Anya's POV.
"Hmmm. Good morning everyone." I smiled and greeted as I entered the room. I am Anya Moore. The owner of this small meat shop in the city. My business has been running for almost three years and I am proud to say that I am earning well.
The city is not that big. It belongs to a Class B type city. It's been four years since I stepped into this city. The people are good, approachable and kind to me. I was just a nobody before but thanks to my neighbour who has been very supportive of me that I was able to start my business.
They only know me as Anya Moore and nothing more. They only see the face I presented to them. The happy and lively face. But behind my beautiful smile is a past that haunts me every night. And the reason why I started my business.
I know that I'm too far from my goal but who knows I will get there someday. I have been preparing myself to seek my revenge on that bastard. One day I will show no mercy to him.
"Good day", as the people in the store greeted me back. " How was your trip, Miss Anya? Jillian asked. She is one of my workers here at the store.
"It was great. I enjoyed the view of San Joaquin. The beaches are pretty" was my cheerful answer. "I'll take you all there for a vacation. The place is good to relax and unwind.".
" Oh really! I can't wait for Miss Anya" Marie giggled.
"And how was the store when I was gone? How have you all been? Did you get any problems or how were the stocks and quality of the meat? " and back to my serious face.
"Well, Miss Anya. Everything was fine as you weren't here. The stocks were all in good quality and we got a lot of customers in" Dennis replied.
"That's good to hear. And because of that, I have something for the three of you. A little gift for your hard work and supporting my business " as I excitedly presented my presents to them. I bought a hand-painted bag for Marie because she loves art and a new pair of sandals for Jillian and a new pair of shoes for Dennis. Everyone was so happy and thankful for the small presents. My heart was filled with gladness and contentment for the moment.
The day ended with paperwork. As if I have anyone to do my tasks. I'm running my place.
Before anything else, I should go get some groceries. My father may have been waiting for me at home.
I am grateful for the old man. He saved me and gave me a new life.
He saw me in the sea lifeless years ago. He went fishing when he saw my lifeless body floating near the port of Sta. Barbara. My body was full of bruises and wounds like there was no future for me. I was tortured and abandoned by Lloyd Simon, the owner of Simon's Logistics and Cold storage.
My blood is heating up. I need to buy some vegetables and groceries for dinner.
I was about to park my car when I saw dad on the porch waving at me. I can't help but smile at Marvin Moore. Yes, he gave me his name. He treated me like his own child. He paid for my bills and helped me have a new life. He gave me a new face. And Lloyd Simon thought all the years I was dead. No, I am not dead. I rise from the dead.
"Hello, dad" I smiled and greeted my father. He smiled back and kissed my cheeks.
"So how's my daughter by the way? How was your trip to San Joaquin? It seems like you enjoyed the beach that much, huh? " he asked. And I cautiously replied, "Yes, the beaches here are great. You should have come with my dad. You need to relax and enjoy life. And I found a place there to open up my second store. The city does not have a good meat store that maintains the quality of meat and that can cater for the needs of its people."
"I had so much fun when I was young and been there too many times. I just love staying here. I'm too old to travel you know. And get sun kisses from the sun" and smiled at me.
Well, my main purpose in visiting San Joaquin for two weeks is to get revenge on Lloyd Simon. It would start with setting up my business there. The place has changed a lot since my death. No one ever recognized me, I got a new face. The Sara Diaz they've known was dead a long time ago.
I prepared vegetables for the two of us when dad suddenly asked me about marriage.
"You know what darling, I've been thinking about it lately. Maybe because I'm getting older day by day and you're at the right age to get married. And if you don't have anyone you're dating right now, I can ask some of my friends to get their sons a blind date".
As to my surprise at the topic. I got choked with the food in my mouth. I coughed to my disbelief. " Dad, I'm 26 and I am still young for my age and you're not yet old. And I have no interest in any man. I'm happy and enjoying the things I have right now" I responded.
"I'm just worried about you darling. I don't want you to be like me. I want you to have a family and kids and I want grandchildren. I never thought that this is how it feels like to have a kid. I thought I was fine getting old alone. But when you came into my life. Everything has changed. I got reasons to wake up every day and be happy. I got inspiration. The fulfilment you give me every day is incomparable to anything". as he continued.
I was touched. I'm out of words. my parents died when I was still young and grew up alone. My tears started to flow.
" My God we are getting emotional here. You know dad how to make me cry", and painted a small smile on him. "Don't worry about me. I'm all good. I'm still young, you know. We should finish our food before it gets cold".