Revenge of the Once Timid Heiress

“So, your new identity is Elena Montgomery. You're a Canadian socialite and heiress to three diamond mines but you've spent all your life in the US, and you're looking to invest in Hale Oil and Gas.” Ethan tossed a passport and an ID card to me. We were in a private jet, flying to his family's penthouse in Manhattan.

“You're also my girlfriend,” Ethan looked away and shrugged, “So don't be surprised when I indulge in a little PDA with you.”

“Got it.” I gave him a thumbs-up. I was excited and anxious. Finally, my plan to get revenge was underway. After I'd given Ethan the ultimatum in the bathroom, he'd tried to talk me out of it.

When I'd gone to my room and started packing, Ethan had finally given in and twenty-four hours later, we were en-route to the USA.

Ethan glanced at me, “Get some sleep. The jet lag is no joke.”

I nodded and closed my eyes, but I was too keyed up to sleep. So instead, I daydreamt of scenarios where I exposed Damian's dirty linens in public.

Almost a lifetime later, our plane landed in a private hanger. The door opened and Ethan held me as we climbed down the jet to his personal car where a chauffer waited.

His hand on the small of my back gave me rather pleasant sensations, and I almost jumped away from Ethan.

“Do you have to hold me like that? There's nobody here to see.” I asked.

Ethan helped me get into the car before going round and joining me in the backseat.

“Maybe I like touching you.” He whispered quietly as the driver sped off.

Our next stop was at a designer store in Manhattan. I'd shopped there a few times, so I knew their products were sold at exorbitant prices.

“What are we doing here?” I asked Ethan as he got out of the car and held the door open for me.

“We're having dinner with my family, you know how that goes. If you turn up looking like a tramp, my stepmother won't accept you.” Ethan laughed.

I looked at my long dinner dress, “You don't think I look good?”

“You always look beautiful to me. It's going to be a different case for my stepmother.” Ethan guided me into the store, leading me directly to the VIP section.

He called a personal shopper and asked her to get me a dinner gown, “I don't care how expensive it is.”

The personal shopper nodded and brought in a rack of dresses. I tried on about six dresses, and finally decided on a jet black strapless dress with a sequined skirt. Looking at myself in the full-length mirror, I felt like a black swan.

The personal shopper left me and returned with a jewellery box. When she opened it, I gasped with surprise. In the box were the most beautiful and eye-catching diamond necklace and matching earrings.

“Oh my God! I can't accept it.” I shook my head at the woman.

“Mr Ethan Hale already paid in full for it, and we don't do refunds.” The personal shopper told me.

I had no other option but to accept the jewellery.

Then, the shopper got me a pair of stilleto heels. I stepped into them and took one last look at myself in the mirror. Loving what I saw, I walked out of the VIP changing room.

Ethan was glancing through something on his phone, but when he noticed me, he stared.

“What? Do you like the dress?”

He nodded wordlessly.

“I still think the jewellery is over the top.” I touched the necklace, “You shouldn't have gotten it. I knew it's expensive.”

Ethan rose from his chair and came to meet me, “Are you kidding? The jewellery is the best part. The diamonds match your eyes, and they'll make your backstory more believable as you're supposed to be affiliated with diamond mines.”

Ethan's point made sense, “But I can't accept it from you. I'll pay you back for the expenses you made today.”

Ethan laughed it off, “Sophia, no, Elena, this is no skin off my back. I can afford a billion diamond necklaces.”

Together, we got into his car and the driver put it in motion. Soon, I was sweating profusely in the air-conditioned car. With each passing minute, I got more restless and my heart beat faster. I gripped my dress, willing my anxiety to go away.

Ethan must have felt my distress because he took my hand in his.

“Ethan, I'm scared.” I admitted.

“Don't be. You've worked hard to come this far, so you have to see it through.”

I was about to see Damian again. What if I couldn't control my rage? What if I failed?

“Hey, Elena.” Ethan patted my hand, “You're not doing this alone. You've got me by your side. I'll be there to take care of you and protect you. That's my promise.”

Soon, the car stopped in front of an intimidating black skyscraper, and Ethan helped me alight.

“Welcome to Hale Tower. My stepmother is waiting for us in the penthouse.” Ethan told me.

Together, we made our way through the lobby and into the elevator. Throughout all this, Ethan held onto my hand and whispered reassuring words in my ear.

The elevator doors opened and we found ourselves in an expensive apartment with security detail posted by the door.

“Ahh, little brother you've finally arrived.” The voice I heard in my horrific nightmares said.

My eyes widened as Damian Hale walked up to us. I began to fidget but I chided myself, Sophia, don't give yourself away.

“Hello, Damian.” Ethan answered in an annoyed voice, “Sorry I'm late.”

“I can see you brought a plus one too, that's a first,” Damian ribbed, “I mean, I thought maybe you didn't fancy women.”

“Oh he does fancy women,” I spoke up, “especially me.”

I looked Damian in the eye, hoping something would tip him off that he was in the presence of his nemesis. A part of me wanted him to know I was still alive, and that he'd failed.

Damian narrowed his eyes at me for a moment,

“Say, something about you seems familiar. Have we met before?”