Davidson Group Of Companies (DGOC)

9 a.m, the next day.

RAYMOND'S POV

I had just left the board members meeting, scrolling through the news feed of the internet as I headed back to my office when the thoughts of her crossed my mind. She still hasn't been found and it's been three long years, my betrothed fiance ran away from home the night before our wedding.

According to rumors, she had an accident while on the run but her dead body was never found. I wasn't too sure that she was dead so I sent out my men to search for her, leaving no stone unturned while in the act. I didn't want her demise to be without a befitting burial.

I wanted to honor her due to my family's relationship with hers. Her grandfather was a good man and the only person who valued me despite being the illegitimate son to the Davidson family.

My father never saw me as his son, but Mr Andres did. We weren't blood related, but I was surely his favorite amongst my father's sons. They were just family friends but he somehow liked me. During holidays I would visit him and he'd let me hangout with his granddaughter who is supposed to be married to me. Unfortunately, she never loved me and tried to elope with her lover…

I never resented her despite what she did. We were betrothed, it's only right that I am concerned about her. I wanted to fulfill Mr Andre's last wish, at least to make his soul happy.

I've just arrived inside my office and I removed my coat, placing it on the stand while I took my seat on my chair facing the MacBook on my desk.

Just as I switched it on to resume working on the files I'd left unfinished before the meeting, a call came on my mobile phone.. I picked it up immediately, it was Jamie, my assistant..

“Hello…” my voice came out calm and reserved. My eyes were fixed to my laptop screen as I spoke.

“Boss, Miss Vera Andres is alive. We just found her whereabouts” he announced..

“What!” I jerked up from my seat , banging my fist hard on my desk as I was surprised by this information.

“She’s alive? Where is she?” I asked, it was unbelievable to me.

“She was arrested yesterday in another city, sir. I'm currently investigating the case” he replied.

“Where are you now? Get the car ready to go there..” I declared and ended the phone call.

*******************

My first night in the cell was a horrible experience. I wouldn't wish for my enemy to send a day in here. The food was terrible, everyone in there looked terrifying.

"Ms. Coleman, you have a visitor." The warden officer announced to me and the gates were unlocked for me to go out. I breathed deeply, the fresh air outside a prison cell.

Francis had come as promised. My eyes were reddened from crying so much last night, my head was banging too. I couldn't wait to see him and express how disappointed I was in him. Last night was supposed to be our anniversary but I spent it in jail..

"How could you do this to me Francis?”

I shouted at him in disbelief.. I never thought that he could do such a thing to me ever in my entire life. I've made so many sacrifices for Francis to treat me this way..

"For better or worse Vera. Besides, you'll be out in a month or less” he responded nonchalantly, without any trace of emotion in his voice. I knew his love towards me was sinking but I did not expect him to be this extreme.

"What would you be doing if I got locked up for a year?" I asked him, I was still in shock… his words seemed so stern, as if he'd put me here on purpose.

I was still trying to say something when he brought out a document and slammed it on the table.

"Sign the documents Vera . In case you'll be here for a year, I want to be able to do something meaningful with my life." He stated.

I looked at the documents, hoping that it wasn't what I was thinking..

I slowly brought out the paper contents and I read it out loudly..

“D.. Divorce papers” my voice stuttered in fear…

"You imbecile. I hate you. You wasted three years of my life." I yelled out loudly, throwing the papers at him.

"You have no life, Vera. I should've just let you die after your accident. There wasn't a better hope for your future if I hadn't stepped in." Francis stated…

His words slapped me hard on the face. I left my family and married him because of love and this was what he had to say to me? I escaped my own wedding to get married to him. How could he say this to me?

His words stunned me and I felt stabbed right in my heart but I had to endure… I wasn't going to show any form of weakness in front of him.

“Francis, how dare you?” I raised my hand to slap him… I couldn't think of other ways to react to how angry I was at him..

Francis grabbed my hand and pushed it back. “Guards” he called out loudly and two prison guards matched into the visit room immediately.

They came and grabbed me, forcing me away…

“Francis, how could you?”

"As for your wasted three years, I'm compensating you with a million dollars. All you have to do is sign this and the money will be paid to you after your release” he explained..

I was hurt deeply, the pain I felt in my heart was the same as being cut by a knife.. the wound was deep, Francis had crossed the line…

I signed the divorce papers…

“I do not want your money” I said, and stood my ground. I was still in the custody of the guards so I couldn't hit him.

“That's fine. You can do whatever you wish, you lunatic.” Francis curses at me.

"I do not want to see your face ever again." I declared.

"Neither do I wish to visit a prison cell again."

I watched him storm off and More tears cascaded down my eyes. My heart was crushed to pieces. When I returned to my cell my tears had dried off. I remained on my bed sobbing.

I wished I never eloped and got married to him, I wish I never did. This wouldn't have happened to me if only I listened to my grandpa and married the man he had chosen for me.

There was no way I could contact him, Grandpa died a year ago and I couldn't bring myself to go to send him off as I have disobeyed him because of my love for Francis..

Later in the evening, After another terrible food, we moved in a single line returning back to our cells.

I was inside my cell, laying on my bed with my eyes gazing at the ceiling. My mind was too occupied by different thoughts, I didn't even hear my name being called out…

"Vera.”

A cellmate tapped my shoulder in order to get my attention.

“Aren't you Vera? You're being called by the guard” she pointed out, I raised my gaze and I signified my identity to him.

The sounds of padlocks clicking outside was brief, the guard walked into the cell and he uncuffed me before escorting me outside the cell. I couldn't think properly, what was going on? I asked myself inwardly. Was this another kind of trick by Francis?

I looked at the guard confusedly, my legs were too stiff to walk.. I was wondering why he'd release me all of a sudden.

“Follow me” she said,

We reached the locker room and new clothings were given to me. I changed up without asking questions. The same security walked me out of the premises of the cell. I was allowed to walk by myself, no one ordered me or rough handled me to move like they did back then.

Beep..

The electronic gate closed behind me. Tears I had been withholding escaped my eyes. Was this a prank? My foot was too weak to take a step. What if I moved and someone put a bullet in my head?

The weather is freezing. I stood out there shaking but still not moving until a blinding headlight from an incoming vehicle packed right in front of me.

The car opened and a man walked out of the car heading towards me. His face was cold, yet handsome, his aura oozed of wealth and power. He looked familiar, who was he? I asked myself rhetorically as I maintained a gaze at him for as long as I could before my whole world turned dark and I passed out right there.

Davidson Group Of Companies (DGOC)

9 a.m, the next day.

RAYMOND'S POV

I had just left the board members meeting, scrolling through the news feed of the internet as I headed back to my office when the thoughts of her crossed my mind. She still hasn't been found and it's been three long years, my betrothed fiance ran away from home the night before our wedding.

According to rumors, she had an accident while on the run but her dead body was never found. I wasn't too sure that she was dead so I sent out my men to search for her, leaving no stone unturned while in the act. I didn't want her demise to be without a befitting burial.

I wanted to honor her due to my family's relationship with hers. Her grandfather was a good man and the only person who valued me despite being the illegitimate son to the Davidson family.

My father never saw me as his son, but Mr Andres did. We weren't blood related, but I was surely his favorite amongst my father's sons. They were just family friends but he somehow liked me. During holidays I would visit him and he'd let me hangout with his granddaughter who is supposed to be married to me. Unfortunately, she never loved me and tried to elope with her lover…

I never resented her despite what she did. We were betrothed, it's only right that I am concerned about her. I wanted to fulfill Mr Andre's last wish, at least to make his soul happy.

I've just arrived inside my office and I removed my coat, placing it on the stand while I took my seat on my chair facing the MacBook on my desk.

Just as I switched it on to resume working on the files I'd left unfinished before the meeting, a call came on my mobile phone.. I picked it up immediately, it was Jamie, my assistant..

“Hello…” my voice came out calm and reserved. My eyes were fixed to my laptop screen as I spoke.

“Boss, Miss Vera Andres is alive. We just found her whereabouts” he announced..

“What!” I jerked up from my seat , banging my fist hard on my desk as I was surprised by this information.

“She’s alive? Where is she?” I asked, it was unbelievable to me.

“She was arrested yesterday in another city, sir. I'm currently investigating the case” he replied.

“Where are you now? Get the car ready to go there..” I declared and ended the phone call.

*******************

My first night in the cell was a horrible experience. I wouldn't wish for my enemy to send a day in here. The food was terrible, everyone in there looked terrifying.

"Ms. Coleman, you have a visitor." The warden officer announced to me and the gates were unlocked for me to go out. I breathed deeply, the fresh air outside a prison cell.

Francis had come as promised. My eyes were reddened from crying so much last night, my head was banging too. I couldn't wait to see him and express how disappointed I was in him. Last night was supposed to be our anniversary but I spent it in jail..

"How could you do this to me Francis?”

I shouted at him in disbelief.. I never thought that he could do such a thing to me ever in my entire life. I've made so many sacrifices for Francis to treat me this way..

"For better or worse Vera. Besides, you'll be out in a month or less” he responded nonchalantly, without any trace of emotion in his voice. I knew his love towards me was sinking but I did not expect him to be this extreme.

"What would you be doing if I got locked up for a year?" I asked him, I was still in shock… his words seemed so stern, as if he'd put me here on purpose.

I was still trying to say something when he brought out a document and slammed it on the table.

"Sign the documents Vera . In case you'll be here for a year, I want to be able to do something meaningful with my life." He stated.

I looked at the documents, hoping that it wasn't what I was thinking..

I slowly brought out the paper contents and I read it out loudly..

“D.. Divorce papers” my voice stuttered in fear…

"You imbecile. I hate you. You wasted three years of my life." I yelled out loudly, throwing the papers at him.

"You have no life, Vera. I should've just let you die after your accident. There wasn't a better hope for your future if I hadn't stepped in." Francis stated…

His words slapped me hard on the face. I left my family and married him because of love and this was what he had to say to me? I escaped my own wedding to get married to him. How could he say this to me?

His words stunned me and I felt stabbed right in my heart but I had to endure… I wasn't going to show any form of weakness in front of him.

“Francis, how dare you?” I raised my hand to slap him… I couldn't think of other ways to react to how angry I was at him..

Francis grabbed my hand and pushed it back. “Guards” he called out loudly and two prison guards matched into the visit room immediately.

They came and grabbed me, forcing me away…

“Francis, how could you?”

"As for your wasted three years, I'm compensating you with a million dollars. All you have to do is sign this and the money will be paid to you after your release” he explained..

I was hurt deeply, the pain I felt in my heart was the same as being cut by a knife.. the wound was deep, Francis had crossed the line…

I signed the divorce papers…

“I do not want your money” I said, and stood my ground. I was still in the custody of the guards so I couldn't hit him.

“That's fine. You can do whatever you wish, you lunatic.” Francis curses at me.

"I do not want to see your face ever again." I declared.

"Neither do I wish to visit a prison cell again."

I watched him storm off and More tears cascaded down my eyes. My heart was crushed to pieces. When I returned to my cell my tears had dried off. I remained on my bed sobbing.

I wished I never eloped and got married to him, I wish I never did. This wouldn't have happened to me if only I listened to my grandpa and married the man he had chosen for me.

There was no way I could contact him, Grandpa died a year ago and I couldn't bring myself to go to send him off as I have disobeyed him because of my love for Francis..

Later in the evening, After another terrible food, we moved in a single line returning back to our cells.

I was inside my cell, laying on my bed with my eyes gazing at the ceiling. My mind was too occupied by different thoughts, I didn't even hear my name being called out…

"Vera.”

A cellmate tapped my shoulder in order to get my attention.

“Aren't you Vera? You're being called by the guard” she pointed out, I raised my gaze and I signified my identity to him.

The sounds of padlocks clicking outside was brief, the guard walked into the cell and he uncuffed me before escorting me outside the cell. I couldn't think properly, what was going on? I asked myself inwardly. Was this another kind of trick by Francis?

I looked at the guard confusedly, my legs were too stiff to walk.. I was wondering why he'd release me all of a sudden.

“Follow me” she said,

We reached the locker room and new clothings were given to me. I changed up without asking questions. The same security walked me out of the premises of the cell. I was allowed to walk by myself, no one ordered me or rough handled me to move like they did back then.

Beep..

The electronic gate closed behind me. Tears I had been withholding escaped my eyes. Was this a prank? My foot was too weak to take a step. What if I moved and someone put a bullet in my head?

The weather is freezing. I stood out there shaking but still not moving until a blinding headlight from an incoming vehicle packed right in front of me.

The car opened and a man walked out of the car heading towards me. His face was cold, yet handsome, his aura oozed of wealth and power. He looked familiar, who was he? I asked myself rhetorically as I maintained a gaze at him for as long as I could before my whole world turned dark and I passed out right there.

RAYMOND

I stared at her with so much curiosity filling my mind. Why did she run away from getting married to me back then? Did she find me unworthy of her? Was that why she ran in the first place? Maybe she didn't like my status as an illegitimate heir of my family..

It wasn't also my choice to get married to her, but I wanted to fulfill a dying wish.

I continued to watch her sleep as different questions filled my mind. Vera used to be a very beautiful woman, I've seen her once before, her skin was as fair as snow and her hair was soft as silk and shiny.

What has happened to her? She looked so pale, worked out and old. What did Francis Coleman do to my betrothed?.

I clenched my fists hard, thinking about all the time she spent together with him..

I did my findings about him, he was not a good man. Francis Coleman was involved in cyber fraud and other illegal business activities. How could Vera fall in love and elope with a man as cocky as him?

Her face seemed so small, and she was very thin. She obviously didn't have a good life with him or even enjoyed her marriage with Francis Coleman. He must've made her go through a lot.

Even after everything, she was still so beautiful. I couldn't help but stare at her and get lost in the sight of her fairy looking face. Vera might've lost her dignity for getting married to a coward, but I won't let her suffer more once she accepts me.

I moved my hand slowly towards her face, trying to get a better feel of her soft skin. Her hair covered a part of her face and I slowly pushed it backwards.

She snuffled in her breath, she seemed so stressed out and seeing her feel this way provoked me the most. I must make Francis pay for what he'd done to Vera.

Picking up my mobile phone and leaving the bedroom, I stared at her one last time before leaving as I wondered how much longer she was going to sleep.

A message from Collins popped up from my phone screen and I read it briefly. I had a meeting to attend which would take me two hours before I came back to meet her.

Hopefully, Vera will be awake then and I'll have a chat with her. The marriage agreement must be accomplished, especially now that she is back to fight for her inheritance from the hands of her step mother and sister.

Immediately I reached outside the bedroom, I met Collins waiting for me with some files in his hands. I took a single document out of the file and I read it as we both strolled off, heading downstairs.

“Collins, are these all true?” I asked him and he nodded. “Yes, they are. And there's even more.” He explained.

“What?” I was stunned, it was unbelievable.

“Boss, Mr Coleman has even penetrated into our company with the help of his father's relationship with your father, and I know that he is up to no good. I've sent someone to investigate and find out his motives” Collins narrated to me.

I couldn't believe that the cunning man had the guts to try out my company with his fraudulent actions. I wasn't going to make it easy for him. I promise.

With my fists clenched tightly, I smiled briefly as I read the front page of the file completely. “Francis Coleman is going to regret ever trying to mess with me after he's messed with my woman” I said.

Collin's eyes were fixed to my face as he carefully watched my mood as I spoke. He was trying to figure out my plans, but I had too many and he couldn't tell what they all were.

“Collins,” I called out his name and he quickly answered. “Don't you think it's better if I meet Mr Coleman myself? To at least make him a business offer in the company?”

“W– what? Boss, this man is a fraudster” Collins yelled out immediately.

I looked at him and I smiled. “Yes, I know. And I've seen his capabilities. I think it's just better that I offer him this, so he doesn't have to stress himself into falling inside my trap. What do you think?” I asked him.

He shook his head, feeling uncomfortable with my words. “Hmm, boss, you know what's best. If you think that getting into business with him is the best, then I'll support you. When do I set a meeting?” He asked him.

“Tomorrow, as soon as possible. Contact him right away if you may. But I need to be facing Francis Coleman tomorrow” I declared.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

VERA

I woke up feeling a bit of pain in my head and ache on my body. Glaring around where I was laying, the atmosphere seemed peaceful but I couldn't recognize where I was—which sent a little bit of fear into my heart.

I stood up from the comfortable king-sized bed I was laying on and I walked barefooted towards the window. I stared outside and I realized that it was already evening. The bright atmosphere of the bedroom didn't allow me to notice.

Outside the mansion looked extremely huge and beautiful, reminding me of my family villa which I abandoned years ago. I wish I had a way of contacting my family and going back there.

Just by thinking of it, I felt my heart ache sharply and I held my chest quickly. “I will never forgive you, Francis, for doing this to me” I vowed, my voice stuttering into a teary tone and I knew that I was about to cry. I quickly controlled myself. I had to get over it.

Even though I've lost everything and all my inheritance was probably in the hands of my evil stepmom and her daughter. For the past few years, I never imagined that I would ever think of getting my inheritance back after being with Francis.

I loved him so much which made me turn a blind eye to all of that.

My hands were holding tightly onto the window pane but I just had to let go. I recalled that I still didn't know where I was and I had to find that out immediately.

Still walking barefooted, I head outside the bedroom trying to go downstairs

Although I didn't know my way around or where I was heading, I just continued to walk down the long hallway filled with so many different bedrooms. I finally found the staircase and I sauntered downstairs to the huge living room.

The place was totally empty. Even though I could recall that a man appeared to me right before I passed out, I didn't know who he was and why he brought me here in the first place so I just had to leave. I wasn't ready to face another problem in my life as I was yet to figure it out and plan my next move.

All I wanted to do right now is to visit grandpa's tombstone at the graveyard.