After signing up for my online classes, it took me six months of dedication and hardwork to complete my course. I was to physically attend my graduation which I did with my baby. Out of so much excitement, I had taken plenty of photos not worrying about the media or anything.
Unfortunately, the pictures were anonymously posted online without my prior consent. This stirred a massive reaction from all over the media and social platforms, eliciting many questions that have been left unanswered for so many months. Again,Valeria Benards was in the spotlight .
Every website I logged into was my photo and my baby's as the headline. I made Lana contact my lawyer to seek advice on what steps to take. Whoever had posted my pictures online, was going to face the brutal side of the legal suit I was going to file against them . However, the damage had already been done, and it was very difficult to undo it.
No matter how many pictures we ignored and deleted from the internet, the people always found something to talk about. Everywhere was the headlines carrying questions on what had happened to Valeria Benards and Brian McDermott. Who the alleged child Valeria Benards was seen with belonged to.
The queries that arose about my child made me sick. It made me feel threathened, that I had to seek legal protection for the safety of my child and I.
This did not lessen the situation. Instead, it escalated to the extent one day Lana was ambushed by the media. They were throwing all sorts of questions at her and the poor lady looked very uncomfortable. Although silent she remained, the scene had taken a huge toil on her.
It was her idea for me to reconsider moving out of the city. It wasn't safe for my child anymore. What I needed was a peaceful environment for my baby to grow in. So I took Lana's advice, and got my lawyer to get me a house at a different city, which was scandal free.
In a span of one week, everything was ready as planned. Lana, my bodyguard, my baby and I were able to move out of Nairobi. We found shelter in Mombasa, and had gotten a house close to the shore of the ocean where the view was so mesmerizing. Listening to the wind and the waves every morning was very soothing. It was so therapeutic.
One week after settling in Mombasa, I received a mail from Mr. Damon recommending me to one of the best hotels in the new city. Although I had completely changed my classes to online, Mr Damon never stopped checking up on me and tracking my progress. A supervisor and his student were not supposed to be friends, but Mr. Damon was quite an exception. He had become a very big part of my life and career.
Monday came and my interview was due in a few hours. I explained to Lana everything that needed to be done while I was away. If everything went well, this was going to be the first time I was going to be away from my baby for so long.
The thought made me nauseated. His little smiling face made me smile though. He was going to turn one year in a few weeks and I couldn't be more excited. With a kiss on his forehead, I waved him bye as he clung onto Lana's shirt.
"Mommy will be home later. Be a good boy, okay?" Prince responded with a wee wee which left me grinning . I pecked him before I left.
I arrived at the interview very early. I was expecting my interview to be handled by a group of panelists, but instead it was conducted by one man. A young dark man, well articulated to be a CEO.
I didn't get to sit for long with him. I could tell I was hired before I could complete the interview. It was a good thing though and saved me a lot of time explaining why I needed the job and my qualifications.
As much as I didn't need one due to the wealth Brian had left me, I had no right to touch his money. He had signed his power of attorney to me amidst rage and anger. I did not want to give him the benefit of thinking I was still gold a digger. I know I had gotten with him because of his wealth, but everything changed when I fell in love with him.
"Yes Bro. I'll be there tonight. " My boss said. It was then I realized the name of my Boss to be was Sebastian.
Mr. Sebastian reminded me so much of Brian. As soon as he was off the call with whoever he was talking to, he gave me instructions about my job and when to begin.
"Tomorrow is okay. "
I confirmed.
I was glad I had everything in order and Lana was there to look after my child. I did not have to worry about looking for a nanny. Although I was going to miss him a lot.
Mr. Sebastian explained that he needed to get to the airport to pick his friend. He left me under the care of his secretary. Before he left, he asked her to show me around the office and explain further my duties as his personal assistant.
I appreciated every moment I spent with Mr. Sebastian's secretary. She was a middle aged woman in her early fourties, and very welcoming.
At one point she addressed me as daughter, and I couldn't help smile. She told me Mr. Sebastian was a good Boss and I didn't have to worry about working for him.
This was the life I had envisioned for my child and I. Quite, peaceful, free of any drama. My first day here and no one had noticed me. I was able to blend in like any other ordinary person. For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. For the first time I felt safe. I felt like home. Perhaps home was far away from home.
Was it because this new city was not haunted by his memories? Or was it because I needed to get away from everything? If I should have known, I could have gotten away sooner.
Mombasa felt nice. Mombasa felt home!