Chapter 4 Shadow Of The Past

The meal had imparted a bitter flavor to my palate, predominantly due to Williams' father rather

than anything else. His conduct was overly familiar-his touches lasted slightly too long, his

smiles a tad too inviting, and his gaze far too understanding. I could nearly sense the heaviness

of his stare, as though it penetrated me. Still, there was an enticing quality to it, a gentle

attraction that I couldn't resist. Or perhaps, I simply didn't wish to.

"I need to make an important call. Mr. Johnson said before excusing himself.

Williams watched his father leave before turning to me. "What are you doing with my father,

don't you know he is a married man. Stay off him!" Williams snapped.

"Well, well, well! Says someone who married his wife bestfriend within the short time of her

death." I said smiling but deep down I was really hurt.

"Do not compare my actions to yours, my wife was dead and my son need a mother, oh gosh!

Why do I have to explain myself to you". He said.

"Just the way you don't need to explain yourself, you shouldn't from me." I replied with my hands

crossed.

"Then why did you let me come here knowing my dad will also be coming. You wanted to

humiliates me in-front of my dad right?" Williams asked angrily.

His anger issues always get the best of him, but I kept him mute and everywhere went silient.

When I exited the restaurant, I attempted to erase the thought of him from my mind. However, it

was difficult. I had already decided to participate in whatever game he was involved in, and now

there was no turning back. The night felt excessively silent while I returned to my car, the

heaviness of the city's calmness closing in on me. I had no doubt that Williams would be

outraged, and I took pleasure in that idea.

The following morning, the day had started with its typical bustle when a courier rapped on my

door. I accepted the invitation from his hands with a grin, fully aware of its contents. Williams

and Bella's wedding anniversary serves as another reminder of the life I once envisioned could

have been mine, but I was too soft, too calm to handle it.

I gazed at the invitation for an extended period, pondering if I should attend. On one side, the

idea of attending their celebration, aware of how much it would disturb them, was alluring.

However, the last thing I desired was to be a source of unwarranted rumors. I exhaled and set

the invitation down on the table, resolving that I would go. The game was ultimately never

finished, after all.

Just when I had decided, my phone vibrated. It was the voice of my mother-in-law, as smooth

and collected as ever. "Victoria, dear," she started, "I truly hope you'll be attending Williams and

Bella's anniversary party this evening. "It would be terrible if you didn't come." She said before

she laughed hard.

She didn't have to say anything further. I was familiar with the routine by this point. She was just

as embedded in their social circles as I was, and her views mattered. My attendance was

anticipated.

With hesitation, I consented. "I'll be there," I replied, my voice remaining inscrutable.

That night, I wore a modest but stylish black dress that I was certain would attract attention. It

hugged my shapes flawlessly, the material silky and flowing as it draped down to my ankles. I

hardly had to do anything to appear amazing. It felt innate, and I had long since gotten used to

how individuals gazed when I walked into a space.

As I entered the venue, I sensed everyone's gaze directed at me. The space fell silent, and for

an instant, I reveled in the focus. I always succeeded in making an entrance. I could feel the

shift in the atmosphere-the manner in which the guests, a few familiar faces among them,

leaned closer and murmured. I could immediately see that Diana, positioned on the other side of

the room, was furious. The woman had never been fond of me, largely due to her husband's

way of looking at me that made her uneasy.

"Miss Dantes," Mr. Johnson welcomed me right away. His eyes glimmered with joy as he moved

closer, evidently happy about my presence. "How wonderful it is to have you here."

I nodded in recognition, providing a smile that I wished didn't appear too distant. My gaze swiftly

scanned the room, resting on Bella. Her smile wavered as soon as she noticed me. It was short

yet significant. She wasn't particularly pleased with my presence, and I was well aware of her

feelings. I was completely justified in being there, yet it didn't lessen her discomfort.

I walked up to Bella as I greeted her with a hug and peck.

"Thanks for coming". Bella said shallowly.

"I have a present for you," I said, giving her a small box wrapped in elegant paper, similar to the

one she presented to me on my wedding day.

Bella's hands shook a bit as she opened the package, her face showing signs of recognition.

The grin she imposed was so rigid it might have shattered.

"Thanks," she replied, her voice trembling. "It's really nice."

I leaned in a bit, focusing my gaze on her. "Are you sure that you're okay, Bella? You appear to

be somewhat pale."

She swiftly concealed her unease, yet her eyes revealed the truth. "I'm okay, truly." The words

seemed practiced, as if she was attempting to persuade herself more than anyone else.

I didn't probe any deeper. Ultimately, my presence here was due to another purpose. The night

proceeded with the customary speeches and friendly remarks. Williams and Bella stepped onto

the stage to express their gratitude to the attendees for being there, and then the moment

arrived, the moment I wished I never witnessed.

"We're excited to share," Williams started, his tone friendly and assured as he placed an arm

around Bella's waist, "that Bella and I are going to have a baby."

The audience burst into applause, yet within me, I experienced a sudden pang. I had anticipated

it, but hearing it spoken impacted me more than I expected. A kid-her kid, with him. A baby

signified a future, which I could never share with him.

I applauded with everyone else in the room, my grin never fading. Yet deep within, my heart

broke in silent, unvoiced pain. It wasn't solely the announcement of the baby-it was a reminder

of all I had lost. All that I had sacrificed for the life I was currently striving to create. I no longer

felt that I belonged here. I did not belong to this world.

Later that night, while heading to the restroom, I couldn't shake the heaviness of their

announcement bearing down on me. Bella had already slipped away, maybe to gather her

thoughts. Her complexion was wan, her grin still affixed but failing to illuminate her eyes. I trailed

behind her, unable to resist the persistent desire to confront her.

Upon entering, I heard her voice prior to seeing her. She was speaking in a quiet, nearly

hopeless tone. "Why must she always be present?" she whispered. "Sophia has departed. Why

can't she simply let me be? Her presence evokes all those memories, memories I'd prefer to

forget. Even the present she offered tonight... it serves as a perpetual reminder."

I moved ahead, not attempting to hide my presence. She halted upon seeing me, her eyes

growing a bit wider. However, I didn't come here to express regret for being a part of her life.

"Perhaps the treachery continues to torment you," I remarked, my tone subdued and tinged with

bitterness. "For tying the knot with your best friend's husband. Do not hold me responsible for

your suffering."

Bella's lips parted as if to speak, but no sound emerged. I moved in closer to her, the distance

between us closing. I noticed her shaking, with her hands firmly clutching the sink.

"And perhaps Sophia isn't truly gone," I murmured, my tone laced with a haunting charm. "Keep

an eye on your back, Bella. Her spirit might return to hunt you."

I chuckled quietly, my words lingering like a burden, then I turned and left, allowing Bella to face

the outcomes of her decisions.

While returning to the main room, the lights began to flicker. Initially, it was a slight blink, but

soon the room was engulfed in darkness. Gasping in disbelief and uncertainty spread among

the crowd. The murmurs started almost right away, a soft buzz of worry circulating among the

guests.

I paused briefly, my heart pounding in my chest. A disquieting feeling persisted-something

seemed off. I glanced back, anticipating to find someone fixing the lights. Yet, there was no one

visible. It felt like the whole world had paused for an instant, leaving me utterly confused.

The darkness in the room seemed to deepen, and the chill in the air was undeniable. I couldn't

shake the feeling that someone-or something-was watching me.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness. Initially, I believed it was merely my mind

deceiving me. Yet, as the figure drew near, the realization struck me like a punch to the

stomach. That person was the one.

The father of Williams.

I was unable to breathe. The recognized outline, the commanding stature, the defined features

of his face-it was undeniable. I sensed my heart rate increase, a feeling of unease washing

over me as I attempted to understand what was occurring. Had he been trailing me the entire

time? Had he orchestrated this moment, similar to how he had influenced me the previous

night?

The space stayed dim, and I felt completely isolated with this threatening entity. I felt my body

stiffen, while my mind hurried to understand why he was here, right now. I was unsure whether

to face him or escape. The fear and uncertainty seized me firmly, immobilizing me. This was not

merely a trivial error. This seemed like something much more malevolent.