Chapter 1
2363 Words
Alexa, hold on, you must be strong, the masculine voice bellowed from afar filled with urgency.
Her eyes fluttered softly, her body weak and filled with bruises. Michael, she called softly; please don't come any closer; the timing is close. Your life is more important than mine please leave.
I won't leave you in this life nor the next life, Micheal said while rushing to her side and holding her in his arms.
Alexa tried pushing him with all his might but he wouldn't budge.
Michael, go, we are divorced; you have no right to love me like this. Please, Michael, don't die with me, I beg you.
Stop pushing me away Alexa. I would rather die than live without you; I love you very much.
I am sorry for ever doubting you, Micheal, for ever doubting us. If there's a next life I hope we both live longer, I love you.
Heavens, please, I know I was stupid, but he doesn't deserve to die, and neither do I. I wanted to live and to love, but I trusted the wrong people. That's why we are here, but please give us a second chance, Alexa shouted loudly, distress evident in her voice.
No need, Alexa, no one is hearing your prayers, but I also hope to spend eternity with you.
They clasped their hands together, kissed, and then closed their eyes, waiting for death.
Beep, beep, beep, the bomb countdown to the final number, 3,2,1,0, then the factory and all the surroundings exploded, sending shockwaves to the people around.
Alexa, Alexa, come down now, an angry voice yelled outside.
"..... Hiss!" Am I in the afterlife already? She opened her eyes and the bright light stung her eyes.
She looked around the room. This is my room, but I died in the blast, so what's going on?
She looked at her fair hands. The nails are beautiful, and it's no longer bloodied. Am I a spirit now.
You've been reborn, use it well, or you will die again, and this time with everyone you love, a voice sounded loud and clear to her ears.
I've been reborn??
She stood up hastily and checked the calendar, what I'd been reborn to seven years ago. Thank heavens.
She was reborn.
Alexa Richard is the only child and apple of Richard's family in Golden City. In her previous life, she was too timid, making her prey to bullying and manipulation. Even the servants at home step on her.
After the death of her mother, Her father married her stepmother, who also has a daughter her age( Sophie), for her to be looked after since he's among the top five richest and owns a conglomerate.
In front of her dad, they are loving towards her, but behind, they hate her and beat her where it's not visible to the naked eye.
They threatened her to reject her father's offer of taking over the company, making her father disappointed in her, forcing her to get married in Sophie's place, made her leave the marriage and her home.
After twists and turns, they made her write a farewell letter, locked her up, and had her r***d by multiple people; when they were tired, they plotted her demise.
But the only thing beyond their control was her husband Michael coming to save her but it was too late, leading to both their deaths.
But the heavens have given her a chance to right her wrongs, and this time she's going to make everyone who has wronged her pay, ranging from least important to most important.
The best defense is a good offense. They should be ready to face my wrath.
Alexa, Alexa, come out you lazy girl, the maid yelled. She's Freya, the personal maid to Mrs Richard and the one who also made my life most miserable.
I get beaten for talking back and I am hated by her. But why is she calling me, what happened today? she pondered seriously.
She checked the calendar again and then realized that today was the day Mr Richard asked her to join the company.
Alexa, you better hurry downstairs, or you'll have yourself to blame, Freya warned, and her threats always come true.
I'll be downstairs Freya, the sweetness in her voice making her want to vomit. I need to know what they are up to before I can fight back.
Alexa quickly took her bath, opened her wardrobe and she grimaced in disgust. Why was I too timid? My father had money, but I was more than a pauper in my own home.
She quickly scans the dress and chooses the one that is a bit okay while plotting in her mind.
She walked downstairs while breathing in the air greedily, I need to live my life well. I can't die like I did before.
She arrived downstairs while concealing the hatred in her heart.
Good morning, Mother, she smiled sweetly, her eyes cold.
Good morning, Alexa, I hope you slept well. Mrs Richard said sweetly while looking towards the stairwell.
Today is the day my father asked me to join the company. I was beaten and threatened by the mother and daughter yesterday for me to reject, leading to my father's disappointment in me.
But in this life, I will claim everything that is mine; I won't give anyone the chance to step on me.
It was fine, Mother, I hope you also slept well. Two can play the game, Mother, she thought while smirking.
Alexa, how are you doing? How is school? Mr Richard asked sweetly while coming down from the stairwell to the dining.
Daddy. Alexa hugged him with tears in her eyes; I love you, Dad.
Her biggest regret is making her father disappointed, not telling him she loves him. But now the heavens had given her a chance to cherish those she loves and who loves her.
Alexa dear, why are you suddenly emotional? Are you feeling unwell? Mr Richard asked with concern.
I am fine, Dad, just happy to see you.
Okay pumpkin, let's eat. I need to tell you something important and I need your full co-operation.
Okay, Dad, Alexa said while steeling her resolve mentally.
Today is the day he told me about joining the company; I need to start then next week is when the marriage proposal will come. Michael, I can't wait to see you.
After breakfast, the family of four was in the living room, the atmosphere tense and heavy.
Alexa, you will be twenty-three years old next month; you have a degree in business; don't you want to work in the company? Mr. Richard said while choosing his words wisely in order not to upset his daughter.
The stepmother and daughter were angry, but we were still smiling sweetly.
Honey, Alexa loves modeling; she loves the stage and spotlight, You telling her to join the company is cruel to her. Don't you want her to be happy?
Even though Alexa had heard these same words, it still made her sad because she trusted and loved them. That's why she always gave in to their demand.
If she hadn't known their plans and the fact that they threatened her, she would have thought they had her best interest at heart.
Let Sophie go, Mrs. Richard continued; she also has a degree in business, and she's been training for a day like this, Right Sophie?
Yes, Daddy, Sophie got the cue and interjected.
I was able to join Starlight Media Company as the departmental assistant with my ability in preparation for this day. I worked hard so that I can be able to prove myself.
I can't let you adopt me for nothing and not do anything. In return, I need to repay you, father, she said with a look of gratitude.
In a way, they made it seem as if once he doesn't agree with it and Alexa rejects him, then Alexa will be the bad person, making him disappointed.
Alexa was just looking at the mother and daughter quietly, letting them sing their songs in harmony before disrupting them.
You said you wanted to study business management; I never forced you, Mr Richard said, clearly annoyed.
I never said for you to prove anything to me. I did everything for you willing so there's no need for you to repay me.
And you, he pointed to Mrs Richard. I was talking about Alexa, was there any need to bring Sophie into the conversation?
When I need her, I will call for her, but for now..NO. Mr Richard said decisively.
The mother and daughter were stunned. Mr Richard has never spoken to them in that manner before. He always takes their feelings into consideration.
Alexa was watching while silently giving thumbs up to her father. Even though I've heard these same words before, I can't help but give my previous self a knock in the head. My dad is here to protect me; I can also protect myself, so why was I scared of them? I need to give myself a good s******g.
This is my father, who I know is decisive and always wants the best for me, but yet I disappointed him, I am sorry, father, Alexa said in her heart.
Alexa darling, would you come work for the company? Mr Richard asked again hopefully.
She looked around the table at mother and daughter, both looking at her, and then she remembered their words from the previous day.
...
When your father asks you to join the company, refuse and say, you love modeling. Tell him to take Sophie in your stead, go out and audition for your modeling to make him believe you completely.
Pester your father to accept and, if possible, threaten with suicide, Mrs Richard said.
And don't play any tricks; otherwise, you know what will happen, b***h Sophie added, venom laced in her voice.
After rejecting her father's proposal, their relationship was strained, and Sophie became the new favorite. But she will never make such mistakes again.
...
Father, You know I got my degree last year; she paused and looked at the mother and daughter, who were already smiling triumphantly.
Alexa continued while looking at their smiling faces. I was waiting for you to ask me since, I didn't just want to bring it up to you for fear of being rejected, so yes, Father, I will join your company; I want to accompany you both in work and in life, Dad.
What?? The mother and daughter chorused in unison while looking at Alexa with anger.
This isn't what we planned. What is this wench doing? Mrs Richard thought.
What do you mean by what? Mr Richard questioned, definitely angry.
Um. I mean wow, you finally agreed to go to the company, Mrs Richard said while clenching her teeth and trying to salvage the situation.
What about your modeling? I thought you said you loved modeling and that you hate anything related to company affairs Mrs. Richard said while looking at her with the obvious threat in her eyes.
That was just childish talk, mother; I didn't know you took it to heart. I was just joking; I love anything my father does, and besides, look how successful he is; why would I hate what brings money?
Mr Richard laughed heartily. Yes, my dear daughter, I am glad you are now mature. You can resume tomorrow, and I won't tolerate late coming, he said playfully, ruffling her hair before leaving for work.
The mother and daughter waited until he was out before they turned to Alexa, with anger burning in their eyes.
What was the meaning of that Alexa? What did we talk about? Mrs Richard yelled.
Alexa was livid with anger but she calmed herself down.
I am at a disadvantage now; I need to make myself stronger; otherwise, I will suffer a lot. I need to be able to bend and stretch until I've gotten back what I deserve, Alexa said inside.
Am sorry, mother. I didn't want to disappoint my father because he really needed me to accept, and since he asked me, I was scared about the outcome if I rejected him, Alexa said with red-rimmed eyes and tear-stained cheeks looking pitiful.
Look at it from my perspective; you saw how angry he was; I was filled with fear, I am sorry, Mother.
Mrs Richard looked at her with disgust. You better look for ways to tell your dad about Sophie; otherwise, you know what will happen before going upstairs.
Sophie didn't say anything because she was extremely angry, just wishing to tear Alexa apart.
Yes, mother. Alexa was happy because she knew her punishment was to be flogged on her buttocks, and it was very painful.
At least I've avoided the punishment, for now; the day is still young. I need to call my best friend Mira, the one who stood by me through thick and thin, but because of the influence of my stepmother and stepsister, I drove her away.
With this thought in mind, Alexa picked up her phone and dialed a number that was all too familiar.
Beep, beep...
Hello, who is this? The voice on the other end belongs to Mira, a slightly lazy voice with a hint of nasal tone.
It's me, Alexa; let's meet. Her voice was laced with a hint of expectation and nervousness.
What do you want? The voice sounded angry; if you are bringing your stepmom and sister with you just to humiliate me, then I am not interested in meeting up.
The words brought back old memories when she brought the mother and daughter to Mira's home after succumbing to their threats.
Mira was abused and shamed while Alexa stood by the side too timid to say anything.
Please, Mira, I need to talk to you; it's urgent. You are the only one I can talk to, please. Alexa said pleadingly.
The voice was quiet for some before it sounded again. Send the address, she said, then ended the call.
Alexa was very happy; I needed to salvage what was left of my friendship. Then, went upstairs.
- Writer
