CHASING HATRED

Another bootlicking project complete"

Closing my laptop marked a brief respite from the corporate chaos that dictated my daily life.

As the city's lights flickered outside my window,It reminded me of the life I had chose within this walls of Beer bellied old men thinking they look hotter than models and women who stuck like glue to them if they aren't on their knees as their stepping stools.

Did I hate my life?

Absolutely not...

But my job

Despised it.

A notification on my phone drew me back to the present, and with a glance, I saw the sight of Gianna at her normal "night house" partying and having the time of her life. The thumping music and carefree laughter served as a stark contrast to the quiet ambiance of my gloomy documents and computer combination.. The allure of joining them tugged at me,but I knew someone who would throw a fit if I ever did anything fun or exciting.

While absentmindedly scrolling through Gianna's moments, my phone rang, displaying the familiar "Hidden drag queen" on the caller ID. I answered, prepping myself for the speech he was going to deliver trying to get me to come back as usual..

"Hey, Navy! What thrilling adventures are you up to tonight?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, setting the tone for our typical exchanges.

I chuckled, playing along,he knew what was coming." I'm watching your last performance. You know you'd really look so dashing with a wig and make up on. Might even catch Devon's attention."

His laughter echoed through the phone. "Funny. Never mention that Infront of my wife or you'll end up in the orphanage with a slice of bread a day. Anyways that's not why I called. You've been in London for too long, before you start sipping tea with the king and having an accent, come home."

Rolling my eyes with a smile, I replied, "come home ?I thought it was just getting its well-deserved peace and quiet."

Feigning offense, he continued, "You wound me, Navy. Your mother and I miss you. Come home sometime; it's been so long that even the furniture is starting to forget you. Besides I'm sick of Gianna visiting and telling my wife about her new lover ever 3 days."

My laughter mirrored his sarcasm. "I'll clear my never ending schedule and think about it. Now, the real reason you called?"

His tone shifted slightly, and he admitted, "Well, since you asked, I do have a reason. Your old man could use some company, you know?"

Raising an eyebrow, I asked, "Company? Or is this another one of your schemes to bring down your rival which you haven't been able to achieve for over a decade.

A brief pause, followed by his hearty laughter. "You know your father so well, anyways get on that plane and we'll discuss how you'll crush him and get my dignity back. Besides it's been a while since you met your parents."

A wave of nostalgia washed over me, softening my expression. My parents, a subject I never want to speak of but cant let to be forgotten"Right. I'll see what I can do. But you can forget me having anything to do with Devon's company, I always have so much to do when I come back here."

We threw more sarcasms at each other, creating a temporary escape from my demanding world. As I hung up, I found myself reflecting on the journey that had led me to this point.

I hated going back home, it made the feeling of not being able to do anything stronger than ever. Made me feel like a coward. Although My step dad told me there's nothing I could do, I still felt I could do something. I just didn't know what. Maybe I did know but I couldn't do it.

Maybe I should feign being ill again. I felt ashamed visiting my parents graves, felt like they'll judge me for not being able to do anything.

At the same time, perhaps they don't judge me at all. I don't know.

In the days that followed, I juggled my corporate responsibilities while contemplating the idea of a homecoming. My mind lingered on memories of my family - the cozy dinners, my mother's infectious laughter, and my dad's look of love when ever his eyes fell on my mum and i. Life had been simpler back then, before tragedy struck, altering the trajectory of my existence.

It took My stepdad 12 calls and multiple sweet talking about how healthy my hair was and how I did such a wonderful job before I finally give in. Anything to make him stop.

I had second thoughts going on the flight, but I closed my eyes and went through, after almost knocking a flight attendant over but I still did it anyways.

As I stepped into the grandeur of the estate, memories resurfaced. The sprawling lawns, the imposing gates, and the meticulously designed mansion stirred echoes of a time when our family was complete. It was a monument to the success my parents had achieved, and now, it was a legacy I was determined to uphold.

S.G Corporation, the family business, had thrived under my stewardship somehow and I didn't mess it up. What was once a prosperous enterprise under my parents' guidance had transformed into a global powerhouse. S.G, synonymous with innovation and excellence, now held sway in multiple industries from technology, fashion and jewelry.

My stepfather often remarked on our joint success, his playful and sarcastic tone a constant reminder of the empire we had built together. "Your parents would be proud," he would say, and I couldn't deny the truth in his words.

As I wandered through the mansion, the opulence of its architecture, the polished marble floors, and the elaborate chandeliers overhead spoke of the affluence that had become synonymous with the S.G name. I couldn't help but marvel at the intricacies of the tapestry of my life, woven with threads of triumph and sacrifice.

Little did I know that this impromptu visit would rekindle forgotten connections, something I never imagined.

The journey into my past was both daunting and exhilarating. The weight of responsibility tugged at my heart, but so did the yearning for the warmth of familiar surroundings. The mansion, once a sanctuary of laughter, now held the untold stories that shaped our family.

The S.G legacy had become a living testament to the resilience of family and the strength born from adversity. The shadows of the past, though haunting, carried within them the essence of who I had become. The thriving empire, the grandeur of the mansion, and the memories etched into every corner - they all converged to create the fabric of my existence.

As I stood amidst the grandeur, a realization dawned upon me. The S.G legacy, with its roots deeply embedded in the past, continued to flourish, evolving with each passing moment.

I saw a familiar face with a familiar black car I'd never mistake the moment I got out of the airport. With a cheeky smile I made my way to it and opened the back of the car and placed my belongings.

Knowing my step dad, he already had a ton of cringey sarcastic lines to throw at me the moment I sat down.

I opened the car and sat down with my eyes closed.

"I know you have something to say, but right now I'm tired and I want nothing more than to have Mom's six course meal so whatever you have to say, keep it " i spoke sarcastically knowing I won't be able to shut him up anyways.

However the voice I heard was nothing like my stepdad, instead it was a cold menacing voice.

"What in the world are you doing in my vehicle?"

Shit. My eyes sprung open as I jolted in shock. I stared at the man who looked at me with coldness and irritation as my mind ran with thoughts of how to explain.

"Are you mentally impaired? What.are.you.doing.here?"

Did he just call me deaf?

I scoffed. And here I was feeling awkward and apologetic for disturbing him.

"First of all no one calls it vehicle these days, unless you just came out of some sort of hibernation and second of all,I am not mentally impaired and I can hear of annoying voice quiet clearly." I rolled my eyes and got ready to leave when I heard him....

"Navaeh?"

He knows my name, I never allowed anyone call me Navaeh, it was the name my mum called me and after she and dad passed everyone called me Navy. The strange man's voice sparked a feeling of familiarity but I didn't know where I knew him.

Perhaps he had seen me on TV? A feeling of smugness filled me as I smirked proudly.

I turned to him with confidence."Oh? So you know me, then you should know this was an accident and I hold my reputation with much care and dedication. This is all a misunderstanding and I forgive you for not recognizing me the first time. We won't meet again anyways."

I gave a cheeky wink and moved to grab the door handle when his grip landed hard on my shoulder and I flinched.

Was he going to kidnap me? Or worst kill me?

Is that why the cars are so similar. He must have done it on purpose.

I stealthily reached for the gun in my purse.

"Navaeh Deziz? You really don't recognize me."he spoke again and once again I was filled with the same rushing feeling of me knowing him.

Just then a young man tapped on the window and The man lowered the glass.

"Mr Alvarez it seems The young mistress has left with her friends. Shall we leave?"

I felt like I was doused in hot lava.

I felt the growing redness in my cheeks as I placed my gun back in my purse and used my hair to shield my face all trying to open the door.

I can't say I recognize him, I'll never live to see another day!!

Reign Alvarez. Young master of the Alvarez mansion or should I say Palace since his grandparents were practically royalty and the son of Devon Alvarez, the company which gave my stepdad a headache.

And also the man who was once my best friend and caused him to face the biggest humiliation which made News headings for weeks.

I still remember the words he told me 17 years ago.

"You better hope we never cross paths Deziz, or else I promise to put a bullet right in the middle of your big forehead"

I'm finished.....