Chapter 1: Nightmare
742 Words
"Her first name was darkness. Her middle name was tragedy and her last name was hope. She was married to them all." - Robbie J. Sherrah
VERA
Run. I have to run.
I was catching my breath as I ran fast, trying to escape from something.
Then I heard the thunder roaring loudly, making me shiver in fear.
I was running fast barefooted. I can also feel the fast pace of my heart. It's beating wild maybe because of too much fear and tiredness. But it was the adrenaline rush, the eagerness to get away, the need to be safe and alive, that keeps me going.
I ran nonstop until I ended up near a high cliff. I stopped and started to lose hope, knowing that I was at a dead end. Why am I running even though I know I will die eventually? This is life for me. Anywhere I go, death will always chase me.
I looked down and swallowed hard, seeing the vast ocean.
What if I just jumped and drowned myself in it? Anyway, no one cares if I die, right?
Throwing away all of my inhibitions, with all my might, I jumped off of the cliff.
Blue. All I see is blue.
They say the ocean has the effect of soothing everyone, but why do I feel different?
I heard a loud splash before I felt myself going deeper into this wide ocean, enveloping my body with salt water. I closed my eyes, completely embracing death.
So this is goodbye for me?
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!
My loud alarm awakened me from the terrifying nightmare.
I was catching my breath as sweat trickled down my forehead.
I felt restless.
Another nightmare again.
I sighed.
Oh God, when will this stop? Until when will I suffer from these nonstop nightmares?
Even though I still feel sleepy, I forced myself to get up from my queen-sized bed.
I looked at the wall clock above my working table and saw that it was just 3 am. Still too early.
But I just found myself walking inside the bathroom to prepare and start my daily routine. I can't sleep anyway. This has been my life for thirteen years already, but I'm still not used to it.
At exactly 6 am, I handed my car key to the valet. Wearing my customized black dress and a pair of red killer heels, I walked straightaway inside the empire. My bodyguards walked behind me, doing their best to shield and protect me from the reporters who tried hard to come near my way.
As I finally entered, I noticed how busy everyone was, but when they saw me coming, they hurriedly lined up wearing their best smiles. I can clearly see how I'm highly respected by everyone here.
I stifle a smile. Well, for years, I earned that. It's never easy but I did it.
"Good morning Lady Vera." They politely greeted me in unison.
I bowed my head then smiled a little while greeting them back.
I'm never a rude lady boss. Ever since, I have been nice to each of them. I value my employees the most. After all, this clothing empire is nothing without the hard work of these people. But at the same time, I also made sure that they always respect and see me as someone who's superior to them. There's always a limit to everything, because I do believe that being too nice is dangerous.
As I reached the top floor, I saw my secretary busy facing her computer screen.
"Good morning Lady Vera." Aria greeted me when she finally saw me nearing her table.
Aria Denise is my most reliable secretary. She's one of my trusted staff and I value her efficiency. Aria is also very beautiful, and I can say that her thick glasses can't even hide them. She's with me for almost 9 hours a day and I can clearly see that she's always on time. I can always rely on her intelligence and skills. A lot of times, I really need her assistance.
As I walked closer, I simply smiled and nodded my head to acknowledge her.
Then she followed me inside my office, enumerating my busy schedule for today.
"By the way, Lady Vera, your grandfather called. He said that he wanted to talk to you later this afternoon." Aria told me afterward.
That's surprising! Oh, maybe my Abuelo misses me.
But that's what I thought.
- Writer
