Chapter 5

The last thing Valerie recalled was the knife searing through her skin as she drifted into a dark place, devoid of light. She lost consciousness as the pain overwhelmed her. The ambulance came to a stop, and the paramedics wheeled her out. Valerie’s face was a painful sight, raw and blistered from the hot oil burns, while blood seeped through the bandages on her side from the stab wound. 

As they approached the ER, Juan, disguised as a nurse intercepted them with two others. “We’ll take it from here,” Juan said, taking control of the stretcher. Almost immediately, the hospital’s fire alarm went off, creating the perfect distraction for Juan to sneak Valerie out through the exit door.

Without hesitation, Juan and his aides carefully wheeled Valerie into the van waiting for them in the basement. “Drive. Now.” He ordered and swiftly, the van screeched out of the premises and onto the highway.

An hour of endless driving finally came to a stop in front of another hospital and just like they had done before, Juan and his men wheeled Valerie into the building. “I have everything ready.” Said the doctor as soon as they came into sight.

“Hurry! She doesn’t have so much time left.” Juan urged, his voice dripping with urgency.

The medical team jumped into action inside the ER, exchanging quick, focused glances. There was a lot of work to be done and while some tended to the burns, others worked to stitch her up. Tension was on the high side, but every movement held a purpose, as they fought to keep her alive, knowing that every moment mattered.

Ten days had passed since the incident, and the entire city buzzed with news of Valerie’s death. The police had tried to remain quiet about it but due to Valerie’s prominence, news stations were quick to broadcast it. Of everyone who heard it, Carlos was the most excited about the news of her death. 

“Finally, everything is mine now. I should thank whoever thought to finish her off,” he muttered to himself, a triumphant smile growing on his lips as he sipped from the wine glass in his hand, savoring the moment. If not for his gambling addiction and the many loans he owned, that almost had his business in ruins, he wouldn’t have thought to frame her for such a horrible crime. Her empire and everything that she had built was now his to control. 

Valerie felt numb as she watched the news. If at all she felt any emotion, it was anger, hate, and a growing desire for revenge. This was exactly what she wanted. Her death was the perfect disguise to get back at Carlos for what he had done to her. 

“Just like you wanted, everyone believes that you’re dead. I’m sure Carlos is the most excited.” Juan’s voice filled the room as he walked in.

“As it should be,” Valerie replied, picking up the remote on the table and switching off the television. “Let him enjoy his moment of happiness. By the time I am through with him, he will know nothing but pain and regret. I will make sure to leave him grappling onto life with and watch him lose it in the blink of an eye.” her voice hardened, teeth gritted, as her eyes blazed with a fury that held the promise of vengeance.

“It’s crazy what risk people are willing to take when they are in debt.” Juan blurted out. Valerie squinted a brow, showing her confusion. 

“I was referring to the doctor I had to bribe to forge your death certificate.” He clarified as she listened intently. 

“We almost would not have been able to pull this off if he didn’t have a loophole. He is addicted to gambling and owes a lot in loans. I promised to help him with that and in return, he willingly provided the body of an unclaimed deceased woman who was a perfect match.”

Valerie’s eyes narrowed as she absorbed his words. “I see,” she said, her voice low and laced with a hint of skepticism. “I hope this doctor doesn’t pose a problem to us later.” 

“No worries,” Juan reassured her, his voice confident.  “He won’t be able to prove anything. I had the body cremated and the ashes disposed of after I claimed it at the station.”

Valeire’s gaze softened as she nodded gently in approval. 

“Well, how do you like your new face?” Juan questioned, smiling at her. “The doctor did a great job, didn’t he?” 

Valerie looked at her reflection in the mirror on the wall, her fingers gently tracing over her new features. She did not recognize the stranger who stared back. Her old face, her old life, was all gone now, replaced by someone new and better. Valerie had been reborn. Not just by looks that were strikingly beautiful, but even her soul had shifted. It hungered only for vengeance and she would be sure to get it. 

“I can hardly believe that the person in my reflection is me,” she muttered, turning to face Juan. 

“Well, it would take some getting used to it, but I’m sure you’ll adjust just fine,” Juan said, trying to sound assuring. “Your father made sure that when he built this hospital, he hired nothing but the best doctors in the city.” 

Valerie nodded, though her eyes were distant. “When will I be discharged? This place is starting to suffocate me.”

“In a few days,” Juan replied. “They need to conduct a few more tests before you can leave.”  

“And the inmates? How are they?” Valerie asked, concern laced in her voice.

“They are safe. You have nothing to worry about.” Juan assured her.

A brief silence followed, then he added “Although, I do wonder why you decided to come up with such a dangerous plan. You could have died, you know?” 

Valerie’s gaze hardened, but she did not respond immediately. “There was no way I’d spend my entire life rotting away in prison while the real culprit roamed free.” her voice was cold and bitter. “It was one way or the other. I had to do something.”

Juan sighed, staring pitifully at her. She looked away, disgusted by the look in his eyes. She needed nobody’s pity. She chose this and it was worth every pain she had to endure. The only difference was that now, she was the one to inflict even worse pain on the man who dared to play her for a fool, Carlos. 

“Have you thought of a name to use as your new alias?”

“IVY WATERS.” She replied with a hint of determination in her voice.

THREE YEARS LATER

“Hi, I’m Ivy Waters. I applied for the role of an Executive Assistant and was scheduled for an interview today.” Ivy said to the receptionist. 

“Okay, one moment please.” The pretty receptionist lady replied with a warm smile, turning to her computer to confirm Ivy’s appointment.

After a brief moment, the receptionist looked up and said “You can go in, Miss Waters. Second floor, first door on your left.” 

“Thank you,” Ivy said, returning the smile as she clutched her file and handbag. She headed towards the elevator, determined and focused for her goal. 

“This is it, Valerie. You are one interview away from setting your plans in motion. You must win this.” she said to herself as the elevator door closed.

Valerie was back and out for revenge. R Holdings was a big fish she had to catch. Once she can secure herself a spot in the company, everything else will fall into place.