Tainted Love

Chapter 10

Regina suddenly jolted awake, startled by the blaring noise from the living room television. She frowned, turning to glance at the time—it was barely past 11 PM. That was odd. Her daughter, Cecilia, never liked watching television that much, let alone with such disturbing volume. The shrill noise grated her ears. Still, Regina decided to let it slide, assuming her daughter needed a moment of distraction. Without a word, she turned over, adjusting her blanket, and tried to drift back to sleep.

But outside the house, a storm of a different kind was raging.

Vivian had Cecilia by the hair, dragging her across the compound while landing loud, stinging slaps on her cheeks.

"Vivian! Stop! You’re hurting me!" Cecilia cried out, flailing and struggling to break free, but her efforts seemed futile.

"Vivian, calm down! We can talk about this!" she pleaded, wincing in pain.

"I'm going to kill you today, Cecilia!" Vivian screamed, tightening her grip on her sister’s hair with raw fury. "Maybe if you die and come back again, you’ll learn to mind your own damn business!"

Suddenly, the front door flung open, and Regina dashed out, eyes wide at the sight before her. Her two daughters—one on the ground, the other towering over her like a beast. Her heart clenched.

"Oh my God! What is happening here?!" she gasped, rushing down the steps. "Vivian, leave your sister alone! Why are you doing this?"

She tried to intervene, but Vivian shoved her aside so violently that she stumbled backward and fell with a painful thud.

"Owww!" Regina’s scream pierced the air, forcing Cecilia to summon strength she didn’t know she had. With trembling hands, she yanked herself free and delivered a resounding slap across Vivian’s cheek.

"How dare you push my mother!" Cecilia shrieked, panting as anger and adrenaline surged through her.

Vivian reeled, stunned, holding her cheek while blinking rapidly, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

"You girls shouldn’t be fighting!" Regina struggled to her feet, clearly shaken. "You are sisters. This—this isn’t right."

"Oh, shut up!" Vivian snapped, her voice trembling with rage. "Who is whose sister? Did you give birth to me?!"

"Don’t you dare talk to my mom like that!" Cecilia barked, stepping protectively in front of Regina.

"Listen," Vivian hissed, her eyes burning with pain and betrayal. "Your Judas of a daughter betrayed me. I’ve lost everything—my family, my house, my car—everything! And it’s all her fault."

"Don’t do this, Vivian," Regina pleaded gently. "Cecilia cares about you. She only wanted the best for you—"

"See this one, too!" Vivian cut in with venom. "An old woman with the brain of a teenager! Your daughter ruined my life, and you’re standing here defending her?"

"Vivian..." Cecilia whispered, stunned by how cruel her words had become. "When did you learn to speak like this? You don’t even sound like the same person."

"I hate even hearing your voice, Cecilia. You’ll regret ever crossing me," Vivian threatened, eyes wild.

"Do your worst, Vivian," Cecilia replied firmly, refusing to back down.

Regina stepped forward again, tears filling her eyes. "Vivian, you’re like a daughter to me. Please, don’t destroy your life like this. That boy—he’s not good for you. Leave him before it’s too late."

Vivian let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, please. Do I need to remind you that your husband left you for a sixteen-year-old girl? You couldn’t even keep your own marriage. Who are you to advise me?"

"Enough!" Cecilia snapped, her fists clenched. "Say one more word about my mom, and I swear—"

Vivian cut her off with a mocking tone. "Like you said earlier... 'Do your worst.' Your mom should be sitting pretty with her husband, not poking her nose into things she doesn’t understand."

That was the final straw. Cecilia lunged at her, fists ready to fly, but Regina caught her by the arm just in time.

"Enough, Cecilia. Let’s go inside. She’s made her choice. Let fate handle the rest," Regina said with a shaky voice, dragging her daughter inside. She shut the gate behind them, locking it with trembling hands.

Vivian remained outside, pacing like a wounded lioness. "I'm not done with you, Cecilia! You will pay for this. Trust me!" she screamed at the closed gate, her voice cracking.

Alone now, Vivian stood on the sidewalk, unsure of what to do. No car. No money. No home. And Victor—her last hope—wasn’t even answering her calls. The idea of dragging her suitcase through the street made her sick. The bloggers would eat her alive.

She sighed, pulling her phone from her purse. Still no response from Victor. Finally, she gave in and ordered a Bolt.

The ride was a nightmare.

The car smelled of sweat and old food. The seatbelt scratched her arm, and the AC barely worked. It was a far cry from her usual luxury rides. She squirmed the entire way, feeling like the walls were closing in.

At last, they reached their destination—Victor’s apartment.

Vivian stepped out, grateful to stretch her legs. But just as she began walking toward the gate, the driver called after her.

"Hello ma’am, you forgot to pay your fare."

Vivian turned, scoffing. "Excuse me? I’m Vivian Dary, heiress of the Dary Empire. You're asking me for a fare? This bracelet alone can buy your entire car."

The driver blinked, confused. "I don’t understand. Madam, please give me my money."

She frowned. "I’m having some issues with my bank. Just give me your account details—I’ll transfer it once it’s resolved."

The driver had heard enough. "Madam, I don’t like nonsense. Give me my money now. Are you a scammer?"

"A scammer?!" Vivian shrieked. "I’m Vivian Dary! Google me, you fool!"

The driver, clearly fed up, shoved her hard enough that she fell to the ground. Then, without warning, he ripped off her bracelet and jumped into his car, driving off without a second look.

Vivian lay there, stunned. Humiliated. Dusty.

Just a few floors above, Victor was peeking out the window.

"s**t," he muttered under his breath.

"What is it?" Bianca asked, alarmed.

"It’s Vivian. She’s here," he said, hastily shutting the blinds.

Bianca’s face paled. "What do I do?"

"Lock the bedroom and start cleaning up. I’ll put her in the guest room. When you’re done, leave quietly," he instructed before heading for the door.

Downstairs, Vivian adjusted her dress, wiped her eyes, and tried to gather herself.

Victor opened the door, arms outstretched. "Baby… you didn’t tell me you were coming."

"I know. It was a last-minute decision," Vivian said, hugging him tightly. "I tried calling, but you didn’t pick up. What were you doing?"

"Nothing much. My phone was upstairs. Where’s your car?" he asked.

"Please… just get me a place to sit. I’m exhausted."

Victor nodded, hiding his unease. "Sure. Come on in."

As Vivian entered, still unaware of the secrets the house held, the door shut behind her.