TIME TO REVEAL YOURSELF
1036 Words
Chapter 17
Miriam’s Pov
My legs stridded through the silent passageway as I stepped into the clubhouse; RIAM CASINO. One of my top major projects before my marriage to Dutch.
The low-volume song of the 80s was swallowed by the busy laughter and clicking of glasses.
My hand clutched tightly on the scarf over my head. As I avoid eye and body contact with the people in sight.
‘It is time to reveal yourself. You've stayed hidden for too long’, Latifa had advised before heading to the company.
Joan had ruled for too long, it is our time now.
“Take me to Lucas…” I ordered the staff at the bar table. She stood, staring confusingly at me before nodding.
We went deeper into the clubhouse. More smoke. Smell of alcohol. The clear and pure sound of the playing violin giving a rich and resonating tone in the inner chamber.
There she was.
Gabby… Lucas' devoted wife.
Her face filled with fear as her eyes met mine.
Latifa suggested we bring them into the game. They can be of good help.
Her face swift into shock as she approached my side.
She stood. Eyes popped. Her mouth slightly ajar.
“Madam Mi…riam? She whispered. “You're alive?...”
“Gabby…” I whispered. My eyes glistened with tears.
Gabriella was more like a sister than Joan ever was. Genuine. Lovinging.
“Madam Miriam… Oh dear Lord” She rushed into my arms. “It's you…”
“Take me to a private place, Gabby” I whispered over her shoulders.
She nodded, leading me into her office. Door locked. Closing down the curtains, which now makes the room more quiet and cozy
“I can't believe you are alive…” she whispered, her voice shaking, her eyes softened as she looked at me. “You've been gone for so long”
“I've been locked up… Drugged and abused… But I am back now Gabby”
“Lady Joan doesn't want us visiting your grave. She sacked everyone from the company, everyone on your side. Even my husband…”
“There was no grave Gabby. Everything was her plan, but I am back now”
“I knew she had a hand in your disappearance. She had married Sir Dutch, taking over everything. Ooh… Lucas will be so overwhelmed. He will not believe it when I tell him. He went to work at the farm”, her eyes glimmering, smiling.
“The pendent Gabby… Where is it?”
She nodded. Rummaging through the safe under the table.
The pendent. The key to accessing the digital account where my shares were stored.
I had given her the pendent in that hospital bed when I suspected Joan
She handed me the black pendant, her expression turned somber. "Ma'am, do you mind seeing Doris?"
My eyes widened. "What?"
"I'm not sure, but she has been coming here every day since your passing. She's... well, she's not doing great," she said, her voice softening.
Doris was my favorite staff at the Dutchman's. She had replaced her aged granny as my nanny.
"What do you mean?" I asked, concern etched on my face.
"She's been drinking herself stupid, crying... I don't know what's wrong, but she's really hurting," she explained, her eyes filled with empathy.
I sighed, feeling a pang of sadness. Poor thing. I hope she finds some peace soon.
“She had refused to talk. I think Lady Joan is torturing her”
“Too bad I can't show myself yet. She will see me when the time comes. Gabby, no one should know I am back…”
She nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Ma'am.
My legs move through the busy passageway. Fast. Firm. Gabby trailing behind.
I halted as my eyes caught the familiar figure.
Doris
She sat at the bar table. Wasted. Her shoulders carried the big weight of pain. Of guilt.
My heart stings at the amount of pain she must be going through.
She had devoted herself to me. To my household. She deserves my protection. My love.
Latifa was right. I have been hiding for too long.
It is time to reveal myself
To all the affected workers and board members. To Zack. To Joan. To the world.
But first, I will start with her.
“Hello Doris… It's been awhile…” I greeted her as I walked to her.
She lifted her face up to mine. The glass in her grip dropped as she stood. My height swallowing hers.
You can say she's close to the ground.
“Your Grace…” her voice quivered.
“It is me Doris…It is me, my dear” my heart exploded, my tears running down my eyes. I can't believe how much I have missed her.
“You are alive!” She smiled as tiny tears streaked down her face.
Her gaze moved to Gabby and back to me as she rubbed her eyes.
It's been a long time Indeed
“Mrs Dutchman!…”
She rushed into my embrace. Her loud cry filled my eyes. It's a good thing the room was busy. I know Doris to be very dramatic.
“I am alive and well Doris… I am sorry I came late… You look so thin”
“Ooh my God…” She cried, her shoulders shivering.
What could have happened? What did Joan do to her?
“We all thought you were dead. I thought I killed you… Thank Goodness”
“What do you mean by you thought you killed me?” confusion etched my eyes
“Thank God you're alive… Ooh my gosh… Thank goodness” her grip tightened around me
“What did Joan do to you?”
I held her face. Her once lively eyes were gone. Now lifeless. Dark and gloomy.
That is what happens to anything under Joan. Withered. Lifeless
“Madam Joan said I'm responsible for your death…”
That slut.
She threatened her way into the poor girl's life. Accusing her of murder.
“Tell me everything that happened. Everything Doris…”
“Ma’am Sir Dutch…” her voice again, shaking.
Dutch?. My husband?
“Sir Dutch is alive” she whispered.
“What?”
- Writer
