CHAPTER TWO

Anika's P.O.V

Heartbroken, devastated, and filled with despair, I leaned against my locked bedroom door, refusing to open it for the betrayer on the other side who continued to beg for forgiveness.

Eventually, silence filled the air as Richard ceased his pleas and retreated, driving off into the distance.

I knew it was Richard's car, and I felt a sense of relief. I had no intention of ever seeing that scoundrel again. 

After everything I had done for him, I couldn't believe he would betray me in such a way.

"Why did he do this to me? Was I not enough?" I thought bitterly, tears still streaming down my face.

Throughout the night, I sobbed relentlessly, my eyes undoubtedly red and swollen. I cried until darkness enveloped the room, unable to release the pain coursing through me.

It wasn't my fault that I was born into privilege; all I longed for was genuine love and care. 

I wanted someone who would hold me close, whispering "I love you" each night with sincerity, someone who could bring me solace during moments of anger, showering me with the affection and adoration I deserved. But it seemed as though such a person didn't exist in my life, as all the boys I had dated had turned out to be nothing more than greedy and selfish people.

As the night wore on and my mind wandered through memories of the past, exhaustion finally overcame me. I noticed my eyes aching, the tears no longer able to flow.

With unsteady legs, I rose from the floor, swaying back and forth. Sniffing back the threat of more tears, I made my way toward the bed, seeking solace in sleep's embrace. Closing my eyes, I surrendered to the goddess of slumber.

***

The sound of my alarm clock jarred me from my thoughts, filling me with irritation. I switched it off and tossed it randomly, not caring where it ended up.

Yawning, I rubbed my face and groaned, feeling the remnants of a headache lingering behind my closed eyes.

With a sigh, I finally opened my eyes, the pain subsiding slightly. I sat up and begrudgingly acknowledged the start of a new day, cursing the morning for its early arrival.

I stretched my tired limbs, preparing myself for the tasks ahead, and stood up to go wash up but I caught sight of the destroyed alarm and I sighed, I shouldn't have destroyed it after all.

I had set the alarm for 6:00 am for work, a decision made to distract myself from the turmoil caused by Richard.

Taking over my father's business seemed like a logical step for me, providing me with a focus to move forward and heal.

The decision I hurriedly made last night surprised me as I had always despised office work and instead spent my time partying and indulging in a carefree lifestyle. However, my parents' untimely death had acted as a wake-up call, urging me to let go of the unbeneficial habits Richard had influenced.

Staring at my reflection, I couldn't help but be taken aback by the disheveled mess that stared back at me.

My eyes were bloodshot, my hair unruly, and my once-perfect makeup was long ruined by hours of crying. I resembled an eerie figure, far from my usual self.

Realizing I was running late, a muttered curse escaped my lips. I hurriedly opened my wardrobe and laid out a neat white shirt and black trousers, then selected an expensive bag.

A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I remembered my mom giving me these bags. She had always loved fashion and treated buying accessories as an art form. I couldn't help but smile at the memory then said a silent prayer for her, hoping her soul was at peace.

Crouching down, I chose a pair of black heels and placed them beside my clothes. Grabbing my yellow fluffy towel, I made my way to the bathroom, hanging it on a pole behind the bathtub.

As I stepped into the warm shower. The water cascaded over my body, washing away the remnants of yesterday's tears. I let the hot water soothe my aching muscles, allowing myself a moment to just breathe and reflect. I felt a brief relaxation from the chaos in my mind.

Once I finished preparing myself for the day, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. Today marked the start of a new chapter, an opportunity for growth and healing. 

With revived determination, I stepped out of the bathroom, ready to face the challenges that awaited me. Today was the day I was going to take control of my life and I was ready for it.

I got dressed and sat down in front of my vanity mirror and began fixing my makeup. I caked on some concealer to hide the dark circles under my eyes, hoping it would make me look more presentable then brushed through my tangled hair and tied it up into a neat ponytail.

Finally satisfied with my appearance, I slipped into my black heels and grabbed my bag. 

As I reached for my bag, I felt a buzz emanating from inside it. Curious, I retrieved my phone and discovered a plethora of messages from Richard. 

There were about fifty messages and more than thirty missed calls from him. I wondered how I had somehow managed to sleep through all the notifications and buzzing.

I scrolled through the messages, and my heart sank as I read Richard's attempts to apologize and justify his actions. He was trying to gaslight and manipulate the situation like he always does as if I were oblivious to what I had witnessed - him and my so-called "friend" making out.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the hurt and anger aside, striving to keep my emotions in check. I didn't want to think about him while starting a new job.

My eyes moved to my wristwatch and I gasped when I saw the time displayed on its face. I was dangerously close to being late for work.

"Omg! I'm almost late for work," I exclaimed and rushed downstairs.

With a calmer mind, I made my way downstairs toward the kitchen, my stomach rumbling with hunger.

It had been hours since I last ate, and the thought of a delicious breakfast made my mouth water. 

I muttered, "Yummy..." as I got lost in the tantalizing aroma of bacon and eggs, one of my favorite breakfast foods.

"You're finally awake," a familiar voice said, interrupting my food-filled daydream. I instantly recognized it as my Nana's voice.

She had been a pillar of support for me since my parents' tragic demise, taking care of me selflessly. Sometimes, I felt like I didn't miss my mother as much because Nana had filled that void in my life. I loved her dearly.

"Good morning, Nana," I greeted her warmly, showering her with a hug and a peck on the cheek.

"Morning, love," Nana replied, her voice filled with love and warmth. She began dishing out the breakfast onto a plate while I took a seat at the table.

"Mm... Bacon and eggs are my favorite morning food," I mumbled, my mouth watering at the sight of the delicious breakfast.

"That's why I made them today, especially for you," Nana said, her eyes twinkling with love and care.

"Thanks," I replied gratefully, accepting the plate of bacon and eggs she handed me. She then poured some orange juice into a cup before joining me at the table.

"Mm..." I moaned appreciatively as I took a bite of the crispy bacon, immediately savoring its flavor. The eggs were perfectly cooked, adding to the delicious taste.

"That reminds me, I saw Richard yesterday. He was apologizing to you," Nana mentioned casually, her curiosity getting the better of her. 

"Did you and your lovebirds have another fight?"

I almost choked on my food upon hearing her words. The mention of Richard brought back a flood of emotions, and my appetite disappeared in an instant. 

"We are no longer together. I realized he was just like everyone else, using me for my money," I responded, my voice filled with a mix of sadness and frustration. I fought back the tears threatening to escape my eyes.

Nana gasped, her eyes filled with concern and empathy. "Oh, my dear Anika, it's not your fault. You're not cursed. You were born into a good family for a reason," she comforted me, her voice gentle.

"I thought Richard was a good person, a nice guy, but I was wrong," I sighed, wiping away a stray tear that escaped. It hurts to admit my vulnerability.

"Men can be jerks," Nana proclaimed, trying to lighten the mood, and it worked. I let out a soft laugh, finding solace in her words.

"Let's forget about him," I declared, making the conscious decision to leave Richard behind and focus on the present instead. 

I picked up my fork and resumed eating, determined to appease the grumbling hunger within me.

"Don't worry, Anika. You'll find your prince charming one day," Nana reassured me, her voice oozing with optimism and hope.

"I doubt it," I muttered, downing the rest of my orange juice, trying to swallow the bitter taste of past heartbreak.

Changing the subject, I eagerly asked Nana, "Guess what?"

She teasingly replied, "You've got yourself a new boyfriend."

"Nana!" I whined, rolling my eyes playfully at her comment.

"Sorry, love. I'm awful at guessing," she chuckled, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"I've decided to work at Dad's company," I gleefully announced, a sense of pride washing over me.

"He would be so proud of you," Nana beamed, her smile radiant with joy.

"I know," I grinned, feeling a surge of happiness at the thought of making my father proud.

Glancing at my watch, panic seized me. "What? I'm late for work! I only have seventeen minutes left. Bye!" I exclaimed, grabbing my bag and rushing toward the door.

"But Anika, you haven't finished your food," Nana called out, her voice filled with concern.

"I'm late," I shouted back but in a moment of impulse, I turned back, hurriedly returned to the dining room, devoured the remaining bacon, and rushed out after I was done.

As I stepped outside, the fresh morning air greeted me, filling my lungs with a sense of freedom. I got into my car, ready to tackle the challenges that lay ahead.

My heart may still be broken, but I knew that with time, it would heal and in the meantime, I was going to focus on building a life full of love, success, and happiness.

T.B.C

Noeline.