FALLING FOR VENGEANCE

First meeting "Sir, we are here," Philip announced, his words bringing Gabriel out of his thoughts. He gazed out from the back seat, his eyes intently fixed on the building—the name a daunting reminder of his betrayal fifteen years ago. A sinister smile played on his lips. "Fifteen years ago, I stood at the entrance of this very building and promised revenge." A sigh filled with satisfaction escaped his lips. "I feel I'm on time for payback." What do you think, Philip?" "Yes, boss, it is time," Philip replied. Like yesterday, Gabriel remembered his younger self being held down on his knees, the sharp gravel piercing his skin. Shaking his head, he tried to dispel the fog and the bad memories that plagued this building. These memories kept him awake some nights, and on the nights he did get sleep, he dreamed of it—the sinister laugh at Anderson Vale, his blatant mockery. His words were still fresh in Gabriel’s mind, each one shaped to pierce where it hurt the most. His esteem as a human had been laid on Vale's self-righteous table and butchered. The dead look in Samantha's eyes as she told him they were over still haunted him. She had discarded him like a rag—one she considered used and no longer needed. Barely twenty-four hours before, she had given herself to him, promising love forever. Yet, in the twinkle of an eye, that same tongue that promised him love had plunged in and ripped his heart apart. This act had filled him with rage, which he turned into the fuel needed to climb to the top. Every day, when he lacked motivation, the promise of revenge gave him courage. At a young age, he had an eye for tech and fancy projects, as his papa had called them. After his betrayal, he went home and, with his papa’s blessing, sold their only piece of land. Failed deals, risky inventions, sacrifices, and tears later, he got noticed. His name, once a gradual whisper in the business world, became an echo. He became a businessman with the brilliance of a wizard, the smile of Delilah, and the mind of a demon—an irresistible but deadly package. He sighed, then opened the door, stepping out. It was time. Samantha and her father would pay for his pain. Staring up one last time, he looked at the name "Vale's Co." Just like clockwork, Philip was at his side. They both stood gazing at the name on the building. "Philip, I want his name removed from my building as soon as we sign the papers," Gabriel whispered, gazing at the sign with so much hatred that, if looks could kill, the letters would have withered away. With the grace of a cheetah, he marched toward the door. He paused, remembering how he had once kneeled before Vale and his daughter. The dull ache of that pain simmered within his chest. Fifteen years later, the pain was still fresh. Well, it was time. At the entrance, an old man with a sprinkle of gray hair welcomed them. "Good day, sir. Miss Samantha asked me to receive you; please come with me." Turning to his assistant, amused, Gabriel said, "Philip, it seems Miss Samantha is quite busy. Wow, some things never change. The princess still has an attitude. With everything happening, I thought she would be a bit humble. But I am a gentle person with morals, even though I am from a poor family. Let's go up so I can see her; let's not keep her waiting." Samantha stood at the door, gazing. She looked composed, but her sweaty palms gave her away. She walked over to the already arranged office desk, picked up the pen, and tensed. She brushed down her skirt, her back facing the door. The soft knock signaled the arrival of the new CEO. Quickly, she put the pen down, turning with a well-practiced smile to welcome the guest. Looking up at the door, she saw Jimmy, her father's secretary, who greeted her with a smile. She responded, then shifted her gaze to the two men entering. The first, oddly familiar, gave her a curt nod. The second man smiled, his eyes so dark—so dark she could drown in them. So familiar. These eyes haunted her dreams. She woke up to these eyes every day. These same eyes called her "Mommy." In an instant, the room began to spin. Unable to hold herself, she whispered, "Gabriel," as darkness enveloped her.