Chapter 7 Mammy!
Chapter 7 Mammy!
Vanessa’s POV
Settling back in Huston had been easier than I thought. I got Emily a nanny that was dependable and so far my work at Hayes Holdings had been going smoothly.
My cover was solid and no one recognized me or suspected I was Vanessa.
My dark green eyes were now deep blue, thanks to the hyper-realistic contact lenses I wore every single day. I had chopped off my long dark hair and dyed it blonde, it looked like it grew right out of my scalp.
My pale white skin had become a smooth olive shade from the regular spray tans I got every three days and I had gotten an corrective skin coloured tattoo over the injury I had on my shoulder in case Elliot suspected.
But the greatest change was my attitude. Back when I was Vanessa, I was soft, agreeable and people walked all over me like a foot mat but as Nessa I was bold, assertive and didn’t shrink myself. I kept things professional, and so far, Elliot hadn’t had a single complaint.
That was exactly my plan. I had to gain his trust and get what I wanted most; Revenge.
I clocked into work as usual but when I got to the top floor I heard someone yelling in Elliot’s office. I went closer to his door and listened when I felt shivers all over.
I would recognize that shrill, cranky voice even if I died. It was Bernice.
“What the hell, Elliot?!” she screamed. “You haven’t been home in a week! What sort of work keeps you in a hotel when you have a home in this city?!” She asked furiously.
I leaned in more surprised at how heated the argument seemed.
“Can you stop being dramatic, Bernice?” Elliot snapped. “I have better concentration at the hotel without distractions and without you breathing down my neck!.”
“That’s bullshit!” she shouted. “And I won’t stand for it!”
I had imagined they’d be happy after they got rid of me four years ago and they’d have a happily ever after.
Asher had given me a heads-up a while back that things between Elliot and Bernice weren’t perfect but I didn’t expect it to be this bad they’d be screaming down at each other in the office.
My body moved on its own and I pushed the door open slowly and stepped in.
They both turned toward me when I came in.
“Good morning, sir,” I said quickly, my face blank like I heard nothing.
Bernice’s eyes were glued to me. I could feel them scanning me and I was physically repulsed. I stayed still even though every nerve in my body wanted to bolt and go throw up. The last time I was in this office with Bernice and Elliot they had been fucking and Elliot had accused me of cheating and served me divorce papers.
“This is your schedule for the day” I said slowly placing a folder neatly on Elliot’s desk trying so hard to look cold and professional even though my heart was thudding so loud I could barely hear my own words.
Elliot took it from me without a word, flipping it open when Bernice spoke to me.
“Nessa, is it?” she asked suddenly.
I looked at her, just for a second, and gave a small polite nod.
“Yes.” I said stiffly looking at her. Except the lines on her forehead and her dark circles she looked the same.
I turned back to Elliot. “Let me know if you need anything else, I’ve already sent you a soft copy” I added and he nodded.
“Thanks, Nessa.” He said.
I walked out, shutting the door behind me, and let out a long, quiet breath. My hands were trembling slightly and I clenched my fist tightly swallowing the bile that was rising.
I had barely taken two steps when I heard Bernice’s sharp, shrill voice again, almost screeching.
“Now I know why; She’s the reason, right?!” Her voice rang, “The reason you’ve been away from home?! I knew something was going on!”
Oh wow I froze a small smile playing on my face. She was this insecure.
“Keep your fucking voice low!” Elliot barked from inside the office. “She can hear you!” He hissed.
“I don’t care, Elliot!” She snapped. “I won’t let you ruin our family!”
I went to my desk and sat stunned eyes on my keyboard when the door to Elliot’s office burst open. Bernice stormed out her eyes wild, fury radiating off her like heat and came straight for me.
I looked at her coldly with that blank stare I’d practiced for years. “I’ve come to warn you; quit this job and stay away from my husband.” She said venomously.
“Excuse me…” I retort looking shocked. For a moment, she looked unsure and just glared at me before stomping out.
I scoff watching her leave wiping the shocked look off my face trying hard not to laugh out loud.
Few minutes later, Elliot came out too. He looked ruffled and disoriented. He ran his hand through his hair like he wanted to rip it out.
“Nessa,” he said, his voice tight. “I’m sorry about this.”
He came closer then paused like he wasn’t sure what to say and looked around clearly overwhelmed.
“Cancel all my appointments for the day, and you can take the day off” he said quickly and stormed out too.
I leaned back in my chair, finally letting out the breath I had been holding in and stared at the door he had just walked through.
Trouble in paradise I scoffed quietly, shaking my head. So this was what their love looked like after they shoved me out of the picture.
This was going to be so much easier than I expected.
I had the rest of the day off so I called Emily’s nanny Olivia and told her I’ll pick Emily from the daycare myself.
Thirty minutes later I paid the cab driver who drove me since I hadn’t gotten a car in Huston yet and stepped out in front of the crèche. I planned to spend the whole day with my baby and that made me happy.
“Ms. Nessa! Emily’s in the playroom.” The receptionist at the front desk said a warm smile on her face.
“Thanks,” I said walking down the hallway thinking of how excited Emily will be to see me.
I looked through the window and saw the children playing but that wasn’t what caught my eyes.
Elliot was inside the playroom, crouched down on one knee, talking to Emily.
She was smiling brightly at whatever he was saying and waving her tiny hands in the air. My heart stopped for a second and I rushed into the playroom. Why was that bastard close to my daughter?
Emily turned her head and saw me then.
“Mammy!” she squealed with joy. “Mammy!”