Episode 4
449 Words
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Chapter Four – The Mask of Revenge
Claire could not sleep after seeing Ethan again. His face, his voice, his apology—it all came back like a storm. But she refused to let herself break.
“He doesn’t get to hurt me twice,” she whispered to herself in the dark.
The next morning, she stood in front of her mirror. Her reflection showed a woman who had changed. No longer the young girl who cried over unanswered calls. Now she was strong, independent, and ready to fight back.
Her plan was clear: she would not avoid Ethan. She would face him. But not as the girl he left behind. She would face him as a woman who had power over her own life.
At work, her boss called her into the office. “Claire, there’s a new partnership with Hudson Group. You’ll be handling part of it.”
Claire froze. Hudson Group. Ethan’s family.
Fate was playing its game again.
She smiled politely. “Of course, sir. I’ll handle it.”
Inside, her heart burned. This was her chance. If Ethan thought he could just appear, apologize, and expect forgiveness, he was wrong. She would work with him. She would smile when needed. But she would also make sure he felt the pain she once carried.
That week, Claire entered the Hudson office for the first time. The building was tall and cold, filled with polished glass and marble. She walked in confidently, every step firm.
Ethan was there, waiting in the conference room. His eyes softened the moment he saw her.
“Claire,” he said carefully, as if her name itself might break something fragile.
She gave him a professional smile. “Mr. Hudson. Let’s keep this about work.”
Her tone cut him like a knife.
During the meeting, she spoke clearly, sharp and smart. Ethan barely spoke, too distracted by her presence. He could see the anger behind her calm mask, and it tore at him.
After the meeting, he tried to follow her out. “Please, Claire. Let me explain.”
She turned to him with cold eyes. “No. You had your chance years ago. Now, you get silence. The same silence you gave me.”
She walked away, leaving him standing in the hall, helpless.
But deep inside, Claire’s heart was not as hard as her words. It still beat faster when she saw him. Still remembered the boy she once loved.
That was why she needed revenge—not because she hated him, but because she hated that part of her still cared.
And Ethan, watching her walk away again, knew one thing: this battle was only beginning.
- Writer
