GENEVIEVE POV

Getting back to the States the previous night only had my head spinning with different thoughts. Plus, I kept having recurring dreams, which kept me awake most of the night.

The scene that happened at the restroom kept replaying in that dream, reminding me of how my ex best friend and ex boyfriend stabbed me in the back with betrayal.

I was awake like an owl at night, developing a headache the next morning. I could not help but yearn for rest in the early morning. I was grateful I received a day off work via email from the new company I was to work with.

If I hadn’t, I probably would have forced myself to go, and I wasn’t a hundred percent sure I would be sane enough to work, not to mention that I needed more rest and might break down if I did not rest.

I slept for a while, as I woke up to an aroma nestling on my nostrils, prompting me to sit up. My eyes met with that of mum as she placed a tray of food close to my bed.

Her gaze met mine as she smiled. “You are awake?” she said. I simply gave her a nod.

“ I made one of your favorite meal. You should eat it while it is hot.”

I was silent, determined not to say a word. I wished Anabelle had allowed me to stay over at her side when I arrived from New Zealand, but her persuasiveness to stay with my foster parents got me.

It was clearly surprising how I couldn’t go with my other option, that is, to stay in Zealand, look for a good paying job and probably start a new life. I’ve returned to the United States and shouldn’t be regretting it right?

Due to constant begging from Annabelle and my foster mother, I had to follow her back home. Not to mention the threatening messages from my foster father, which was not helping with the grudge I held against him.

As if she was reading my mind, she said, “I’m sorry for your dad’s behavior. He just seemed to be under a lot of pressure lately.”

I simply hummed, adjusting my pillow as I rested on it.

She moved closer, as she sat on my bed. Her movement was slow, and I needed no one to tell me she was nervous.

My heart sank.

“Dear, you look pale. I think you should rest more. I can call your workplace requesting days off,” she lamented, her tone filled with concern.

“It’s fine. I was given today’s off to settle down. I will be resuming work tomorrow,” I finally spoke, as she nodded.

“I will leave you now. Remember to take your meal. I left some medications with it. Eat your food while it is hot.” She gave me a smile, which I reciprocated slightly.

She turned the door knob, as I realized something. I should appreciate her efforts.

“Thank you, mum. I appreciate it.” She turned abruptly at hearing my voice, a bright smile on her face, before leaving the room.

Yet, I didn’t feel those words truly from my heart. I knew in my heart I was still fueling a grudge. I still haven’t forgiven her, not to mention her husband. I hated they held such truth from me, and saw me as something they could trade for wealth.

I stared at the food, contemplating whether to eat it or not. Staring at it reminded me of the last time I tasted the food. It was keto pancakes with syrup, whipped cream topping and fresh berries. I succumbed the moment my stomach growled, indicating hunger.

Yet, there was something on my mind.

How to figure out a way to be far away from them.

#THE NEXT MORNING

I had a lot to think of, and I was glad I came to some conclusions. Yet, I wondered what my day at work would be like. Possibly more mysteries and surprises.

I took a sip of my tea, as my mum came into view. It occurred to me, I never bothered to pester her the more about who my real parents were.

I shook my head, trying to fully ignore the thoughts in my head. I already had a lot on my head. I don’t think I was ready for more shocking news.

“You know, your dad and I discussed and decided to set a date for you and Anderson to know more about each other.”

Just like that, I lost my appetite at her words.

“I doubt that is necessary. I haven’t and won’t accept that marriage proposal,” I stated firmly, standing up.

“Tell me why you don’t want to marry that gentleman. He is a nice man.” I scoffed at her use of words.

I wondered how much she knew about him.

She doesn’t know men like him could pretend a lot.

It was staring right at me, what they really wanted. Both my foster dad and his wife.

“I would rather not marry because I was betrothed. I want to marry for love, be independent and live a simple lifestyle with my husband. You know how much I hate being seen by others- the world. There is no way I would remain low-key if I marry that billionaire.” I let out my concern, but it wasn’t enough.

I wanted to vent it all out and let her see how deeply hurt I was. Not only were they not my real parents, but they were planning to sell me away.

I was glad I was resuming today, and I was more ready to request for transfer if possible. I couldn’t stay in the States any longer.

Silence followed as I stood up and left for my room. I took one last glance, doing my usual prep talk, hoping it would ease the insecurities I had battled with continuously.

With my small bag hanging over my shoulder, I steadily opened the door to my room, trying as much as possible to avoid any form of contact with my foster parents.

Seeing their faces reminds me of numerous things. The betrayal, sadness, hurt … Things I would rather not remember but they kept coming anyway.

Luck wasn’t on my side as my gaze landed on mum the moment I stepped into the living room. Her face was boldly written with worry as she gazed at me. I could not help but look downward for a while, while trying to steady my breathing.

“Genevieve,” her voice stopped my forward movement, as I halted.

I sighed, trying to put it in mind to not get angry.

“It’s your first day at work and you only had tea. I prepared your meal. Try it out, possibly when you are at work.”

I stared at the food flask she was holding, as she pushed it forward towards me before meeting her gaze.

“Thank you, but I am late for work already.”

Not waiting for her response, I strutted away.

I took a cab, trying not to reflect on everything that had been happening to me.

I finally got to the company, and it was stunning. My steps halted as I took a moment to admire the lobby area.

I was directed to the secretary after a few confirmations. I’m not sure why but I really felt nervous at the sight of the secretary. Perhaps because of her beauty or perhaps her look of dislike towards when I greeted her. I could easily denote she didn't like me the moment she sized me up from head to toe.

I bit my lips slightly before slowly meeting her gaze.

“I guess you are the new personal assistant of my boss,” she said, not hiding the irritation in her voice. I swallowed, nodding quietly.

“I can’t believe the boss still felt the need for a personal assistant when I as her secretary can fill in for both.”

Now I know why she doesn’t look too good when she saw me. But that was the least of my concerns now.

I am furious because the Manager at New Zealand deemed it fit to lie to me that the reason I was being transferred was mostly because they needed me for my skills. Instead, I as a Business Administration graduate will be a Personal assistant to the CEO. How great!

“Can I leave for the CEO office now?” I asked, her eyes scanning through me before landing on the letter I gave to her.

“It’s a relief you are not that beautiful. At least, you won’t succeed in seducing the CEO. I know your kind,” she mumbled.

“Excuse me.” The words came out of my mouth before I could stop it. Yet, I wished I said more than that.

I was slowly boiling in anger, my hands suddenly sweaty, as my insecurities started setting in.

“What are you going to do now?” Her thick fake eyelashes moved up and down.

“Nothing. It will be a waste of time to argue with a secretary that can’t do her job well.”

“You….” Her voice went off as we stared at each other viciously.

Five, ten seconds went on, and we were still in a staring competition.

“You can’t see the CEO today. That’s final,” she sneered.

I was at the bout of giving up, when a voice rose, coming from my back.

“And who gave you the permission to stop her from seeing me?”

My breath took yet another leap as I turned instantly, my eyes meeting with that familiar pair of gray eyes.

“Hello Genevieve.” My heart beat faster than usual, a lot suddenly running through my mind.

What the hell!