Chapter three: Ophelia

THREE YEARS LATER…

“Wakey, wakey, rise and shine, my prince.”

The little boy stirred as I gently shook him. But he didn't wake. I couldn't help the smirk that tipped my lips as I heard his tiny snore the next second.

Stirling a giggle, I caressed his ear. He squirmed. “Okay, Mommy is serious now. Time for school.”

Hearing this, he peeled open his eyes. Those cute blues flashed at me before he snuggled close to me. I gave a satisfied chuckle as I wrapped him in my arms.

“You slept like the king you are.” I kissed the top of his golden hair. “Mommy didn't quite.”

“Morning, Mommy.” he said in a groggy voice.

“Morning love,” I kissed his head again, holding him close. My eyes shut close.

It was always this way, me hugging Caleb so tight as though I wasn't going to see him again. I couldn't help it. He was my world. He was my joy. He was the reason I hadn't ended my life three years ago, but instead strived to keep living.

And plot revenge.

“Alright. Time for school now.”

He groaned as I took him in my arms, heading out of the bedroom. I chuckled, playing a blind eye to his subtle protest. After washing him up, I rustled up breakfast for him and then hopped into the shower.

The water splashing on me eased me of the anxiety that had long been building up. I was to sit for an interview in Donovan Corporation, a company owned by one of my very own shareholders. My very own. I still considered the Lewis & Hale to be mine, even though there had been no news of me for the past three years.

After the birth of Caleb, I had ridden the gurney to the theatre. I’d wanted to peel of my former face, my former me and take up a new look that was unrecognisable. Nobody would know it was still Ophelia Lewis.

There was the raised brows that were completely different from my arched ones. The cheekbones that were somewhat prominent and sat high in my face, the chin filler, and an overall face lift. The procedure had turned me into a different individual, but I was okay with it if that would make able to seek my revenge and get my company back.

Done with my routine, Caleb and I walked out of the apartment, rode the elevator and got out.. Just as I was about to cross a street, someone bumped into me, drenching my white shirt with coffee.

“Shit, I'm so sorry “

I stood looking at the mess on my shirt. The individual kept apologising. Caleb, tugged at my hand, obviously confused with what was happening.

“It's okay,” I said and headed back inside to change. Thankfully, I always had my clothes ironed, so it wasn't much of a hassle finding another to put on.

Seeing my reflection in the mirror, I sighed. The dark gown was a far cry to my interpretation of a good first impression. But it could do.

I was able to drop Caleb at his preschool, before sprinting towards Donovan Corporation. I had three minutes to arrive at the admins office. If I didn't, there was a chance I could lose the job.

Gradually I approached the company. Its building got visible.

A guy opened the door to the passenger side of a jeep when I was a stone's throw away. Without hesitation, I shoved the door out of my way, continuing forward and ignoring the 'hey’ the guy throw my way.

I made it into the corporation, barely a minute to the interview. A breath eased out of my lips. I was then called in for the interview.

At the end of it, the interviewer extended her hands. My heart throbbed long before she said congratulations.

“You will start immediately,” she stated.

“Amazing. Thank you so much,” I replied. My effort had paid off: the sleepless nights and countless hours of preparation. “Please meet the CEO for further briefing. His office is on the last floor.”

I nodded my thanks and strode off. I rode the elevator to the last floor which had few rooms on it. There was one which had a large panel door. My fair guess was that it belonged to the CEO.

I knocked once. A replay came swiftly. “Come in.”

Taking a deep breath, I pulled the door open, stepping in. The room was classy to say the least. Just how a CEO's should look like. Muted colours and minimalistic styling. Behind the desk sat a man, his back was turned to me, so I couldn't make out much of his features except for his dark hair.

“Good morning, sir. I'm Quinn Hilary, the new secretary.” I said, using the fake name I'd adopted.

Silent for a long time that I wondered if he had heard me at all, the chair turned around to reveal a guy who was every bit an epitome of gorgeousness. Apart from his dark hair, the other thing on him that were striking were his eyes. Hazel, sharp hazel.

I would likely have continued to observe him if he hadn't growled, “You?”

I frowned, confused.

“You are the new secretary?” he asked as if that was utterly impossible.

“Yes.” Why are you acting like I'm not supposed to be. I kept the question to myself though. “I just got off the admins office and was instructed to—”

“Out. You're fired.” he declared.

“What?”

He gave me the harshest glare I'd seen in my life. Yet, it didn't didn't deter me.

“I'm sorry. I don't understand.”

“I cannot hire someone who runs like a wild animal, not caring if there's someone trying to step out from his vehicle,” he stated, then turned to his computer. “Leave “

Then it made sense to me. My frown disappeared and I stood stunned. No way, the car door I had slammed was his. And the person inside that passenger seat was him.

I was doomed.