ensure that the mansion chefs prepared enough food to share with classmates, friends, and anyone who had nothing to eat. She didn't stop at just sharing food but would share her clothes and most expensive toys with the less privileged.

Due to Lara's large heart, her parents opened a charity foundation in her name. Thousands of scholarships were granted yearly to orphaned children and the destitute. Twice a month, a campaign tagged, 'Feed The Hungry In Your Midst' was held in Lara's name.

Lara's parent's love for her was unequaled. They had been blessed with an angel for a daughter and they cherished every day of her life. However, Lara's yearning to have a sibling pushed her parents into adopting a girl child; who was the same age as Lara.

Daniel Kingston had secretly confided in his one and only fraternal twin brother, David Kingston of his intentions to adopt a girl child.

After days of researching different orphanages, David Kingston suggested a particular orphanage to his brother. At first, Daniel wasn't comfortable with the hidden location of the suggested orphanage but David's encouragement made him reconsider checking it out.

While going through files of some kids up for adoption, Daniel caught sight of a five years old girl by the name of Joan. He was instantly smitten by her calm nature and rare beauty. Weirdly, Joan had a striking resemblance to his daughter, Lara.

Except for her blonde hair, freckle-covered face, and captivating deep blue eyes, one could mistake Joan for Lara's biological sister.

After completing all the necessary documentation processes, Daniel finally adopted Joan.

The day Lara was introduced to her new adopted sister, her excitement knew no bounds. She instantly bonded with Joan and from then on, they became inseparable. They did everything together. Lara's immaculate nature rubbed off Joan and in a short while, she acted in the same cheerful spirit.

Lara and Joan's life took a drastic turn the day Daniel Kingston and his wife were murdered. As if the death of their parents was not devastating enough, their once-loving uncle changed into a monster.

Two days after their parents died, David wasted no time in splitting the sisters apart.

Joan was blamed for the ill luck that befell the Kingston's family. She was taken out of Daniel's mansion and sent back to the orphanage. Then a week later, some group of hideous-looking assassins stormed the mansion and whisked Lara away. To the shock of everyone, David announced the cruel assassination of his beloved niece. He even pretentiously went on a solo rampage to seek justice for her death.

Since there was no surviving heir to Daniel Kingston's immense wealth, David instantly proclaimed himself the sole survivor and heir to the Kingston's empire.

While Lara survived assassination, she was sold to the highest bidder as a sex toy. She was used, abused and tortured by her captives until she lost her soul to darkness.

***********

Phoenix wasn't the type to feel remorseful after a deadly action. For the past three to four years, she had been a ruthless assassin with no soul. She was so ruthless that after completing a heinous assignment, she could sit down to a comfortable meal in a room filled with corpses. She felt no emotions, no pity, and no regrets. Her mind was viciously evil.

Living a life of abuse, torture, rejection, and betrayal had taught her a cruel lesson in life. She was resentful, easily enraged, and quick to attack. Most times, she suffered from emotional attacks due to the loss of her family. Hence, she had no pity for an enemy or anyone connected to them.

However, after stabbing the annoying man, she couldn't explain why she suddenly felt remorseful.

Phoenix's eyes flashed with horror as she watched Dex stagger backward and fall to his knees. Her heart started pounding loudly and her body shook vigorously. She wanted to say something but words failed her as her throat was clogged with emotions that she couldn't explain.

The bloodied dagger she was holding fell from her trembling hands and she instinctively cupped her mouth in alarm. Her head was filled with conflicting questions as she wondered what was happening to her. Her feet moved forward in an attempt to help him stand up on his feet. However, a strange force made her stop in her path.

She stared with mixed feelings at Dex's bleeding chest. One part of her enjoyed watching him bleed and the other part crucified her for being so evil.

As if watching him in her current state wasn't enough, her eyes started accumulating tears that were threatening to be set free.

"I warned you!" She removed her hands from her mouth and pointed angrily at him. "I warned you to let me be. Yet, you choose to be such an idiot. Now, look at what you've caused! It's your fault! It's all your fault!"

Dex's white shirt socked up his spilling blood as he gazed weakly into Phoenix's horrified eyes. He saw something new and different from her fierce demeanor. There was a hint of loneliness, regret, and sadness in her action. Also, he saw a deep longing in her eyes to stop his bleeding and this soothed him like nothing he had ever felt in his life.

Even though Dex was in so much pain, he felt like cuddling and comforting her. He wanted to let her know that it was okay to be mad or sad. He wanted to let her know that she could be herself around him. He wanted to show her how much love there was out there for just her. He wanted to give her his heart on a platter of gold.

"Phoenix," Dex called out softly but weakly. "I'm sorry I offended you."

Max came running down alarmed at the horrendous scene.

"M...M...Mr. D...D...Dex..." Max stuttered unable to form a word.

"Max, get the doctor!" Dex spoke rather calmly. "I'm bleeding to death."

Phoenix stood transfixed on a spot unsure of what to do. She couldn't believe her eyes and ear at Dex's last statement. She should be the one saying sorry and not him. She knew he meant no harm by bringing her breakfast.

"For goodness sake, I just stab him!" She mused incoherently. "How can he be asking for my forgiveness? Why is this man messing with my mind? Why do I feel this much hurt? Why am I still standing here looking into his hypnotic eyes?" Thousands of questions clamored for attention in her head.

She continued staring into Dex's hurt eyes but surprisingly, there was no hatred in them. Instead, he was smiling amidst so much pain. She felt something wet trickle down her cheeks and was alarmed at the fact that she was shedding tears.

This wasn't the tears shed when she had lost her family. This wasn't the tears shed when she was almost been assassinated. This wasn't the tears shed when she was used and abused a thousand times. These tears were different. It felt as though she had stabbed her heart.

Unable to contain the emotion that was tearing her apart, she dashed into her room and slammed the door shot. She ran towards the bed and slumped on it, socking the pillow with her heartbreaking tears. The emotions she had locked away when she lost the things that mattered to her came flooding in.

"Bastard!" Phoenix cursed out loud and struck her pillow severally. "Bastard! I warned you to let me be!" It was as though her inner monsters were tormenting her.

Outside Phoenix's room, Dex placed his hand firmly on his bleeding chest while he waited for his doctor to arrive. The injury was close to his shoulder blade but thankfully, it wasn't as deep as he had anticipated.

After five minutes, his private doctor; who was resident in the mansion worker quarters arrived. He quickly stopped the bleeding and administered a first aid treatment before Dex was taken to the hospital.

Before Dex left the mansion. He instructed Max to comfort Phoenix and ensure she ate something. He strictly warned that anyone who makes her feel unwelcomed in the house due to the incident that just occurred would be thoroughly dealt with.

-

Phoenix remained on the bed for a while until she heard a gentle tap on the door. She stood up, wiped her face dry, and walked to the door but didn't open it. "Who is it? She roared angrily.