Chapter 3
Hannah opened her bleary eyes. Staring at the surroundings, wondering where she was.
“Hannah you are awake” she heard a voice. That voice. It sounded so familiar. It was the voice that had asked her to stay with her.
“Where am I?” Hannah asked as her vision was already becoming clearer.
“You are in the hospital. How are you feeling?” The woman asked and then Hannah turned to her. It was a beautiful woman with long, lush hair.
She had blue eyes and her skin was so white. She looked like a rich woman, Of Course, she was. Hannah could see she was a rich woman even from the way she speaks and act. As she stared at the woman a sense of familiarity washed through her.
“How are you feeling?” The woman asked with a smile on her face and Hannah stared at her weirdly wondering who she was and why she was being so caring. She knew she had brought her to the hospital, but why?.
She didn’t even know this woman but she had saved her life and brought her to the hospital. It was so weird.
“I’ll go tell the doctor that you are awake,” The woman said and was about to leave when Hannah finally spoke.
“Who are you and what do you want from me?” Hannah asked curiously. She had been through a lot just within these few days and then a stranger came from nowhere caring for her.
The woman turned to her and then smiled at Hannah. “My name is Arianna MacKenzie. I was on my way home when I saw the crowd and asked my men to take a look and they told me a female was lying unconscious. I had come to check myself and then I brought you to the hospital ” Arianna said and Hannah stared at her without saying a word.
She wasn’t ready to believe any lie from anybody. Who knows if her husband or mother-in-law had sent this woman to kill her, she wasn’t going to believe anything she said.
If her husband she trusted so much could betray her if her best friend could betray her, who is this stranger not to?
“I know you must be thinking I’m lying or probably thinking your mother-in-law sent me or your ex-husband..” Arianna paused as Hannah gave her a weird look. Did she read my mind? she thought.
“How did you know about my husband and mother-in-law?” Hannah asked
“After I brought you to the hospital, I did some digging and then found everything. I know what they did to you Hannah, they’ve betrayed you and hurt you, but I am here to help you. I just hope you accept my help” Arianna said
“And why would I accept your help? Who knows if you are like them, monsters!!!” Hannah yelled as tears gathered in her eyes.
The memories of her seeing her husband and a best friend kept replaying in her head and she felt like she was going crazy. All she wanted to do was go back to that scene and kill her best friend and husband and mostly her husband.
He had deceived her, made her believe he loved her so much but he never did. He used her and because of him and his mother, she had gotten raped.
She would surely make them pay for what they did to her. One way or another she would make them pay.
“I understand how you are feeling now! You must want revenge, I'm willing to help you get it if you want, only if you accept and let me help you” Arianna said and Hannah stared at her for a few seconds.
This woman was good at reading minds.
“You want to help me take them down?” Hannah asked and Arianna nodded in response.
“And why would you do that? Do you have anything against the Mikelson family?” Hannah asked curiously and Arianna sighed softly.
“Yes I do, they hurt me in the past,” Arianna said.
“And you want to use me to get your revenge?” Hannah asked
“No, no. I do not want to use you to get revenge on any course. You deserve to get justice for what they did, if we do not bring them down, they are just going to continue hurting people as they wish” Arianna said and Hannah stared at her for some seconds then looked away, staring at the ceiling as she was in deep thought thinking if she should accept the woman’s offer.
If there was one thing she had noticed about the Mikelson family, they love hurting people and stepping on people because of their rank in society. Especially her mother-in-law, Rosa.
She thought Jeff was different from them, she didn't know he was just a deceiver too who pretended to love her and now he hurt her deeply. She needed to make them pay for everything.
“It's alright if you do not want to accept my offer. I'll give you enough time to think about it and.........”
“I accept,” Hannah said and Mrs. Arianna stared at her surprised.
“Really?” Arianna yelled happily and Hannah nodded in response.
“Oh my Goodness! I'm so sorry, I'm just happy you accepted my offer” Arianna said and Hannah managed to smile.
Just then Arianna clapped her hands and two women in suits came in, holding some documents in their hands.
“Hannah, meet my lawyers,” Arianna said smiling
“Hello, I'm Mary Chase and this is my assistant, Chloe Danvers,” the lawyer said and brought forth her hands for a handshake, which Hannah politely took.
“I know you must be wondering why my lawyers are here. Well, Mary, could you please brief her” Arianna said and Mary nodded.
She brought out a paper and gave it to Hannah.
“Mrs. Hannah, this is a document that contains a change of identity. You're gonna be changing your name, date of birth, and everything and you're gonna get half of Mrs. Arianna’s property after you sign the document “ The lawyer said and Hannah turned to Mrs. Arianna.
“And changing my name to yours will mean only one thing, that I'm going to be your adopted daughter,” Hannah said and Arianna nodded. She was also going to be rich too.
She wasn't going to let any of these opportunities pass by. She didn't care about her identity or anything, all she wanted was to get revenge on the people who had ruined her life.
She took a pen that was with the lawyers and signed all the documents without even reading them.
“Congratulations Hannah Rodriguez, your new name is now Cinderella Mackenzie. Welcome to the world of wealth and riches”
TBC
Chapter 4“Congratulations Hannah Rodriguez, your new name is now Cinderella Mackenzie. Welcome to the world of wealth and riches” the lawyer said and Hannah smiled at her. “Excuse me,” the lawyer said and with that, they walked out.Arianna smiled at Hannah. “So, you are officially my daughter. We need to celebrate “ Arianna said and Hannah forced herself to smile“Can you please get me out of this hospital first?” Hannah said and Arianna smiled. “Of course, I will. Your passport, I mean our passport is ready. We leave for New York City tonight” Arianna said and Hannah stared at her weirdly. “Why leave? I thought you would stay here in Atlanta?” Hannah asked“Yes, I do but I have my house in New York and I’m taking you there to rest. You are too weak to strive at the Mikelsons. I’m sure they know your weakness and they will use it against you, making you lose the battle against them. If you want to strike your enemies and win, you must go unexpectedly and ready, like a thief in
Chapter 5A red sports car screeched to a halt in front of a big mansion.Arianna and Hannah alighted the red sports car. “Welcome to New York City and welcome to my home, your home,” Arianna said and Hannah smiled at her. Hannah was a very calm person, she wasn’t the kind of person who talks much, and all she knew how to do was smile.They both walked inside the house and Arianna could see lots of maids running to and fro like they were trying to put things in order. “Welcome ma'am, welcome ma'am “ the maids kept bowing their heads as they saw Arianna, she just smiled and waved at them and they smiled at her in return. Hannah stared at Arianna, she was probably the nicest woman she's met in these few days. “Ma’am Arianna” An advanced woman called as she walked towards Arianna and hugged her. “Oh!! Mama Luciana. How are you” Arianna asked in the most caring tone ever.“I am more than okay. I miss you a lot and I'm glad you are finally home. Who is she?” mama Luciana asked and Aria
Chapter 6Meanwhile, Rhoda and Jeff's mom, Rosa, are seen sitting together in Mikealson’s mansion, laughing. They looked so happy.“I'm glad I finally got rid of Hannah for good. My son just wouldn't want to leave her alone. Even though he knows she's cursed and she eats her kids, that's why all the children she gave birth to died. Witch like her. Who knew she was going to end up being barren” Rosa said in a disgusting tone making Rhoda smile. Rosa knew she was the one behind what Hannah had gone through. Only she and the nurse she paid knew about what she has done.“Hannah is cursed. She killed her mother when she was a child. That’s why she had no relative or family members” Rhoda said and Rosa opened her eyes wide.“Oh my goodness!! I knew it!! She killed her mother and she lied she had cancer and died. I wonder where Jeff picked her from. I’m glad she’s gone for good, now you can be my daughter in law. And I’m glad you gonna give me an heir, finally “ Rosa muttered and Rhoda gig
Chapter 7“Welcome to the land of wealth and riches, honey. Nothing is too expensive when money is involved”******************************Two weeks later Hannah is seen climbing down the stairs, all dressed, ready to resume the MacKenzie company as the new CEO. Just then she saw Arianna, walking out of the kitchen putting on a white long robe making her look so sexy. She was holding a cup of coffee in her hands. She could swear that nobody would believe that this woman was in her 50s but she looked so young and sexy. A lot of people would probably think they are sisters. “Good morning mom” Hannah muttered as she moved towards her and kissed her on the cheeks.“Good morning honey. I can see you are all set for work” Arianna said with a smile plastered on her face, as she examined Hannah’s dress. “It’s your first day as CEO, remember what I told you. You are now Cinderella Mackenzie, you should never let anyone intimidate you, heads high, walk majestically. And if anyone dares
Chapter 8“Congratulations, your daughter has just given birth to Octuplets. Four boys and four girls” the doctor said and Arianna opened her eyes wide in shock. “Octuplets!!” Arianna said, almost yelling. Hannah’s stomach was so big, she had always thought there were more than one baby inside, probably triplets or quadruplets, but the fact that it was octuplets was so shocking. “Can I see her now?” Arianna asked“Yeah, sure after the nurse finishes cleaning the babies and the mother then you can see them,” the doctor said and Arianna nodded in response.After The nurse had finished cleaning the babies, Hannah. Arianna went inside the ward to see Hannah and the babies. She met Hannah lying on the bed staring at the babies which were laid on a big baby cradle beside her. “Oh my goodness!! Hannah, congratulations “ Arianna said and Hannah smiled at her weakly. Hannah had felt so much pain while giving birth to the babies, but immediately she saw the babies, all the pain she felt d
Chapter 9Hannah walked inside her kid's room and met them playing with their toys. With the way they were looking so calm, one would think they weren't the ones turning the whole house upside down some minutes ago. “Mommy” Addison called as she saw Hannah walk inside the room. She dropped her toy and went to hug her mommy, while the rest of the kids did the same. Hannah smiled and sat on the ground while the kids surrounded her. “Mommy, do you want to tell us a story?” Audrey asked happily. “No honey, I'm here to tell you, guys, something else,” Hannah said and the kids raised their eyebrows staring at her, waiting for her to speak.“Sweethearts, we are leaving New York City, “ Hannah said and the kids opened their eyes wide in shock. “We are leaving?” Jaxon asked and Hannah nodded in response.“Why mommy,” Allison asked“Why are we leaving mommy?” Jasper asked curiously “And where are we going?” Aubrey asked and Hannah smiled. If there was one thing about her kids, they love a
Chapter 10It was morning and another brand new day to be precise. Hannah had woken up so early and got dressed. She had wanted to visit Brandon’s company, BRC. co.Arianna had told her Brandon was going to be available at 7:30 Am. She had already scheduled a meeting with him and he was willing to meet. She had to go early because her mother had told her Brandon doesn't like clients who come late to meetings.She got dressed and went to the kid's room. There she met them while still asleep. She sighed softly as she stared at them. They had come just yesterday, and she needed the kids to rest, after today she had planned on getting them to start a new school.She smiled at them before walking out of the room. On her way out of the house, she met the nannies and the maids. She had told them to make sure they give the kids anything they want while she is not at home. With that, she walked out of the house.She hopped into the new car Arianna had gotten for her before she arrived in Atlan
Chapter 11She hopped out of the car and was about to walk inside the restaurant when she bumped into someone who she never expected to see.“Hannah!!” Rhoda, her best friend, called out in shock as she saw Hannah.Hannah stared at Rhoda angrily, memories of years back when she caught her sleeping with her husband came running inside her head like a flash. All she wanted to do at this moment was just to kill her.“Y-you are still alive” Rhoda stuttered. She didn’t know why but she suddenly started feeling scared as she saw Hannah.“Of course, I’m not alive. This is my ghost and I’m here to kill you” Hannah said and Rhoda stared at her without saying a word. Her eyes scrutinized Hannah who was now looking even more beautiful than before.She now had a better shape than before that Every man will want. She felt so jealous of her immediately. She thought she was dead but no, she was alive, sound, and healthy. They never heard from her again after she was raped but now suddenly she appea
Lucas had left the room to make some calls, leaving Hannah and Teresa alone in the dimly lit space. The air between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, with grief and frustration too heavy to voice.Teresa watched Hannah closely. She looked hollow—her eyes distant, her shoulders sagging under a weight no one could carry for her.“You okay?” Teresa finally asked.Hannah blinked and turned her head, forcing a weak smile. “Yeah.”Teresa hummed in response, clearly unconvinced. She reached into her pocket, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it with a practiced ease. Smoke curled in the air between them.“Do you smoke?” she asked, offering one toward Hannah.Hannah shook her head. “No. I never have.”Teresa chuckled, taking a long drag before exhaling. “Figures.”Silence stretched between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was the silence of two women who understood each other—different, yet bound by shared pain.“My mother-in-law used to hate me too,” Teresa murmured suddenly, he
Teresa sat in the back of a dimly lit bar, the scent of cigarette smoke and aged whiskey thick in the air. The place was quiet, the kind of underground haunt where no one asked questions, where secrets were currency, and where a person could disappear if they weren’t careful.She checked the time on her phone. Her contact was late.Across the table, Hannah fidgeted with the glass of water in front of her, her expression distant, lost in thoughts she wasn’t ready to speak out loud. Lucas sat beside her, his gaze locked on the entrance, his tension palpable.When the door finally creaked open, Teresa’s eyes narrowed as a tall, wiry man entered, his leather jacket scuffed and his face shadowed with stubble. He scanned the room before spotting her and sauntering over.“You’re late, Marco,” Teresa said, her voice edged with impatience.The man—Marco Ruiz—grinned as he slid into the seat across from her. “Good to see you too, Provenzano. You know how it is—hard to stay alive in this busines
Hannah stood in the dimly lit warehouse, her fingers clenched into fists at her sides. The stale scent of dust and oil filled the air, mingling with the cold fear settling deep in her stomach. The warehouse was one of many they had searched in the last twenty-four hours, but this one felt different. The moment she stepped inside, a weird sensation crawled over her skin, like a presence lingering just out of sight.Lucas moved beside her, scanning the rows of crates stacked high against the walls. His jaw was tight, his frustration barely concealed beneath his calm exterior. Teresa stood a few steps ahead, gun in hand, her eyes sharp as she surveyed their surroundings. They had all hoped—desperately—that this search would yield something more than dead ends and half-truths. But as the minutes ticked by, that hope was slipping.Brandon had vanished without a trace.Every lead they had followed led to nothing. Every whisper, every clue, every trail had been a carefully crafted illus
The night was thick with silence, the kind that felt like a living, breathing thing, pressing in on them as they stood at the edge of the abandoned docks. The stench of salt and rust filled the air, mixing with something darker—the unmistakable scent of blood.Teresa’s fingers curled around the handle of her gun as she scanned the area, her pulse drumming hard against her ribs. Her father was dead. That chapter of her life was over. But this? This wasn’t over. Not until she had him.Not until she had Brandon and brought him back to his family.“We should’ve heard something by now,” Hannah whispered, her voice tight with restrained panic.Teresa didn’t answer. She was thinking the same thing.The lead had been solid. Brandon had been held here—multiple sources confirmed it. The docks had been his prison. But as they stood here, surrounded by crates and shadows, the truth settled like ice in her veins.Brandon wasn’t here.And the blood on the floor was still fresh.Teresa crouched do
Teresa barely had a second to react before the door to her office swung open. The moment her eyes landed on the man standing there, a cold shiver ran down her spine. Her father.Bernardo Provenzano. The man she had once idolized. The man she had spent her entire life trying to please.And now, the man she had just betrayed.He stepped inside with a slow, deliberate pace, shutting the door behind him. The soft click of the lock sent her heart into overdrive.“Oh, my little princess,” he murmured, his voice filled with mock tenderness. But his eyes… they were filled with nothing but hatred.Teresa’s hands gripped the arms of her chair, knuckles turning white. Fear slithered through her veins, but she refused to let it show.“How disappointing,” he continued, shaking his head as if she were a child who had misbehaved. “I thought you were different. Better. Not like your mother.”Teresa inhaled sharply.His mother.For years, she had believed the lie—that her mother had been killed by a r
The beeping of machines was the only sound filling the hospital room. Jessica lay on the hospital bed, her skin deathly pale, her chest barely rising under the weight of the oxygen mask secured over her face. Wires and tubes connected her to the machines, keeping her alive, but just barely.Hannah stood frozen in the doorway, unable to move. The doctor’s words still rang in her ears, cutting deeper than any wound ever could.“She has a five percent chance of survival,” the doctor had said, his voice clinical, detached. “She lost too much blood, and the delay in medical care worsened her condition. We’re doing everything we can, but you need to prepare for the worst.”The worst.Hannah clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. This was her fault. If she hadn’t suggested they escape… if she had just listened, just stayed put, Jessica wouldn’t be lying here, fighting for her life.And Brandon…A fresh wave of pain hit her. He was gone. Taken. She had watched him surrender himsel
The river had given them a chance, but it hadn’t given them freedom.Brandon collapsed onto the muddy shore, gasping for air. His limbs ached from the relentless current, but he didn’t have time to recover. Jessica.Lucas dragged her up the embankment, his breathing ragged. She was completely unconscious now, her body limp in his arms. The river had sapped whatever strength she had left. Her wound was bad—too bad. If they didn’t get her help soon…No. He couldn’t think like that.“Teresa,” Brandon barked, snapping back into survival mode. “Where’s the nearest hospital?”Teresa, still soaking wet, flipped open her laptop with shaking hands. Water dripped onto the screen, but she didn’t stop. “There’s one about six miles south,” she said breathlessly. “But there’s a problem.”Brandon exhaled sharply. “There’s always a problem.”Teresa gave him a grim look. “Bernardo’s men will have every major road blocked. They’re already watching the airspace. If we head to that hospital, they’ll find
The cave was damp and cold, the scent of moss and river water clinging to the air. Shadows stretched across the rocky walls, their flickering shapes cast by the distant glow of searchlights cutting through the trees outside. They had barely made it out alive.But they weren’t safe.Brandon pressed his back against the jagged rock, listening. Boots crunched against gravel just beyond the entrance. The soldiers were closing in. They had minutes—maybe seconds—before the cave was compromised.Lucas sat against the far wall, pressing his hand against Jessica’s wound. She was slipping fast, her skin pale, her lips trembling.“I can stop the bleeding, but not for long,” Teresa said, her voice tight with urgency. “But she needs real help, Brandon.”Brandon looked at Jessica’s barely conscious form, then at Hannah, who was up beside Teresa, shaking from the cold,she looked so pale. He had promised to protect her. He had promised to protect all of them.He clenched his fists. Promises meant not
The night was supposed to be theirs. They had escaped, survived impossible odds, and left Bernardo bleeding on the cold ground. But fate had other plans.They wondered how come he was alive. They had witnessed him go on his knees, blood all over him.The deafening roar of helicopter blades grew louder, sending shockwaves through Brandon’s chest. The floodlights cut through the dense trees, slicing through the shadows that had once been their cover. The tracker beneath the seat blinked like a taunting heartbeat—steady, unrelenting, and damning.Teresa’s fingers flew over her laptop, her breath ragged. “I need time,” she muttered, panic lacing her voice.“We don’t have time,” Lucas growled, yanking a rifle from the back. “They’re here.”Jessica shifted, barely conscious, her breathing uneven. Hannah took a deep breathe while having a second thoughts.Maybe she should just surrender herself to Bernardo and all this would be over. But Brandon here would rather die than watch her go back