Chapter 8: Chapter Eight

Stella turned to Meira as they stood side by side in the crowded assembly hall, her voice low but loaded with intrigue. "I found out something interesting on Saturday, and I confirmed it on Sunday."

Meira's brow furrowed slightly. "Like what?"

Stella's eyes sparkled with the thrill of discovery. "You don’t live in your house anymore. And it seems you’ve got something going on with Raine Cruz."

Meira stiffened. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

Stella leaned closer, her tone relentless. "You’re living with him, aren’t you? I asked the new owners of your house, and the woman was all too eager to tell me everything she knew."

Before Stella could continue, Meira cut her off sharply. "Why don’t you take the plank out of your own eye before you go searching for specks in others’? Isn’t your husband chasing after a girl young enough to be his sister? Maybe you should worry about your marriage and stay out of mine." With that, Meira walked away, her face hardening as she fought to hold her emotions in check.

The day weighed heavily on her, and her frustration only grew when an unfamiliar number lit up her phone. She answered hesitantly, only to hear a familiar voice.

"Hello, sweetheart. Miss me?"

A chill ran down her spine as she gripped her phone tightly, stunned to hear his voice. "Richard?"

"Surprised? Memorizing your number was easy," he sneered. "Just like fooling you all these years."

Her voice shook with barely concealed anger. "Why did you do it?" she demanded.

"For revenge, of course," he spat, almost laughing. "Your family made my life miserable. I just had to eliminate them. You were next, but then... I found a more satisfying way to hurt you."

"You’re disgusting," Meira hissed. "But I’m still here. Stronger than ever. Ever heard of 'what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger'?"

"Ah, yes. My reliable sources tell me you’re shacking up with Raine Cruz now," Richard taunted. "Is he the one keeping you warm these days? I always knew he had a thing for you."

Meira’s voice dripped with skepticism. "What are you talking about?"

Richard laughed darkly. "Hasn’t he told you? Amazing. He’s really good at keeping secrets."

Her patience snapped. "Spit it out, you monster."

He paused deliberately, savoring the moment. "Well… I know he has feelings for you. I’ve known since the day I introduced you two. That’s why I... took certain measures."

“What did you do?” she demanded, her voice trembling. "You faked our marriage?"

"Yeah... that," he muttered without remorse. "I already had a wife, so I couldn’t marry you for real. And even without Angela in my life, Meira, I would’ve done exactly the same thing."

“If you’d told me—”

"Things don’t work that way, Meira." His tone was cold, calculating. "If I’d told you, you would’ve left. And how else would I have gotten my revenge?"

"You’re a monster!" she yelled. "Get off my phone!" She hung up, hurling the phone against the wall as she collapsed to the floor, tears streaming down her face.

Moments later, a teacher walked into the restroom, spotting her on the floor. "Hey, are you alright, Meira?"

Quickly wiping her tears, Meira scrambled to her feet. "I’m fine," she said, forcing a smile. She grabbed her shattered phone and hurried out, grateful she didn’t have any more classes and could leave for the day. She rushed to the English department to pack her things.

"Leaving early?" her colleague Mrs. Rufus asked, surprised. "You usually stay until closing."

"I can’t today," Meira replied, shaking her head. "I have a terrible headache. Mind if I borrow your phone? I dropped mine, and the screen’s destroyed."

"Of course," Ms. Rufus said, handing her phone over.

Meira quickly dialed Raine’s number, moving to a quiet corner by the window as it rang. She bit her bottom lip, hoping Raine would answer, though she knew it was unlikely—he was probably tied up in one meeting or another.

As the CEO of a multinational corporation, she couldn’t exactly expect him to be waiting by the phone for her call.

“The number you’ve dialed is not available at the mom…” She cut the call and tried his office instead.

“Emerson Cruz Group, good morning. How may I help you?” came Brenda’s voice.

"Brenda? Hi, it’s Meira."

There was a pause, and then Brenda replied coolly, "I don’t know who’s speaking."

“It’s Meira Gilbert. I need to speak to your boss," Meira snapped, her patience worn thin.

“He’s not here.” Brenda replied curtly.

“Where is he?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Listen, Brenda, or whatever your name is, I’m having a really bad day. So, I suggest you be helpful, or I’ll make sure your boss finds himself a new secretary.”

“Like you could,” Brenda scoffed.

“Wanna bet?” Meira’s voice dropped to a dangerous tone.

Brenda drew in a sharp breath, clearly unsettled. "He’s in a meeting. He should be out soon."

“Good. Now, deliver this message: tell him I’m unwell and can’t stay to pick up my kids. I’m sure he’ll be happy to get them from school.”

“You’re sending Raine Cruz on an errand?” Brenda sounded incredulous.

“What’s it to you?” Meira retorted. "Just give him the message. Oh, and tell him my phone’s broken, so he won’t be able to reach me on it. Capisce?"

“Fine.”

“Thank you, dear,” Meira said, hanging up. She returned Ms. Rufus’ phone, offering a grateful smile. “Thank you so much. How much do I owe you?”

“Nonsense, Meira. After everything you’ve done for me? It’s nothing,” Ms. Rufus replied warmly. "Take care of yourself."

“Thank you,” Meira smiled. “I’ll take care of myself. I promise.” She picked up her bag, waved, and left the room.

******

“Sir!” Brenda called out as she saw Raine heading toward the elevator. It was three in the afternoon, and Meira had called hours ago around eleven.

“What is it?” Raine drawled, glancing back. “I’m heading out for lunch.”

"Mrs. Gilbert called."

“Meira?” He quickly pulled out his phone, noticing the missed calls. “What did she say?”

“She asked if you could pick up her kids from school. She’s not feeling well, and her phone is broken, so you won’t be able to reach her.”

He checked the time, his face tightening. "I have just thirty minutes to get there. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he asked sharply, already dashing to his office. Within a minute, he reappeared, ready to go.

“You were in a meeting, sir,” Brenda explained.

"No meeting is more important than Meira,” Raine replied firmly. "Next time she calls, interrupt any meeting I’m in, alright?”

“Understood, sir.”

“Thanks. You can head home once you’re done,” he added, stepping into the elevator.

“Good day, sir.”

He waved as the doors closed, quickly dialing Meira’s number even though he knew she’d mentioned her phone was faulty. Her line was off, and he frowned, worried. She had seemed fine that morning—happy even. What could’ve happened for her to leave school without the twins?

Due to heavy traffic, Raine didn’t reach the twins’ school until 4:30, finding it mostly deserted except for the twins and the security guard waiting at the gate.

“Uncle Raine!” Gabi spotted him first, running over to hug him.

“Hey, princess,” he said, kissing her forehead. "Hey, Gabe.”

“Hi,” Gabe replied, a slight frown on his face. “Where’s Mom?”

“She’s not feeling well, so she asked me to pick you up.”

Gabe’s frown deepened. No matter how tired or unwell she was, their mom never missed picking them up.

“Let’s get going,” Raine said, handing the security guard a few bills. “Thanks for watching out for them.”

“Thank you, sir. You’re very kind,” Thomas, the guard, replied gratefully.

After a quick debate between Gabi and Gabe over who would sit up front, Raine got them settled in the car and headed off.

“Uncle Raine, I’m hungry,” Gabi said. “Can we get something to eat?”

“Sure, what would you like? Where would you like to go?"

“Tantalizers!” Gabe piped up. “Or maybe KFC.”

“You’ve got to pick one,” Raine teased.

“Tantalizers!” they chorused, giggling. “We’ll get small chops, chicken, fries, and ice cream.”

“All for you?” he arched a surprised brow.

“Mom likes pizza. We can get one from Domino’s,” Gabe added thoughtfully.

“Alright.” Raine pressed a bit on the accelerator, eager to get them all home to check on Meira. Whatever had happened at school, he’d make sure she talked to him, even if she didn’t feel like it. And he’d keep her laughing until whatever weighed on her heart was gone.

Especially if it had anything to do with Richard Gilbert.