REBECCAThe cops swarmed the place at once and my mother and I were moved to another room. After thorough inspection of the room, they began questioning the doctors, nurses and even the bodyguards that stood outside.Theo was nowhere in sight but he was the first one I called after seeing that device. He was currently on a mission and it would take him a while to return today. My ghost had left my body when I saw it but I walked out of the room, not wanting to scream to scare my mom. I called the bodyguards and they quickly identified it as a wireless microphone.Everything in that room was being listened to by someone at the other end of it.Our conversation- every word I spoke, every truth I told my mother had never been for her ears alone."Did they check the CCTV?" I asked the bodyguard who handed me some doughnuts and two drinks. I gave one to my mother and pulled him aside to continue our conversation. She was clueless the whole time she was being moved to another room.I still
OLIVER She knows something. She fucking knows something. Now I didn't know what she knew or how much she knew but I knew she was growing suspicious. Victor wouldn’t have said a word to her. Was it Theo then? That damned detective who was using her for his own gain- he wouldn't admit it but I fucking knew he was using her. He was trying to get closer only so he could exact revenge on my grandfather. I wasn't willing to share the information I had and he was desperate. It was either him or Annie. Why the fuck did she cancel the date again? She was always so eager, looking forward to the next 'pretend' scene. That woman was a psychopath and lived up to it. I stormed out of the room, ignoring Lucia's laughter at whatever Victor must've said. He was making her relaxed and tried to ease the tension. Besides Rebecca's glaring eyes, I knew I couldn't remain in the room. What if Lucia suddenly remembered me? "You said she was at home!" I growled to the guard who I had called to confirm
REBECCAI thought my whole world had already been ruined before my eyes but this time, this time it was so different and it hit me so hard but unlike before, I couldn't even drop to my knees and feel sorry for myself. I took one step and grabbed Oliver's suit and called him all the names in the book."Did you do this, huh? You did this, didn't you?"His stare was filled with regret and remorse as he made no attempt to push me away, almost like he accepted his fate here on out and would take whatever accusations I had to give."You know me very well-""And that's why I'm fucking asking you!" I yelled. Luckily, they had pulled me to the rooftop for the conversation. I wouldn't have been able to react this way if my mother was within earshot. She would yell and try to ask what the problem was.Oh, it's nothing, mom. Just that the whole world now knows how much of a gold digger your daughter is!"Please let him go, Rebecca," Victor begged and grabbed my wrists. "We're just as surprised as
REBECCAI jerked awake at the hand that stroked my hair gently but I relaxed when I saw it was only my mother. She was shocked at my reaction at first and simply stared back at me with a frightened look but she managed a smile-- a nervous one and looked away."Sorry… I didn't mean to startle you. I just couldn’t help myself." she said.Help herself to what and why was I lying on a hospital bed-"You fainted," she responded after reading the confusion on my face. "The young man and his assistant were kind enough to bring you here."I looked around, the place didn't feel any familiar to the hospital my mother was staying in. In fact, it looked familiar. Too familiar-"How long was I out?""Enough to get us moved back to our house."My eyes widened in shock, "This is-"She nodded with excitement, "Still looks the same after fifteen years." She looked around and I did the same with tears in my eyes. It was just as I remembered it. Everything was exactly the same, like a real hospital.I h
REBECCAFew minutes later we were walking about in the house, trying to get familiar with everything. It had been so long I came here that even my memories were foggy. I still couldn't believe my family was fucking wealthy once upon a time."The young man put some bodyguards around the house."'Some' was an understatement. They were in every corner, every room, every hallway. I was starting to worry whether they were for our protection or they were here to stalk and watch us. Oliver was very twisted and I couldn't trust him."Does anything feel familiar?" I asked my mother who was quiet by my side as she read the map of the house to get by everywhere. It was a mansion and every detail was on the map. She had a confused pout on her lips as she glanced side by side."Hmm…" she hummed in question. "I don't… I don't know. The house is so huge." she said as if in astonishment."You used to live here with your parents," I tried to remind her but she nodded."I remember that much," she said.
REBECCA"Hello, Rebecca," the old man said with a grin and even had the audacity to wave at me. He was enjoying this; messing with my mental health and being a thorn in my flesh."How dare you show your face here?" I clenched my fists by my side and his face hardened all of a sudden.The smile dropped instantly and he looked evil just standing there. The bars separating us would be oddly satisfying if he was in jail, charged for attempted murder and kidnapping.I wanted this man locked up in a place where his money wouldn't provide him protection or comfort. He has taken my peace and I wanted him far away from me."Is that anyway to treat an elder? One can't even get some damn respect around here. First you turn my son against me, now you're shoving your attitude in my face"! He yelled, scolding me and I shook under the fury of his voice. The heavy scorn of his eyes could make anyone tremble and I began to wonder how Oliver dealt with this growing up.It must've been worse for him sin
REBECCAThe nurse arrived a few minutes later and she led my mother away. She was sedated and made to rest in her room. I stood outside, pondering on her words as I watched her sleep. The fear in her eyes rushed back to my mind whenever I closed my eyes and I just knew I was going to have nightmares tonight.There were so many questions left unanswered and the only person willing to help me was Annie. I hoped she wouldn't hold back any information this time."Miss. Rebecca?" the nurse approached me. "She just needs to rest for a while. You should get some rest too. You've been unconscious for three days. You're not supposed to be under any form of stress."One glance at my mother and I knew that would be easier said than done. "I'll try.""Don't forget to take your medication every morning and night, make sure you eat a lot. You're losing a lot of weight and this could affect you," she said with kind eyes.I nodded, thanking her again before she walked away. I watched her sleep for a
REBECCA:"I don’t know," the tear rolled down my cheek and I caught it, wiping it off quickly and becoming very aware that we were practically almost pressed into each other. Neither of us made any attempt to move. I liked the feel of his warm skin next to mine, if it was the only warmth I'd have in this winter phase of my life, then so be it.He searched my eyes and I saw him relax with a heavy breath, "Do you have any idea what's in that warehouse? If Oliver's asking for it too, then it must be important."I knew nothing other than that piece of information. Nothing else made sense. I couldn't bring myself to ask my mother after that because a part of my mind was eating me alive, worried that everyone would know that I suddenly knew the whereabouts and I'd be fighting for my life again.I didn't want to know. I was scared. Regardless of what I knew or not, I knew the old man was going to come after me, I just… wanted to justify my innocence and play the victim. I sounded like a cowa
REBECCAI put the coffee on the table and looked around.Where was Victor?He called me a few minutes ago that he'd be here.I glanced at the time. It was a few minutes past 6pm. and I had to rush to the grocery store to get groceries for dinner. Mom already sent me a list of things she would need.My phone rang and I quickly picked it up, "Hey, Tania.""Hey, girl. How are you doing?""I'm alright. Just waiting for Victor to show up so I can get home and get some sleep.""That assistant guy? What's he doing over there?" she wondered."He's here on a business trip and he's supposed to give me some documents to sign. Some kind of shares split." Oliver had a big part of Arthur's and my father's share and now he was transferring it back.Well… some."You're splitting it?""He is the adopted son of Arthur and should have Arthur's share.""Didn't they both decide to give it to you?""That was before Oliver came into the picture. Besides, I can't just take it all. He's worked hard for that c
REBECCA:FEW MONTHS LATERI grabbed my coat off the hanger by the side of the door and threw it on, wore my boots and grabbed my bag pack. Gently and quietly, I tried to open the door-"Rebecca Hoffman, you come back here, right now!" my mother screamed from behind me and I yelped, turned around with a racing heart to find her glaring at me. She was still in her pyjamas and had on her hair net."Jesus, Mom! It's 8am. and we have neighbours," I tried to remind her but she only stormed towards me with her face in a pout and grabbed my hands."You're not leaving without breakfast, now sit!" She pulled me to a stool in the kitchen and she took out some pots."I'm going to run late," I whined. "I have class in about an hour and that professor is as strict as they come.""I'll come beat him up if you want."I rolled my eyes as she tried to make something simple and light while I drummed my fingers on the table. I pulled off my jacket and laid it to rest on the counter and scrolled through m
REBECCA"Is that why your mother is heavily guarded?" I wondered, making sense of it now as I took a step closer to him. "You've been associated with him. You used me-"He shook his head-"Say something," anything but of what use was it when the evidence stared me right in the face? He couldn't deny it. Not after what I've heard so clearly."I didn't…" he trailed off. "I didn’t use you… in the beginning, yes, I approached you because I was-""Oh my God!" I gasped and sobbed as the tears spilled over."But that was until I got to know you-""Yadda, yadda, yadda," Richard dismissed. "It's the same damn thing. You used her because she was close to Oliver and wanted to get closer to me. Well congratulations, it worked. You must be pleased with yourself now.""You know, the cops are fortunate to have you. Why don't you come work for me? I'll double-- no, triple your salary and we could start with you getting rid of that boy, Oliver for me. He's my adoptive grandchild and I can do whatever
REBECCAI stared at Theo in shock as the old man looked beyond pleased staring at him. Betrayed yet again? By everyone surrounding my life. I was betrayed by the one I thought would have my back."Why…?" I trailed off. I couldn't even cry or feel sorry for myself this time. "I trusted you-""You trust the wrong people," the old man said. "I tried to extend a genuine hand to help you but what did you do? You decided to bite a good hand. How does it taste now?" he glared at me but still had that look of triumph because he was clearly enjoying himself and his victory.I failed.Right at the edge of a breakthrough… I… "Why?" I screamed at him and Sophia gasped. I was immediately reminded that the two were still here and now they clung to each other as they trembled in fear."I can't believe I missed this spot," he sighed. "I searched for years and years for this yet you two idiots had this lying under your shop? Do you know what these are!" he screamed at them, instilling more fear and th
REBECCAMy father sure made a fool out of these people for fifteen whole years."Are you sure we're in the right place?" Theo asked again, refusing to believe his eyes and I looked at the picture my mother had confirmed."Yes," it was a coffee shop facing the Wright Company.How interesting was it that they all passed the place every day for fifteen years yet not one of them thought to come here to check."Wow. Okay. Let’s go in and order coffee? Or how does this work?" I looked at the key again and all that was on it was just numbers. "I guess we'll have to go in and find out." I opened the door and stepped out.We walked in together, and we walked right onto the front.The young woman behind the counter smiled, "Hello-" her eyes widened in realisation when she saw me but she was nice enough to shut her mouth and go straight to business. "What would you like to order?""Can I see the manager please?"She arched her brows, "Uhm… may I know why? Do you have a complaint? You can relay
REBECCA"Are you sure?" Theo asked over the phone and I shut the door and turned in the lock."Positive. I heard her discussing with Oliver while I was at his place then saw her pick it up from the ground."How could she have kept something like that away from me? She knew how much I was worried about her. I wanted to leave this damn country and the only reason we stayed back was because of her.I felt betrayed and this one hurt more than anything."Calm down. You're breathing too hard.""I can't help it. She betrayed me-""I'm sure she has her reasons. She wouldn't do that to you-"I tried to tell myself that but it sounded like a big fat lie and I didn’t want to delude myself. How could she trust Oliver more than me, her own daughter? After everything…"I'm gonna steal it," I whispered."What?""I need to know what's in that warehouse and I can't trust the fucking police. Help me, please."He took a while before he responded because he pondered on it-"You're the only one I have rig
REBECCAFrom the front door as I walked into the house to the living room where we used to watch movies and have little date nights, tears filled my eyes as I looked around. I trailed my fingers over the counter top in the kitchen and memories of when he once made my mother's favourite soup waltzed back in my head and I couldn't stop the tears from rolling down.This used to be a home once.Oliver and I were so comfortable around each other that we felt married. Or at least, I had felt that way. Clearly it was a delusion but it was everything to me at one point.I loved waking up to Saturday mornings where he would cook breakfast while I watched sometimes or he served me in bed. Where we both decorated with our favourite colours blending into something beautiful.Oh, I had dreams and he had orchestrated every single one of them. Whether he truly loved me or not, I would never know. Not like I even wanted to anymore. I was calling it quits.I climbed the stairs, remembering how he once
REBECCA I've been bedridden for a few days. I took the rest of my exams online with a supervisor assigned to me. It went smoothly despite the chaos of a few days but I didn't want anything to weigh me down.If I wasn't reading, I caught myself staring into space, thinking of my child and how he managed to survive.“I guess this one is really stubborn, isn't he?” I thought to myself. Just like his damn daddy. At least that was one way to know the baby was Oliver's.Despite seeing my condition, he still kept his mouth shut.Most nights I woke up from a nightmare, screaming the house down. It was always the same scene, only this time instead of the strange man who stabbed me, it was Oliver's grandfather while I watched Oliver stand at a distance with either his sealed or he rendered endless apologies instead.I was sick of hearing him apologise. I was tired of it. It burned in my memory and now whenever I thought about him, it was always about him saying sorry.Funny how he used to do f
OLIVER I was sent with a mission; to poison the Hoffman's down to their little girl. The old man was heartless but what did I care, it was a chance to be accepted and not to be thrown out to the streets once more.But that night, I picked up all my stuff and chose to run away for their own safety.I'd go to a river somewhere and drown because returning to the orphanage would only put the other kids in trouble and I didn't want to cause more trouble for anyone.A black van pulled up to me and I wasn't surprised to see my father's men. One of them grabbed me before I could bolt.“Pay up,” they said, one to the other. “I told you he couldn't do it.”“Look at him. He's a desperate little thing with no guts. You can't live a good life by being weak, you imbecile!” they smacked my head and tossed me about, laughing as they had fun.“I'll call them that I have the boy,” one of them said and took out his phone-“No!” I tried to reach for it but I was knocked down before I even knew what hit