After Divorce, She Bloomed

It disappeared. Vanessa watched as the website, once decorated with illustrations and words about she and Ethan, lapsed, soon showing a error icon.

It's gone, She thought and let a sigh of relief slip past her lips.

"And that's that," Michael's voice rang out from the other end, reminding her that she was yet to hang up the phone call. "But," He continued and she could distinctively make out the sound of more keyboard clicks.

"I can't guarantee that it didn't get much traffic, meaning I also can't guarantee that neither Ethan or Serene saw it."

Vanessa clenched her jaw. Of course. Why hadn't she thought of that before asking Michael to get rid of the article.

"It's fine," She voiced after a short pause.

"You've helped me more than enough, Mr. Hayes, and I appreciate that. Thank you."

"Don't thank me, learn from this." Michael said, although he was quite enjoying her praise.

"Next time, listen to what I say, and you'll be spared from unnecessary pain and panic."

Vanessa bit her bottom lip, knowing full well that what Michael was saying was right, but couldn't bring herself to accept the truth.

"You're right, l've learnt a lesson."

"That's good. Now, lesson learning aside, do you have any idea what you're going to do with Daniel?"

"'Il take care of him." Vanessa answered only after a few seconds of thinking.

"Alright. I have work to get back to, but as per my conditions, l'll be expecting you at my office, Ms.Reeds."

"I know."

"Good, see you then." With that, Michael ended the call.

Vanessa looked at the blank screen for a few seconds before pocketing the device and turning her attention back to her laptop screen. As she stared at the now blank white page, she hoped with all her heart that Ethan nor Serene hadn't seen the article, because the moment either of them did, it was game over for her.

A few hours later, Vanessa left her hospital, driving towards the address of Michael's company.

By the time she got there, it was around four pm and the sky was a dark shade of orange and pink. A sign that sunset was soon to come.

The address Michael had sent was that of a huge building located in the center of the city, and just like all the buildings there, had a parking space, where Vanessa parked her car and stepped out, looking up at the building that stretched into the clouds.

A sigh escaped her lips as she turned, heading for the glass door entrance and pushing it open.

Inside was an airy space, decorated in a modern fashion with white, black and gold colors, and a few plants here and there.

There was a receptionist sitting by the reception, a young woman, and a few people dressed in business suits were sitting on the

waiting chairs, waiting for their turns.

After giving the space a quick glance, Vanessa headed straight for the receptionist.

"Hello, I'm here to see Mr. Hayes."

"Good evening Ma'am," The young woman greeted with a kind smile.

"Can I have the name please?"

"Vanessa Benne-Reeds," She corrected herself swiftly and the receptionist nodded her head as she tapped away at the computer, searching for her name on the list of visitors.

"Oh, Mr. Hayes is currently in a meeting, please hold on while I call and confirm."

"Sure." Vanessa nodded and waited.

The receptionist picked up the phone, dialed a number and after a few seconds of being on hold, was able to speak to someone.

"Mr. Hayes, Sir? You have a visitor.

Vanessa Reeds. Oh, alright, I'll send her up right away Sir." Ending the call, she placed the phone back and flashed Vanessa a bright smile.

"You can go up now, Ms. Reeds."

"Thanks."

The woman pointed to the elevators located a few feet away from the reception desk.

"Just press the first button and it'd take you to the president's floor."

"Okay, thanks again."

She gave the receptionist a curt nod and turned, heading towards the elevators, and when she was inside, pressed the first button and watched as the elevator doors slid closed.

It took a few minutes, but soon, she had arrived at the President's floor.

Stepping out, she glanced around and spotted Michael's office door, the only door on the entire floor.

Walking towards it, she knocked and heard a "come in" from the other side.

Much to her surprise, when she stepped inside, Michael was having a video conference call. He pointed towards a free chair without looking her way.

"I'll be done soon." He merely told her.

Nodding her head, she took the seat he had offered, waiting patiently as Michael concluded his business with the person on the other end.

As she waited, she admired the interior of his office, impressed at how neat and simple it seemed.

Her roaming eyes soon landed on Michael, who was too engrossed in his conversation to pay her any attention.

From this angle, she could easily make out his side profile.

The way his hair dark brown fell perfectly over his forehead, the shape of his lips and nose, the sharpness of his jaw and his brows, even his slightly wrinkled suit didn't detract from his work charisma.

In fact, it only added to it.

"Alright, that's all for today. You're all dismissed." Michael spoke at last and hung up.

Turning to Vanessa, he flashed her a charming smile.

"Sorry you had to wait, I hope it wasn't too boring?"

"Not at all," She assured and he nodded his head, taking a seat in front of her.

"You know, I'm curious. With, all this," She moved her hand in a circle motion.

You have a freaking empire to yourself.

You're doing good, thriving, despite the shit that bitch dropped you in. Why do you still want revenge on her?"

"Well," Michael's expression became serious as he folded his hand and leaned back and Vanessa knew his answer was going to be the same as before.

"It's not about a matter of wealth, money's a trivial thing to me, I can make it back no matter his much I've lost. But my pride and dignity, that isn't something one can

simply by working their ass off day and night."

After a few seconds, he scanned Vanessa from head to toe, a hidden meaning behind his gaze as he uttered.

"You can understand this, right. Or would you rather I explain it to you?"

"No," Vanessa responded, voice laced with an emotion that made her feel a tad bit ashamed. "I get it.

I can understand why you want revenge." Michael smiled, this time it reached his eyes, and he was sure it would have melted anyone's heart.

"Good. And I hope you know the type of revenge I want isn't going to be a nice one."

Vanessa nodded her head. Of course there was no room for playing nice. Serene and Ethan had shown no remorse when they fucked each other despite knowing that they were ruining two people's life.

So, it was only fair they received a taste of their own medicine.

"I'm in for it," She voiced, unclenching her hand and stretching it out for a hand shake.

"Let's do our best."

Back at Highlands Medical, Lorraine had just finished with one of her current patients. After seeing the lady off, she was about to call Vanessa's number, when her assisting nurse came up to her.

"Doctor Howard, your new patient has just been checked in. She's in room 205."

"Oh," Lorraine mused as she shoved the phone back into her hospital gown, momentarily putting the call on hold. "Alright, let's go."

Minutes later, she arrived at room 205 and saw the blonde patient seating with her back facing the door.

"Hello, my name is Lorraine Howard, and I'll be treating you." She announced as she stepped inside and closed the door.

"Ah, Hello Ms. Howard," The patient uttered, standing and turning around so that she could face her.

When Lorraine's eyes landed on the face of the woman in front of her, her heart nearly stopped beating.

Because, standing right in front of her, was the exact same woman who had caused her friend's life to descend into the chaos it currently was;

Serene Vans!