A Billion Reasons for Revenge

Scarlet POV

Coming back from my friend's wedding preparations, I wanted to surprise Aiden. At the busy airport, I enjoyed the view of the city. In the taxi, I felt the city's lively atmosphere.

My heart raced when I arrived at the hotel. In the elevator, I felt more excited with each floor. But at Aiden's room, I heard his voice and a familiar woman's voice, making me pause and feel worried

Curiousity and confusion washed over me as I opened the door, only to be met with a devastating sight

There, in the center of the room, were Aiden and Evelyn, my stepsister, entangled in an intimate embrace.

The scene felt like a nightmare as I watched them, my eyes welling up with tears

"Come on, baby...yes, baby, oh...I'm about to come..."

Aiden whispered breathlessly with Evelyn perched on top of him.

My voice caught in my throat, a whirlwind of betrayal consuming me

I couldn't believe my eyes

"Aiden!" I finally screamed, my voice shaking with hurt and fury.

Aiden jolted to his feet, shock written all over his face. I knew he never expected me here standing in the doorway.

"Scarlet, you're here...."

He stammered, Scrambling to cover himself as he stood up.

"It's not what you think, Scarlet! I-let me explain!"

He rushed towards me, his hands outstretched in desperation.

I couldn't bear to look at him, my heart shattering into a million pieces.

"Save your pathetic excuses!" I growled, slapping him.

"And you," I said, returning my gaze to Evelyn.

"You're nothing but a conniving, selfish liar!"

Truly, I had never imagined her to stoop so low. Although I knew she was never honest from the beginning.

It was clear to me that my words did not affect her as she gave a grin, which just spurred my anger.

"I suppose the better woman won," she responded, a note of pleasure in her voice.

Her words were like a hammer that hit me, and tears streamed from my eyes, but I did not let them fall. I would never let her be the one to see me broken.

"I hate you! Aiden." I spat before turning on my heels and storming out of the room.

I hastily headed for the elevator, my vision blurred by tears.

I hit the button for the ground floor, where the hotel bar was located. As I stumbled into the dimly lit space , I made my way to the bartender

I sat down, making an effort to avoid the curious glances of the other patrons.

"Whiskey," I croaked, my throat tight with emotion. The bartender nodded, giving in to my need.

He poured me a generous amount of the amber liquid, which I promptly consumed in a single motion.

The burning sensation in my throat was so intense that it felt as though I was experiencing a surge of exhilaration, relishing the moment despite the discomfort.

"Another," I demand

The unflinching eyes of the men around seemed to be quivering at me.

However, it was the least of my matters

It looks like my whole life has been falling apart virtually right before my eyes.

I had dreamed of weaving a happy life with him, never wanted this from him..

I felt pain and rage transform into a reckless yearning to numb the ache in my chest.

Another glass appeared beside me, and the bartender began to pour.

I quickly downed the drink, wincing at the initial burn. Soon, my head started spinning-I wasn't used to drinking and rarely got drunk, but what else could I do?

"I just hate him!" I whispered, but the bartender's stare made it clear that my words hadn't been as quiet as I'd intended.

"Get me another." I requested, but he just kept glaring at me.

"You sure, mam?" he asked.

His he the one who is going to decide things for me? Almost like he got it in a flash, as he brought another bottle

I downed it also, as I felt my grip, barely hanging onto the alcohol bottle, my heart heavy in sorrows

I stood up from the counter and signalled the bartender, tipping him off after deciding to leave.

The dim light shone in the background while I hang on to myself, proceeding into the night in a smooth sway to avoid being the object of the possibility of the patrons.

The gentle blow of the cool breeze did not either settle the chaos erupting in me, and hence, I made the turn curving the sidewalk.

My tears, the most wanted, had so blurred my scene that I almost missed the sidewalk, stumbling while walking down.

My mind clouded with the cruel hand, fate had dealt with me

I went with the flow in my turbulent thoughts, and my body quivered, hold of alcohol exerting the physique part as I lean on the wall that was cold and try to balance on both the physical and emotional side.

How could I have been so blind to his deception? I had trusted Aiden with all my heart, only to be betrayed by him.

The love that was poured into our relationship from the bottom of my heart about trusting Aiden was reciprocal betrayal from him.

The memories from our past, which we both shared, the laughter, the promises, the dreams seem to be like pieces of glass in my soul.

It was an open secret that Evelyn was interested in him all along. Anything I seemed to admire, she wished to snatch.

Should I set my sights on anything, she would like to get it.

Even snatching my parents' love from me.

After the whole abduction stuff occurred when I was 6, I never lost hope that one soulful day I would reunite with my parents...

Leaving me alone, growing up without them.

Though I was happy to finally reunite with them, they just weren't the same people I knew 18 years ago.

Evelyn seemed to be the apple of their eyes, and I just disgraced them.

Dad always pointed out my wrongs, with his eyes seeing nothing else... Or my mom, who always wasted no time comparing me with my sister, Evelyn...

Besides, it looks like she has taken the measure again by taking something dear to me.

Unbelievable-And to think we were planning to get engaged in weeks, and now he is with her.

Overcoming my anguish, I pushed away from the wall, betrayal's bitterness engulfing my heart as I took unsteady steps.

I walked down the quiet street, my loneliness reflecting my broken spirit.

Almost like a ghost, I wandered through the deserted road, mirroring my tormented soul.

Lost in thought, I found myself on the roadside. Suddenly, a passing car's headlights blinded me, mere inches away.

.. ........

A man, his face shrouded in shadows, stepped out and approached me with a sense of urgency. His voice low and cautious

I could notice he was asking some questions, but I could barely comprehend, in my current state, intoxicated and in despair

Before I could fully grasp the situation, he whisked me away in a flash as I ended up in his car.

I could barely do anything to resist

I hardly got myself. All I could see were flashes followed by an intoxicating spin

The next thing I noticed was suddenly being whisked to his opulent mansion

The world passed by in a blur of neon lights and distorted shapes , my mind struggling to process the surreal turn of events

Upon the arrival, the man led me through the lavish halls. My unfocused gaze taking in the grandeur of the surroundings

I siezed to resist, but damn. Why did I have to drink so much

My gaze flickered as he led me to a room where he laid me on the plush bed, his touch gentle yet firm

His presence was both enigmatic and alluring, his eyes locked onto mine

In an instant, he leaned in for a tender kiss. My eyes fluttered closed as I swayed, my body betraying me.

As the night gave way to the stillness of the dawn. Exhausted and satiated, my body still humming with the remnant of the fervent coupling

I woke up to the sound of my phone's alarm, disoriented and confused.

As my vision adjusted, I found myself in an unfamiliar room with a stranger lying next to me. My eyes felt as though they were playing tricks on me.

A dull headache pulsed as last night's events flooded my mind. How could I have been so foolish? I slept with a stranger, surrendering to an intoxicating connection.

I notice him getting up as I paddled the bedshit, covering my exposed body. My eyes locked on his

Who are you, and where am i? " I panted as my slips slowly parted

As I watched him stir, I realized that he may have misunderstood my intentions.

"Who the hell are you..." I letted out a scream

I just couldn't comprehend the matter. But yet even with the anger erupting within me, he left no reply. His glare only furying my temper

He stood up, his hands reaching for his cupboards. "I know what you need.." He uttered

What was he saying? What do I need ? What I needed was answers. I knew I was weak and drunk, but yet, how could he..

Suddenly, he brought out a bundle of cash, tossing it at me with a gentle landing on my legs.

Really, how could he think of me as such, and how dared him do such...

"Take the money and leave. last night was just a moment of fun. We both enjoyed it, and that's all. Make sure to leave my mansion before noon. I don't accept visitors, and please, don't overstay your welcome."

I felt a sting from his words, my mind reeling with guilt, disgust, and mixed emotions as he left the room.

My mind drifted into a deep, contemplative silence for a few moments. However, a sudden beep disrupted my thoughts, pulling me back to the present.

I glanced at my phone to find a reminder message: my interview at Kensington Global Innovation was scheduled for today.

I had been trying to push through, and finally, I had been among the few selected for the interview.

The time didn't seem to be on my side. I rushed up, gathering my things and pausing as I settled off, leaving the room.

Walking down the stairs, my eyes gazed at the magnificent beauty of the mansion, with maids bustling around, each busy with their duties.

He was surely rich, but damn, how dare him think of me as such. I surely wouldn't let this slide easily; he would need to pay, but this wasn't the right time.

I hurried, leaving his mansion, my legs quickening as my eyes scanned the street in search of a cab.

With a simple call, I urged the cab to speed up. Time seemed to had passed a lot.

My eyes were on my phone, using it in place of a mirror.

I barely had time for make-up and all. I creased my eyebrows with some compact I brought in my purse, applying some lipstick. That would have to do.

I really needed to give a good impression; this job was really quite competitive, with many applicants and few selected.

I was happy to be selected, but it seemed things weren't as though yet easy.

Managing, I got off the cab and made my way in.

The views were so marvellous. The tech intoxicated the air, with everything catching onto the eye. But even though. I was determined not to get caught up in it.

My real aim was the interview, as I made my way straight into the elevator with a few others rushing in with me.

I constantly gazed at my wristwatch, my feet tapping with my fingers fiddling each other.

The elevator stopped, opening, my leg quickened to move, but damn. This wasn't the floor I was supposed to get off on.

With them out, I tapped my floor number, taking me as it slowly opened. I went on, my legs grasping after each other.

As I approached the reception desk, my heart pounded furiously from the rush. I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

"I am here for the interview," I informed her.

The receptionist's gaze sharpened as she let out a brief, "Oh."

I hoped I wasn't too late for the interview.

"Follow me," she said, rising from her desk and guiding me further into the building.

As I trailed behind her, I quickly checked my appearance using my phone's reflection.

Not far ahead, I spotted an office with an elegant glass wall, obviously of high quality. That must be the interview location.

My nerves began to unravel, reaching the office door.

The receptionist stopped me in my tracks, briefly stepping inside after a polite knock.

I waited anxiously, my eyes darting around while my mind struggled to regain composure. Breathing in... breathing out.

At last, the opportunity I had awaited for so long was finally here-the interview I had worked tirelessly to secure.

The office door cracked open once more, and the receptionist emerged. "They will see you now..." she informed me.

Her words stung my heart as it skipped a beat. My legs lingered, but this was it. I shouldn't waste any more time.

I entered the room, scanning the seated interviewers. Their gazes fixed on me as I walked in. I let out a slow sigh.

"My name is..." I was saying

But my words were slashed by a woman raising her hand.

She stood up from her desk, approaching me as I tried to smile. I couldn't grasp what was happening.

"I'm sorry, but you arrived late. The interview is over. Perhaps next time, you'll learn to be punctual."

Her simple words pierced me like thorns, my dreams sinking as our eyes met.

How could this happen? I worked so hard for this job. So close, only to have it end.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

"Please, ma'am... I promise this was a mistake. Something came up... please..." My plea fell on deaf ears.

"Kensington Global Innovation is a famous company worth billions. Candidates like you seek employment here. Knowing the competitive environment, I wouldn't have come late. I'm sorry, time's up. Maybe next time."

My words couldn't change the outcome. I nodded, my gaze dropping as I left the office. I walked away, my feet lingering with each step.

How could I have slept off? It's all gone.

If that animal hadn't snatched me from the streets, this wouldn't have happened.

I must make him pay...

But involving the police? Dad would surely cause a scene.

"She's just a disgrace..." I hated that. He always looked down on me.

With anger erupting within me, I saw no other choice.

Confronting that stranger would be a whole scene I wanted to avoid.

So it's over. My dream job, everything, gone in a blink.

Sent out of the interview...

I shouldn't have gotten so drunk last night.

But how am I to blame?

It was all because of that cheater, Aiden.

I made my way back home, avoiding the eyes upon me. I wanted to retreat to my room, calm my mind.

But peace was hard to find in this house...

As I struggled to go upstairs, a faint voice called out.

"Where are you coming from?"

His gaze locked on mine. "Where were you last night?"

Why didn't he ask his daughter what she was up to?

I felt like screaming, confronting him.

"You're just a plague, trying to destroy my reputation..."

His words stung my heart like glass.

After all, I had been through...

I wanted to escape this...

I made my way upstairs, leaving his tone unanswered.

Getting upstairs, I could see Evelyn's mocking expression on her face. I nearly lynched that witch you know she relished in inflicting pain on me, but I denied her my time.

I returned to my room panting before I tossed my pause on the other side of my bed.

No one cared about my interview, but why must I hope they will? Of course, they never did give a damn in the first place.

Really, I just wanted to be alone..

I could barely comprehend how all seemed to crash in just a sight ....

The whole day, I remained all by myself, listening to some songs for my disturbed mind.

Nevertheless, the music deepened my depression. A constant tug of war and flood of memories kept pulling me back to thoughts of Aiden and me.

Everything just seems to be getting over day by day

I felt my heart fading away with the rhymes of the music

With every inch landing a sinister blow on me

Listening to the song all day, with a dying mind

My day was spent in actual lone , and a reminder of Aiden betrayal

I never knew when the evening met me on my bed, still downed in the rhymes of the music

I didn't wanna leave my room, but I guess I couldn't deny my rumbling tommy

As I walked down the stairs

I caught on them planning to have dinner with the foods served

Walking down, I could sense the flickering gaze from My Dad and Mom

As I sat down on one of the dining chairs, my hands reached for the food, just hoping for them to skip their words for today

I could sense Dad had more to say

But what more would that be than...

'Disgrace and all'

I couldn't remember the last time we had a lovely discussion together

But it seemed I was lucky today to be spared from his continuous irritating words.

Done eating. I left the dining table with no words, as I returned to my room.

Relaxing back on my bed, I released a heavy sigh. Grabbing my half-charged phone.

I began mindlessly swiping through old videos, only to stumble upon videos of Aiden and me.

Why were these still on my phone? Our relationship had been just a mere illusion, a dream that could never become a reality.

Without hesitation, I deleted the videos and pictures, desperate to erase any trace of our past. But no matter how hard I tried to forget, the memories continued to haunt me.

Deciding to redraw my gaze on my phone, I received an anonymous message on my phone.

"Come to the coffee store close by; let's talk."

Who the heck was this, and how did they get my number?

The café was steps away from the house. I received another message.

"I can help you get your dream job and life back."

How did they know about the Kensington interview?

Intrigued, I walked down the alley towards the café, my gaze scanning the area.

"Turn to your right," another message instructed.

I complied, spotting a man in a black coat, his fingers tapping the table.

I hurried to confront him, but as my gaze rose, shock silenced my lips. It was him, the stranger I had slept with last night.

..........................