THREE YEARS LATER
Since Emily gone to the whole world, Inheritance was passed on to the Timberlakes. Jackson's wealth and fame had skyrocketed. He was now a renowned figure, married to Amelia, who had taken the reins of Emily's company, Greenfield Industries and Image corpses enterprise, alongside her uncle, the CEO.This powerful couple was hosting an exclusive evening gathering at their opulent mansion, and the who's who of the rich and famous were in attendance.The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation building as the guests awaited the arrival of the evening's guest of honor, Mrs. Ava Richardson, Luke's wife.With a social media following of over 100 billion, Ava was a global phenomenon, and her marriage to Luke had only added to her allure.As the minutes ticked by, the hum of conversation and clinking glasses filled the air. Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as Ava made her entrance. The door opening with a loud roar and a light shining behind Ava and her hair following along with the breeze.She slowly ascended the grand staircase, her long, red gown flowing behind her like a river of fire. A glittering crown adorned her head, and her flawless face radiated a warm, golden glow.The room was transfixed as Ava's charm drew everyone's attention. Her poise and grace were mesmerizing, and the ladies couldn't help but gossip about how stunning she looked."She's absolutely breathtaking!" "That dress was made for her! It’s one of a kind. Only one of that dress was made. They said it was sold out, shit! It can’t be…""And that crown – she's truly a queen!"The ladies giggle anxiety bitting them away.As Ava reached the top of the stairs, she smiled, and the room erupted into applause. Jackson and Amelia welcomed her with warm smiles.Jackson held the microphone, a sly grin spreading across his face. "I didn't know Mrs. Ava Richardson was this beautiful! Luke, is such a lucky man!" The crowd erupted into laughter and applause.Ava's face wore a fake smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of annoyance. Every one present at this gathering were influencial with their own set of popularity on social media, making them stand out with much power.However with Luke Richardson’s money, And Ava charm and looks, no one topped her. She could just end one with the snap of her eyes."Thank you, Jackson, you're too kind," she forced herself to say, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I might blush my face off!" The crowd laughed louder, and Ava's smile grew wider, but her eyes told a different story.Inwardly, she thought, "After all these years, I'm finally back. It’s time I take my revenge. It’s time I strike back!.” A grin appears at the side of her lips curving into a smile.Amelia, standing beside Jackson, extended her hand. "I'm Amelia Clifford, and it's an honor to meet you, Ava Richardson, up close. I’m Jackson’s wife." Ava took her hand, her grip firm. "Oh really!”Ava almost scoffed, like she caredless. But she remained unshaken. “It's okay, Amelia. Please, call me Ava." They nodded at each other, and Amelia ushered her to a seat at the front, specially provided for her.As Ava sat down, she surveyed the room, her eyes scanning the faces of the elite members. She knew she was here to make a statement, and she was ready to play the game.The crown on her head seemed to sparkle in agreement, and the red gown shimmered in the light, as if echoing her inner thoughts: "I'm back, and I'm here to stay to take back everything."After the event was over, a sleek black limousine waited outside, its engine purring softly. Ava approached the car slowly, her long gown flowing behind her as she descended the stairs.Jackson quickly rushed to her side, offering his hand to help her down the last few steps.“Let me help.”As his hands touched hers, a shock passed through her, and she felt a sudden jolt of discomfort. That touch. Her memories reappears in her head and she almost lost her composure."I'm alright, I can walk," she said, trying to brush off his assistance. Forcing a smile on her pretty flawless face.Jackson looked concerned but nodded, biting his finger thoughtfully. "Okay, can we meet sometime? To discuss…I never knew you would show up today. I’m so happy and I really appreciate it.”Ava smiled and continued waking. She wanted to be away from Jackson immediately. “When they said Luke’s wife returned, I just didn’t believe it. would she come? I kept asking myself." he spoke, his eyes lingering on hers.Ava forced a smile and stopped walking, her voice cold. "it’s alright Jackson. I’m just glad I came. We have a lot of getting to business talk we should do. In the main time, You should speak to my assistant if you need anything."With that, she slid into the car, Jackson's hands protectively covering her head to prevent her from hitting it on the doorframe. He closed the door behind her, and she let out a sigh of relief.As the car pulled away, Ava pinched her chest, feeling a sharp pain. She reached into her clutch and pulled out a small pill, forcing it down her throat. She dropped the empty container and gazed at the screen of her cellphone in front of her; it was Luke, calling from the States."Where are you?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.Ava remained silent, her eyes fixed forward. He face straight."You shouldn't have gone back," Luke said, frustration evident in his tone. "Come back to the States, Ava. I'll take care of you. We can think about all this….okay, is it revenge you want? I can help you with it, just come back.""It's alright, Luke," she said softly. "There's no need for you to help me. I appreciate everything you've done for me, but this fight is mine."With that, she cut the call and gazed out the tinted glass, her eyes fixed on Jackson and Amelia. They were smiling, their lips locked in a tender kiss. Ava's lips curled into a cold, calculated smile. "It’s time You pay for everything," she whispered under her breath. “Just wait and watch.”The car zoomed off.Ava Smith sat elegantly in her office, surrounded by towering bookshelves that seemed to hold the weight of her intellect. She cradled a delicate tea cup in her hand, her lips tenderly kissing the rim as she gazed at her iPad. The soft glow of the screen illuminated her focused expression.As the door opened, her male assistant, impeccably dressed, walked down the long room to meet her. He bowed slightly, and Ava's eyes flicked up to him. She dropped her cup, and it clattered softly on the saucer."Is everything ready for us to leave?" she asked, her voice crisp and authoritative."Yes, ma'am," he replied. "All preparations have been made."Ava's gaze narrowed. "And the stock price? Any falls?"The assistant smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Since you took over the company, we've been earning bountifully. The stock is rising, and investors are eager to join us. We've reached a milestone of 1 trillion in earnings so far."Ava's expression remained calm, but a hint of satisfaction
The woman took her leave, and Ava's face frowned, her expectations unmet. She had suspected as much - her ex-husband, Jackson, was indeed one of the men involved in her father's demise.Now, seated outside, Jackson and Ava faced each other, their eyes locked in a tense stare. Jackson broke the silence, "What brings you here, Ava?"Ava's reply was curt, "Same as you, I suppose."Jackson chuckled, "You're really funny, Ava."Ava sighed, her gaze drifting outside before snapping back to him. "Am I? I'm a busy person, Jackson. I don't have time for humor. I need to be somewhere."As she began to stand, Jackson grasped her hand, his touch sending a jolt through her. She swiftly pulled her hand free, her fingers vibrating with tension.Jackson apologized with a smile, "Sorry, I didn't mean to overstep. I noticed the rapid income from your business dealings and thought of investing with you."Ava's expression softened slightly, and she sat back down, her interest piqued. "Oh really?" she sai
Ava sat patiently in the police room, her eyes fixed on the door as it opened and a friendly officer approached her. He smiled and took a seat across from her, his expression curious."What brings you here today?" he asked, his tone gentle.Ava's response was sudden and dramatic. She dropped the vase containing her father's ashes on the table, the sound echoing through the room. The officer's eyes widened in shock, his smile faltering."What's going on?" he asked, taken aback.Ava's voice was firm. "I want to know what happened to the case file of Mr. Greenfield."The officer's expression turned puzzled. "Huh? Oh, that case... it was concluded a long time ago."Ava leaned forward, her eyes intense. "Did you believe he committed suicide?"The officer shrugged. "Well, we found poison in his system after running some tests... and he left a letter behind. It was pretty clear-cut."Ava's voice rose. "What if he was killed or something? Have you considered that possibility?"The officer sig
(FLASH BACK)- Years before.Standing outside the halfway-opened hospital room, Luke raised his chin and nodded to the doctor speaking to him. “There’s nothing we can do to ease the burns. even if she recovers, It’s a permanent mark.” The doctor was certain and this broke Luke’s heart. “Only if she would agree to a plastic surgery after she has healed from the burns.”Luke looked at Emily in the room and back at the doctor. Her whole face had wrinkled. Her eyes were barely hanging in the socket. She was barely recognizable. He wouldn’t believe she was the Emily Greenfield he knew if he hadn’t met her before the accident. “Doctor, I want to take her to the states.” Luke acknowledged. “Maybe there she can do the plastic surgery and get better.”“It’s your wish.” The doctor nodded in approval. “I’ll get the transfer documents so you can hand it over to the hospital doctor over in the states.” Luke nodded his hands folded. “Thanks, I’m grateful.” He looked at the slightly closed door an
Emily Greenfield was seated in the patient's ward, wearing one of the patient's clothes given to her by one of the nurses.“Are you ready?” Luke asked her and she breathed heavily. “I don’t know…I’m I?” She raised the mirror in her hand and gave herself another look. This was the last time she would be seeing this face. Once she had entered the surgery room, she would be coming out a different person. “You’ve got this. You can do it. I’d wait for you out here.” Luke assured her and she only forced a smile on her face and bent her head down in shame. What was Luke going to get from all this? She had nothing else to offer. Money, power, fame...None that she had. “Luke…thank you….thank you, I mean it. Without you…I don’t even know if I would be here today, thanks. How I could ever repay you, that I don’t know.” Luke shakes his head, instinctively. He was doing this purely from his heart to pay someone. “You would later, for now, do this for me.” Luke walked up to her. She got this!
“Emily…is that you?” The woman tried to open her eyes to see Emily but it was difficult for her. Before coming over, Luke had informed Mrs. Greenfield that he was going to bring her daughter over to meet her. To this she was excited about the news. After all those years of them being apart from each other. “Mom…” Emily called out and wanted to hug her mother but she just stood and her supposed face withered. “is this who you wanted to show me?my mother? No, she’s dead to me.”“Emily…” Luke called out but she replied with a hiss. “Emily, dear…I’m sorry.” The woman stretched her hands to touch Emily, but Emily pulled away and before she could even touch her, she exited the room suddenly. “I’d talk to her. You rest now.” Luke assured and walked out of the room to go meet Emily. Emily was standing by a pillar when Luke approached her. “Why have you brought me here to see my mother?” Emily asked without looking at Luke who was standing behind her. He replied, “She wanted to see you.”
Emily slowly escaped from the tight hug with her mother, retreating back. “Your father always maltreated me. He would beat me from time to time. I couldn’t handle it anymore.” Mrs Greenfield continued, then she coughed blood into a napkin. Her illness was severe.“I only stayed because of you. But it was too much for me to tolerate.”She shook her head and Emily adjusted closer to her mother, her face stained with worry. She didn’t know her mother had to pass through all this. She could feel her heart breaking into pieces. With every word her mother said. “But you guys never quarreled.” Emily was wondering how all this happened that she did not know of. “We did, but not in front of you.” Mrs. Greenfield sat up properly, her eyes drained of blood. Her facials were somewhat wrinkled. “So I had to leave. When I left, it was very difficult for me. I couldn’t even earn food for myself. Your father left me with nothing. I had to even beg on the streets not until I met Mr. Lord Richardson.
The tattoo shop was just a short drive from Luke's house in the state, a convenient location that Emily was grateful for. As she sat in the passenger seat of Luke's car, she couldn't help but feel a sense of appreciation for his constant support. Luke had always been there for her, through thick and thin, and she felt lucky to have him in her life.As they drove, Emily found herself gazing at Luke, taking in the strong lines of his face and the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. He was handsome no doubt, and she felt a flutter in her chest as she looked at him.That kiss? She wondered how it would taste again. Luke noticed her staring and turned to her with a questioning expression. "Hey, what's up? Why are you staring at me like that?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.Emily felt a rush of embarrassment and stuttered, "I-I was just... uh... admiring the view." She quickly looked away, her hair blowing in the breeze as she turned her head towards the wi