Evelia ᯓᡣ𐭩
"It's time they remember who I am"
I griped the steering wheel, a wave of familiarity washed over me. The roads are lined with memories-some distant, others vivid. I rolled down the window, allowing the breeze to tousle my hair as I navigateed through the streets.
I inhaleed deeply, feeling the weight of the past mingling with the promise of the future. This drive, these roads-they form the bridge between who I was and who I've become.
After cruising through the familiar roads, I stoped the car and stared ahead at the towering structure before me. Allis Corporation-the building stands tall and imposing, a testament to time and ambition. For a moment, I sat in the car, fixated on the company logo emblazoned on the facade. Then, with purpose, I parked and step out, making my way into the company. I passed by familiar faces, now interspersed with new ones.
The elevator doors parted on the top floor, and I strided directly to Hades office. Without a moment's hesitation, I pushed the door open, the sound echoing in the vacant room.
"He's not here." I muttered to myself.
I walked to the expensive glass window, gazing out at the city below. After a few moments, I turned and settled into Hades chair, spinning it slightly as I fixed my eyes on the view outside.
"Hades, I was thinking we should go-"
A woman's voice broke the silence as the door swings open, but she faltered when she saw me. "Evelia"
Hades uttered, his eyes widening in surprise. My gaze shifted from Hades to the woman standing beside him."Hello Father," I greeted him, my expression inscrutable. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Clearing his throat, he forced a slight smile. "Of course not, I just wasn't expecting you here."
"Why not? Can't I visit my own office?" I retorted, raising an eyebrow.
"I never said you couldn't. After all, in a few years, this office-this company-will be yours."
"Why do you sound so defensive? It's not as if you're hiding something from me, is it, Dad?" The color drained from his face. "Huh? Can't I even joke with my own father?" I say , barely suppressing a smirk.
He forced a laugh and stepped forward. "You could have told me, I'm surprised you didn't inform your mother or me before coming. I would have sent the driver to pick you up."
"I just wanted to surprise you. I guess you didn't like it," I said, rising from the chair.
"It's not like that." He placed his hands on my shoulders, and I resisted the urge to punch him in the face.
"Hmm, I just suddenly decided-"
I was speaking when his secretary interrupted. "It's great to have you here."
"Did I give you permission to speak?" I snapped, shifting my gaze to Hades. "Don't your employees know better than to interrupt me when I'm talking?"
"My apologies, Evelia," she began with a nervous laugh.
"It's Miss Allis to you," I corrected, noting the tension in her clenched jaw. "Sarah, leave." Hades ordered. She casted a glance at Hades before exiting the office. Hades turned to me, his expression curious.
"So, you're planning on staying here now?" he asked.
"For the time being, yes." I retrieved my purse from the table. "I'll wait for you at dinner," I added, earning a hum of acknowledgment from him.
"Heading home?" he inquired.
"Yes, see you later." I gave him a final glance before making my exit.
As I walked towards the exit, I could hear the whispers begin.
"Hey, isn't that Evelia Allis?"
"Yes, that's her."
"She's so beautiful."
"You're right. Wasn't she abroad?"
"She's even more stunning in person."
The murmurs and greetings from the crowd followed me until I reached my car.
The gates of the villa swung open as I drove in. The sight of the place where I spent my entire childhood stirred up a flood of memories. I found myself missing it, despite everything.
After parking, I instructed the guard to take my luggage inside. A maid greeted me as I entered.
"Miss Allis, it's wonderful to have you back."
"Where's my mother?" I asked, glancing around.
"Mrs. Allis is in the garden," she replied. As I turned to leave, she added, "Miss, would you like something for lunch?"
"No, thank you."
I made my way to the garden, where I found my mother seated on a chair, lost in thought as she held a rose. I approached her from behind and hugged her. "Guess who's here."
Startled, she turned towards me, her face lighting up with a smile. "Evelia! my baby." She embraced me tightly. No matter how many times I hug her, it always feels like we've been apart for years. In her arms, I finally feel at home. My mother is the only person in this world whom I truly love.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" she asked as we broke the hug. I sat down in the chair beside her.
"Then it wouldn't have been a surprise," I replied with a smile. She laughed and took my hand.
"I don't think you're planning on leaving anytime soon," she observed.
"No, I'm here to stay," I assured her with a smile.
"Good. I can't believe you finally decided to come back after all these years," she said, though my smile was starting to feel forced. "Anyway, let's not dwell on that. I'm starving."
"Let me tell someone to prepare something for you," she began, but I quickly interrupted her.
"Wait, Mom. I want to eat something made by you. It's been so long." I rested my head on her shoulder.
"Tired?" she asked, gently patting my head.
"Not really."
She smiled. "Go freshen up. I'll cook something for you."
I stood up to leave. "Did you tell your father that you're here?" she asked, making me pause in my tracks.
"Yes, Mom. I visited the company before coming here," I replied, biting my tongue at the mention of the word father.
"Oh, okay." I nodded with a faint smile before heading to my room. Upon opening the door, I looked around. The room was exactly as I had left it years ago.
Day 1. Here I am. Let's play the game you started. Your game, my rules. You can't hide forever. You'll suffer thousand times more. I can't wait to witness your downfall.