Chapter two
Rayna
"what's that pathetic orphan doing here?" I heard someone sneer.
"Ewww, what is she wearing?"
"They shouldn't keep on letting her in here."
"Can't she make an effort to wash her uniform?"
"Wash? Ugh, she needs to throw those rags away and buy new ones. She looks like something they dug up from the trash. Yuck."
Keeping my head down, I ignored all their snide words as I walked past the rows of desks and settled in my lone desk at the very back of the class.
" You're late!" Mr. Ivory barked at me, "If this continues to repeat itself, you'll have to face detention."
My heart began to pound in my chest. Detention was the worst thing they could do to me because the one time I hadn't come home on time, my mother had locked me in my room with no food or water for three days.
"I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again."
"I've heard that before," he rolled his eyes and turned back to the board, "Now, on the topic of differentiation_"
I tried my best to listen but not only was I very familiar with the terms because I had done this class before, but my stomach was growling with hunger and it kept me distracted.
"Hey, creep," someone whispered. I turned to see a golden haired girl smirking at me, "Did you crawl out of the dumpster this morning?"
I shot her an unamused look. I had heard different variations of that insult all my life and I had grown a thick hide to it.
None of the kids at school understood me. None of them had bothered to get close enough to know why I showed up in dirty and tattered uniforms. I didn't owe any of them an explanation either.
They could go to hell.
"Did your lady's maid not advice you to not pair pink with lemon? You look like a fruit basket," I sassed back.
"Ignore her Maggie," the girl on her other side glared at me, "She wouldn't know fashion if it hit her in the face."
I raised an eyebrow at her, "Then I guess we have a lot in common."
" You bitch! " Maggie hissed.
"Is there a problem?" Mr. Ivory's cold voice cut in and the three of us jerked our heads up to the front of the class, "Do I need to excuse you girls so you can carry on with your conversation?"
Maggie immediately poked her bottom lip out in a pout, "Mr. Ivory, Ryler called me bitch."
First off, my name was Rayna not Ryler, second, she was the one who called me a bitch.
"I've had enough of your attitude, miss Giancarlo," the teacher snapped, "Get out of my class, you're now on detention."
I immediately leaped to my feet, hands curled into fists at my sides, "That's not true! She's lying. I didn't call her a bitch."
"I heard it," the brown haired boy in front of me said, "She said a bunch of other really mean things too while Mags was just trying to mind her business."
I opened my mouth to refute the accusation, but the older man held up his hand, his expression forbidding.
"Not another word from you young lady, unless I'll serve you with a suspension."
I sucked in a breath, and then turned to glare at the blonde jerk before grabbing my ratty school bag and marching out of the class. As I made to step past someone's desk, she put out her leg.
I was moving too fast to be able to halt and I ended up tripping and falling to the ground.
With a scream, I banged my head against the leg of someone's desk and the contents of my bag came spilling.
Someone tittered.
"Serves her right," a girl's voice whispered.
"That's where she belongs, at our feet."
"I hope this will teach her to stay where she belongs, in the gutters with the rest of her kind."
Tears filled my eyes and I climbed to my knees and began to frantically gather my books into my bag, only to discover that the fall had caused the remaining hand of my bag to break.
My lower lip trembled in dismay as I hugged the backpack to my chest and fled the class.
Just as I reached the door, Mr. ivory's voice stopped me, "Giancarlo, wait."
I turned slowly, heart soaring with the thought that he had decided to let me stay in class, but unfortunately, that wasn't what happened.
As if my humiliation wasn't enough, he bent and picked something from the floor before approaching me and tossing it at me.
With mountain horror, I realized it was the spare underwear I had tossed into my bag earlier today.
I jumped up and snatched it from the air but in the process my bag slipped from my hand.
"Oh my freaking God, is that her underwear. Can she be anymore disgusting?" Someone hissed.
"I have to speak to my father about getting that gutter rat expelled, I can't continue to share oxygen with her."
I heard someone giggle, "You mean you can even breath when she's close? You must be so lucky then. Her stench literally chokes me. I've wasted three cans of febreeze and all to no avail."
I wanted to snap at them that they didn't know what they were talking about, but I knew it was of no use. I would only get myself into more trouble by trying to protest now.
"One more thing," Mr. Ivory said sternly, "You're going to have to bring your parents to the school tomorrow."
"Haven't you heard, she's an orphan," Maggie piped up, causing the class to burst into laughter.
"You have to come with your guardians tomorrow or you won't be let into any of the classes," he continued, ignoring the laughter, "something has to be done about your lack of punctuality and your bad appearance."
I pressed my mouth into a thin line and nodded.
"Now get out, you're disrupting my class."
I raced out of the classroom and down the school halls, my heart feeling heavy in my chest.
My name is Rayna Giancarlo and I'm the ridiculed student.
But not for much longer.
Chapter three Rayna"Why are you dressed like a slut!" My fiance's cold voice lashed against my skin like a whip as I climbed into the back of his Cadillac at the end of the school day."Good afternoon, sir," I kept my eyes lowered and my tone mild. Jared Winehall, my forty six year old fiance was a man that was prone to extreme anger. He lashed out at the drop of a hat and I had been on the receiving end of the back of his hand countlessly. I had also tasted the bite of his whip against my back severally. I had had to learn fast to be as demure as possible if I didn't want a repeat experience. "I asked you a question!" He barked, eyes fixed on the hint of exposed thighs. I had been wearing the same uniform for about five years now and it had gotten shorter as I had aged. It was barely two inches above my knee now though. "I'm sorry, sir," I replied meekly, "I have outgrown the uniform." "I don't believe you, you lying whore," his hand lashed out and clamped around my neck. I l
Chapter four Rayna"Stop at the one of the stores and get her a scarf and a necklace," My fiance spoke into the intercom fixed into the car. Then he turned dark eyes at me, "For your neck," he explains, "We both know it was an accident, but I would hate for people to think a man like me is an abuser."I nodded, "Of course." The car pulled to a stop across a street which boasted designer stores and I heard the passenger door open. Jared's assistant Lilian stepped out of the car, wearing her usual pinched face expression as she crossed over to the Hermes store. I hated the assistant almost as much as I hated my fiance. She acted like her boss was the best thing to have ever happened to the human population and treated me like garbage. Fifteen minutes later, she was back with a box tucked under her arm. She opened the door and passed Jared the box before walking to the passenger side of the car. The fat man passed me the box, "Open it." With a feigned shy smile, I pulled open the
Chapter five Rayna/AyaSix years later "Welcome to New York," the automated voice announced from the airport speakers. I took one deep breath and smiled. Welcome indeed. Once upon a time this city had destroyed me, but now, I was going to use this city to destroy others. My phone began to buzz and I picked the call, pressing the device to my ear, "Yes?" "Ma'am," the soft voice of my assistant began, "Welcome to New York. I've sent the driver to pick you and he should be in a black Mercedes right outside. I couldn't join him because there was a problem with your new house and I had to be on site to handle it." "It's fine, Sera," I told her, "I don't need you shadowing me twenty four hours of the day. I'll see you when I get there." With that I hung up and made my way out of the airport building, my five inch Manolo Blahnik heels clicking against the tiled floor. Several heads turned as I walked by and I smiled, amused. My presence was always sure to cause a stir. With my waist
Rayna's POV.For a moment longer, there was an awkward silence in the room which made my skin crawl with sparks of dread. I knew fate was full of surprises, but I never expected this plot twist. If anything, I'd figured out a million and one way to ruin his father. To help you understand better, I'd even rehearsed a few lines to make sure that the words flow effortlessly from my lips. However, seeing his son as supposed to him seems to break down all my defenses. Nonetheless, the children can always pay for the crimes of their father and even for generations to come. So, if he actually thought that sending his son down here would slow down his punishment, then I would allow him to be my guest. “Ahem,” he cleared his throat, pressing a fist to his lips. “We should get on with the meeting already. There's a lot to talk about and time is of the essence.”“Of course, it is.” I said, forcing a smile through my lips. “I want to believe that my assistant has briefed you on what we want.”
Rayna's POV.Exiting the building, to be precise, after taking four steps away from the revolving full glass door, I paused, turned around and stared at the building one last time. The only thought in mind being how to crush to dust every part of it just like I did Zane's pride a while ago. But, that wasn't the only reason why I paused, I just had a feeling that he was watching me through the window of his office. And guess what? I was wrong. In the meantime, I turned back to face front, taking a few more steps as I advanced towards my car. I pulled the door open and settled in the back seat.“We should be on our way already.” I said, dipping a hand into my satchel bag as I reached for my cellphone. “Alright ma'am.” — the driver said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.Without further ado, he inserted the keys into the ignition, and with a slight turn, the engine came alive with a soft purr. Tilting the steering to the side, we hit the road Immediately. Meanwhile, while he
Rayna's POV.I wouldn't say I'm the most organized or intentional, but I know when to do the right things at the right time. If anything, the driver should have checked the gas level before deciding to take the car out for a ride. Now, it's me who's has to suffer for his ignorance. Pardon my words, but I just can't help it. Thinking that I was trying to beat time to its game and instead, I'm being delayed by the fact that there isn't enough gas in the car: a situation which could have been avoided in the first place. In the meantime, without anything to do, but just to keep myself company, I picked up the magazine again and glanced through, while my driver filled up the car with gas. Before long, he was done and immediately, he settled on his seat, fixed his seatbelt and then reawakened the engine of the car.“I am so sorry ma'am for the delay.” he said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror with an apologetic look in his eyes. “I should have checked the gas level before bringi
Rayna's POV.Just as I expected that it would before I arrived here, my house was now in perfect shape and order. The decors were a sight to behold not to mention the lighting that snaked across the walls. It was everything and a little more than I ever imagined. Fortunately for me, I wouldn't pass the night out in the cold streets of New York but in my own house. All the while I checked out every corner and room in the house, Sera was with me throughout. In the meantime, I ambled towards the sitting room and then settled on the couch across the room, crossing my legs and spreading my arms out wide on the headrest.“Thank you for your hard work today, Sera.” I said, with a meaningful look in my eyes and a smile on my lips. “I do appreciate it.” “I am only doing my job ma'am.” she said, holding a tab in her grip. “However, I am glad that you like it.” “Like it?” I asked, letting out a laughing scoff. “I will tell you that it's an understatement to say that I like it. I love it.” If
Rayna's POV.For someone like Maggie, she didn't need any interview. All she needed was payback, and I would do so with every of her payslip. In the meantime, a look of shock seemed to mask Sera's face as she stared at me. She knew I wasn't the type who would hire someone without having an interview with them or better still, a physical meeting with them, so I could understand the shock on her face.However, there was no point trying to understand a decision which was birthed from an experience from years back. But then, I thought that was all. Expecting her to leave, instead she remained in front of me. “Is there something else?” I asked, with a tinge of curiosity in my voice. “Or do you have something to say.” “One more thing, ma'am.” she said, indicating with a raised finger. “You need someone who will clean the house, and I've got two options here.” “Good and fine.” I said, with a shrug of my shoulder. “There is no point going back and forth on this, the first one is hired.” “
Rayna's POV.Turning off the shower, I reached for my body towel which was hanging on the door. After wrapping it around my body, I reached for my face towel too and then stepped out of the bathroom. However, I'd barely stepped out with the face towel pressed to a side of my face when Maggie approached me.“What would you like to have for dinner, ma'am?” she asked, standing by the side.“What says the time?” I asked, proceeding to my room as I dried my hair with the towel. “Is it 6pm yet?”“I am afraid it's a few minutes to seven, ma'am.” she said, following behind me.“Really?” I paused, turning around to face her with a surprised look. “I guess the day is shorter than I think. Anyway, I would love for you to make me pasta.” “Alright ma'am, I'll get to work immediately.” she said, turning to leave.However, she'd barely taken a step from where she stood when I called back her attention.“One more thing,” I said, indicating with a raised finger. “Do not make it soggy. Understood?” “
Rayna's POV.If she really thought that I would turn off the air conditioner because of her then she'd gotten it all wrong. All that drama back there? Come on, it was just a facade. I could only imagine how much her conscience would have pricked her. Well, that was if she had any. I wouldn't have gone through all that stress and then return to put off the air conditioner just to make my cook feel at home. It doesn't work that way. In the meantime, I pulled the fridge open, took out a chilled bottled water and a water glass. All that talk back there had suddenly made me thirsty. Closing the fridge, I returned to the sitting room. As I settled on the couch, I poured myself a glass of water. While I was at it, I could feel her gaze boring into my skin. Well, that was the only thing she could do; she couldn't dare meet my gaze. Nonetheless, I allowed her have the moment to herself. That is, if it would allow her breath. I filled the water glass halfway, and then dropped the half empty bo
Rayna's POV.“What are you waiting for?” I asked, walking back to the door as Maggie kept sweeping her gaze all over the door frame. “Aren't you going to come in?” I'd almost gotten to the sitting room when I realized that I couldn't hear any footsteps behind me. Turning around, I found her standing at the door. I don't know why she chose to remain there. Even after asking her to come in, she chose to remain outside. It wasn't as if she was a vampire waiting to be invited in. However, even if she was, then I'd invited her in already, so why was she still standing outside there glancing at the door frame like she'd seen it somewhere?“I am sorry, but I think I've made the wrong stop.” she said, looking more confused than her words sounded. “I don't think this is the place where I'm needed to work as a chef.” Meanwhile, as she was speaking, she made it so obvious that she was trying to evade my gaze. She couldn't even afford to make the slightest eye contact with me, but I knew why. I
Rayna's POV.For someone like Maggie, she didn't need any interview. All she needed was payback, and I would do so with every of her payslip. In the meantime, a look of shock seemed to mask Sera's face as she stared at me. She knew I wasn't the type who would hire someone without having an interview with them or better still, a physical meeting with them, so I could understand the shock on her face.However, there was no point trying to understand a decision which was birthed from an experience from years back. But then, I thought that was all. Expecting her to leave, instead she remained in front of me. “Is there something else?” I asked, with a tinge of curiosity in my voice. “Or do you have something to say.” “One more thing, ma'am.” she said, indicating with a raised finger. “You need someone who will clean the house, and I've got two options here.” “Good and fine.” I said, with a shrug of my shoulder. “There is no point going back and forth on this, the first one is hired.” “
Rayna's POV.Just as I expected that it would before I arrived here, my house was now in perfect shape and order. The decors were a sight to behold not to mention the lighting that snaked across the walls. It was everything and a little more than I ever imagined. Fortunately for me, I wouldn't pass the night out in the cold streets of New York but in my own house. All the while I checked out every corner and room in the house, Sera was with me throughout. In the meantime, I ambled towards the sitting room and then settled on the couch across the room, crossing my legs and spreading my arms out wide on the headrest.“Thank you for your hard work today, Sera.” I said, with a meaningful look in my eyes and a smile on my lips. “I do appreciate it.” “I am only doing my job ma'am.” she said, holding a tab in her grip. “However, I am glad that you like it.” “Like it?” I asked, letting out a laughing scoff. “I will tell you that it's an understatement to say that I like it. I love it.” If
Rayna's POV.I wouldn't say I'm the most organized or intentional, but I know when to do the right things at the right time. If anything, the driver should have checked the gas level before deciding to take the car out for a ride. Now, it's me who's has to suffer for his ignorance. Pardon my words, but I just can't help it. Thinking that I was trying to beat time to its game and instead, I'm being delayed by the fact that there isn't enough gas in the car: a situation which could have been avoided in the first place. In the meantime, without anything to do, but just to keep myself company, I picked up the magazine again and glanced through, while my driver filled up the car with gas. Before long, he was done and immediately, he settled on his seat, fixed his seatbelt and then reawakened the engine of the car.“I am so sorry ma'am for the delay.” he said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror with an apologetic look in his eyes. “I should have checked the gas level before bringi
Rayna's POV.Exiting the building, to be precise, after taking four steps away from the revolving full glass door, I paused, turned around and stared at the building one last time. The only thought in mind being how to crush to dust every part of it just like I did Zane's pride a while ago. But, that wasn't the only reason why I paused, I just had a feeling that he was watching me through the window of his office. And guess what? I was wrong. In the meantime, I turned back to face front, taking a few more steps as I advanced towards my car. I pulled the door open and settled in the back seat.“We should be on our way already.” I said, dipping a hand into my satchel bag as I reached for my cellphone. “Alright ma'am.” — the driver said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.Without further ado, he inserted the keys into the ignition, and with a slight turn, the engine came alive with a soft purr. Tilting the steering to the side, we hit the road Immediately. Meanwhile, while he
Rayna's POV.For a moment longer, there was an awkward silence in the room which made my skin crawl with sparks of dread. I knew fate was full of surprises, but I never expected this plot twist. If anything, I'd figured out a million and one way to ruin his father. To help you understand better, I'd even rehearsed a few lines to make sure that the words flow effortlessly from my lips. However, seeing his son as supposed to him seems to break down all my defenses. Nonetheless, the children can always pay for the crimes of their father and even for generations to come. So, if he actually thought that sending his son down here would slow down his punishment, then I would allow him to be my guest. “Ahem,” he cleared his throat, pressing a fist to his lips. “We should get on with the meeting already. There's a lot to talk about and time is of the essence.”“Of course, it is.” I said, forcing a smile through my lips. “I want to believe that my assistant has briefed you on what we want.”
Chapter five Rayna/AyaSix years later "Welcome to New York," the automated voice announced from the airport speakers. I took one deep breath and smiled. Welcome indeed. Once upon a time this city had destroyed me, but now, I was going to use this city to destroy others. My phone began to buzz and I picked the call, pressing the device to my ear, "Yes?" "Ma'am," the soft voice of my assistant began, "Welcome to New York. I've sent the driver to pick you and he should be in a black Mercedes right outside. I couldn't join him because there was a problem with your new house and I had to be on site to handle it." "It's fine, Sera," I told her, "I don't need you shadowing me twenty four hours of the day. I'll see you when I get there." With that I hung up and made my way out of the airport building, my five inch Manolo Blahnik heels clicking against the tiled floor. Several heads turned as I walked by and I smiled, amused. My presence was always sure to cause a stir. With my waist