GENEVIEVE POV

I couldn't sleep well that night. My mind was uneasy till the next day.

It was both terrible and improper to find out the truth after so many years. It even hurt the most that they both decided to keep it away from me.

I just felt so messed up right now, and for some weird reason I just wanted to be alone. I wanted to vent my spleen and scream, but I couldn't. Not only that, but I felt so weak.

Locked in the bathroom, I simply watched my reflection in the mirror. My midnight hair was rougher than I thought, making me look uglier.

Black eyes with evident tears line on my face. I looked devastated, and my heart felt so heavy. I bit my lips, trying to hold the tears that were coming.

It was at that moment it sank in that I needed to talk to someone. I could no longer keep holding it. I am sad and had to express it. But how?

Suddenly it felt blurry, as I closed my eyes, hoping it would stop. Few seconds passed, and I opened yet again. Taking one full view at the mirror, I was determined to leave the house for my sanity. With that thought in mind, I took a quick bath.

In few minutes, I was dressed up, paying little to no attention to my appearance. My phone rang as I picked only to come face to face at the picture of Bryan. A gush of something more than anger went through me.

He was calling. How great? It was recently that I realized I haven't done what was necessary. I ended the call, before blocking him on all social media.

Suddenly the thought of marrying Anderson just to spite him crept to my mind, but I shook it off as fast as possible, as I quickly texted the only person that could give me the comfort I needed.

My steps halted the moment I stepped outside the living room.

"Genevieve, please I'm sorry. " She stood, trying to approach me.

She waited and kept begging at my bedroom door last night. My heart sank, distressed knowing I turned deaf ears to her. I felt betrayed, but I could still see the motherly love in her eyes.

"Please ma, I need some space. Could you please give me that?" I looked into her eyes and said.

She nodded, stopping on her track.

"I have to go out. Goodbye."

"Goodbye. Always remember I love you," she said. Her last set of words echoing in my mind as I set foot out of the house.

I clamped my lips on the tea cup, taking in another gulp of the coffee as the scrutinizing gaze of Anabelle was on me, as her movement halted, a few steps away from me. Her eyes widened in shock. I placed the cup down, clearing my throat, hoping she would stop staring at me that way.

I knew I looked horrible, but that wasn't something I wanted to be bothered about now. She took a seat beside me, her hand holding my right hand, concern boldly written on her face.

"What happened? You look....."She paused, her words hanging.

"Miserable, Terrible,Exhausted, Heartbroken,Betrayed."I completed her sentence, as she sighed.

"I know you are hurting, and it is fine, but you need to take good care of yourself. I hate seeing you this way," she lamented.

Her words struck a nerve in me, as I gave her a small smile.

"Did Bryan try to do something to you?" She asked.

"He called this morning, but I cut off his call. I've blacklisted him on all social media as well. I don't need his presence in my life again."

My voice went a bit higher at my last set of words, as I took a quick glance around, grateful few people were in the restaurant. And being at the last end of the restaurant was an advantage, free from ears that might want to eavesdrop.

"You did the right thing." Anabelle stated, as I simply nodded.

"Would you like to order?" I asked as she waved it off!

"I'm fine, Genevieve. Is there something you need my help with?" She looked intently at me.

I shook off the imagery that suddenly went through my mind at her words.

"I want you to listen." She nodded, still fixing her gaze on me.

"I'm being betrothed to get married in the next three months," I spilled, closing my eyes.

"What? How? To whom?' Anabelle asked, as I opened my eyes to her brows raised confused.

I explained in detail about my foster parents dilemma resulting in me being at the receiving end. I only withheld the fact about the identity of my foster parents, but I doubt if I could keep it in for much longer.

"Why would your parents do such a thing without your consent?"

"That is because they are not my parents," I deadpanned, as Anabelle gasped.

"What?" Her mouth was agape, as a tear slipped down my face.

I breathed in, trying to hold myself from giving way to more tears. She pulled me closer, hugging me. It was comforting as silence followed.

I was sure a few minutes must have passed before I finally looked away, cleaning the small drops of tears that had made their way down my face.

"I'm so sorry this happened to you. But have you decided on what to do?" She asked.

With my shaky hands, I took a sip from the cup, hoping it would ease the bitter feeling down my throat.

"No idea. That is why I need your advice. What do you think I should do? I can't seem to wrap my head around marrying someone I don't love."I stated, suddenly feeling I was at the brink of losing my mind.

"Calm down, okay."Her words were soothing as I nodded.

"I hope you are not planning on accepting Bryan even if he apologizes."

"Hell no! I would never forgive a cheating partner. Our ship had drowned the moment I realized he was simply playing with my feelings. He cheated on me with my supposed best friend." I seethed, as I was beginning to get angry again.

"It's fine. I trust you on that. Meanwhile, the person you were betrothed to. Who is he?"she asked, as I quickly checked my phone for the details sent to me by my foster father.

I can't seem to find it easy to call him my dad. It still hurts.

I handed my phone to Anabelle, and within seconds, her brows raised with surprise.

"Wow. Anderson Grande," she muttered, her eyes widening a bit.

"You know him,"I but in.

"Well, who doesn't? I mean he is a renowned Billionaire in the States. Um, you get right?" She said quickly.

My gaze lingered on her for a while, as it felt like she was hiding something. I shook my head, wheeling away the thoughts.

"What if marrying him is the best option?" She suggested,making my breath hitch for a while.

"You get to be free from your foster parents, and it will be a complete slap on Bryan and Stella's face if they realize you married a Billionaire. And so far, there hasn't been a bad record about this Billionaire. He seems like a nice guy,"I was stunned at her words.

My mind went back to last night. Even when I tried to make him angry, he was quite calm.

Yet looks can be deceiving. What if he was the worst version of Bryan?. I can't afford another heartbreak.

"I appreciate your suggestions, but I can't go with it. I'm giving up on relationships for now. Men are not worth it. All they ever want is to use and dump one. Stella and Bryan are not worth the hassle too."I can't believe I was saying this.

"It's fine, but think deeply about it. You can bring up a contract marriage between you two for a period of time, perhaps a few months or a year. If things do not work out between you two, then you can end the marriage."

Annabelle's words led me into deep thought for a while, but not for long.

"I can't marry a stranger. I've always loved a simple life. Marrying him won't give me that," I rejected.

"He is only a stranger because you haven't gotten to know him. With a contract marriage, you can decide either to leave or stay in the marriage," she stated, her words beginning to have an effect on my thoughts.

"I will think about it," I simply said, knowing how persuasive she can be.

"Meanwhile, you can stay at my place for some days, if you are not comfortable staying with them," she stated. I finally realized who she was referring to.

"Staying at the hostel will make me remember a lot of things," I stated.

"I've moved somewhere else. Stella and I had a disagreement and I thought it was best to leave. I could not continue to stay with that naysayer and backstabber," she voiced out, her tone showing irritation.

I felt my heart full with gratitude that I had a friend like Anabelle to lean on in difficult times.

My phone rang,signifying a call, as I reached out for it.

"Hello! Please, is this Miss Genevieve Armstrong?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Congratulations. You have been given the opportunity to choose from three jobs in different countries. An email will be sent to you." A huge smile crept to my lips.

"Wow. Thanks a lot." It took a lot of self control not to yell, as I ended the call.

I broke the good news to Anabelle who pulled me into a hug.

"Congrats girl. Being the overall graduating student definitely has its reward." I couldn't stop blushing, before pulling away from the hug.

"So, what is your plan now?" She piqued, as an idea crept to my mind.

"For the job, I am definitely choosing a country far away from the U.S. This is the perfect opportunity to be free from everything. The breakup, betrayal, my foster parents and the forced marriage. Don't you think so?"

I glanced at Anabelle, whose mouth was agape.

"What the hell?" She looked frozen, her words making it obvious she was not in agreement with my thoughts.

"I will go for a job offer far from the States. That is my final decision," I stated confidently feeling no remorse at all.

It was the best decision, and I really can't wait to leave. To be free from everything.

I really hope it works out....

GENEVIEVE POV

I sighed for the umpteenth time as I struggled to choose between the three dresses lying on my bed. One was a floral gown that fitted well, the others looking rather good, but it was not giving the vibes I wanted.

I glanced at my phone, the memory of the last two days crawling through my mind. I sat, looking outside the window of my new room in New Zealand.

Yes, New Zealand. It was the country I selected out of the three countries I was offered by my school. The others were literally countries closer to the United States of America,' Mexico and Chicago.'

No one had to tell me that my presence wasn't needed in the States because it reminded me of some things. Things I wanted to leave in the past.

But then, I felt guilty at the fact that I ignored all the calls from my mum. It was so difficult to stay angry at her, remembering how she treated me so well for the past twenty-five years of my life.

I had spent only a few days with Anabelle before reaching New Zealand. And even though she tried to persuade me a million times, I didn't listen. I already made up my mind. I had only informed my mum via message that I traveled. Ever since then, I had gotten a hundred calls from her, before finally switching off the phone.

I glanced at my phone, as I reached out to it, the only thought ringing in my ears was to call my mum. I breathe out, putting on my phone. I called as she picked on the second ring.

"Child. Are you fine? I've been worried about you." Worry was boldly laced over her voice, the stab of guilt eating me up again.

I should be mad at her, but I couldn't. Instead, I felt guilty for throwing the blame on her for keeping such a secret away from me.

"I'm fine. I am getting ready for my job now. I have to go." I closed my eyes, trying not to imagine the sadness on her face, at my lack of interest in wanting to talk to her.

"Genevieve," her soft voice rang through.

"I'm sorry I kept something that important from you. I really love you and was scared to lose you. Always remember I love you okay." I nodded at her words, gripping harder on the phone as if it would leave my hand anytime soon.

"Thanks mum. Bye." With that, I hung up the call.

I breathe out, as a lone tear escapes my eyes. At that point, I wasn't sure whether I was still holding grudges against my foster parents, but yet it hurt me that I wanted to run away from them. It took a lot of courage to make that decision.

The tick tock sound of my phone jolted me out of my reverie as I picked it. It indicated a message from dad.

He never called. Not that he cared about me. He was only after his interests,' selling me off into an arranged marriage.

The thought of it makes me sick.

Reflecting back, it dawned on me, I should have figured out he wasn't my real father. He never showed me that fatherly love. He never encouraged me but was bound on discouraging me.

I took one last look at my phone before unlocking to see the message.

"You really think running away will help you? You will be an ungrateful child if you do not come back to marry Anderson. Our lives are in your hands, and if we suffer or die, our blood will be on you." I gasped in shock at the message, as I hit the delete button.

I wasted no time in picking my work clothes, hoping it would take my mind off that cruel message.

I finally settled for a pencil skirt with blue blouse along with a set of black stiletto heels. The urge to leave was suddenly greater than usual.

"I won't let his words get to me." I kept chanting in my head, hoping it would stop the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

..........

I glanced at the skyscraper in front of me, the morning sun glazing against it, making it look stunning. I glanced at my watch, a small smile creping to my lips, at realizing I was thirty minutes earlier than the scheduled time.

I took strides inside, greeting the receptionist as she offered the sweetest smile, after I handed her a letter. She directed me to the Managing Director office as I took the elevator.

Throughout my elevator ride to the fifteenth floor, I suddenly felt nervous. What if I failed at the interview? Or what if I wasn't competent enough?

It was at that moment I wished Anabelle were around. But for now, I could only encourage myself to stay calm and confident, even when it's almost as if the confidence were clouded with insecurities.

The elevator opened as I walked straight to the front door with a tag on it. I knocked as a voice rang through beckoning me to come in.

Closing the door behind, my eyes met with the manager, his gaze sweeping past me for a while.

"Good morning sir," I greeted.

"Good morning Miss Genevieve Armstrong, please sit." I nodded, taking a seat in front of him.

His gaze firmly at a document, as I took in his features. He looked like he was in his early forties, slight gray hair evident on his black full hair.

Resting his chin on the back of his palm, he smiled.

"I'm quite impressed by your punctuality. And just going through your CV, I realized how talented and well skilled you are." My lips curled up into a smile at his comment.

"I'm curious, though. Apart from the fact that you are the best for this job, why didn't you accept the job offer in the States?"

My mind sank at his words, and I was beginning to see clearly he wasn't minding his business.

"I just wanted to explore." I lied, not looking him in the eyes.

He sighed, as I fiddled with my fingers. I couldn't help but remember why I left the States. I was running away from everything.

My foster parents, my betrothed marriage, all my pasts. I wanted to start a new life here in New Zealand. It seems quiet and perfect for a personality like mine.

"Congratulations, you are the lady for the job. You can start work tomorrow," he announced. My heart leapt faster than usual.

I expected it, but I felt happier.

He handed me a file, as I took it. "Here is a file containing the details of your job, as well as a contract. Take your time to go through it before signing."

I nodded with optimism glowing in me, as I scanned through. I wasn't sure if the excitement in me was what prevented me from thoroughly reading. I was more than ready to start as soon as possible.

A pen in my hand, I placed down my signature before handing it to my face, a smile boldly written all over my face.

"A soft copy of this will be sent to you. Mrs. Robinson will be waiting at the lobby to take you on a tour round the company today. All the best."

We shook hands, as I left.

The moment I stepped out felt as if I was out of daze. Reality dawned on me, as I felt giddy.

I smell freedom. From my past, betrayal and arranged marriage.

I was ready to start a new life.

GENEVIEVE POV,

I stared at the skyscraper, lost in its glorious sight. The windows blazing against the morning sun, creating the perfect look.

I was going to work in this company, and I was happy about it. Everything seemed so perfect.

My eyes widened in shock at the sight in front of me as I entered the lobby. Footsteps approached, as each one walked steadily to and fro the place.

It was different from the sight I saw the previous day. Everyone was calm, each one to its own work. But today, it was loud. Everyone was on their feet.

My thoughts were broken by a voice as I turned abruptly." Miss. Is everything okay? You have been standing there for a while, which is not really the best thing to do presently."

"Um. Everything is fine. I just got a job here. Why is everywhere tense?" I quickly spoke, hoping to get a reason why the place seems to be in an up heave.

"Oh. You can reach out to the Manager's office. Apparently, there will be some transfer of workers, as the CEO in charge demanded."

I nodded at her words mouthing a thank you, as she left

I reached out, my legs taking me to the front of the elevator leading to the Manager's office, with a thought in mind: Never to be transferred.

Everything seemed so programmed, and I knew for a certainty that something seemed off somewhere even though I could not place what it was.

Well, not until my eyes met with that of the Manager.

"Congratulations Miss Genevieve. You have been transferred back to our biggest branch in the United States."

One, two, three seconds passed as I stared at his right hand placed forward to congratulate me. I was shocked.

What the hell!

Yet, I could hear my inner self cautioning me to be calm.

"Wait, what?" The words finally spilled out of my mouth.

"Even though you are a graduate of Business Administration, your Résumé showcased some of the skills you have, and the branch company is interested in having you."

My heart beat more than usual, and I could not help but blame Anabelle for adding too much information to my CV. She must have included quite a lot about my skills.

"But sir, is there nothing you can do to stop me from getting transferred? I chose this company because I felt it was the best for me. Please do something about this sir," I pleaded. I said a silent prayer hoping he would change his mind.

The look on his face says otherwise. He breathes out gently, before beckoning me to sit.

I sat with my head wagging with so many thoughts. Going back to the States meant many things, and involved going back to face my past, which I wasn't ready to.

"You have potentials Miss Genevieve, and I'm afraid this company does not suit you perfectly. Going through your CV made me not object to you getting transferred. Our United States branch company needs talented people like you. I'm sorry Miss, but this transfer is an order from above and there is nothing I can do about it. Your flight has been booked for tomorrow."

My words got stuck to my throat and that was when I realized it was better to keep silent. There was nothing I could do.

I said a quick thank you before I strode out of the room.

I didn't wait any longer, as I left.

Stepping outside, I felt a gust of wind, the scenes from the past week suddenly hitting me more than ever before.

It was a bad day for me, and thinking about it only made me sad. Not only was I transferred back to the States, but my flight was booked for tomorrow.

It felt really weird that all this was happening. But then, at a second thought, I felt like staying over in New Zealand instead of going back, but now it seemed impossible since the company had booked my flight.

And I doubt if my savings will be enough if I thought of staying over searching for a job. What if my College got a wind about the fact that I didn't go along with the job offer transfer. After all, they made it easy and possible for me to get a job with a good pay.

I facepalmed, feeling so exasperated. Walking down to my apartment was not enough to brood over the million thoughts going on in my head.

I opened the door to my room, as I slumped on the bed, staring at the ceiling. I've only been in Zealand for two days, and the sudden dread of what could go wrong was boldly written over me.

My phone rang jolting me out of my reverie as I stared at the screen. A sigh of relief left my mouth as I picked the call instantly.

"I've been transferred back to the United States."I dropped the bomb before she could say her first word.

"What? Why?" I rolled my eyes at her constant use of those words, especially in the state of shock.

"Apparently, there is a need for more recruits at the headquarters there. And judging by my skills and educational background, I fit in better there."

I sighed, picking myself off the bed. "Was there nothing you could do? This seemed rather forced." She voiced out.

"I begged the Managing Director 'a thousand times'. My flight had been booked already. So, by tomorrow, I jet. I hope I would still be welcomed at your place." I creased my forehead at the thought of seeing any of my foster parents.

Just thinking about going back gave me the creeps.

"It's fine. You are always welcome. But don't you think you should forgive them already, especially your mum. She is distressed about you."

I shook my head at Anabelle's lamentation. If only she knew what I was passing through. Of course, she knew. She was just too merciful and forgiving perhaps to a fault.

"I'm thinking of finding a new job here, but the odds are against me. What do you think I should do?" I asked, hoping it would be good enough to talk about something else.

"Seriously? Anyway, do as you like." She hissed, as I could sense the irritation in her words.

"Maybe we should talk later." I stated.

"No. I have something important to say." A small smile crept to my lips, as she spoke.

I knew she couldn't be angry forever.

"Hit me," I said. I used that opportunity to open a bottle of water, as I gulped it down in one go, before letting out an exhilarating breath.

"Don't you think it is weird that you are suddenly transferred? I mean..."

There was a knock on the door, stopping her from speaking further.

"Someone is at the door. Can we talk later?" I asked, heading for the door.

The call ended as I opened the door.

My eyes met with a pair of brown eyes, my heart skipping slightly at how a stranger ended up at my door.

"Hi ma'am. I'm here to deliver this to you."

With a smile plastered on his face, he finally spoke.

"I didn't order," I refuted, as his brows creased.

"It's a delivery from someone. He requested for it to be delivered to Miss Genevieve Armstrong." He broke the ice, my brain freezing for seconds.

"Ohhhh." I mouthed, my head spinning around, who might want to give me something.

I haven't made any friends in Zealand. The only person who came to mind was the Managing Director. But why on earth would he want to give me something?

He wasn't so nice this morning.

I groaned inwardly.

He handed a box shaped like stuff, covered with embroidery design and ribbon.

"Here it is. You can sign here."

I nervously wrote down my initials and slightly crossed it, before holding on to what seemed like a gift.

I bade the delivery guy before shutting the door behind me, my hand clamped against the gift.

Settling on my bed, different thoughts fought against opening the stuff. What if it was a time bomb?

My heart accelerated at the thought of it, as I dropped it on the bed.

" What could be the worst that could happen?" I could hear my subconscious winding in on me.

I untied it gently, only to reveal a golden box, which glittered like never before. It was beautiful with a gem shape design.

Anticipation kicked in as I was more than eager to know what was inside.

My eyes widened in admiration at the sight of what I saw. A bracelet. A rounded one with black and blue imprint of a gem shape alongside three letters boldly written on it: GEM. I was lost staring at it.

Curiously, I placed it on my wrist as it fitted well. It was like the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in a long time. Simple yet beautiful.

It was better than the one Bryan gave me, which I had intentionally burnt after we broke up.

I swallowed the lump of saliva in my throat suddenly realizing I didn't know who sent it.

My eyes picked the little piece of white paper folded in the box, as I picked it, slowly opening it.

"TO THE GEM OF MY LIFE."

Those were the words on the paper, leaving my heart melting. Yet, there was only one question in my mind.

Who sent it?