Talia

David continued speaking, spilling out his plans while insulting me. He was so engrossed that he didn't notice when I slipped out of the room.

My heart shattered with every word until hollowness remained.

So this was how it was. The devotion I believed in was an empty shell.

From that moment on, my determination was set.

Despite already knowing his plans, I didn't say a word, pretending everything was normal. I counted down the days before it happened.

Now, everything was settled at such an auspicious time too.

There was no grief in me. Just icy calm.

He and Penelope may have made their way out of the country to live happily.

He arrogantly believed that to uphold his legacy out of love, I was going to take care of the business and take care of his family in his absence. When the time was right and their child had grown up, he would return in full glory with a fairy tale story and take back what was his.

"Very well," I murmured.

I would take care of his business of course. He had forgotten who I was, but I would remind him.

I would take over everything that should be for me and my child.

I would look forward to the day he returned. Then, he should expect nothing but ruins.

.....

The policemen and doctors looked on at me with pity as I confirmed the identity on the body. I wasn't allowed to see the body.

According to them, due to the accident, it was beyond repair bearing severe burns removing any traces for recognition aside from the body being similar to David's.

I remained silent when one of them spoke, looking at me sympathetically.

"We are very sorry Miss. We found this amongst his belongings. According to the people present, he had finished buying flowers for you when he..." He said, offering me a crumpled half destroyed mess that was once a bouquet.

On cue, I burst into tears, collapsing while they frantically tried to comfort me. As I collapsed, the report in my hands ‘accidentally’ scattered onto the floor.

They saw the ultrasound report in my hand, their faces paled and their sympathy grew deeper.

I was escorted back to my home by them, with words of consolation passed onto me before they left.

I walked into the mansion that was once our home, now my home. Drying up my tears, I lounged in the living room. The first thing I did was call Jason.

“Where are they now?” I asked,

“Our men spotted them on the flight hours ago. They are no longer in the country.” he answered. My heart settled.

“Good. Begin the process as we'd planned.”

“Yes madam.”

I rested against the chair after the call ended, shutting my eyes.

David had thought that I was easy to manipulate, that from the years of my concessions towards him and his family, he had won.

The Winston Corporation, an industry giant, was headed over by my parents when a car accident made everything they worked for crumble. The sole heir to that fortune was me.

I was always wary of people when growing up all the way through college and suspected David at first. But his persistence and sincere devotion had won me over. Perhaps that was why he was so confident.

But there were many things he hadn't accounted for.

Although the Winston Corporation had fallen in the eyes of the public, I was never truly alone. There were many secrets I never told him of yet, things that were placed there for my protection.

People like my father's trusted protège Jason who had been my shadow assistant or the trusted maids around me.

And now, they came to good use.

I had already been planning from the moment I'd overheard his confession. The time for his reckoning would come.

I could only imagine the look on his face when he and his lover arrived to find the mess they had left behind.

He couldn't blame me for being heartless would he? After all, he was the one who was heartless first.

Determination filled me. I placed my hand on my belly where my child was growing. He was going to be the future, the reason I would build my legacy.

Alongside the folder containing my pregnancy report, I brought out the keepsake I took from the hospital. The sole unbroken flower from the damaged bouquet David brought.

A white lily. They were my favourite flowers no matter the colour. He knew how much I loved them to learn each of their meanings. During the days of our courtship, he had always given me pinks for adoration. This time however it was white.

A flower prepared for a funeral. A love token to soothe grief and send a message.

Don't forget me.

“So foolish,” I muttered, smiling wryly at the petals.

He probably wanted to use sentiments to compel me. Lost in grief, I would have taken these flowers as a sign. If I didn't forget him, put him first in all my actions, bear his family's and support his company, he could still thrive.

But he miscalculated.

“You forgot David, that there is another meaning of this flower.” I said pulling it close.

Rebirth.

I was thankful for him letting me see the truth.

And now I was going to take everything that was rightfully mine.

Talia

David's funeral was held three days later. I ensured that it was a grand affair, organising every detail meticulously, even going as far as to contact all of his colleagues, old classmates and business partners personally.

On the day of his funeral, under the gazes of everyone, the bags under my eyes were dark, my eyes swollen and red and my voice was hoarse as I gave my speech and greeted every guest with forced smiles.

I wore clothes that made me look thinner than normal, gaining looks of sympathy from even the lowest of staff. They all praised me for being strong, clearly moved by my actions.

The exception to this was his family.

They avoided me throughout which raised suspicions that were quickly diverted by my grieving act. I knew that they were waiting for an opportunity to corner me.

True enough, immediately after the ceremony I headed home and washed up. Claire, my trusted servant, told me that David's family had arrived at the mansion.

Taking a deep breath, I looked over at myself, ensuring that my makeup remained intact and the eye drops' teary effects were still working before I moved.

Sitting haughtily in the living room, David's mother, father and cousin were waiting for me. As soon as they saw my devastated face, I could clearly see the smugness in their expressions. They quickly tried to hide it, putting on veiled expressions.

I spotted the luggage packed waiting at the doorway but didn't say anything.

Gazing at them, I kept my expression shaken.

“Mother in law, father in law, little sister, what are you all doing here?” I asked

“Do we not have a right to come into our son's home?” my mother in law, Ellen, snapped at me. I flinched openly pursing my lips.

“I’m sorry, mother. It's just that we haven't even spoken throughout the funeral.”

Her face turned smug again and I caught it.

“And what does it matter?” Jackson, my father in law, huffed, “We didn't speak to you back then because there were outsiders involved.”

“I...understand,” I said timidly, “What do you need?”

Their smiles rose and I knew that they were ready to play their cards. I had cowered long enough to give them a false sense of security. Now they wouldn't hesitate.

“Talia, I know that you must be devastated after David's death. In truth, we all are.” Ellen came forward, her face taking on a heartbroken look.

“Family is meant to support each other at this time. That's what we came here to do.”

She turned to Jackson and Renee for a moment, a silent understanding taking place between them before she moved forward to take my hands.

“You see," she began, "I and your father In law have been growing older and with this sudden event... I don't think that we are meant to be alone. Servants' care can't be compared to that of family. Renee is about to graduate from college soon too and we need someone to help take care of us. Before, David used to help with all of this but now...”

“Mother in law, tell me what you want.” I interrupted her. For a brief moment, there was a look of disdain that she quickly replaced with the previous look before she continued.

“From today onwards we'll move into this place. Here, you can take care of us more properly. Don't worry, you'll still deal with the company on your own, but I believe that with David gone, you can't stay in such a lonely mansion alone. By taking care of us, you'd be helping David too. Family is meant to support each other. It's what David would have wanted right?”

I inwardly sneered.

What a nice way to state that she wanted me to become a live-in maid for them. She'd mentioned support, but hadn't stated anything for me. Their intentions were too blatant.

They truly thought I was a fool, blinded enough by grief to accept.

Putting on a closed off look, I slipped my hands away from hers.

“Mother. I'm sorry.”

Her face fell.

“What do you mean?”

“With all of these new developments, this place wouldn't be good to stay in. I think it's best to not trouble you. You all are best suited in the family mansion.”

I knew that they wouldn't accept it. The Hayes family mansion was small compared to this home, bought with my dowry for David and I to live in after marriage. I could tell the awe and greed in their eyes every time they came. They wanted this place for themselves.

“Brienne. Don't forget that you're the daughter in law of this family.” Jackson stood up drowning

“I understand father-in-law,” I gently held Ellen's hands, "That's why I think this is what is best. I know how much you want to care for me, but this place is full of his memories. I'm afraid that it'll be hard for you to bear. It's better that I handle this alone.”

Under my kindness, they couldn't refuse. As I expected, his mother who was angered at my refusal moments ago was now speechless.

I blinked away tears.

“I remember that David used to visit you constantly. I'll do my best to visit as well. Don't worry. You can leave this home and the company to me.

“Are you stupid!”

I looked up as Renee, his cousin stood, pointing at me infuriated. Before anyone could block her she reached up and slapped me. My body stumbled back, my hair covering my face.

“How dare you refuse us? David has taken care of you and tolerated you through your barrenness, yet you dare refuse us? When he comes back-”

“Renee!” my father in law cut her off and she paled, realising what she said.

My smile, hidden from sight grew as a twinge of disappointment soon faded away.

Talia

Even though David had never fully mentioned his family, the implications were clear.

In the past, every time Penelope would visit, he and his family would pander over her, caring for her with such open affection, yet any complaint from me would be shut down. They would claim I was unreasonable. After all, they were just showing platonic affection and I was overthinking things.

Under their scolding and David's care, I had even doubted myself.

I knew that they were in on David's plan. It was confirmed when whilst monitoring them, they had made contact overseas.

All this time they had known all this time of he and Penelope's relationship and supported them. Now that David was gone with her to nurture their child, they wanted to use me.

Very well then.

If Renee had exposed them it would have made things easier, but it didn't matter. Now that it was confirmed I wasn't going to hold back.

I straightened up and looked at Renee's sneering face.

SMACK!

She collapsed from the force of my slap until Ellen caught her.

“Talia! What are you doing? How dare you lay a hand on your cousin!” my father in law screamed, face red.

“Father, as an Elder I was just trying to correct Renee as my younger sister.” I smiled helplessly.

“Its not right for her to attack me, or spout strange things in her grief.”

I could see despite the shock, everyone was relieved. They believed I was still ignorant.

“You…” Renee tried to speak but she was held back with warning glances.

“Sister Renee, be careful of what you say in your grief. David was like your brother.” I said, feeling satisfied at her enraged look.

“However, I really can't accept this yet. There is still a perfectly good home waiting for you. I will help assist on other matters but that is all.”

My second refusal slurred Jackson forward. His expression grimaced as he moved towards me.

“Don’t be unreasonable. After all we've done for you...”

“All you've done for me?” I countered, daring him to say a word. He froze in place, shock written all over.

The first time I met them, they looked at me with disdain before they learned of my name. They initially acted benevolent after my marriage but soon began making demands over me.

I held myself back for David's sake, believing that he was on my side, and they thought my silence meant submission. In their eyes, they believed that I was easy to bully.

But it wasn't time to show my cards yet.

I frowned, heartbroken, letting my tears fall.

“Mother, father, Renee, I've never asked you for anything. Everything you expected of me, I did without restraint. David just died. His grave is still fresh. I'm also grieving and I still have to work for Hayes Corporation for his sake. All I need is time to put everything on track, which is why I can't take you in, yet you call me unreasonable?”

I said it loud enough that the maids, and security that were no doubt eavesdropping would hear. The family's faces paled at the sight of my tears.

Stumbling backwards as if I was dizzy, I steadied myself on a chair and shook my head.

“It's alright. Mother, Father, Renee. I'm sorry but I can't help you this time. Don't worry, I'll support you to the best of my ability and make sure you're well taken care of. But for now you'll have to leave this place.”

“You-”

Before any of them could retort I had already signalled the security to come and take them and their luggage away. They struggled against them looking stunned and angry.

“Unfilial child. Let me go!”

I didn't bother looking at them amidst their screams. Clair soon came to support me before I collapsed. As soon as the doors closed for good, I carefully stepped out of the living room, stumbling.

In the face of the servants present, I dragged myself tiredly back to my room with grief in my eyes.

The door shut and I tore away my pretenses, straightening back to normal.

“They won't let this go easily Ma'am.” she said anxiously.

I smirked, looking from the window at the last sight of them being forcefully driven away.

“It doesn't matter,” I said coldly, “Retrieve the footage in the living room for me later.”

“Yes Ma'am.”

After dismissing her, I called Jason again.

“What is the progress?”

“Its already progressing. We've withdrawn about 80% of all of your investments funds and spoken to most of the other companies. Hayes Corporation will soon be receiving notifications of cancelled projects.”

“Good.” I muttered, “And what of Weston Corporation?”

“We are already contacting several Partners as we speak. They're all willing to work with us but they want to speak with you first."

“I'll send a few extra contacts to you. Tread slowly with them and win them over.” I said. The call quickly ended.

I had already feigned enough grief to garner in the face of several potential partners during the funeral, receiving several contacts in the process.

Better yet, my family's former partners I had never lost contact with, some of whom I contacted to aid in Hayes Corporation once, were still ready to join me. With their lifelong debts and loyalty to my parents, I was at an advantage.

But sympathy and sentiment wouldn't win confidence. Ability did.

It would be easier to walk away and watch them crumble but that wasn't my goal. I still had something to do with Hayes Corporation.

And soon, I would make sure everyone was aware of who the real mastermind behind Hayes success was.