Chapter 8 "Not Anymore"

Harriet’s POV

After working so hard, I stayed inside my room to ponder my situation.

I fear that going back to the past is just a dream of mine, and I can’t rest assure, not until I saw the sunrise tomorrow.

‘Even though the day felt so really long to call it just a dream or illusion.’

I wanted to rest and sleep but drowsiness wouldn’t come at all. So I saw in front of my study table. I grabbed a pen and laid a clean sheet of paper before me. Then, I wrote things to do tomorrow, if ever everything is real.

‘Things I need to do,’ I wrote in the paper.

First, I need to get my position as Mr. Astell Wyatt’s missing daughter to get the power I need for revenge. I shall not let Reese steal my identity as Nadia, the real heir.

It is necessary to know when and where Reese and Mr. Astell will meet, and how did Reese find out that I am Nadia Wyatt.

Second, I need to know who killed grandpa Sorren.

There is still one year before the incident take place. I hope I have enough time to find the culprit.

One thing is for sure, it wasn’t me who killed the chairman. Therefore, I had to be careful from the people around us. I should not trust anyone except…

“Cassius Fabroa,” I murmured.

In the original future, Cassius wasn’t by Chairman’s side. In fact, I haven’t see him at all.

Cassius Fabroa is one of the chairman’s grandchild and he also has the right to inherit the company. Although I haven’t got the chance to see him, I heard from the old maid of this mansion that Cassius loves his grandpa so much, as well as Sorren does for him.

Then why did Cassius stay out of the country for many years?

“I can only ask for his help.”

That’s right. I need Cassius to save the chairman.

For many hours, I searched about Cassius, but only got a few information about him.

He graduated from Harvard university and now staying in New York. Relationship status, hobbies or even pictures, there’s nothing to see.

Chairman must agree to our deal and let his grandson come back home. I am really hoping for that.

Knock knock…

My eyes set at the door where I heard the knock.

There are three persons whom I thought while looking at the entrance. Whoever from the three, I felt so unhappy.

I stood up from my seat and dragged my feet towards the door. Then, I slowly opened the entrance.

‘I’m right. It’s one of the three.’

“Harriet Avellino,” madam Sherly called me with authority. “Let’s talk.”

She barged in my room and closed the door without my consent. As she looked back, her brows soared up high. Then, she crossed her arms and arrogantly lifted her chin.

Madam Sherly is still beautiful even in the age of early 40. Well, where will Zion and Madell inherit their good genes? Yet no matter how pretty she is, the way she looks and smirks display a monster like appearance.

‘I never thought I tolerated this evil woman in the past.’

“Why did you do that?” she started.

“What did I do?” I asked back.

“Huh!” she scoffed. “You don’t know what you did?! You embarrassed me in front of everyone!”

I shut my mouth and stared at her.

“You turned me into a liar,” she added.

She’s a real liar.

“And about your burn,” she said, glancing at my scar on my right hand. “Let’s say it was really my daughter’s fault. But that happened a long long time ago. Isn’t it enough that you told father Madell was caught smoking in her school? Do you really had to say that to chairman so that Madell can vbe punished severely?”

I fetched a sighed while staring at her, who seemed has more stupid things to say.

“What an audacity!” she screamed. “Perhaps you forgot your position in this house, Harriet.”

Using her index finger, she pushed my forehead again and again while speaking.

“In this house, you are just a slave, an adopted kid or a dog. If I say bark, then you’ll bark. When I say shut your mouth, shut up. When I say roll around the mud, you will roll and lick my feet. That is your position, Harriet.”

Behind her abusive words, there was only one reason why I did not fight back before.

It is because I love Zion.

They are so hateful. But still, they are Zion’s family. Hence, I committed do do my foremost so that madam Sherly, sir Finn and Madell would accept me.

I begged and stayed still if I must. In short, it almost felt like literally licking their feet as a dog.

Cheers to me and boo to them, I am not that Harriet anymore.

“Do you understand? Do you now remember what is your position in this…”

I held her hand to stop her from pushing my forehead.

“Ahhh,” she gasped.

I raised my sharp gaze to her which took her by surprise. Maybe, she’s so shocked that I am fighting back against her for the second time, and it happened within just a day.

‘Why? Do you think I was only brave this morning because I got the chairman on my back? You’re wrong. I am someone who came out from death so I feared you no more. You old witch.’

“H-How d-dare you l-look at me like that?! Let me go!” she commanded.

Instead of letting her go, I clutched her wrist even more tight. Then I responded.

“What is your position in this house? Madam Sherly?”

“W-What?”

“You are madam Sherly. The chairman’s daughter-in-law and the wife who serves her husband, sir Finn. Our position sounds the same.”

Her mouth hanged loose and her eyes doubled their size, as if a family off giraffe can go in and out of them.

“A-Are you saying that… our p-position as slaves are the s-same?!” she replied.

I let go of her hand and chuckled sardonically.

“Y-You…” she stuttered, pointing me in disbelief.

“Madam Sherly,” I called her. “Maybe you are so into the impression that I bowed my head to you because I need to serve you. However, I know my position well, madam. The chairman took me home, fed me and dressed me. He is the one I am serving. So why do I need to kneel down in front of you?”  

“HARRIET AVELLINO! That is enough. One more words and I will definitely kick you out!”

“Only chairman Sorren has the rights to kick me out. This is not your mansion, madam Sherly. Don’t act like the owner.”

“Y-You…!”

Fit in rage, she raised her hand and planned of slapping my face.

But I caught her hand before she could slap me.

“Oh?” she gasped in surprised.

I looked back at her again. Then I leaned closer and put my lips near to her ear.

“A good dog will follow everyone while wagging his tail. But a wild beast is only kid to his owner. He bites his enemies.”

When I stared at her pale face again, she looks like a prey who pretended to be brave in front of the beast.

And the beast? That’s right. It’s me. I am a beast full of vengeance  and came back in order to bite the neck of my enemies.

She pulled out her hand away from me while catching her breath.

“I won’t forget this, Harriet,” she said. “You’ll regret fighting against me,” she threatened and went out of my room before slamming the door closed.

Bam!

Silence came.

I looked up the ceiling and breathed.

“That feels so good~” I said to myself.

The old me was so frighten at the possible result if I fight back. Yet, I did not expect it be this good.

I approached my bed, planning to sleep, when I heard my phone ring above the table.

The smile on my lips vanished.

This morning, I had my phone fixed in order to know the password I forgot. It was then I found out that my password is no other than Zion’s birth date.

‘I really did love him so much.’

I went in front of the table and picked up my vibrating phone. Looking at the screen, I saw Zion’s name.

Why is he calling in the middle of the night?

This did not happen in the past.

Confused, I picked up his call and placed my phone on my ear.

“Zion. Why did you call?”

[“Hi Harriet. You probably got so shock because I called you. Right?”]

His voice sounds weird. Did he… drink?

[“I need your… help right now.”]

“Are you drunk?”

[“Hmmmm. I am so… drunk. So can you get me here? Come and see me, now.”]

I dashed towards the cabinet and opened the door to find something to wear. Before I grab one, I stopped as I realized how stupid I am.

‘I thought I shall abandon my feelings for him? Why do I look like an idiot who is ready to run just because he wanted to see me?’

I closed my eyes as my grip around my phone tightened.

It is not necessary to hurry up.

I admit that Zion still owns a part of my heart. So I need to get rid of it.

Avoiding him isn’t a solution. Instead, I shall face the truth.

I opened my eyes then responded.

“Where are you?”

-----------

Third Person’s POV

Zion woke up feeling the rattling on his seat. Slowly, darkness ceased as he opened his eyes which feel so heavy like a mega ton of ten wheeler truck.

‘I am inside my car,’ He realized. “I am sitting on the back seat while someone drives for him.’

His eyes went to the window at the side, and towards to the woman who’s driving.

Zion saw Harriet’s back.

When he saw her, a sweet smile appeared on his lips.

‘Harriet came to me,’ he cheered inside his head.

Seeing her tonight has proved Zion that he should not worry anymore about Harriet’s odd behaviors this morning. He feared Harriet hates him, and that feeling made him feel so miserable.

Does it mean Zion has special feelings for the lady too?

Well, for him, there’s two things that will be his even if he doesn’t put an effort to get them.

Fantell Architecture Firm top the list. His grandfather hates his father, so it is obvious that Zion will inherit the company no matter what happened.

Second, is Harriet’s love for him.

Ever since, Harriet only followed and looked at Zion. He believes she will continue to be by his side.

For him, these two are his properties.

He was so scared of losing Harriet a moment ago. So when the lady came to his side, he found a sense of relief.

He closed his eyes again and slept.

A little later, when he regained consciousness, Harriet was already waking him up. He was half sleeping when Harriet guided him inside his condo unit.

Harriet visited Zion’s condo for many times. She brought him foods, report message from his grandpa or brought clothes that Zion forgot I the mansion. But during those countless visits, Harriet never entered inside his house.

Every time she visit, Zion noticed how happy she is just to see him.

If that so, will Harriet feel excited now that Zion let her enter his house?

Does Harriet thinks how lucky she is to have the privilege?

Zion decided to give her this much. He just thought she can cross the line for a moment.

“Ahhhh,” Zion moaned as he perched down on the bed.

His head throbbed in pain, he had to massage his temple. With glossy eyes, he drifted his sight around the dim room, as his gaze floats around the surroundings.

‘She must be happy, right?’ he thought.

Although everything looks so blurry in his eyes, when he looked at Harriet, he can still clearly see her face. And what he saw next is her blank expression, which does not show any delight.

Even so, Zion ignored her reaction and stared at Harriet’s beautiful dress and her make-up.

She is wearing a red dress and her hair was tied up.

‘She’s pretty,’ he thought.

Just like this morning, Harriet dolled herself as if she’s looking forward to look pretty in front of Zion.

‘Why did I just notice right now that she’s damn pretty?’ Zion wondered.

Harriet and him have been together for many years. But he never sees him as a woman. She is like that little sister who has a crush on him. So Zion is so confused why Harriet suddenly appears so pretty in front of him right now.

Is it because he’s drunk?

Because he believes Harriet dolled herself for him?

Or because of those eyes of hers which looked plainly at him?

Zion felt the challenge. Harriet never played hard to get. This might be the reason why he sees her as woman tonight.

Zion bit his lower lip while staring at her. With his sexy eyes, he looked at her, and waited for her to get allure at his handsome face.

But Harriet turned her back against him.

“I’ll go now,” she even said. Harriet stepped forward.

Zion quickly reached for her hand and pulled her closer.

“Ahhh!” she gasped.

At Zion’s pull, she fell down seated on the bed, there beside him.

“Harriet,” he called her in husky way.

With loud beating of her heart, Harriet looked at the man whom she loved more than herself.

“You’re so pretty tonight,” Zion complimented.

He lifted his hand and cupped her cheek.

“I think I am still drunk.”

Harriet’s eyes widened and her cheeks turned fiery hot. Her reactions tell Zion that he is not wrong.

‘Harriet loves me. And she will accept everything that will come from me.’

To ease his worry, and to rest assure himself that Harriet won’t leave his side, Zion thought of another way to confirm her feelings.

Holding her cheek, Zion looked at her lips.

He felt hot.

He will only do this to make sure Harriet likes him. But looking at her lips, and her neck, he thinks something might happened.

Well, he’s drunk. He thought that maybe, he can use this as his excuse tomorrow.

‘Ahhh. I don’t know anymore…’ he complained inside his head.

He eradicate all hesitation. Holding both of her cheeks, Zion leaned closer.

Harriet smelled the sweet scent of bitter alcohol from Zion’s mouth. He has a pointed nose, and when he leaned closer, his nose bumped hers, and his breath brushed on the seam of her lips.

Subconsciously, she opened her lips  as if inviting him to come. But then…

She remembered what she experienced before going back to past.

Zion left and abandoned her. And then, she died pathetically in the cold cell.

This what pushed Harriet to decline the kiss, that she even drove him away and moved backward.

“...!”

Zion stared blankly at the lady who shoved him away.

How?

How is it possible for her to decline his kiss?

“You are so drunk, Zion,” Harriet said with tears prickling at the corner of her eyes. She stood up and took deep breaths. “I will go now.”

Couldn’t blink, Zion looked at her back.

‘Did she just… reject me?’

“Harriet,” he called which made her stopped.

“...”

“Why did you do that?”

“...”

“You like me, right?”

Gasping, Harriet looked back. Their eyes met.

“Why are you suddenly pushing me away? You love me.”

Harriet suppressed the tears and bit her lower lip.

“Zion,” she called.

“...”

She looked at him and dropped, “I don’t love you anymore.”