Note : This is quite a sensitive chapter, don’t read if you’re uncomfortable with it

It’s being a week since I left Nik’s residence and so far no legal action has been taken against me. Maybe he had a change of heart I thought, but I knew inwardly he was scheming on how to get back at me. 

I took one final look at the mirror taking in my appearance , I was wearing a black chiffon blouse with a sequins pencil skirt with my hair hanging in a ponytail. With my clutch purse at my side, I checked my time and headed out. Today was the day I had to meet up with my sister – well scratch that, half sister. 

I flag down a taxi and headed to the restaurant she suggested. I was a lot early so I ordered for a glass of water while I waited patiently for her arrival. 

I didn’t wait for long before the corners of my eyes caught a figure heading towards me. I snorted  taking in her looks, as usual she dresses with real flair. She looked classic in her bright red striped top and paired it with an equally vivid blue pants with her wavy brown hair dancing around her shoulders as she walked elegantly in her six inches long heels .

“Sorry, I’m late” She murmured taking a seat while I lazily sipped at my water. 

“You don’t have to worry ” I said “I was a lot early ”

She flashed me a smile but I felt underneath that were an infinite number of hidden knives aiming at me. “Did you order? “She asked going through the menu the waiter handed to her. 

“I’m good” I replied impatiently hoping she would get this over with as soon as possible. 

She seemed to have noticed my impatience cause she calmly said “You don’t have to be uncomfortable moreover I was hoping we could catch up on things, you look much good than the last time we met which…. ”

“Was approximately four years ago” I cut in with a forced smile “Trust me, I’m over it. So get to the damn point “I spat startling her in the process.

Kim stared at me with awe, was she really thinking I was that same naive girl they used and stepped on years ago. 

“Fine then ” She agreed and next I knew she was fumbling in her bag for something. When found, she dropped it on the table then pushed it over to my side. 

Curious but cautiously, I slowly took the document , glanced over it and flipped over the pages trying to take in what was written inside. The only thing I understood was, it’s some sort of contract bid

“What’s this? ” I asked not getting the whole point of it all. How’s this related to me? 

“That’s the contract bid for the My Eden art Center ” She answered still not hitting the  point and I would have snapped  if she didn’t continue ” We began our bid submission with a summary of our company’s qualifications and why we should win the contract. We’ve submitted all paperwork requested by the RFP, ensuring that all forms are complete, correct and signed. Include a listing of key personnel and subcontractors and their qualifications ”

“So? I don’t remember applying for a post in your dear parents company ” I said with heavy sarcasm which my dear sister ignored and got me thinking. Whatever this was, it’s obvious she needs this desperately

Kim flashed me a smile ” This is now where you come in . ” My eyes shone as l leaned in, listening attentively as this was the part I was waiting for a long time now ” just like every business deal and transaction ” She started “It needs a push whether externally or internally and that’s what I invited you here to do”

I pinched my nose in sheer disappointment, at what point did I turn into a business lady? “I think you’re mistaken here “I said standing up and reaching for my clutch purse, this reunion or whatever this is has reached it’s limit.

.”I’m not interested in this contract bid neither do I have a way to help you”

I stood ready to leave when the next statement made me froze at the spot. “I heard you were hired by Nik Spencer and you’re highly favored in his sight ”

I felt dizzy all of a sudden so I had to make my way back to my seat making sure to hide the sudden discomfort from my sister .

“So? “I resumed my haughty tone

Kim smiled taking hold of my hands in a tenderly manner. Anyone watching would think it was indeed two sisters having some sort of reunion but I could only feel goosebumps travel all over my body. What was she up-to? 

“Maya dear, I know we’ve not being the best of siblings and friends but am willing to overlook everything and make things the way they were when we were much younger, when we had no problems, when we knew nothing of the world.So just do me this favor, our family’s future depends on it ” She pleaded and I would’ve fallen straight for that if I didn’t know the kind of human she was.

Still yet I was dumbfounded, when did Kim turn into a poet? 

“So make Nik spencer interested in us,  just make him say two or three words about us. That man has so much power than you can imagine , just a word from him and everything’s settled and I heard he’s interested in you and would do anything you ask of him. So just let him say a word or two to the board and the contract bid is all ours and I’ll reward – infact I will make mom take a liking to you ”

I stared at Kim disgusted to the core, what does she think I am to Nik? I bet she thinks I’m one of his mistresses or sluts he has taken to bed. She was never interested in my well-being, she just saw me as some sort of bargaining chip .

My brow rose as I smirked “What do you think I am? Ten? Stupid? ” I laughed “And here I was actually thinking you were worried about me”

Kim defended innocently “I’m actually concerned about you but this deal is very important for our family…..”

“Just drop the act already ” I cut in “I’m disgusted to death ”

Kim smiled shyly before tucking a strand of hair behind her eye before staring down at me.

I saw it this time, that innocent look was no longer in there, this time she stared at me with much pure arrogance and disgust 

She laughed “I was wondering when I was going to drop the act but I never thought it was going to be sooner than I expected ” her scornful eyes looked down on me in sheer mockery.

“That’s more like you now “I smiled trying not to wince at the disdain in her voice  

“You’ve grown much smarter than the last time we met” She taunted trying to irk me on purpose 

“Well that’s good to know, unlike someone who hides under the shadow of their parents, what a chicken! “I retorted  and Kim banged her hands on the table 

“You! “She roared, anger evident in her eyes. Atleast its good to know that someone aside from her has grown an acidic tongue

“How’s Nik’s bed? ” Kim asked out of nowhere startling me. For sure I’ll give her the credit, she knows how to attack but unlike her, I attack where it hurts the most. 

“For sure good” I smiled, my eyes full of mischief “His bed’s so damn comfortable and the guy sure knows how to arouse a woman to estacy and I bet you want a taste judging from the fact you satisfy yourself with sex toys because your husband has minor problems with his… ” I trailed off purposely looking at her lower region suggestively. 

Kim’s face was red and she would have bounced on me had the waiter not arrived with her request. She composed herself and flashed the waiter a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes as he arranged her food on the table. 

Once done she tipped the waiter as he bowed with a smile and left. Anyone not knowing her true character would think she was indeed an angel sent from heaven. 

“I don’t care about your relationship with Nik but you should consider my request ”

“You can get that answered in hell” I spat not believing the fact I came from the same womb as her. 

“Don’t delude yourself, this is for our family’s welfare ” 

“Family? ” I scoffed. Then suddenly my expression changed as I glared at her with full intensity ” You are never and will never be a part of this family .That should ring a bell ” I said, my grim voice reminding her the exact words she said to me before I left four years ago

“I never thought you’re one to hold grudges ” she grimaced 

“I wasn’t ” I replied nonchalantly “Until life taught me a bitter lesson and what did I learn ?” I kept her guessing for a while before replying coldly 

“Revenge is best served cold”  

I would’ve continued bickering with her had I not felt a little uncomfortable. I suddenly felt hot inside out of nowhere puzzling me,  I never eat anything contradicting to get such result other than a glass of water. 

Camouflaging the sudden discomfort, I picked up my clutchpurse ready to leave and knowing it was easier facing this new unwelcomed development at home than here. 

Just as I stood , I decided to make an epic leave. I walked towards Kim, bent and whispered in her ears 

“Just so you know, I quit from Nik’s residence  about a week  ago,  so make sure you investigate thoroughly with your sources the next time you’re about to ask for a favor ”

That said, I left with a smug smile on my face.It felt good knowing I had the upper hand this time. I chuckled remembering the look on her face. 

As if the universe were on my side, a taxi stopped right in front of me as soon as I stepped outside almost like it’s being waiting for me. 

Grateful I didn’t have to wait for a long time to flag down one, I entered with a huge smile on my face. 

“Please drive to… ” I had barely finished my statement when a shadow beside me moved and a small clothe was pressed against my nose.

Startled and roused , I struggled against this unknown attacker only to find out I wasn’t half a match for him. 

I knew the rag was drugged so I tried not to inhale but my lungs couldn’t accommodate this sudden change so I was forced to breathe. Suddenly the world around me became dark.

***

I knew it has being a while, I could feel it. I couldn’t move, my body felt heavy and paralyzed. My insides were burning, it was as if I was set on fire.

I writhed around on something soft and I knew instinctively it was a bed. A bed? I never remembered getting home, Infact I couldn’t remember anything other than to satisfy this burning ache in my lower region. 

I felt a sudden weight on me and knew someone was on me and knew instinctively it was a man judging from his deep guttural voice. He was saying something about satisfying me. 

I struggled but it was a half struggle. A part of me wanted this man gone but the other me craved his touch as if he had the cure to this sudden madness. 

I felt goosebumps all over my body when his hands went down my arms and I realized something. My shoulders were bare and this thing I was wearing was skimpy and silky. 

I forced my eyes opened at once, I wasn’t in my clothes. Where was my clothes? I was in a fucking nightgown! 

“Don’t worry babe, I’ll make you feel good tonight” I heard that same guttural voice say and nibble on my earlobe and all I could feel was disgust. 

I tried shouting but all that could come out was a whimper, when did my voice become this way. 

“Pl-please ” I pleaded but he won’t let go instead his grip tightened as he assured me of making me feel good

“Someone help me” I cried out but there was no one. I felt nauseated by each passing minutes his hands worked down my body. 

“Help me!!! “I prayed , struggling for control against my body’s wishes, I couldn’t succumb just yet. I still had to fight.

Out of nowhere, I heard a loud bang and saw a sudden light. I smiled, so prayers were still being answered.