Back for Revenge: Mom Is Furious with Dad

New York's fresh air blew Lillian's scarf as she got off the aeroplane. She gazed at the sky, the sunlight causing her skin to gleam and reinforce her beauty. "Welcome to New York, my babies," she announced as she grinned at her twin kids, Charles and Charlie.

They were delighted to be in the country their mom had told them so much about. She gripped their suitcase aircraft carrier in one palm while the other hand took Charles, who held Charlie as they walked to the airport entrance, lifting each step with determination.

People who stared at them couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful and confident she looked, as well as how charming the kids were.

"Hey, Lillian Hartley, great to see you back in New York!" She looked up and recognized her friend James, who was waving at her.

"OMG, James, it's been a long time; how have you been?" She replied, hugging him.

"I couldn't help but come myself to receive you back. I mean, it's been five years," he added.

Then, as if discovering the kids, he exclaimed in excitement, "Are those Charles and Charlie?" He crouched down to their height and caressed their cheeks, all the while singing their praises about how lovely they had grown.

The children looked on with innocent confusion on their faces, as they couldn't recognize the man who seemed so excited to see them.

"Charles and Charlie, meet James, a good friend of mine," Lilian introduced, making the once-confused children smile.

"Hi Uncle James, it's lovely to see you; Mum has told us so much about you," Charles stated, smirking. James was still grinning, showing how overjoyed he was to see all of them. He couldn't help but regard how much Lillian had changed. The transformation was so evident in the aura she was giving. She looked bold and controlled, contrary to the broken Lillian he knew.

"I will show you to the car," James announced after a moment of awkward silence.

"Are you back already, or did you just come to do something?" James asked, while adjusting his seatbelt and making eye contact with Lilian, who had sat comfortably in the back seat, leaving the front seat for her kids.

"It's final. I am back in New York for good," she answered confidently.

"I am so glad to hear that. So, where do you plan on settling, your former apartment?" He asked inquisitively.

"Nah, I bought a house in Williamsburg. It's where we'll be settling," she stated.

James started the car and drove off after inputting the address Lillian had given him.

"Why are you back in the country, though? I never thought you were going to come back after everything that happened," he asked with a concerned look on his face.

"That was in the past, and besides, I came back for business."

"Business?"

"Well, you will find out about that later," she replied and chuckled, leaving James in a state of pleasant surprise.

They continued catching up on old times until they arrived at her house. He pushed into the compound and parked his car.

"I am glad you are back, Lillian," he repeated, smirking.

"Me too, James, me too," she retorted. They got out of the car and moved their luggage in.

The interior of the apartment was so striking that James's jaw fell in awe.

"Welcome home, ma'am," Irene, the nanny she had hired for her kids, said as she received them.

After settling in, Lillian invited James to have lunch with them. During lunch, Lily proposed a question that surprised James. "Would you like to go to the New York Exchange businessmen's party with me?" As if James's mouth were glued shut, he couldn't pronounce a word. He had read and heard about the gala; he knew it wasn't a place for low-class business people like him.

The gala was rumoured to be a place where top businesses in the City meet for all kinds of deals. How Lillian got an invitation is what he can't yet place.

"I mean, the invitation said to come with a plus one, and the only friend I have right now who can come with me is you. So, what do you say?" Lillian continued.

"Of course, I would love to go with you", he finally said after carefully thinking about how many connections he was going to make just by being at the party. "Thank you", Lillian muttered.

"No, thank you. You don't know how much my life is gonna change with this invite," he countered. Lily smiled as they continued eating.

James stayed for a while to play with the kids before he finally left.

After retiring to her room to rest for a while, Lillian received a call from her PA.

"Have you settled in already, ma'am?" she heard immediately after she picked up.

"Yes, I am. I won't be resuming my till next week, so clear everything till then," She said sternly and ended the call. She was finally back with a beautiful plan to get her revenge on those who hurt her in the past: Grayson Caldwell, her ex-husband, and Lily Hartley, her sister.

She was going to accept her boss's offer to be the CEO of the New York branch of Verox Industries, a company she had worked for while in Canada. This company is a rival of Caldwell Industries, and that was a perfect way to target both.

It was eventually her turn, and she wasn't going to stop until she ruined all they owned. Her eyes shone with a firm resolve, and her face tightened with intention.

**********

It was the day of the event, and Lillian wore a long, sleeveless emerald gown which accentuated her curves. Her brown hair fell onto her shoulders, and her heels were high enough to make her look so elegant. After hours of prep, she was finally good to go.

James called her to say he was in the living room. The kids were already fast asleep, so she headed to their room to plant a goodnight kiss on them before heading downstairs to meet James.

James couldn't take his eyes off her as she made her way down the stairs, totally mesmerized by her beauty. He was dressed in a green suit, making him look domineering.

"Oh wow, you look gorgeous," he exclaimed.

"You don't look bad yourself," she replied, smiling. He took her hands, escorted her to the car, and drove off as soon as they were comfortable.

On arriving at the event, he held the door to the car for her in a courteous way and bowed with his hands for her. She grabbed it, and they walked into the building. Her business partners welcomed Lilian.

"Welcome to New York, Miss Hartley, it's nice to finally meet you," many of them greeted her as she walked in. James excused himself from her immediately and went ahead to make connections with people he knew mattered.

Lily sighted a married couple who happen to be partners in the company where she works. She approached them, and they exchanged pleasantries immediately after they saw her.

They were chatting about business and the like when she heard her name. She turned.

There they were, her nemesis.

Lily's POV

I was thrilled to attend the exchange party with the CEO of Caldwell Industries, who happens to be my husband. I have tried out some plans I laid out to help me on my journey to becoming the most influential businesswoman ever since I got married, but they all proved futile, and I was almost on the verge of giving up.

Then, Grayson came with the news of the New York Exchange gala, and it felt like all my problems had been solved. Only the top businesses in New York are invited to this event. So, I decided to latch onto several dignitaries and make connections that will help my plans.

On getting to the venue hand in hand with Grayson, just to show the world that I was married to him, and automatically attract the attention of big men.

I was looking around to decide which top figure I was going to approach first when I saw her. "What the fuck is Lilian doing at this party", I thought, puzzled. "No, it can't be Lilian, my eyes must be deceiving me," I tried convincing myself otherwise, but the more I looked, the more I was convinced that it was my twin sister whom I had not seen in five years.

"What the hell is she doing here? And how come she got an invite to this event?" I said through gritted teeth, my hands were already balled into fists. This caught Grayson's attention.

"My eyes should be playing pranks on me, right? Because I can see Lilian over there talking to Mr Bilgris, the first businessman in the country right now, a man I had long longed to meet," I informed him as soon as I got his attention.

"Lilian?" Grayson's reaction only fueled the anger that was already boiling in me. "What do you mean by that, Lilian, my twin sister and your ex-wife, is standing right there, and you tell me you don't recognize her," I purred furiously.

I could see the shock on his face when he spotted who I was talking about. "I don't understand. Why is she here? How exactly did she get in? How did she get to talk to Mr. Bilgris?" he asked all in one breath.

"How am I supposed to have an answer to that question? I am confused as you are right now, so please don't ask me any foolish questions," I growled as we approached Lilian.

"Lilian?" I called out, still hoping she wasn't the one, but my hope was dashed as she turned to face us.

"Oh, Mr and Mrs Hartley, it's lovely to see you. It's been how many years now..." She paused, "Five years since we last saw each other. It's lovely to see you again, finally," Lilian recalled almost as if we were mere business partners.

"Oh cut the crap Lilian, I am not buying any of the bullshit you are spilling," I voiced angry at the way she was addressing us as if we were nobodies.

"How did you get in here? Who did you sleep with to get an invite to this place? How low did you stoop just to get here?" I asked all in one breath, while Grayson just stood there with admiration in his eyes for her.

I was caught off guard by Lilian's laughter. "Oh, come on? You are still as annoying as ever, twin sis," she said, laughing in between words.

"For your information, I have no obligation to answer your question but I will like to give you a piece of advice, stay as far away from me as possible if you don't want to get burned," she purred, her aura changing from the calm one we approached to a scary one.

"Now, if you guys will excuse me, I have important things to do with my time," she said and walked away.

I was left stunned and took my anger out on Grayson. "Why didn't you say anything when we approached her? You just kept on admiring her when I was here, doing all the talking.

Do you admire her that much now? Or wait...." I paused when I imagined something. Were you helping her behind my back? Are you the reason she was able to get an invite to this party?" I asked furiously.

"Hey, you won't blame me for anything, will you?. I was as shocked as you when I saw her, and the only reason I didn't say anything was that I didn't know what to say. I'm sure you also saw the transformation in her. Didn't you?" Grayson said and walked away from me.

Grayson had never walked out on me before, let alone shouting at me. Lilian has been in our lives again for barely two seconds, and my life is already turning upside down. "I won't let the past repeat itself," I said in determination.

I was going to find out who she was and how she had ended up at the event. Then, I will expose her for who she is, and I will be the only one standing.

I was sure that my plan would be a success, and I felt relieved. I gathered my remaining courage and walked up to meet with people that I knew were big shots. I wasn't going to let the opportunity slip away because of my good-for-nothing twin.

Lilian's POV

Although I was shocked when I realized who called my name, I quickly regained composure. I can't be caught unaware. I was expecting to see them at the party, but looking at the faces that almost ruined my life still shook the very foundation on which I stood. But I was glad I was able to tell them off. The look on their faces when they saw me was hilarious. I just can't get enough of it.

I saw the way Grayson looked at me, and it even got me angrier. "When I loved you, you threw me to the dogs, now I will make sure I destroy you along with your company and everything you own", I muttered with an evil glint in my eyes. My naive days were long gone.

I was aware they were going to keep their eyes on me all through the evening, so I decided to approach all the big shots I luckily had contact with through my boss, just to make them feel inferior to me.

I could tell my plan was working when I saw Grayson and Lily arguing at a corner and Grayson walking away. My presence alone could cause them to argue. What if they find out about who I am and what I came to do in New York? I laughed; my mind was already playing scenarios of how they would react.

"This is just the beginning; I am going to ruin your lives just like you almost ruined mine. I will destroy your lives and shatter them into pieces so that you won't be able to pick what's left of them. You just wait and see. No one can save you from my wrath," I said with a renewed passion for revenge.

"There you are," I heard James say behind me. I changed my facial expression and turned to him, smiling. "I have been looking all over for you. Where have you been?" He said inquisitively.

"Where else will I be?" I replied, smiling and gesturing to him to follow me so I could introduce him to some important people.

Lilian's POV

Tired from last night's party, I dragged myself up from the bed and walked into the bathroom to freshen up and prepare for the day. As soon as I was done, I walked into my kid's room to give them a good morning kiss.

This has become a habit ever since they were babies. "Good morning, my sweets," I said lovingly.

"Good morning, mum," they chorused while still yawning. "It's time to wake up, your nanny will come and prepare you for the day. Also, I have a surprise for you if you promise to be good to her," I informed and left before they became inquisitive.

The moment I left my kid's room, I heard the doorbell ring, but didn't bother checking who it was. I went back to my room and sat on my chair, trying to do some paperwork, when I heard a knock on my room door.

"Ma'am, a Lawyer is at the door to see you. He says From your boss", I reluctantly stood up and went to meet him.

"Good morning, Mr..." I said, trying to get his name.

"Richardson, good morning to you, too, ma'am," he stated meticulously. My phone rang right when we settled into the chair, and I was about to ask him his reason for being here. It was a video call from my boss.

"There is my favourite CEO, Good morning, Miss Hartwell. How are you doing today, Lilian?" my boss's voice came immediately after I picked up.

"Good morning, sir, I am fine, thank you," I answered, happy to hear from him.

"I trust my lawyer is there already, he will give you some papers to sign and make the handing over of your CEO position official," he stated, shifting to his business mode.

"Yes, sir, he just came in now. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I promise not to let you down," I replied excitedly.

"I know you won't, I trust you. I know that any decision you make will be the best for the company. I have tested you when you were here, and you have passed beyond my expectations. I know you will do well over there, too. The power of attorney is also with the lawyer; any decision you make in that company is final," he said, busting my brain once more.

"Thank you so much, sir, I will make you proud," I said, almost moved to tears.

"I believe you will. You are to resume on Monday, you can take the remaining days of this week off work to prepare yourself ahead." He advises.

"That's so thoughtful of you, sir," I responded appreciatively.

"Alright then, have a lovely day today, I am rooting for you," he said finally and ended the call.

After signing the necessary documents, the lawyer left, and I went straight to the dining room to meet my babies with happiness plastered on my face. They were eating at the table when I sat down.

"Mum, you seem excited, did something good happen?" Charlie asked curiously.

"Yes, baby, and guess what? Mummy is so excited that she wants to take you to the park today," I said, knowing fully well that they were going to be excited.

"Yayyyy," they both screamed with joy.

"Finish your food and rest a little, then we move," I said with a serious expression.

"Ok, mummy," they chorused again. I left them and went into my room to continue my work.

**********************

(Author's Narration)

At the park, Lilian and her twin stepped out of the car with their bodyguard and walked to the entrance of the park. Lilian had hired a bodyguard to keep her kids safe; she didn't want to take any chances. It was a new city for them, and she didn't want them to get lost or be harmed in any way.

A guy was seen at a distance dialing a number on his mobile phone. "Good morning, sir. Lilian is currently at the New York Children's Park as we speak. It seems she took her kids with her," he informed someone over the phone.

"Did you just say kids?" a voice sounded on the other end of the call. It was none other than Grayson Caldwell.

"Yes, sir," he replied.

"But Lilian does not have kids," Grayson thought to himself.

"Alright, I will be there in a few minutes."

Grayson had immediately hired someone to tail Lilian after the party, because he was still baffled by how she had managed to get into the event and how she had changed so much from the broken Lillian he had married years before. He wanted to know who she was meeting and where she went till he was able to figure out how she got there.

He immediately took his car keys and drove to the park with a determination to confront Lilian without the prying eyes of her twin Lily.

On getting to the park, he met them still at the entrance because the park was bustling with children eager to enjoy themselves.

"Lilian," he called. Turning back, Lilian saw Grayson and was shocked; she instinctively hid her children behind her. As Grayson walked over to her, her bodyguards obstructed his movement towards them.

"Please stay where you are, sir," one of her bodyguards said sternly.

"Hi Lilian, what a coincidence. What are you doing here?" He said, faking innocence.

"Are you following me?" She asked angrily.

"Are those your children?" he questioned after taking a good look at them, one of whom seemed to resemble him.

"It's none of your business," she replied angrily. "Stay away from me, or you wouldn't like the outcome," she said and walked away.

Grayson motioned to follow her, but was stopped by her bodyguard. He resigned and returned to his car, then immediately drove off.

Lilian was so angry that Grayson had seen the children. She planned to keep them away from him as much as possible.

He never wanted me. He wasn't even aware of my pregnancy because he didn't care, so he has no right whatsoever to them. She thought to herself, then turned to the kids, "We are going back home."

"But we just got here," Charles said, whining.

"I said we are going back and that's final," she shouted in anger. The twins began to cry, drawing the attention of people. Realizing what she had done, she bent low to their level and said to them, "Mummy's not feeling too good, I promise we will come back next week."

Then they finally stopped crying and entered the car, although reluctantly.

Immediately they got home, the kids got out of the car and ran to their rooms.

Lillian angrily walked to her room and shut the door. Facing the mirror, she started talking to herself, "Does he think he can just walk into my life after disgracing me and throwing me out?.

It's been five years of toiling all day and night, building a good life for my children. Now that I am all established, he thinks he can walk back into my life. Never. I am never going to let him near me or my children,"

"I will have my revenge, and nothing is going to stop me, not even my kids. Grayson Caldwell, you just watch out, I am going to destroy you until there is nothing left to your name," Lilian said with determination.

She then lay down on the bed, and the thoughts of what had happened years ago came flooding back into her mind, bringing all the suppressed emotions to the surface.