FIVE YEARS LATER

KIARA'S POV

The warm rays of morning sunlight fell on me through the kitchen window. I looked at the beautiful sight of the neighborhood while sipping a cup of coffee. The thought of the past came flashing in my head like it was just yesterday.

Five years have passed since the fateful night that my world came crumbling. The memories of Leo and Miriam's betrayal are still fresh in my head, but I'm not the same woman anymore.

 I'm now stronger and wiser. And thanks to Alex who came right on time to save me that fateful day... I would have lost my baby and even died too.

Alex has been my friend since high school. We always look out for each other. I know he had a crush on me but I don't have feelings for him nor even consider being in a relationship with him. I only had eyes for Leo,which broke his heart but still, he never left. Luckily for me that day,it was his number that I dialled before passing out.

"I must get my revenge " I murmured,biting my lower lips.

"Mummy! Mummy! Look what I made" my daughter Sophia snapped me out of my thoughts.

She held up her colorful drawing of a woman holding hands with a little girl. 

"Oh baby! Is that us?" I asked as I crouched to her level.

"Yes mummy," she nodded." Do you like it?

"I love it." I said hugging her so tight.Her innocent smile made my scars almost insignificant.Almost.

 I heard a knock on my front door, which interrupted our moment. As I opened it, it was Alex. 

"Hey Kiara,"he said, giving me a warm smile.

"So good to see you, Alex." I pulled him into a warm hug and ushered him in.

Immediately Alex entered my living room, Sophia ran to him, excitedly calling out "Uncle Alex!" Alex smiled and raised her up, spinning her in the air as her giggle filled the room. "Hey, kiddo! Missed me?"

"Yes! Will you stay for dinner?" she asked excitedly.

I couldn't help but smile at the sight of Alex and Sophia. Alex had always been like a father figure in her life.

"Maybe later," he replied, placing her down gently. Then faced me,"Let's talk."

"So, what's this huge job offer you were talking about over the phone?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Alex smiled mischievously. "You've been shortlisted for Evergreen's major project. You know they're one of the top interior designing firms in the country.They want  you to pitch for their upcoming project.

"My eyes widened in excitement. "This is huge! Evergreen designs are legendary. How did this happen?"

Alex chuckled "I may have sang your praises to the right people. They saw your portfolio and were blown away. You, my friend, is an incredibly talented designer in town, so who wouldn't want to work with you?"

I blushed and smiled at the praises,feeling a sense of gratitude towards Alex.

"But there's just one more thing..you will be up against Williams & Co. & Harrison group too".

"Wait! What? Williams?"

"Yes, and I heard that his company is going through some financial constraints now and it's only Evergreen's project that will restore him back. Alex explained.

"Ohhh I see, that scumbag, I will make sure that his company doesn't get this." I said with a sly smile.

I walked into the sleek conference room. My eyes scanned the room,taking in the professional atmosphere. I noticed a man standing not too far from where I was standing, he was talking to a group of people in front of him that apparently were his subordinates.

Judging by his commanding presence and the deference shown to him, I guessed he must be the CEO of Evergreen company.

While I was standing there observing,the man happened to glance over and caught my eye.He began to work towards me with a confident stride.

"You must be Kiara right?" He said warmly, stopping in front of me.

"Yes," I replied,my voice steady.

"It's so nice to finally meet the popular interior designer in Los Angeles," his smile wide and genuine."You can call me Mark."

I was caught off guard by the compliment, that I felt flattered and a bit shy.

I extended my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you too Mark."

As we shook hands, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Interior design was something I had always liked and dreamed of even as a child. After I finished schooling in Los Angeles, I was ready to venture and sharpen my skills. But life took an unexpected turn when I met Leo.

He had come to Los Angeles for a work function, and it was love at first sight, atleast for me. He convinced me to move to London with him,assuring me of a beautiful life together. But after the divorce, I returned to Los Angeles, to start my life and career over again, with the help of my friend Alex.

Lost in my thoughts, I was startled by a voice behind me.

"Hello,Mark," the voice said, polite yet unmistakably familiar.

I turned around I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked, just like always. His piercing eyes, chiseled jawline, and charming smile that once captivated me..

Immediately he saw me, he was stunned. " Kiaria?"

Kiaria's Pov

I let out a sarcastic smile. "Leo Williams" I replied in a sarcastic tone.He smiled, trying to act familiar.

 "Kiaria, it's so great to see you again. You look... stunning."

Looking at him, I couldn't tell what my emotions were playing at. Was it anger, sadness, or something else entirely? All I knew was that I wasn't happy to see him but my heart was racing, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.

"I said you look stunning," he repeated,this time around, his voice became softer like he really needed me to acknowledge his compliment.

"Oh of course, I know" I had to answer him that way to let him know I'm no longer the timid kiaria he used to know.

"Oh I see you guys have already met," Mark said with a surprised look.

Leo chipped in immediately, "Yes, she's my wife" moving closer to hold me asif I'm one of his possessions.

"Don't you dare come close to me."I said with a wide rage of anger in my eyes, staring at Leo. "Ex-wife," I said loud enough that everyone in the room heard me. The tension was so thick and I could feel everyone's eyes in our direction, but I just don't care. I had to put him where he belongs.

Mark was just gazing at us with a surprised look. His eyes went from one person to the other. He then broke the silence."Well,regardless of whatever relationship you both had,I'm sure we can be able to focus on the task at hand, which is why we are here,"he said, gesturing towards the proposal documents on the table.

Before Leo could say anything, the door to the conference room opened and Miriam strutted in, heels clicking against the tiled floor. The sound announced her arrival even before her presence did. She was dressed to impress as always and was wearing a self-satisfied smile that vanished the moment she laid eyes on me.

"You've got to be kidding me," Miriam sneered, glaring up at me. "What the hell is this thing doing here?"

I faced her with a cold smirk. "Slut like you don't speak when my presence is involved." Miriam tried to raise her hand up to slap me but I held it. "Don't ever dream of this act again, or else..." i dropped her hand forcefully, while Miriam is still foaming with rage.

"Well to answer your question," I continued, my voice steady and confident, "I'm here because the company recognizes talent when they see one. Something you wouldn't understand because you don't have it."

Miriam's face flushed red. "Mark, this woman is completely unprofessional! You can't possibly think she's the right person for this project!"

Mark chuckled and shook his head. "On the contrary, Miss Miriam, Kiara is the major person we want for this project. Her reputation speaks for itself."

Miriam glanced nervously at Leo whose jaw was tightening. The cracks in his composure were starting to show.

I stepped closer to Miriam, my voice low and firm. "You know Miriam, you have spent years trying to tear me down, but guess what? I'm still here and thriving. You can't stop me no matter how hard you try."

Miriam was already red and was about to rush me, when Leo grasped her wrist and said, "stop it Miriam, you are just embarrassing yourself." he hissed. "If you don't want to be here anymore, you go home. Besides, I can handle this without you."

Miriam froze immediately, her arms shaking in his grasp. Her mouth fell open as humiliation and shock was written all over her face. "Leo! You're supposed to be on my side!"

Leo sighed,pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is neither the time nor the place for dramas, Miriam." he said, sounding so frustrated.

I smirked, watching the drama between the two betrayals in front of me. "Trouble in paradise? So Leo does fight Miriam? Interesting" I just soliloquized to myself and smiled in satisfaction. 

Then I turned sharply to Mark and said, "I'll make this really clear, I'm not working with the Williams & Co. company. If this project involves him in any slightest way, I will have to decline."

The atmosphere grew quiet suddenly.

Mark broke the silence. "Oh no Miss Kiara," he began, "you are the lead designer here, we called you specifically for this project, you can't decline now." 

He turned to Leo immediately "Leo I thought your company was prepared to collaborate with the best?"

"Yes I...uh..we..." Leo stammered, he was clearly lost for words.

Mark continues " I don't think Miss Kiara wants to work with you, so this means that we won't be needing your company for this project anymore."

"No Mark, we can figure something out, " Leo said.

I raised an eyebrow, folding my arms. "You mean, you'll figure out how to step aside right? I said, my voice filled with disdain. "Because if you still think for one second that your involvement is going to remain the same, then this deal is off the table."

Leo's knuckles became white. He could hardly speak above a whisper, his fist clenched and the frustration he felt was written all over his face. "Very well then," he finally said. Let's have a deal."

I smiled, seeing the cold sweat on his brow. The tables had turned and for the first time in five years, I felt truly in control and I was just getting started.

Kiara's pov

I stood in the corner of the office, watching the whole drama with amusement. Miriam was clinging to Leo like her life depended on it, for whatever reason; she really did seem incapable of letting go.

"Leo, forget about Kiara," she purred with a sweet yet controlled voice. "I will come up with another project, I'll lead it myself and bring Williams & Co. back on its feet."

She fluttered her lashes as if to ply him with that, but it only darkened Leo's expression. He did not even attempt to mask his irritation.

"That's enough, Miriam," he commanded and brushed her off so forcefully that she stumbled backward.

I smirked at the sight of her faltering. Miriam, always acted like she was untouchable. How satisfying it felt seeing her caught off guard.

"You know what Miriam," I said with my arms folded. "Your designs are trash just like your ideas. If you worked more and schemed less, probably you wouldn't be making a fool of yourself this way."

Her face turned red and anger surfaced. "You!" she snapped, taking a closer step to me.

I raised an eyebrow, daring her to do something but Leo stopped her before she could even react.

"Leave," he said sharply, his voice cutting straight through the tension.

"But babe-"

"Don't," he cut off, this tone warning her not to test his patience any further. "Just leave. Now."

Miriam stood there for a second with her lips very thinly pressed, but she finally turned and stormed out of the room.

"Good riddance," I muttered under my breath before I could also make my exist as well, Leo's voice stopped me.

"Kiara."

I turned to him with my arms still crossed. "What now?"

"We need to talk, just the two of us," he said, softer now.

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Look, Leo, I told you before; I am not going to change my mind. And there is nothing to discuss."

I was about to take another step but Leo grabbed my wrist. his grip wasn't harsh but It was strong enough to stop me.

"Leo, let go off me," I said, glaring at him.

But he didn't let go. instead he continued to pull me along with him.

"Leo, what are you doing?" I asked, stumbling slightly in an attempt to keep up with him.

Not a word came from his mouth. Before I knew it, we were in a small, empty room. He closed the door behind us and faces me with an inscrutable countenance.

"Let me go," I said with a yank to my arm.

"Kiara," he started in a low-yet-intense voice, "what are you doing? Are you trying to punish me for past mistakes?"

I laughed bitterly. "Punish you? Don't flatter yourself, Leo. You're no longer that important to me."

He flinched at my words,but he continued. "I've apologized a hundred times. I still want you...my wife."

I stiffened, my jaw tightening. "Don't you dare call me that," I hissed. "You're only saying this because of the project. Admit it."

"No kiara," he said, eyes locking into mine. "It's not just about the project. I still love you. I came back for you that day, but you were gone. I've been searching for you ever since."

"What am I doing with that information? ohhh am supposed to feel good that the Almighty Leo has been searching for me."

"And did I hear you mention Love?" I said, the word bitter on my tongue. "That word died long ago, Leo. Just like-"

Before I could finish, he closed the gap between us, kissing me passionately. For a moment, I stood frozen, caught off guard by the sheer suddenness of it. But then, reality set in, and I shoved him away with all my energy.

"Don't you dare," I spat, wiping my lips as if they'd been tainted by his touch.

"Kiara, I-"

"Let me go!" I commanded, my voice sharp and unwavering.

When he still didn't release me, I raised my knee and stroke him hard on his third leg.

He groaned with pain and stumbled back, clutching himself.

"It hurts, doesn't it?" I mocked him with a smirk on my lips.

"Kiara, what the hell is wrong with you? " he snapped, voice strained.

"What is wrong with me?" I shot at him. "And what's wrong with you? Pretending to want me when your mistress is just outside waiting for you?"

"Kiara, I--"

"Save it," I interrupted, raising my hand, i turned to leave but on reaching the door nob, he rushed to block my exit.

"Move," I said pushing him aside.

He stumbled but quickly grabbed my leg in a gesture of clear desperation.

"What is this?" I snapped, gazing at him in disbelief. "This pathetic, and I haven't even started yet."

"Please, Kiara," he begged, his voice low. "Don't give up on the project nor refuse to work with me. I'll do anything you want me to do-anything. Just don't walk away."

His touch still has an effect that it used to have over me back then but I quickly shook it off, kicking his hand off me.

"You think you have the right to ask for help from me?" I said, my voice filled with anger. "After everything you and your mistress put me through? Do you even know how close I came to dying five years ago "

His face paled and guilt clouded him. "Kiara, I... I'm so sorry. I never-"

"Save your apologies," I spat, shoving him aside. "I don't need them. I don't need you. Stay away from me."

I turned to leave but he stopped me with his next words.

"I'll do anything you want," he said again, voice trembling. "Anything at all. Just name it."

I stopped, a slow smile creeping on my face as I turned to face him "Anything?"

"Yes," he said; with a desperate-sounding voice: "Just don't make them remove me from the contract."

"Fine," I said, folding my arms. "If you're serious, you'll transfer to me 55% decision-making rights and shares in Williams & Co. for the duration of this project."

His eyes widened in disbelief. "You can't be serious!"

I smirked, stepping closer. "Oh, I'm dead serious. Take it or leave it, Leo. Your choice."