Chapter 24: Back to War
Chapter 24: Back to War
Renee’s POV
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Los Angeles, California, USA…”
The moment the announcement crackled through the speakers, something inside me sank and expanded at the same time. Home. One week away felt longer than the years I’d been here.
As the jet doors opened and that familiar LA warmth brushed my skin, I exhaled slowly… like the air itself carried a warning.
Andy laced our fingers as we descended the stairs, but before we even reached the carport, his phone buzzed. His expression shifted… work face, unreadable, stiff.
“Babe,” he sighed, gently releasing my hand. “I’m sorry, I cannot return to the house with you right now, I’ve got an emergency at the office. Some pending matters I need to resolve immediately so you’ll have to head home first, but rest assured I won’t be long.”
I smiled… soft, understanding.
“Go ahead. I’ve got a few things to handle myself.”
He studied me for a second longer than necessary. Like he could feel i was upto something with that response.
I know where his mind went, even I don’t know where I stand at the moment but I’d figure it out soon.
I didn’t flinch. Didn’t blink. Didn’t give him any reason to question.
Eventually he nodded, kissed my forehead, and walked off with his PA flanking him like a shadow.
I let out a breath only when he disappeared.
Turning toward arrivals, I scanned faces until I spotted her… Lydia, waving like a crazy person from between a group of chauffeurs holding cardboard signs.
“MA’AM RENEE!” she practically yelled before throwing her arms around me. “I’ve missed you ma’am..”
I laughed, hugging her back.
“It definitely felt different without you…” I said letting myself rest in her arms.
Then… we broke apart and because I’d been holding it the entire flight… I lifted my hand between us.
Her gasp echoed.
“WE’VE GOT A WEDDING TO PLAN!”
We squealed like teenagers
“I’m so happy for you ma’am..” She looked behind me. “Where’s Sir Andrew?” She asked.
“He’s got an office emergency.. let’s get going.. I’m exhausted..” I said, she nodded and together we made our way to the car.
Halfway through the drive, reality stabbed its way back in.
I was back to LA, what’s my plans now?.
“Oh…Rosie and her mother are also returning today, I’ve sent the driver to pick them up once they land,” Lydia said casually while checking her planner.
My chest tightened.
Andy had shown me a future I never believed I deserved.
I finally found someone who loves me without hesitations.
Maybe I don’t need revenge anymore.
Maybe Andy was healing enough..
I pressed my forehead against the window, watching palm trees blur past.
Could I let go?
Could I finally stop fighting ghosts?
By the time we pulled up to the mansion, I still didn’t have an answer.
The maids carried luggage past me as I sank into the living room sofa, exhaustion dragging every bone downward.
Lydia reappeared a moment later, handing me her iPad.
“You should see this, ma…”
I didn’t even get to read the whole text before the image burned itself into my vision.
Clark. Sarah. Their daughter. Smiling. Matching outfits.
Headline:
“MY WIFE BROUGHT ME TO THE PEAK OF MY CAREER TODAY! _ Suspended Hockey Star appreciates wife as they celebrate their two years marriage anniversary”
Something inside me…sharp, familiar, savage…twisted.
That old wound I’d been trying to contfnripped wide open.
My fingers tightened around the iPad before I hurled it across the room.
Lydia gasped and sprinted after it.
“How dare he…” my voice shook… not from sadness, but from fury.
“I built him. Every connection he has, every door he ever walked through… I fucking opened it. I used my father’s influence to put him on the professional hockey map. And he gives the glory to his dumb, naive mistress of a wife?”
Lydia stayed silent, cautious.
“What has the Wayne family been doing since I left?” I demanded.
She inhaled.
“Well… Sarah kept calling. She even went looking for you and Rosie. The playdate flopped… no parents showed, just like you instructed. And I made sure Rosie’s teacher understood the assignment. As for Marlene Wayne, I learned that she joined a private Club… looks like she’s networking to help Clark get back into the rink. Clark has submitted multiple appeals but… nothing. Blocked. Like you said.”
I smiled… slow, bitter.
But then Lydia added quietly, “ But ma’am, They’re not broken yet. They are Just… regrouping.”
That was it.
That was the sentence that killed every ounce of softness I had left.
If I wanted a new life with Andrew… I had to finish this one.
“Where’s my second phone,” I said, palm pointed at her.
She hesitated. “But… Sir Andrew doesn’t seem to want you doing this. And your father sounded worried when he came looking for you days ago…”
“LET. ME. Handle them,” I snapped.
She obeyed, placing the secret phone in my hand.
I dialed Marlene’s number.
First ring… no answer.
Second… still nothing.
“Pick up the damn phone, Bitch!,” I hissed and called again.
She finally answered, breathless.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Mrs. Wayne.”
“Renee? Oh my God…where have you been?”
“I had to fly home. My father fell ill. I had to step in for a while until my brother returned.”
She softened immediately. Gullible. Predictable.
“Oh honey, I’m so sorry. Are you back now?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s catch up then. Dinner tonight?”
“Send me the place,” I replied smoothly.
When I hung up, I turned to Lydia.
“Tell Amara to have Rosie ready for school tomorrow. I’m picking her up myself. I want to run into Sarah.”
Lydia nodded.
“And schedule a playdate this weekend at Rosie and Amara’s house. Make sure every parent shows up. Pay them if you have to. I want the playdate to be all anyone talks about. I’ll leave you to handle the details.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“And finally find Clark’s schedule. I want a chance to bump into him tomorrow afternoon. It’s time to ignite that lust in him.”
She paused… almost afraid.
“Ma’am… are you sure?”
I looked at her… calm, steady, cold.
“Oh sweetheart… I’ve never been more sure.”
Because if fate wanted me to rebuild?
Fine.
But first…
I would burn everything that once broke me.
And when I walked into my new life with Andrew?
They would watch.
They would regret.
They would break more.
And I…
I would finally win.