Episode06
1388 Words
Maya's POV
The past few days had been…. strange. Ever since that mysterious stranger picked me up after work I hadn't been the same, I've become more purpose driven. Vengeance is funny like that… it sharpens your mind in ways grief or heartbreak could never. The last time I spoke to him he said he was on it although I hadn't seen anything and I needed to know he was serious about this as I was.
My relationship with Jane has gone south, she drops by to do her fake check-ins, she sends voice notes from time to time asking for forgiveness but I had stopped replying
Fred had just left the hospital not too long ago from the meeting with his doctor, it was so good seeing his dumbstruck face when I made the joke about him dying.
******
I was meeting up with Mr. Mysterious for lunch.
I couldn't bring myself to trust him yet not until I see workings.
I walked into the restaurant it was an underground buildings so it was dimly lit and quiet. There weren't much people present in the restaurant. It looked like a place where secrets were traded over cold drinks.
I saw him sitting down already, he was easy to spot. He was dressed in all black. He looked like a shadow with posture. What a mysterious guy, he wanted to help me so bad.
“Hey, hope I didn't keep you waiting for long?” I said while sliding into my seat.
He smirked. “No, it's cool, a gorgeous woman like you can take all the time you need.”
I laughed, despite myself. “Flattering me while dressed like a hitman is really funny.”
He raised an eyebrow “What can I say? I multitask.”
I leaned in slightly. “You know I'm not here for flattery, you said you were on it. I haven't seen anything yet, I need to know you're serious about this. And time…..” I paused. “Time really isn't on our side you know, I can't keep up this amnesia act for too long”
His smiled faded a little, and I could see the shift behind his eyes.
Good. We were done playing.
“Don't worry.” He said, his tone lower. “You'll get a message soon. I promise you I'm serious about this.”
Just then my phone buzzed against the table. “You should check that.” He said his lip curving up.
I opened the message and it was a forwarded article that read
Fred Williams’ Empire at the verge of collapse.
I looked up slowly, lips curling into a faint, satisfied smile.
He noticed. “Good news?”
“Let’s just say… karma’s fast-tracked.”
“You're behind this aren't you?”
“Well, I did say, I was on it.”
And then another buzz. BREAKING: Mr. Fred Williams Collapses in His Office
My eyes skimmed the headline again, letting the words settle. Collapse. The irony was delicious. My breath hitched. Wow everything was happening so fast.
Next, I received a call, I excused myself from the table and stepped aside to answer.
“Hello?”
“Is this Miss Maya Williams?”
“Yes.”
“We’re calling from the hospital, there’s been a situation. We need you to come in regarding Mr. Fred Williams. It’s urgent.”
“Okay, on my way.” Then I hung up.
I made my way back to the table.
“I need to leave, Fred's at the hospital, I need to play the perfect wife role you know?” I said while gathering my things to leave.
“Good, this is just the beginning.” He said walking me out of the restaurant.
*******
The drive to the hospital was a blur of adrenaline and quiet satisfaction. My fingers curled tightly around the steering wheel, knuckles pale, but not from fear from anticipation. The city lights streaked past like falling stars, and I felt the corners of my mouth twitch upward in something dangerously close to a smile.
So it had begun.
There was a warmth in my chest, not joy exactly, but something close. Purpose. Control. I had been drowning in silence for too long. Now I was behind the wheel literally and figuratively. And it felt so damn good.
Outside the hospital was crowded with reporters, I had to sneak in.
I went straight to the nurses’ station, asking for Fred’s room. They pointed me toward the hallway, and I hurried along.
As I walked through the hallway, a chill crawled up my spine. Fred was somewhere down this corridor, broken and shaken. It was almost poetic, how the man who always had the upper hand now lay flat, his empire crumbling beneath him.
I rushed in, the way he looked devastated made me glad, it reminded me of the times I missed getting promoted because of his selfish desires. He deserved this and more.
Fred was awake when I walked in…. I went to his side and looked at him sad
“Hey babe, you good?” I said feigning concern in my tone.
He just nodded, he was probably too weak to utter words.
I turned to the doctor. “What happened doc? He was fine this afternoon.”
The doctor gave me a practiced professional smile. “Oh, you know due to his existing condition, the bad news about the company must have really gotten to him resulting in shock.” He said. “So... it’s stress-induced?”
“Exactly. His body went into shock from the emotional toll.”
“But not to worry Mrs Williams, we've stabilized him, he was brought here on time.”
I nodded. “Thank you Doctor.”
He added, “We’ll keep him under observation for a few hours, but he’s okay to go home later today.”
*******
Later that evening the ride back home was quiet.
Fred’s hand stayed wrapped around mine the entire way, clammy and trembling. He didn’t speak much, just stared out the window like a man who’d seen his kingdom burn.
Fred clung to me like I was the only thing he had left. Like someone who had lost everything else and now clutched desperately to the one thing still standing. If only he knew just how temporary even that was.
I helped him upstairs, one step at a time.
“Come on babe,” I said softly, “Let’s go to the room.”
Just then, we saw Jane at the top of the stairs, suitcase in hand. The suitcase looked stuffed like she’d packed in a hurry. Her eyes darted between Fred and me. I took my time climbing the last steps, every footstep echoing with control.
I turned my head one side. “What’s going on, Jane? You leaving?”
She had moved in when I had my accident. Said she was helping out. Right. Funny how they both tried to play savior. Jane, moving in to “help” me after the accident. Fred, holding onto me like I was his last breath. Now, I was the one in control. They had no idea just how close they were to the edge.
“Yes,” she said, forcing a smile. “There’s a project I’m working on. Thought it was time I moved out.”
Fred frowned. “But Maya still needs you. You know she hasn’t fully regained her memory.”
I touched his arm. “It’s okay, babe. I can last a few days without Jane.” I said sweetly, guiding Fred toward the stairs. He was too dazed to notice the frost in my voice.
I walked over and hugged her. I leaned in close, my lips brushing her ear.
“You’re doing good, girl,” I whispered. “Better do really well on this project. You wouldn’t want those videos going viral, right?”
She blinked rapidly, like holding back tears.
“Videos,” I mouthed silently.
Her face went pale.
I pulled back with a smile. “All the best, Jane,” I said sweetly, then turned back to Fred.
“Let’s get you to bed, love.” I told Fred, my voice sugar sweet.
Let the games continue. I loved that I was in control.
- Writer
