THREE YEARS LATERAnnabel's POVIt's been three years since I left New York, since I embarked on my quest for revenge, and since I gave up on everything that mattered to me.As I coursed gracefully through the tiled floors towards my husband's office, I felt thousands of eyes peering at me.They couldn't afford not to. Who wouldn't look at Natalia twice? The woman I have become is way different than who I really was. I'm no longer the meek Annabel who would cry at the slightest discomfort, I have my heart buried in the deepest part of my soul and only my twin boys get to see the sweetest side of me.To the entire world, Annabel is dead.The stranger who had given me everything I have now and who I got to know as Myron, easily faked my death and the whole world believed it, even Scott.It was the only way to get New York off Annabel. And now, I am Natalia- wife of Myron Wilson, mother of his twin boys and the founding CEO of one of the world's best wine industries.Myron made all of th
Annabel's POVIn a millisecond, he had taken my gown in his hands and torn it to shreds. I panicked, my hands holding his broad shoulders to keep him from leaning in."Myron, get off me!" I gave a quiet scream, not wanting to wake my kids however Myron was beyond control."Not today, Annabel!"He took both my hands and pinned them above my head. My eyes widened as I stared up at him, frightened."It's been three years," he groaned, "Three long years Annabel. I thought after what happened with Scott all you needed was time. I have given you time yet you keep drawing away from me! What do you want me to do?! Just tell me. What do I do to make you love me?!"The room became so silent, that I could hear my own heartbeat. I bit my lower lip before I spoke.Tearing my gaze away from him, I said, "Let me go, please." After a moment of hesitation, Myron got off me and walked out of the room slamming the door with a thud. I stared at my damaged gown and even though I felt like crying to let
Scott's POV"Mommy."I went quiet for a moment. Samantha has never asked me for her mother. Besides, to her Michelle is her mother. Could it be that she is missing her?"Mommy is probably downstairs," I answered her, "I'll get her so you can speak to her."I placed a soft kiss on her forehead and attempted to leave but her tiny hands wrapped around my sleeves. I stopped and turned back.Her olive eyes shimmered with tears. I instantly became concerned. "Hey, cherry," I scooped her in my arms, "What's the matter?? I was about to get mommy for you."Sam hesitated and then she shook her head, "Not that mommy, my real mommy.""What??" I exclaimed, the pitch of my voice causing her to wince. I pulled her in again, urging myself to calm down."Samantha what are you saying?" I tried to make my voice tender, "Who told you this?""Grandpa," she answered, "He said mommy ain't my real mommy."I tightened my fist. It turns out that Dad has been feeding Samantha's head with bullshit."I want my m
Myron's POVI couldn't mask my surprise when Annabel threw her arms around me in happiness. This would be the first time she's ever hugged me and I did not waste the moment.I hugged her back too, my trembling hands resting on her thin waist. Just when I was getting lost in her scent and savoring in the hour, she broke away from the hug still looking unbelievably at the documents."I can't believe it, Myron!" she shrieked excitedly, "How..how did this happen?"I paused and quickly thought of something, "Uhm..it just happened. My secretary received the invitation and I brought it down to you."But that was a lie. Since she was really mad at me, I figured that the only way to get her anger gone would be to get the damn invitation. So I worked my way around it."Oh, this means a lot Myron! The whole of New York would be there to watch my interview! Mr Davis and Sco-" she stopped abruptly and continued, "The Davis family would be there and they'll fall right into our trap!"I watched her
Scott's POV"Scott, Myron is Natalia's husband and the father of her kids."Shock registered on my face. In Myron's file, he wasn't married neither did he have children at that time.My father continued, "Considering the state our company is right now, going against someone like Natalia and her husband is tantamount to digging our graves.""He stole from us!" I said gritting my teeth, "After you ruefully took all of Annabel's asset you handed it down to him and he ended up running away with it.""Scott that's all in the past now," he replied, waving it off with his hands, "What we should look forward to is the future and do you know what I see?""A collaboration with Myron and Natalia once they arrive at New York." he grinned, "We will use their influence and power to climb to the top again."Disgusted, I shook my head, turned around and left.The next day was the big day. News had it that Natalia's flight would be landing by two that afternoon and her interview with Broadway Cast was
Annabel's POVI didn't think twice before walking into the plane with my baby boys. London holds no memories for me, except being the birth place of my boys.I was eager to return to New York where everything began and where everything would end.I slept through the journey and I was grateful that Myron helped watch over Liam and Ethan. Before we got on the plane, they were sober and angry over leaving New York. No matter how much I coaxed them, they remained mute and wouldn't speak. However, once we got on the plane they soon forgot about London and became mesmerized by the flight. They wouldn't stay put nor would they keep quiet.Since Myron bought the entire business class, I had little to worry about. I was fed up of having to control them that I fell asleep. When I awoke, I found them asleep on Myron's chest. Myron was sleeping soundly as well. I took a seat beside them and watched them sleep, guilt eating at my heart.Each day, I wondered if Liam and Ethan would hate me when t
Annabel's POV"Only my Daddy calls me cherry."I blinked twice and instantly became nostalgic. I didn't think any parent would choose cherry as their kid's nickname.This is because while I was pregnant with Samantha, I and Scott chose a unique nickname that would just be common to our baby alone. Well, turns out it's now popular."Oh," I replied and giggled, "I call my boys cherry as well."She didn't respond but just looked at me."What's your name?" I asked."Samantha."I smiled, remembering my baby girl, "That's nice."I gave her my hand, "C'mon, I'd help you find your Daddy!"She gave me her tiny hands right away and I felt the warmth, something jumped excitedly inside of me. I guess it's just the way I am with kids, besides, she looks cute to let go."There you are!" Myron found me "I got scared thinking you've been abducted by your fans!"I chuckled, "It was hard finding my way back."Myron's brows knotted as he stared at the little girl, "Who is she?""She's lost. I want her t
Scott's POVWhen we arrived home I took Samantha into my room and shut the door from behind."Scott, are you okay?" Nathan asked from outside."Yes.""You're not attending the interview?? Everyone's gonna be there.""No, I'm not." I gave a curt reply "I don't want to talk to anyone nor do I want anyone coming to my room. Y'all can go, I'll be good here."Nathan shrugged, "Oh, okay."With Nathan gone, I walked to the wine cellar and fetched a glass and a bottle. Samantha's watchful gaze swamped my whole body.I shouldn't be drinking in front of her but right now I was pissed and I needed to calm down.After a few downs I moved towards my daughter seated quietly on the bed."I'm sorry I lost focus and got you lost," I said to her but she wasn't mad.With a huge smile on her face she stretched out her arm and I wondered what was on it.I raised her sleeve and found an autograph."Who did this?""A kind lady at the airport," she answered, "She let me stay with her kids until the guard bro
Myron's POVAt this point, I was already thinking of a way to deport I and Annabel back to London. It was a complete mistake letting her come back here. She doesn't listen to me anymore and just does what she thinks is right and it is of no benefit to me. I downed my third bottle of Scotch and watched the pole dancers closely, trying to get my mind off Annabel's disobedience but it was what led me to the bar in the first place and I can't seem to put it off my head.I need to act fast. I have to find a way to return us back to London and after that, we're never stepping foot in this goddamn city again. I didn't even need to think of how Annabel doesn't see me anymore ever since she got busy with the Davis'.It's always, "Good morning, see you later!" or "I have business to catch up on!" Even the kids barely see her. She comes late from wherever she went, takes a quick shower and buckles up in bed ignoring my questions with a plea of, "Please Myron, I had a long day."I clutched at t
Annabel's POV"By anything, do you mean the way you murdered Mrs Elizabeth Davis just to become the second and only wife?"Staring at my face wondering how I knew, she did not immediately reply. Few seconds passed and then she stepped up and said, "Yes. I mean just that."I laughed haughtily as I returned to my seat, swiveling the chair as I stared at the furious woman in front of me.I replied, "You didn't think I came all the way here just to get killed, did you?"She scrunched up her face as she grimaced, "What do you mean?""Nevermind," I breathed, "You may excuse me now, I was studying just how to make Davis Industries become a better place when you barged in."After a long and hard look, she angrily picked up her bag and dashed out, slamming the door behind her. An immense satisfaction hit me. I never knew revenge could taste this sweet....Scott's POVI arrived home by dusk and walked into the mansion to find Samantha watching her favorite cartoon.Immediately she saw me, she
Scott's POV "You might want to sit down." I said to him but Jaggers suddenly walked to me and grabbed my arm. "We can't talk here," he spoke quickly, "We need somewhere more safe and secure." I quickly understood what he meant so I phoned my driver parked at a distance. When the car arrived, we got into it and left the park. Several meters away, I asked the driver to stop and then told him to leave. "I will call for you few minutes from now." I said to him and as he shut the door, silence rented the air. "I..I thought she..she is dead." Jaggers said, "She..she looks nothing like Annabel. I..I still don't believe it's her." "It's her." I replied, "She's changed everything about her to hide her identity." "Including faking her death all those years ago?" I nodded Jaggers chuckled, "All this to get back at us?" "We hurt her." I said despite myself, "And she resorted to this following Myron's advice." "I'm afraid, with the way she's moving, she could hurt herself." Jaggers tho
Annabel's POVI found Mr Davis already waiting for me at the location he'd texted. Looking around, I found the entire restaurant empty with just a table occupied by I and Mr Davis.He must be really serious about me. It's a good thing, I thought as I exchanged greetings with Mr. Davis who rose on his feet and pulled out the chair for me."Thank you." I said as I took my seat."I'm glad you came alone, Natalia." he said to me, "I hope you didn't get any trouble on the way?""None except me wondering why a married man wants to meet with me privately," I answered, "Looking around, it's not hard to tell that you bought this entire restaurant."Mr Davis chuckled, "Ah, c'mon Natalia. Quit the formalities." he drew close and held my hand, "You know the reason why I called you here."I replied, "I'm not so sure."He grinned, "I guess beautiful women like you love playing hard to get."I sipped my wine, "Hard to get? Did you not think that you might not be pushing the right buttons?"He stared
Annabel's POVI was excited to receive this message from Mr. Davis. It meant that he must have considered giving me what I requested for. On second thoughts, I wondered why my secretary did not inform me of his messages. I scrolled through my phone and called Claire."Good morning, ma'am." her voice came through."Morning, Claire. No messages from Mr. Davis??""N-no, ma'am. None at all.""When did you start lying to me?" I asked, disappointed, "I received messages from him to my private number this morning and he lamented on his messages left unattended.""Why did you not inform me?""Please madam..forgive me," she pleaded with a shaky voice, "I..I really wanted to inform you however the..the boss warned me not to. I..I had no choice.""The boss?" I repeated, "You mean, my husband?""Yes ma'am..please forgive me!""It's fine, Claire but the next time you do this I'll have you fired immediately!" I warned and ended the call afterwards.I stepped into the bath and had a quick shower. I
Annabel's POVI retracted my hand causing him to frown. He looked at his palm and then said to me, "Uhm..is there a problem Mrs Wilson or my hands are dirty?"I looked up at him with a smile and nodded, "Yes, they're dirty.""Ah, apologies if that's the case then! I was just excited to see you.""Enough, Jaggers. Give me the document!" Fabian ordered and took a close look at them."You will need to get the information of the shares from the files in your office, sir." said Jaggers.Fabian sighed. He looked like leaving me for a second could cost him his life. At last he rose from his seat,"I'll be right back, Natalia."I nodded and watched him leave. I picked my glass of wine and had a sip."Mr Jaggers." I called out loud, making him turn his gaze to me.I smiled and he smiled back, quite awkwardly.I hit the nail on the head and asked, "Where are my mother's assets?" "W-what?"I rose from the chair and stopped in front of him. I repeated, "Where are my mother's assets?""Mrs Wilso
Annabel's POV I woke up with a heavy bang inside my head the next morning. For a few minutes I couldn't make sense of who I am or who the man staring back at me is. I could only remember one name and I continued to repeat it until my memories came back. "Scott is not here, Natalia," Myron answered me, a deep frown settling on his face. I came to my sense and heaved a sigh while I held unto my head. "You shouldn't have done that," the scolding began, "You could have gotten yourself killed! If I had not arrived on time, the worse could have happened." I replied after some seconds, "As long as the Davis' are now sure that I'm not Annabel, I'll be fine." "Don't you do this again." his deep voice remained firm, "All of this is not worth losing your life." "I would do anything to get my revenge," I said, "Anything. Why should I keep living knowing that the people who re-wrote my whole life are alive and well?" "Because of your kids??" he mentioned and added, "And people who love yo
Annabel's POV.My feet cringed at the smell of coffee but they cringed even more with the willingness to run and get out of here.But my will for revenge was stronger and I remained glued to my seat, inhaling the allergic scent of coffee.The eyes of the Davis' were on me, expecting a reaction or rejection of the coffee but none of that happened.Scott poured coffee into my cup and took the seat next to me."You know, Scott says Annabel is allergic to coffee." Nathan said to me, "Maybe you could have some to prove to him that he's wrong."I smiled, "I didn't know I would be coming here to prove myself.""It's just to shut Scott's big mouth up!" Michelle claimed as she drank her coffee.I'm glad for the impossibility to hear one's heartbeat. Otherwise, the Davis' would have perceived my fear quite easily.My hand shook as I picked up the cup of coffee and brought it close to my lips. Silence hung in the air while my heartbeat accelerated.My breathing became ragged when the scent whipp
Annabel's POV"I thought I would be meeting with your father?" I said, ignoring his lustful look at my body. I clutched my bag tightly."He'll be here soon," he replied and gestured towards the dinner table.I turned on my heels and moved towards the area, sitting on the chair Scott pulled out for me. One by one the family descended from the stairs and greeted me cheerfully. In few minutes we were all seated, except Samantha who has been taken up the stairs by her nanny."Thank you for honoring the invitation, Natalia," said Mr Davis, "I hope you'll enjoy the food."I smiled and mouthed the words, 'thank you.'"And your husband?" Scott said sarcastically, "He didn't come with you for fear of being exposed?""Scott, please!" Vivian pleaded, "This is supposed to be a merry discussion.""So, Natalia.." Michelle began, "Have you ever been to New York?""I grew up here." I responded, "But I had to move to London few years back when my parents died.""Oh, that's sad," Michelle sympathized