A PROMISE TO VERA

VALERIE

The drive to Vera’s apartment was silent except for the hum of the engine and the raging storm inside my head. Memories always clawed their way back during drives like this—the screech of tires, the dull thud of metal meeting flesh, the phone call that changed everything.

By the time I reached her apartment, my jaw ached from clenching it. I forced a calm smile when the nurse greeted me at the door.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Quinn," she said warmly.

"Afternoon," I replied, keeping my tone even.

I didn’t linger for small talk; I went straight to Vera’s room. My breath caught, as it always did, seeing her there. My twin. My other half. She lay so still, chest rising and falling gently under the pale pink gown. Machines beeped softly beside her bed, the only signs of life in this room that felt frozen in time.

The nurse closed the door behind me, leaving us alone. I walked over and sat by her bed, reaching out to stroke her cheek. Her skin was warm, soft—but lifeless.

"Hey, Vera," I whispered, my voice trembling before I steadied it. "I won another case today. People can’t get enough of me, you know? Like I’m some kind of celebrity now. Imagine that—me, the big shot lawyer everyone admires."

I forced a laugh, hollow and brittle.

"Don’t you want to wake up and see me in court, huh? See your twin sister tearing people apart on the stand?" My throat tightened. "I miss you so damn much, Vee. It’s been two years. Two years of talking to you like this, hoping—praying—you’d open your eyes."

I swallowed hard and glanced at the calendar on the wall.

"Our birthday’s in two months," I continued softly. "Remember how we used to spend it? Cake fights, late-night movies, that stupid ritual of making wishes on the balcony at midnight? You used to wish for silly things. I always wished for us to stay together forever."

I leaned closer, lowering my voice, though there was no one to hear.

"You know that guy who did this to you? Alexander Stone?" My lips curled in disgust. "I’m going to bring him to his knees. I’ll tear apart everything he’s built, strip away everything he values, until there’s nothing left but ashes. That will be my birthday gift to you, Vee. So please…" My voice broke. "Please get up, huh? Just wake up and see me do it. See me destroy him for you."

I pressed my forehead gently against her hand, fighting back the tears that burned in my eyes.

Alexander Stone. The name tasted like poison in my mouth.

Two years ago, one night changed everything. We’d fought—Gosh, we’d fought so badly that evening. Words I can’t take back were said. She stormed out to "cool off," angry and stubborn like she always was. She didn’t know where she was going. She just left.

And then that motorcycle hit her.

That bastard.

Not only did he hit her, but he vanished into the night like a coward. No call for help. No emergency rush to the hospital. Just gone. Leaving her bleeding on the asphalt like roadkill.

Since that day, I’ve been preparing. Every case I’ve taken, every victory I’ve claimed, has been a step closer to this moment. I’ve built my reputation, my network, my arsenal. And now, I’m ready.

I lifted my head, eyes locked on Vera’s still face.

"I’m going undercover," I told her softly, though my tone was steel. "I’ll get close to him. Close enough that he won’t see me coming. I’ll smile in his face, make him believe I’m a friend. And when he’s exposed, when every dirty secret he’s buried is dragged into the light, I’ll tear his empire apart piece by piece. I’ll make him beg for mercy, and I’ll give him none."

My hand trembled as I cupped her cheek again.

"Every day you’ve laid here, Vee—every hour, every minute—I’ve counted. And I swear to you, he will pay for them all. Him and his entire gang. They won’t know peace. They won’t know how to rest. I will be their nightmare."

I paused, voice dropping to a whisper as tears rolled down my cheeks, I struggled to keep my emotions in tact.

"I’m so sorry, Vera. As much as I blame Alexander, I blame myself more. If I hadn’t scolded you that night, if I’d just… kept my mouth shut, maybe you wouldn’t be here. Maybe you’d still be laughing, still teasing me about my workaholic habits." My chest ached as I spoke. "Every day, I wish I could turn back time. But I can’t. So I’ll do the only thing I can—I’ll make them pay."

I straightened in my chair, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. The softness vanished from my face, replaced by cold determination.

“ And Alexander Stone?" I smiled, a predator’s smile. "Consider this your death sentence. I’m coming for you."

I stood, pressing a final kiss to Vera’s forehead.

"Hold on for me, Vee," I whispered. "I’ll make sure your suffering wasn’t in vain."

As I left the room, I didn’t look back. I couldn’t afford to. The path ahead of me was dark, dangerous, and paved with blood—but I would walk it gladly.

Because revenge wasn’t just a desire anymore.

It was my destiny.