Rowena

Everything is pitch black, and like they say when you're dying your whole life flashes before your eyes. I see it all clearly as if it had all happened yesterday, the day he and I met, how he picked me up when they humiliated me, the day he kissed me under the blooming wisteria as if I were the only woman he had ever loved, but now I know. It was all a lie, a f*cking sham, a lie for him to get what he wanted. Christoph! I swear to god if I were given a second chance to life I'd make them all suffer twice as much as I have, I wouldn't be so meek, so submissive, so ignorant to what they had plotted behind my back. Mandy my stepsister got together with Christoph stabbing me in the back. And Christoph that arseh*le actually said he killed me to be merciful and to prevent me from falling into their hands. Bullsh*t. He just wanted to be with Mandy. I f*cking hate him. Julie was the one who poisoned mum to be with dad, she tortured me with words while I like a blind fool believed her fabricated white lies. All she wanted was to bring me down and pull Mandy up, while Mandy that brainless weasel is a crazy b*tch who wants everything I have. I'll never forget the last black betrayal, the ugly truth! The picture of Christoph kissing Mandy with the same love and emotion as he did me before. If only I had another chance of life I'd not be so meek and spineless. I'll fight tooth, nail and sinker for everything that should have been mine! God is this hell, why does it hurt so much. They got what they wanted. Ugh, lemme open my eyes slowly. It's so blurry. I see white everywhere. "Lord where am I??!" I hear a high pitch voice, " Ma'am you're in the hospital, please take care, I don't know how you got that wound but If that gentleman boyfriend of yours didn't bring you in time this minor operation could have become life threatening." A nurse says. Oh I didn't die!! God thank you! Seems like there are people who are worth something in this world. "Um miss nurse, do you know who brought me in?" "Aah you have a handsome boyfriend my dear. He was Adonis incarnate. A blonde god. Not only did he have good looks he also took care of you the whole night wonder where he is now..." Blonde??! I didn't have any blonde friends. Must be a kind passerby. But whatever I'm really grateful that god gave me a second chance. I'm gonna kill Christoph. And Mandy. And July. But killing is too merciful I must take back everything. Ruin their lives and then slowly drive them mad as I kill them inch by inch. Playing. Game on. But wait now that I'm reborn I need a new name, a new identity to shed out all that was Rowena. I'll be Revanche, how fitting☠️😈 It means Revenge in French!

5 Years Later

Once upon a time. "Oh my ghosh did you see that...." "Yess Once Upon a time's CEO is gonna be revealed!!" "Aaah it's every actor and actress's dream to work contracts with Once Upon a time!" "Why even Sara who was a D-list actress 4 years ago has now become A-list" "The movies are also of an amazing content and clarity" "I don't care about all that they've taken care of my idol Jacob all these years soo well! They are the best!" "I wonder who the CEO is??! They say she is very beautiful but has a heart of ice."

Hmph. Listening to all the gossip and speculation going around Revanche smiles. It's a cruel smile. It's worth the wait. She thinks. After all these years of building the company and gathering power she will finally be able stand in front of them and fight head on. Christoph, Mandy just you wait I'm coming to kill you! She thinks with a slow smile.

****

Aisha comes bustling in. "Rev you've gotta be ready in an hour and you're still hogging around doing your hair!! Shit! Where are the stylists? Ugh. Where's the designer! How can you be so calm.... this is your first public appearance as the CEO Rev!!" Revanche giggles in one of those rare moments where she feels like a shell of her former self. "Don't worry Aisha, It'll all go well.... better than you expect." Aisha is Revanche's best friend who knows everything she's been through and was a great help in starting the company. She's Revanche's personal assistant and quite opposite to Revanche, with a bubbly outgoing personality and a sunshine that has yet to be darkened by the ugly ways of the world. Revanche is very fond of her and quietly endeavours to preserve her innocence. "Oh Em Ef G!!! You look fantastibutically amazing!!" Aisha exclaims. "Show them whose boss." She says as she wipes a tear. Revanche quietly hugs Aisha, then looks at the mirror. I've changed. She thinks. In a low cut deep red vintage dress, heavy makeup and red streaked dark brown hair she looked very different from before. Earlier she never used to wear such clothes that showed off her perky chest, narrow waist and cute ***, she was plain with minimal makeup, full brown hair. The only thing that stood out were her silverish grey eyes. It stood out then. It did so now.

But now makeup and the right dress transformed her, who knew that little things could cause such big changes!

To celebrate the success of actors and actresses signed to Once Upon a time and the 5th anniversary of the company, Revanche had decided to hold a banquet and make her comeback. She wanted her family to feel shocked, surprise and envy and Christoph to know that this is just the beginning. 😈

On the other side, a man with eyes as dark as the night sky, hair as blonde as the sand under sun chuckles. It's been too long firefly, I might forgive you for forgetting me but I won't forgive those who tried to take you away from where you belong. With me. Let's see what you are upto, it's not yet time for me to show myself but if you keep taunting me with that dress I might not hold on long enough for you to achieve what you set out for, all I want to do is bring you back to my side. He thinks.

The banquet is held in Hotel Ritz a high end classic place with amazing food where only a few can gain entrance and even fewer can stay. "Woww what a luxurious place, I can't believe it! Thank you Christoph darling for getting invitations." Mandy squeels pompously. Ugh. Christoph thinks. Getting these tickets second hand itself costs a fortune I had to sell two houses. Can't understand what's the big deal with these girls! It is just a party. Mandy on the other hand is day dreaming! Aah Christoph is becoming more and more unbearable. With this banquet I could get some A-list actor and get rid of Christoph. His nagging has become unbearable. With my beauty I could even get Jacob. 👺. With Rowena dead what use does Christoph have I can't even show off in front of her. She thinks sinisterly.

Julie on the other hand is a little more level headed and shrewd. She brings Mandy aside. "I know you are aiming for someone better but just in case keep Christoph at arms length." "Alright mama Christoph's bank balance is too low and he has also got a terrible attitude with the small **** that he has! It's time to set our aim higher." Mandy and Julie share a smile. Michael, Mandy's and Revanche's dad comes. "Ready darling, Mandy call Christoph. Let's enter. Nice dress Mandy." Michael says. Mandy wearing an outrageous glittery pink chiffon gown, looked every bit a clownish wh*re that she was. "Thanks dad. My friend gifted me." Luckily Andrew sent this dress, though I had to sleep with an ugly hoodlum like him atleast he is loaded! "What friend?" Christoph whispers furiously. "Honey you know Mary from college right?! She recently became fatter and couldn't fit into her dress so she gifted me saying it was too beautiful to throw away. You don't suspect me do you?!" "Of course not I was just asking." This b*tch dares to act cheeky towards me! I'll let her know. Christoph thinks, red with embarrassment.

In front of the Hotel people crowd waiting for the CEO of Once Upon A Time to make an entrance. Revanche though outwardly calm is a little nervous in facing Christoph and her family again. The car moves on, every second seems like an eternity and finally they reach their destination. Calm down Revs. Think of what they did, how cold the wind was when you were stabbed, how red the blood was, how nasty their faces were. A sense of cold calmness washes her as she remains still. She opens her eyes filled with cruel hatred and eerie stillness. With a calculating smile and confidence she walks down the carpet. They announce as whispers fill the room like buzzing bees. "Miss Revanche the CEO of Once Upon A time."

Rowena! I thought she was dead, when I sent assassins they saw some man stab her. Julie thinks in astonishment. Christoph is shattered. Ro..we..na how in the....I saw you dead how could you come back... alive?! "Mom is that the CEO, she looks so familiar, aah her dress is the latest design of Kasiv the world's most saught after designer, my I can't believe I get to see it worn. Red would have suited me better. She looks so ugly." Mandy babbles. "She is Rowena, idiot!" Julie whispers angrily so that only Mandy can hear. "Whaaat Rowena?! That sl*t how could she be alive." Michael is stupefied. She looks so much like someone, so familiar. A pang of longing and ache fills Michael. Though Alina never loved Michael every second of his being was filled with her thoughts, her smell, her memories. Julie was initially a tool to make Alina jealous and win her back but Julie poisoned Alina and Michael, one to kill, one to forget. "I don't feel well Julie I think I'm gonna leave and go home, ask Christoph to bring you both home." Michael says. "Sure honey." It's best if he doesn't see her. Seeing her too often might trigger his memories. Julie thinks.

"Well Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for gathering here to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Once Upon a time. It has been a wholesome journey and I can't believe that five years have passed. I still remember struggling to start the company with my dearest friend and assistant Aisha, and would like to thank her for her relentless support and belief in me. Love you Aisha." Revanche blows a kiss. "I would also like to thank Jacob and Sara for entrusting their future in our hands and for their beautiful friendship which has transformed an agent-client relationship into something much more meaningful. Lastly I'd like to thank all the actors and actresses, agents, managers, staff, security and anyone else I may have left out for your support and hard work which has made Once Upon a time what it is today. The memories and disasters all will be cherished and forever embedded in the golden Hall of success as they say. So cmon everyone let us toast to new beginnings, endless joy and surprise outcomes!" Revanche says with a calculative gleam in her eye smiling warmly as she gazes at Mandy then Christoph and Julie.

Uhh! What is she doing now. Mandy and Julie think.

Revanche walks down the stage, and is immediately surrounded by potential media stars from influential families and poor aristrocats, each wanting something from her and looking for a way to use her. Pathetic. She thinks.

Julie sees all this and thinks. Ah now that this b*tch is famous and rich if we make everyone know she is Rowena, Mandy's half sister and my step daughter then Mandy will have a chance to become a star and we can also gain benefits, if we confront her publicly she will have to accept us. Hehehe. "Mandy, go hug Rowena and cry. Make a show, about missing and be happy that you finally found her." Mandy nods viciously and replies, "Maa you are so clever, this way we will be able to use her resources."

Revanche finally sees Sara and excuses herself, but just as she turns Mandy jumps and hugs her. "Rowena, where have you been?!" Mandy asks with tears in her eyes. "I have finally found you. Don't you know, mom has been worried about you." A crowd forms around Mandy and Revanche. People start murmuring and gossiping. "What the CEO has a sister and a family?" "She left her family how cruel." "She doesn't even care about her family,is she even human." Hmph. So this is your plan. Now that I've become successful you want to use me and put me to shame. Revanche thinks. "Excuse me, miss. Please mind your manners in public, I don't know you. What nonsense are you spouting?! Should I call the security to see you out for causing commotion or shall I take legal action for your false accusations." Revanche replies with a scornful look. "Oh so this is the truth." "Look at that slut trying to take advantage of Ms. Revanche." "Nowadays people stoop so low to gain favours." Whaat?! How is it possible! She has to be Rowena, they look so alike. She must not want to help us, that cunning b*tch. I must not give up. Mandy thinks. "Sister how could you forget us?! We are family! You have been missing for five years now and the company has also been there for five years." Mandy says pitifully. "That makes sense." "How can the CEO snub her sister and refuse to acknowledge her?!" "So cruel." Revanche smirks at this. "There are many coincidences in this world Miss. Just because Statue of Liberty was made in Paris people don't remember it as a monument from there, it always symbolizes New York City." "Ehh what do you mean?!" Mandy asks dumbfounded. "Tch the saying is right. An ant cannot have a pea sized brain. Just because your sister went missing the same day I started the company it doesn't mean I am her. For all you know she could have died, seeing you haven't even sent anyone to look for her and come to banquets." And Rowena did die, I am Revanche now. She thinks. "You... You...." Mandy stammers. "What happened Miss?! Speechless." Revanche asks. "Ma'am please excuse my daughter, she is delirious. She has been worried sick for her sister since she went missing so she mistook you to be Rowena. Please excuse us. " Julie says embarrassed. Of course it couldn't have been Rowena, she isn't this smart and she never wears such clothes or makeup. Christoph recovers from his momentary lapse. He is also relieved. It couldn't be Rowena I saw her die. Hoof. "Hmph. Security please see these people out. And from next time even with invitations please crosscheck their names from the name list before allowing them to enter." Revanche says.

A man hidden in the corner of the room near the curtain smiles. Nice show firefly. Can't wait to see what's next.