CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

HEAVEN

It's been three weeks since I've left the country to tour our stores in other countries and I just couldn't wait to meet my family again and my kids.

The past five years have been the best and I couldn't hope for anything better.

"You have a gala to attend in the next two hours and the award show later in the night," Jenna, my best friend turned secretary announced beside me and I glanced at her.

"I didn't know about the award show," I told her.

"It came in at the last minute. Sorry for not informing you earlier."

I nodded.

"And the gala is in two hours? Do you think we should just skip that?" I asked and she shook her head. 

It was too early to start attending functions when I only got back. I had to spend more time with my children and get some rest.

"You know how your mom is. It's her event, remember?" 

"Oh."

As we stepped out of the car, a wide grin spread across my face. Even though I've only been away for three weeks and had spent most of my time in the hotels, nothing beats home.

The door burst open that instant and my eyes widened at the sight of Audrey and Andrew rushing towards me. Quickly, I hurried to them, ensuring they didn't fall down the stairs especially Andrew who fell almost every time. 

"Mommy," they both screamed in unison as I carried them on the other side of both hands.

"I miss you so much," I cooed as I dropped a peck on each side of their cheeks.

"I miss you too," Audrey replied, her dainty eyes widening as she chuckled.

"And you, Andrew?" I turned to my son who clung tightly to my neck.

"I miss you, mommy," he whined.

"You didn't miss your aunt Jenna?"

They both only smiled at her ignoring her question. I don't know why the twins never really liked Jenna, they were more comfortable with Raquel instead.

We both walked into the house after that while I exchanged greetings with the workers, and I settled them on the couch before turning to greet my mother who was already dressed for the gala.

She was looking stunning as ever. I don't think I've ever seen anyone that rocks silver hair like her. At a glance, you would think she was still in her thirties when her sixtieth birthday was just a few weeks away.

"Mom," I called softly as I bent down to hug her. The wheelchair’s wheels creaked as I leaned down, and she shifted slightly, her body a bit stiff with the difficulty of movement.

"You're welcome home, Heaven." She dropped a kiss on my cheeks before pulling away from the hug.

"We are off to the gala. Come over with the kids. Your sister is already waiting for me," she said, a warning in her tone as her assistant wheeled her off.

Even though she had been stuck on the wheelchair for years, she still commanded authority and lived her life to the fullest - at least she started living well after my return.

"We'll join you soon," I called behind her and she waved without turning back. I watched as the assistant wheeled her out of the house and shut the door then I slumped on the couch.

The day had been a long one and the flight had been so tiring. All I needed was a rest but mom wouldn't give me the chance. 

A couple of minutes later, we were all set and ready and then headed to the venue- Vallore's Hall, our company's event center. 

As soon as we highlighted from the car, I caught sight of my second parents at the entrance. 

I had two families. Two parents and two siblings and now, two kids.

I found out five years ago that my biological family were alive and well and they've been in search of me for years. All thanks to Kyle who turned out to be my cousin, I met my biological family and my life had changed since then.

__________

"Heaven," Mom Clara called, her face brightening up that instant but before I could blink, the kids rushed to her. 

Mom Clara was still their favorite grandma. Probably because she became their nanny and caregiver whenever I was away.

"Mom," I called after the kids finally let go of her. We hugged for a few seconds before I pulled out.

"Your mom was already worried thinking you won't be able to make it to the gala," she said and I chuckled.

"You should know mom would be on my neck. What of dad?" I asked, looking around.

"He's with your father. You know how they are," she replied with a small smile. Of course, both of my dads were always together. They've been best friends for five years now. I'm just so glad they got along and my biological parents didn't blame my adopted parents for not returning me so soon.

The gala fully commenced a couple of minutes later and as I made to take my seat, my eyes caught sight of someone I hadn't seen in the past years.

My breath caught in my throat as I saw Atlas walk into the hall with Amanda by his side. The surprise I felt quickly dissolved into contempt as I watched them stroll in hand in hand.

I tore my eyes away from them and focused on the host. As the event started, I couldn't stop glancing at them, getting more upset at how happy they looked. Atlas definitely didn't look like he was affected by the divorce. I mean, they had flaunted their relationship on social media all these years and all that pent up anger was my driving force.

There was no way they would go scot free. It has always been my dream to take revenge, and make him regret, and my return now was just the perfect time.

When the auction started, I noticed Atlas excitement for the miniature sculpture. I recognised that sculpture as something he had always wanted but couldn't get it since it was nowhere to be found but mom being the art collector she was had gotten her hands on it. With how desperate he had been back then, I knew that was my chance. I

"1 million," I heard him say from the other end of the hall.

"5 million," I said, raising my paddle and murmurs filled the air.

"5 million," the auctioneer repeated.

"6 million," I heard Atlas say again as his eyes went around the hall obviously looking for who was competing with him but I was the only one that could see him.

"10 million," I countered and gasps filled the air. The starting price of the sculpture had only been five hundred thousand.

Atlas paused for some seconds this time obviously taken aback and a smirk appeared on my lips. It was satisfying watching him so confused.

"Going for 10 million, Going once, Going twice..."

"11 million," Atlas called as he rose to his feet and I chuckled.

"20 million," I shouted, getting on my feet. His gaze locked on mine this time, his face went still, his sharp features frozen in disbelief. With the way his eyes widened in shock, I feared they would suddenly fall on the ground.

His mouth hung open for some seconds and as the auctioneer called the price and eventually hit the hammer on the podium, he couldn't stop staring at me.

His face had gone still, his sharp features frozen in disbelief. His usual composed expression faltered for the briefest of moments, and I couldn’t help but notice the subtle tightening of his jaw as he struggled to maintain control.

"Sold!" the auctioneer announced, calling my win, and a smirk stretched out of my lips. 

There was no way Atlas could compete for that price anymore, I've heard his company was in crisis and had been facing losses lately.

I couldn’t suppress the faint sense of satisfaction, but I didn't feel that satisfaction deeply until later in the night during the award show.

_____________

I had seen Atlas walk in with Amanda again wearing similar evening clothes which had obviously been designed by Amanda.

Each year, Belmont had received numerous awards at the industry but tonight was about to change everything. There was no way Atlas was going home with any award. 

I watched him get ready when the 'Global brand of the year' was called and as the crowd clapped, he rose to his feet but the bright light shone on me. 

"And the award goes to Vallore," the presenter announced and applause filled the air. 

I watched as the spotlight shifted to me and Atlas turned to me with wide eyes. Of course he never expected me to be at the award show let alone stand up when Vallore was called or receive his award. He stood motionless, his usual confidence gone. 

Belmont and Vallore had been rivals in the shoe industry for years and winning this award against them was a huge deal. Of course, he never expected me to be face behind Vallore. Actually, I only assumed my role as the CEO last year so not many people knew about me.

Ever since I became the CEO, I ensured we were steps ahead of Belmont and that paid that night.

It definitely came as a rude shock to Atlas. First, his company didn't win the award and my company won against him.

The last award I had attended had been my divorce announcement but this one was my victory. A satisfactory grin curved out of my lips as I stared down at Atlas while giving my speech.

"Heaven," I heard that familiar voice call behind me a couple of minutes later as I headed to my waiting car. 

Atlas footsteps hurried behind me while calling my name but I didn't turn back. I didn't want to be close to him. 

Before he could get to me, I hurried into my car and shut the door in his face. I watched as my bodyguard warned him to stay off while his face paled.

He stared at my moving car in shock, obviously shaken by everything that had happened that day and a victorious smile curled out of my lips.

It was only the beginning.