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I held my daughter gently in my arms and spoke with a calm smile.
My father, seeing the change in me, was visibly pleased. After all, I had kept quiet since my return–no public statements, no retaliation. He had even begun to wonder if I had secretly forgiven Lucas.}
His assumption made me chuckle.
Forgive Lucas? That was never a possibility.
I had never believed that faking my death would be enough to fool Lucas forever. But it wasn’t about hiding–it was about detachment. I could never forget the betrayal, the pain, or the humiliating love I had offered so sincerely, only to have it crushed.}
During my pregnancy, the doctors urged me to avoid emotional stress, so I had pushed thoughts of revenge to the back of my mind.
But now that my daughter was born safe and sound, the time had come to make Lucas pay.
While the nanny cared for my baby, I began focusing on building my own career.
With my father’s unwavering support and resources, I quickly established my own company. I kept my identity hidden, staying behind the scenes as the true power behind the brand.§
I didn’t want to reveal myself too soon. I wanted Lucas to rise just a little higher–so that when he fell, it would hurt more.”
My company expanded at an astonishing pace, becoming one of the top three in the industry within just two years.
Meanwhile, over those same two years, Lucas never stopped looking for me.
He often shared stories of our past in front of reporters, his voice filled with regret, painting himself as a man who had lost the love of his Ife.
It gained him sympathy and popularity–fans called him a “faithful man,” praising his supposed loyalty.”
Watching it unfold was nauseating.”
I endured it all patiently, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
His new company was thriving, thanks in large part to the connections he had accumulated before and the large sum of money Sandra had provided–her final contribution before fading from the spotlight.”
Even Emily had changed. No longer the clumsy woman who could barely handle basic tasks, she had learned to play her role well–always beside Lucas, smiling gracefully, carrying the image of a respectable president’s wife.
And me?»
I had spent my time growing stronger.
I juggled managing my company, gathering intel on Lucas’s business movements, and raising my daughter.}
Nathan was an immense help throughout it all. Quiet, reliable, and always present, he became both protector and caretaker.
There were times when i was so busy that I left my daughter entirely in his care.
She adored him.
Sometimes, when Nathan stepped out of sight, she would cry, calling for him in her tiny voice until he returned.
Then one day, a long–awaited break came.
The company granted time off, and I decided to take my daughter out for a walk and a bit of fresh air.
After buying some toys, we were about to head home when I heard a familiar voice call from behind. “Zoe?”
The sound of that voice made me freeze.
My mind went blank for a moment.}
Over the years, I have changed so much. When I was with Lucas, I had spent all my energy trying to earn money for our home, to please Sandra, to survive in a place where I was never truly welcome.
I had forgotten how to care for myself, how to live for myself.”
Now, I was different–confident, elegant, and self–made.
I had imagined countless times what it would be like to see Lucas again. I just hadn’t expected it to happen like this.
I took a deep breath and told myself not to panic. Everything would unfold in its own time.
Finally, I turned around.
And there he was.
Standing beside Emily, Lucas looked older, more mature–but still unmistakably him. Emily, delicate and well–dressed, held onto his arm like she belonged there.
I offered a calm nod.
“Lucas. It’s been a long time.”
Lucas’s gaze landed on my face and lingered, stunned by how much I had changed. His eyes softened, then turned intense with emotion. But he didn’t notice what my hand was doing behind me.
I stood firm, unmoved by the look in his eyes.}
He stepped forward, visibly nervous.
9:00 AM
“Zoe, I’ve been searching for you for so long… I knew you were still alive. I knew you were angry, and I know I failed you. But now, I’ve finally found you….“}
“Come home with me,” he continued eagerly. “I’ve restored everything. The house looks just the way it did when you left–as if time never
moved.”
As he reached out to take my hand, Emily, still clinging to his arm, was left behind.
I saw it then–the bitterness that flashed in her eyes, the sharp glint of resentment as she realized that in Lucas’s world, she had never truly replaced me.
9:00 AM
