LANA’S POV

My phone rang, showing an unfamiliar number. I already knew who it was. Even if she was the last person on earth, I would never want to talk to her, so I ignored it.

“We can adjourn the meeting, Ms. Lana,” my business associate, Mr. Timi, said when he noticed the phone buzzing nonstop. I shook my head and switched it off.

“Back to the reason we’re here,” I said with a small smile.

Mr. Timi nodded and explained for the tenth time how the joint venture project would benefit us both. I exhaled, already tired of the whole discussion.

“I’m all in on your proposal,” I said.

His joy was obvious, and even his personal assistant looked excited.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity. You’ll see that this will be one of the best decisions you’ve made,” he said proudly. I only chuckled inside.

We both knew this wasn’t something I would normally agree to easily, but after more than two hours of convincing, I just wanted the meeting to end. I only hoped I wouldn’t regret my decision.

“I hope so,” I replied, masking my doubts.

When they left my office, I let out a heavy sigh and closed my eyes, only for memories I didn’t want to remember to rush back. I shook my head. I hate going back there, but I couldn’t stop it.

Memories of the past.

I quickly arranged the dishes before my third foster mother returned home. She was very strict, and any small mistake meant violence. Sadly, one dish slipped and shattered. I knew trouble was coming.

Tears rolled down my face as I tried to clean the mess, but her footsteps already warned me of what was next.

“What have you done?” she shouted, her anger already filling the room.

“You should have never been adopted, you worthless child!”

Her words cut deeper than anything. She pulled me up roughly, making the broken pieces fall from my hands and slice my skin. I opened my mouth to explain it was a mistake, but her hard slap met my face, leaving bruises and a reminder of how worthless she said I was.

Back to present day.

A loud knocking on my office door pulled me back to the present. My hand was gripping the armrest tightly, and tears were already on my cheeks. I swallowed and quickly wiped them off.

“Come in, please,” I said.

My personal assistant, Dave, walked in but hesitated. “S–She is here.”

I knew he was referring to Dr. Odetade, the woman I detest the most. My mood changed immediately. Anger rose so fast that Dave started shaking. Before I could say anything, the woman walked in.

 Just great.

“Get out! Both of you,” I ordered, my voice sharp with rage. Dave rushed out, but the woman stayed, standing boldly like she expected me to obey her. She knew I couldn’t fight her power and I fucking hate it.

God. I hate the influence she has, the power she acquired and worse is that in a blink of an eye she can take everything I have, like a god.

Without thinking, I stood up and put my phone in my bag.

“You can stay and enjoy the comfort of my office,” I said, lifting my bag onto my shoulder. Then I walked out, leaving the woman who gave birth to me standing there, shocked.

Thank you for reading ❤️ 

Continue Lana’s story in chapter two.

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