The Ex-Wife's Revenge

The harsh cold stung my skin, making it feel like it was burning as I ran breathlessly through the dark passageway between the dilapidated buildings.

I struggled to control my breath, each inhale felt like needles piercing my lungs. The night was moonless and quiet, I had no light aiding my vision and the only sounds I could hear were the echo of my footsteps and the men chasing after me.

"Hey! Hey! Stop running girl, you're gonna get lost"

One of them called out and the others laughed in response.

It was late at midnight and my sister had not yet returned home. I could not reach her either. I was deeply worried, which was why I took a cab to the clubs she frequented but couldn't find her. I unfortunately ran into this gang of goons, with a thin luck I managed to escape being pinned down by them, and now I was running for my dear life.

"Lord lord, please help me"

I silently sobbed, hoping a miracle would save me from the dreadful situation I was in.

I stopped hearing their voices, instead I heard footsteps approaching, they were slow, different from my pursuers. My legs were wobbly, I struggled to stand up but failed, fear engulfed me.

A tall figure suddenly appeared in front of me and squatted to reach my level. How did the person find me?

"Hey there, are you okay?"

He asked, his voice calm and reassuring as he placed a hand on my trembling shoulder.

★•★•★•★•★•★•

Last night felt like a dream, but not in a good way. The strange man whom I trusted for some reason, took the liberty of safely driving me home. He tried to calm me down with his words but I barely heard a word he said, I didn't even catch his name or remember his face. Good thing was that I met my silly sister at home, slouched on the couch.

"Sorry to inform you Ma'am, but you are no longer eligible for the loan. You have to pay up your outstanding liabilities".

The loan officer's voice brought me back to reality. She wore a bored expression, her words conveyed empathy but her face certainly didn't. I could not take my eyes off her bright red lipstick as she smacked on her gum, for a moment I felt like taking out my frustration on her but hey, it's not her fault I'm downright broke is it?.

This was the sixth time and the sixth bank to reject my loan request. I sighed heavily as I took my leave, walking out of the coldness of the bank into the scorching heat from the sun. I had to cool my body and my mind, buying an iced latte won't hurt; no point saving money when I'm the one who needs saving.

I spotted a coffee shop down the street and walked in. The doorbell chimed and I took a moment to breathe in deeply...ahh the pleasant smell of coffee had never been more therapeutic. I helped myself to a table, the sound of coffee being blended and the conversations of the people in the café overshadowed my thoughts.

I sat patiently, waiting to be attended to. My eyes roamed to a family of four outside, the children were giggling happily and having a little dance as they munched on a cartoon themed cotton candy their parents got them, I watched them pass by with longing.

"Once upon a time, this was my life". I whispered to myself.

There was a time when my family was not just complete but also happy, just like this one, life was beautiful then.

I was a lonely six year old at the orphanage when a beautiful couple came and adopted me, after I had been rejected by other couples because they wanted a newborn. My new parents loved me dearly and two years later, my younger sister came along.

We had it all until our fairy tale was cut short... "and it's all my fault". I muttered.

"Hello Miss, welcome to Tsuki Cafe. May I take your order?"

The voice of the waitress brought back my attention, she was a young redhead, she seemed about my sister's age.

" You were supposed to order from the counter but since you weren't coming, I had to come ask." She added and smiled. I facepalmed.

"I'm so so sorry". I felt so embarrassed.

" No, no it's fine. No big deal". She smiled wider, revealing the gap between her sparkling white teeth. I felt reassured, she was a sweetheart.

"Uhm one iced latte please". I placed my order, my tone made it sound like a plea.

"Extras?" She asked.

"Just regular," I answered. Ain't got extra cash for extras.

I watched her walk away, the pink floral dress and brown apron uniform they all wore looked cute. maybe I should apply for a job here... I thought.

A few moments later I got a call from an unknown number, convinced it was about the NGO. I answered the call with my fingers crossed.

"Hello, am I speaking to Miss Jia Hale?"

A sultry female voice spoke from the other line.

" Yes, I'm Jia Hale". I replied, feeling a little intimidated by the feminine refinement her voice portrayed.

"Splendid. I am Doris from HME Holdings. I am reaching out to schedule a meeting with you on Monday at the request of our CEO, Mr Henry Copper. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss official business matters. Would you be available to attend at your earliest convenience? Please let me know a suitable time, and I will ensure it is accommodated."

"Are you sure you have the right person?" I asked, surprised at the identity and purpose of the caller.

"Certainly, Jia Hale right?

"Yes, yes. Uhm okay, I'll be there at ten a.m".

"Great, see you on Monday". She chuckled and ended the call.

Well, that was strange, I did not request a loan from HME holdings and certainly never reached out to them for anything. Whatever the meeting was about, it was certainly important, HME holdings was one of the most reputable companies in Valle Dulce.

The weekend went by in a blur,I spent it thinking about ways to solve my financial dilemma, and I was certainly anxious and a little bit excited to find out the surprise Monday held. After what felt like eternity, Monday came, it did come with surprises.

I got to the office at ten a.m as promised, it was an hour's journey from where I lived so I had to hit the road early to keep up with time. I was directed to Doris who in turn directed me to the CEO.

I felt like a tortoise out of its shell as I stepped into his office. The office was huge, a mahogany table was placed at the center of the room, complementing the gray paint used for the wall, and a huge abstract portrait was hung on one end of the wall. The office was extremely cold. I shivered due to anxiety and the temperature of the office.

"Miss Hale?".

A deep voice spoke from a corner in the office. I looked towards the direction it came from and staring at me was a sight for sore eyes, I almost melted into a puddle.