Chapter One

Veronica----

Veronica rolled her eyes at the two men, in front of her. One was in the driver's seat and the other was in the front passenger seat. To be precise they were her bodyguards. 

She had made it clear she needed no bodyguards-she called them babysitters. However, her mother had ignored her and sent two men to pick her up, they were at the airport waiting, even before her plane landed.

Well, it was typical of Mrs Wayne, her mom. She should have expected it but it still angered her that her mom would send the two men after she had refused it. 

According to her mom, it was no big deal, yet she feels like her freedom has been stolen from her.

"Hm-hmm!" Veronica cleared her throat, and as expected the guard next to the driver turned to her. 

"Are you ok, miss?"

"Of course I am, I couldn't be more ok. Are we still far from home?"

"No, just a couple minutes away, won't be long now," he answered and turned back to the front just as Veronica gave him a nod. 

Veronica turned to peer outside the window. As they passed through Litton boulevard she note that there have been a few changes compared to five years ago, not big ones, yet everything feels unfamiliar.

It's been five years. It has been that long and this place feels unfamiliar. Veronica hoped that it would be the same for him too, his feelings should be long gone. "Rafael," she murmured.

"What did you say, miss?" The man beside the driver asked.

"Oh... it's nothing," Veronica stuttered, she couldn't believe she had said her thoughts out loud.

"We are here, miss," the driver said, as the gate to the huge villa opened, and they drove in.

"Welcome back, miss," The man beside the driver said while Veronica smiled awkwardly, she was so nervous her palms were sweaty.

Veronica felt jitters, she was back home, after five years. But she couldn't help but feel nervous. A lot of things have probably changed, Rafael's feelings, Vickie's health, her parents and her younger brother Victor.

Everything would have changed, it has to. If not all she did would have been for nothing.

The driver's partner came around the car and opened the door for her, and she stepped out. Her eyes brightened, bewitched by the view in front of her.

The Wayne mansion is the most glamorous home Veronica has ever seen. It was built in a French chateau style, surrounded by a beautiful garden to the sides.

Although it is old and has been with the family for generations, it has upgraded to fit in modern luxuries. It has a swimming pool at the back of the mansion, and a majestic water fountain at the front.

"So beautiful!" Veronica fawned, although she has seen it so many times before, she could never tire of its beauty.

"Welcome back, miss Wayne." A good number of ladies in maid clothing chorused bringing her back from her thoughts.

She smiled, a bit flustered by their presence. She looked at them, and they were faces she has never seen before until today.

"Thank you?" She responded with a sheepish smile. 

The maids giggled at shyness and dispersed, leaving her alone with a girl probably around her age. The unfamiliar girl strangely looked at her.

"Please follow me," the girl said and Veronica nodded. Is it weird that she feels like a guest in her own house? The house does seem familiar but not the people.

As she trudged behind the maid she caught a glimpse of maids outside, arranging some tables and decorating the garden.

"Are we having a party?"

"Yes, today is Mrs Wayne's birthday," the girl answered while Veronica nodded awkwardly, she was also disappointed in herself. She couldn't believe she had forgotten her mother's birthday, it was the first time and hopefully the last.

As they walked along towards the house, Veronica realized she was still nervous and scared. Nervous because she gets to meet her family again after five years, but she was also scared of what his reaction might be.

She left him, breaking every promise they made. She had hurt him, and hurt herself in the process, all to make her sister happy.

"Veronica," she heard her mother's voice and every sad thought disappeared immediately. She was suddenly enveloped in her mother's embrace. Mrs Wayne ran to Veronica and pulled her into a tight hug.

Veronica hugged her back, she was happy to be in her mother's arms. She has missed her mom, her scent, and her smile amongst other things.

They soon disengage from their hug and her mom cupped her face. "You have grown a lot, I can't believe that I wasn't able to see you for so long."

"Stop being so dramatic, mother. We had a video call just yesterday"

Her mother hissed, "nothing beats seeing you in the flesh like this, am so glad you came home"

"Same here," Veronica said a smile on her face. "Where are Vickie and Victor?" She asked and her eyes landed on her siblings coming down the walkway.

"Oh my goodness!" Vickie gasped while Veronica smiled and walked over to her big sister. 

"Vickie!" She called happily and embraced her sister.

"Veronica!" Vickie cried and hugged her tighter while everyone watched them.

Victor the youngest and the only son cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to him. "Finally, the runaway princess is back, how delightful," he joked and everyone laughed.

"Come here, kiddo," Veronica said and hugged him along with Vickie. "I have missed you guys so much," she mutters her voice threatening to break as she speaks.

"Same here," Victor said as they disengaged from the hug. Veronica glanced at Vickie, glad to see her healthy.

She remembered the first time, they discovered Vickie's health issues five years ago. She had a sudden heart failure and was rushed to the hospital, there the doctor gave them the sad news.

Her mother and Veronica had cried their eyes out the moment they heard the news, while her father was stoic about it. Even though he had to be strong and take like a man for the family, Veronica still remembers the hurt and sadness in his eyes that day. And Victor had just been as shocked as them.

Vickie was hospitalized for months before she got back on her feet. And Rafael and his family were with them all through the tough times. But that only resulted in bigger issues for them all, because her sister thought Rafael was there for her, not knowing it was the opposite.

She was so pale back then, but still the most beautiful creature Veronica has ever seen. Vickie took after their mother in so many ways. She has their mom's long blonde hair, and brown eyes, and is also tall like their mother. But unlike her mother, she is skinny and doesn't have her mother's hourglass body. To Veronica, Vickie is everything and more.

Veronica and Victor take their resemblance from their father, they have his brunette hair and his green eyes. Veronica takes their mother's body figures, she has a well-sculpted hourglass shape which is twine-thin. Her waist was narrow and she had smooth skin. 

She carries herself with grace just like her mother and sister. 

"Enough with the hugging, we could do that some other time. She is here to stay after all, but we have a party to attend"

"You are throwing a party for your 50th birthday? am not even surprised" Veronica said while her mom rolled her eyes playfully.

"And you, my darling, should get prepared. The youngest miss of the Wayne family is back, many young men will be interested in getting to know you. Fortunately, your sister is already taken." Mrs Wayne uttered while Vickie giggled and Veronica faked a smile.

"You ladies prepare for the party, I have something to do inside," Victor said and excused himself before his mom could stop him.

"Mom, I think I'll do the same. I don't have any fancy dress for your party," Veronica protested

"Well, thankfully you have a sister who does and also it is just a small party with my friends, it's nothing serious. Come on, You should head on inside," her mother said trying to convince her while Veronica grunted in exasperation. "See you, girls, later," Their mother said and left with one of the maids, leaving Veronica and Vickie alone.

"Am so glad you are back, I missed you so much" Vickie said and held Veronica's hand.

"I missed you all too, but I don't see dad around, where is he?" Veronica questioned, it was not that she was interested in her father's whereabouts. No, she cares little for him, she hates him and her dad hates her guts too.

Vickie and Victor were the obedient ones, while she was the rebellious child. The troublesome one, who wouldn't listen. They fought on many occasions,  and it got worst when they discovered Vickie's health. Especially when he announced her sister's engagement with Rafael.

"He is alright. He is so excited about my wedding, both him and Leon(Rafael's father). They are so glad that Rafael and I are finally getting married, it's in a month," Vickie chartered excitedly.

"What? a month. Isn't that so soon?" Veronica questioned, surprise visible on her features, no one had informed her. It was all happening so soon, and she knows the reason for that.

She never asked about the wedding, and her mother knows better than to inform her but she wasn't expecting it to be this soon either.

"To be precise, it is a month and two weeks, but I have waited for five years. I don't think that it is too soon if it was up to me. We will be married now. I don't have much time left. Veronica, I only have a few years," Vickie reminded her sister who winced at the pain of her words and gave Vickie a sympathetic look. It hurts her so much that one day, Vickie would leave her. 

"You are right, I am glad that you and Rafael are finally going to be together" It was a lie. She keeps deceiving herself that she is, but deep down she is shattered and in pain.

"Speak of the devil," Vickie said, smiled and walked towards the approaching Rafael to hug him.

Veronica's eyes followed her sister and she was beyond shocked to see Rafael there. She had never thought they'd get to see each other as soon as she was back.

She was positive she would have time to prepare herself, but now she is even short of words to say.

Veronica watched as Vickie hugged him and he embraced her tighter. She watched as they pulled away from the hug and Rafael gave her a short kiss on her lips. It was a short yet painful kiss.

He was once her man, the only one she'd ever loved and she believed it was the same for him. But not anymore, they are no longer together, and she had left.

She left, and that hurt her so much. Sometimes she regrets leaving, if she never left back then, he would still be hers.

'No, Veronica snap out of it' She shakes her head, trying to ignore them but every thought of resistance vanished, the moment their eyes met.

Those perfectly sad blue eyes, that scares everyone but managed to seduce her. His sinful lips that drives her crazy when she stares at them, along with his rock-hard body. He is well-sculpted and isn't too thick or heavy. And not skinny either, he is in the best shape ever, and he has everything a woman wants in a man.

Handsome, smart, capable. The Greek businessman manages his father's multi-billion company. His mother's family also runs a big company, in which he also has shares in.

Not only that, but he also runs two big companies with his friends Jude, Connor, Kai and Brad which add more to his wealth. In a year, Rafael will own and merge both his father's and mother's businesses together. That'll enable him to become the richest, young billionaire at the age of 27.

He is the perfect guy that only exists in fantasy, except he wasn't perfect. Rafael has a secret that no one knows about, except her and his friends.

But still, she loves him back then and even now. And he also did at least once, but not anymore.

The look in his eyes says everything. He looked at her like she was nothing, but a pest in his presence.

After the pleasantries between the couple, Vickie turned to her, and she quickly took her eyes off Rafael. "Rafael, am sure you remember Veronica, my pretty little sister, she came back today and am so excited to have her return to us."

"Hi," Veronica said politely, trying her best to hide her sadness. And extended her hand for a handshake, however, he declined it and move forward with Vickie, his hand on her back.

"Let's go meet your mom, I have to greet her happy birthday and give her my presents," He said smiling brightly at Vickie.

"She will be so glad," Vickie said and gave Veronica an apologetic look. She responded with a fake smile, and watch them walk away.

Her heart ache, it was in pain, so much pain. Nothing hurts more than seeing the man you love with the sister you will do anything for, She sacrificed a lot just to see her happy.

She sacrifices her own happiness.

She was aware of the extent of her sacrifice, she will get hurt and her pain will consume her.

"Miss Wayne?" A maid called behind Veronica, and she turned to her, putting on her perfect fake smile.

"Am a Wayne, no one can see me weak" Veronica muttered to herself. "Yes?"

"Mrs Wayne instructed me to show you your room, and have you dressed for the party" 

*********

The party was a true wonder, with everyone laughing and socializing. Classical music played in the background, and drinks and food were aplenty. It was perfect, except for the fact that it wasn't a small party like her mother claimed it would be.

The garden was filled with a multitude of people, from different places. It was not what her mother had promised, and she found it extremely uncomfortable. Especially with the dress she wore. It was one of Vickie's and it was tighter on her because of her bigger boobs and big bottoms.

Many people, men to be precise were staring at her. The dress was so tight on her, and it exposed her cleavage and legs. She has been approached by different men already, each complimenting her for her beauty, even though their eyes were on her boobs.

They showed no effort in hiding the dirty thought in their mind, but Veronica was less concerned about them. She had her eyes focused on wherever Rafael and Vickie go. They were currently talking to another couple, and Rafael could hardly take his eyes off her sister. They looked so perfect together like they are truly in love.

'Who told you they weren't?' Veronica thought as a sigh escaped her.

Veronica watched Rafael intently, he didn't even spare her any glance, his attention was fixed on her sister. Soon enough Rafael had to leave. It looked to Veronica like he received a message on his phone, but still he didn't leave without giving Vickie a goodbye kiss.

Veronica seethed, she could feel Jealousy brimming inside her, she should be happy, she should be happy for them, for Vickie. But she just couldn't help it.

"What do you say, miss Wayne? Would you like to dance with me?"

She looked at the tall man in front of her, he was handsome truly, yet the only man in her head was the ex she'd abandoned for five years.

"Excuse me, I do not feel well," Veronica said and left before the stranger could say anything else.

Veronica went straight to her mom and told her she was retiring to her room. 

"It is ok, my darling. You should rest, you've had a long day today" her mother said.

She nodded at her mother and took her to leave. She was still heading back to her room when her phone rang. She smiled and picked up the call.

"How could you not call after you got home? I was so worried. If it wasn't for Emily who kept pestering me to call I wouldn't have" Natasha her best friend ranted, her tone angry.

Veronica giggled and continued walking to her room as she explained all that happened since she returned home to Natasha.

"Oh, I had no idea that was happened. So how was the party?"

"What do you think? It's going well, they are still in a merry and I had to make my escape-"

"Not that girl... Rafael? Did you see him?" Natasha queried and Veronica stopped on her track as silence took over the phonecall.

Veronica twitched her lips and sighed, Natasha is her best friend and the only person she confided in about her relationship with Rafael. 

"Good, I guess. We didn't say much, just hi and that was all." 

"Really? just hi?" Veronica could sense the doubt in Natasha's voice, and to be honest, she felt the same.

A couple of years has passed, but she'd always thought even if Rafael and she broke up, at least they would still be good friends.

But today Rafael surprised her and treated her like she was nothing to him. As much as it breaks her heart, she felt glad. The way he looked at Vickie and smiled at her words looked genuine, she deserves to be happy, and so does Rafael.

"Yes, just hi" Veronica said as she approached her room.

"That is great, I guess five years was more than enough. Mission accomplished" She giggled while Veronica laughed. If someone had asked her what she found in those five years away, then she would have said Natasha and her sister Emily. Being with them kept her happy for those long five years, Natasha is a good friend, and no matter what Veronica did, she never judge her.

"Yeah, I am glad I left. They are both happy, and that is all that matters" Veronica said and opened the door to her room. 

"Vickie looked really-" Veronica paused when her eyes settled on a bunch of pink peony flowers on her bed. "Natasha, let's talk later" she ended the call without listening to her friend's last words.

Her eyes scanned the whole room suspiciously, the flowers weren't there when she arrived earlier.

Peony flowers were her favourites and no one knows this except her mom and Vickie, "did they plan this?" Veronica asked no one in particular, her lips curled up into a smile.

Veronica walked over to her bed and picked up the flower, smelling it. A card dropped on the bed which got her attention. She placed the flowers back on the bed, picked up the card, and opened it.

"Welcome back, princess," the card said and Veronica gasped. There was only one other person who always called her by that name and also knew what her favourite flower is. That one person apart from her mom and Vickie.

Veronica heard the door open and turned towards it in time to see his presence fill the room. She could smell that alluring and sweet scent that always drove her crazy.

She raised her head to look at him, and the card dropped from her hands.

His eyes flash with a wicked gleam and her breath held still in her chest.

"Did you miss me, Veronica?" he called her name wickedly, as Veronica released her breath. Her face was flush, her breathing became short and sharp.

"Rafael...." she breathed out.