1 To Never Forget

The Scars She Hid From The World

REGINA MCBRIDE

The heavy iron gates of the Wilderness Correction Camp groaned as they released me after three years of state-sponsored hell. I stood on the dirt road, clutching a plastic bag that held my entire life, waiting for the family that claimed they sent me there for "rehab." My brother, Brady, picked me up in a luxury SUV only to throw me out onto a deserted highway in the middle of a brewing storm. He told me I was a "public relations nightmare" and that the rain might finally wash the "stink" of the camp off me. He drove away, leaving me to limp miles through the mud on a snapped ankle. When I finally dragged myself to our family estate, my mother didn't offer a hug; she gasped in horror because my muddy clothes were ruining her Italian marble. They didn't give me my old room back. Instead, they banished me to a moldy gardener’s shack and hired a "babysitter" to make sure I didn't embarrass them further. My sister, Kaleigh, stood there in white cashmere, pretending to cry while clinging to her fiancé, Ambrose—the man who had once been mine. They all treated me like a volatile junkie, refusing to acknowledge that Kaleigh was the one who planted the drugs in my bag three years ago. They wanted to believe I was broken so they wouldn't have to feel guilty about the "wellness retreat" that was actually a torture chamber. I sat in the dark of that shed, feeling the cooling gel on the cigarette burns that covered my arms, and realized they had made a fatal mistake. They thought they had erased me, but I had returned with a roadmap of scars and a hidden satellite phone. At dinner, I didn't beg for their love. I simply rolled up my sleeves and showed them the price of their silence. As the wine spilled and the lies crumbled, I sent a single text to the only person I trusted: "I'm in. Let them simmer." The hunt was finally on.

Modern Revenge Scheming

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Chapter 1

"Haze, son." Haze looked at his father when he called him. They were in the living room, sitting on opposite sofas.

It was Sunday afternoon, and his parents were staying home. It was their rest day from work.

His father was an architect, now in his mid-50s, and Haze knew his father was nearing retirement. His dad was one of the best in his field.

Haze was supposed to be his father's successor, but he had chosen to follow his dream. He became a surgeon, and his parents respected his decision to pursue medicine.

Perhaps his younger brother, Euzen, would take over their father's business instead. Euzen was only in his third year of college but was ready to handle their family company.

Their youngest sibling, Euzel, was in seventh grade. Despite being young, Euzel already knew how to cook, seemingly taking after their mother.

Euzen had considered studying architecture, but he said business management was his priority.

"What is it, Dad?" Haze asked.

"Your Ninong Zerald's daughter is arriving tomorrow, and I'd like you to pick her up at the airport," his father said softly.

"My Ninong's daughter? I... I forgot her name, Dad," Haze scratched his head, genuinely unable to recall his godfather's child.

"She's a girl, son. Her name is Dhea Averay. She's a good kid and very smart," his dad said with a smile, while Haze grimaced.

"You're in trouble, Haze," his mom teased as she joined the conversation. "How could you forget her? She spent months vacationing here, and the two of you were inseparable."

"Hey, honey." His mom sat next to his dad, kissing him on the lips, before turning to Haze with a knowing look.

"Don't look at me like that, Mom. I really forgot her. See? I even forgot her gender," Haze explained, trying to justify himself.

He tried to remember the face of his Ninong's daughter, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't picture her.

"When was the last time she stayed here, Mom?" Haze asked, watching as his mom leaned on his dad's shoulder.

His parents were the sweetest couple, a shining example of love. Even with age and three children, their affection for each other never wavered.

He knew they'd been through a lot, especially his mom, who raised him alone for the first seven years of his life.

He often saw his mom cry in silence, deeply hurt. From his parents, he learned one important lesson about love.

Trust-trust is the most important thing in a relationship. It's not enough to love; you have to trust. Both of you need to have faith in each other.

"Five years ago, Haze. She was such a beautiful girl, and now you're telling me you've forgotten her?" His mom raised an eyebrow, and Haze sheepishly smiled.

"Sorry, Mom. I've just been really busy with work."

"Why don't you take a vacation, Haze?" his dad suggested.

"Uh, maybe after my friend's wedding."

"Dervon? He's getting married?" His mom looked excited.

Dervon Veins Avelino, also a surgeon, worked at the same hospital as Haze. He was a close friend, along with Domein Domingo, Psyche Chan Quraiz, and Andrey Callelan.

However, Haze couldn't bring himself to feel excited or happy for his friend. Dervon wasn't marrying the woman he loved.

He knew Dervon wasn't thrilled about the upcoming marriage.

"Yes, Mom."

"I'm happy for him. Make sure to tell him to send us an invitation. I'm excited for that boy," his mom said with a smile.

"I will, Mom."

Dhea Averay Lacsamana

Haze raised the placard with his Ninong's daughter's name, hoping she would see it.

Passengers and newly arrived travelers flooded the airport. He didn't bother looking at their faces, as he couldn't remember what Dhea looked like. It had been a long time, and he had no clear memory of her.

If his dad hadn't asked him to pick her up, he wouldn't have come to the airport at all. God knows how much he hated airports.

This was where he last saw and spoke to the woman he loved-the one who left him and chose her parents.

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