Chapter 90 The Way Forward
With the weight of Jude’s words hovering between them, Annabel sat still in the chair.
Below them, the city loomed a silent observer of this surprising turn.
It was a crazy reckless idea to form a partnership with a man she hardly knew, a man who had once been so close to the person who had hurt her.
It was thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Her mind was racing and she was silent for a long time.
The idea felt right even though it was audacious and possibly a bit crazy. It seemed to be a response to a query she wasn't even sure how to formulate.
It was more than just a job, it was a means for her to take back her identity and prove to them that she was not a victim.
Her voice was a little shaky as she said “I need to think about it.”
It seemed like a tiny act of defiance to say those words.
Jude’s face grew softer. With a slow nod he acknowledged her hesitancy.
“Of course,” he said.
He brought out a sleek black card from his pocket. He set it down on the desk and moved it in her direction.
The letters were embossed with a metallic sheen and the card was substantial and heavy.
“This offer is genuine. A job is already available for you. Come at any time.” He said.
He did not try to persuade her or put any pressure on her. He simply accepted the offer based on its own merits.
Annabel extended her arm and took the card. Her fingertips felt cool on the surface.
She glanced at his name and the understated sophisticated logo. JUDE ASHFORD.
The name felt like the title of a new chapter in her life whereas before it had been a footnote.
“Thanks.” she said.
She got to her feet and turned to go. He didn't try to stop her.
“I hope to hear from you soon.” He said.
He spoke in a serious low voice. As she walked out of his office, the glass walls and shiny floors were a blur.
The elevator ride down felt never-ending like a plunge into a different world.
Her mind was racing with ideas as she stepped outside into the bright afternoon sun as the ground floor doors opened.
She didn't want to call Fred. She didn't want to disturb him. She didn’t want to tell him this just yet because he was at work.
A man from her past had interrupted her job interview and offered her a way to get revenge but she didn't want to tell him.
Rather, she signaled a cab and got inside.
The outside world was a jumble of noise and movement while the city traffic moved at a snail’s pace.
The rumbling engine of the taxi hummed a soft rhythm beneath Annabel's thoughts as she leaned back against the seat.
The black rectangle card felt like a heavy burden in her hand as she took Jude's card out of her purse.
While they were driving, she continued to look at the card. Jude wanted revenge against Victoria. She also did.
There was a strong sinister temptation to exact revenge and make them feel the suffering they had caused. She had felt helpless and like a victim for so long.
There was now a method to become a warrior and a fighter. He made such a simple proposal.
The thought of working with him seemed too good to be true. She was warned by a little voice in the back of her mind that sounded like Fred.
Was Jude genuinely trying to help her or was he merely using her as a tool for his own revenge?
It was a troubling thought.
Was this a wise decision? Was she exchanging one kind of manipulation for another?
Then she took a deep breath. She was abandoned, mistreated and left on her own. She had already lost everything so what was there for her to lose?
She had always wanted to be more than a trophy wife more than just a pretty face in Carson’s arms right?
She had aspirations of becoming a successful designer, starting her own business and paving her own path in life.
It was her opportunity.
Her dream, albeit a warped and unanticipated one, was still her dream.
She shut her eyes while the car drove. Like stones in a river her ideas rolled over one another.
The interview and the job she was about to start were on her mind.
A freelance job at a small design company. It was a positive step…a precautionary move.
Jude's offer however was bold. A chance to not only get back on her feet but to soar was presented by this leap into the unknown.
Fred came to mind, his quiet generosity, his unwavering support. Small victories were something he had taught her. A cup of coffee, a stroll around the block and cleaning her apartment.
The taxi arrived at the curb in front Fred's apartment. With a clinking sound of coins in her hand, Annabel gave the cabbie her money.
Her legs felt a little unsteady when she got out of the car. She raised her gaze to the building and Fred's apartment's well-known window.
It was like a harbor during a storm, a place of refuge. However, she had left the storm. She was ready to go out to sea.
Her fingers fumbling slightly with the small metal object she took her spare key from her purse.
The smell of coffee and cinnamon welcomed her home as she opened the door and entered.
After locking the door behind her, she proceeded to the living room.
She didn't switch on the lights. The room was covered in long shadows from the afternoon sun.
The soft cushions of the couch were a familiar comfort as she settled in. She kept her thumb stroking the glossy surface of his card as she looked at it.
She saw in her mind a picture of Carson watching her go, his face emotionless and bloodless.
Then the picture of Victoria with her eyes full of contempt and her smile a cruel mask.
She now had an opportunity to get back on her feet. She had to do this.