Chapter 36
One year later…
JANINE adjusted her wireless earbuds tightly to her ear as she strolled down the city streets, the excitement evident on her face.
She had decided to move to a new apartment, leaving behind the remnants of her past. Adelle, her ever-supportive friend, enthusiastically suggested they celebrate with a post-move-in party and requested Janine grab some beers from the convenience store.
As Janine approached the convenience store a few blocks from her new place, her mind was filled with thoughts of the successful launch of her cosmetics and perfume business, Crosscents. She had poured her heart and soul into building her brand, which was paying off.
Lost in her thoughts, she was about to reach for a shopping basket when her gaze met a familiar face. The shock on both their faces was palpable. It was Gala, the woman Janine had seen beside Ken on their bed in France six years ago. The memories flooded back, and Janine felt anger and frustration.
Attempting to avoid confrontation, Janine ignored Gala and continued walking. However, Gala had other plans. She purposefully approached Janine, a malicious smirk playing on her lips.
“Well, well, look who it is,” Gala sneered, her voice dripping with venom. “I’m glad you and Ken didn’t last even you and him had a second chance. That was always my goal.”
Janine felt her blood boil at Gala’s audacity. How could this woman, who had been a thorn in her side all those years ago, have the nerve to taunt her now?
Summoning her courage, Janine confronted Gala. “Gala, I’ve been wanting to ask you this. Did you set up Ken that night when I found you and him naked in our bed?”
Gala’s laughter echoed through the convenience store, causing heads to turn in their direction. “Oh, darling, you’re quite late. But yeah, it was all part of the plan,” she admitted with a twisted grin. She went on to describe in chilling detail how she had slipped sleeping pills into Ken’s drink that fateful night in France.
Unable to contain her anger any longer, Janine’s hand flew through the air, delivering a sharp slap across Gala’s face. The sound reverberated through the store, drawing gasps from onlookers.
But Gala was not one to be deterred. With a vicious snarl, she retaliated, lunging at Janine and grabbing her hair. The convenience store erupted into chaos as the two women engaged in a fierce physical altercation.
Items crashed to the floor, and bystanders scrambled to distance themselves from the brawl. The store clerk frantically dialed for assistance, hoping to put an end to the chaos that had suddenly erupted within their walls.
Janine fought with every ounce of strength she possessed, her determination fueled by years of pent-up frustration and anger. She no longer refused to be a victim, refusing to let Gala revel in her pain.
Amidst the chaos, Janine’s mind raced. This unexpected encounter had unearthed painful truths, but it also ignited a fire within her—a fire that demanded justice and closure.
“You bitch!” Gala screamed. “You pathetic whore—”
“You’re a home-wrecker!” Janine shouted back and pulled her hair even tighter.
As they grappled and wrestled, Janine vowed to herself that she would no longer let Gala’s actions define her. She would find the strength to rise above the chaos to build a life filled with joy and success.
***
JANINE found herself sitting in the police station, her heart pounding. She never imagined ending up in this situation but couldn’t bring herself to regret it. She felt a sense of satisfaction as long as she had the chance to confront Gala and seek her revenge.
Gala, seated a few feet away, continued to hurl insults and curses at Janine, her face contorted with anger. But Janine remained unfazed, a small smile playing on her lips. She had finally confronted her past, and no amount of venom from Gala could diminish the feeling of empowerment that surged within her.
The police officer noted the tense atmosphere and asked Janine if she had a lawyer. Gala was determined to press charges against her, seeking retribution for their earlier altercation. Just as Janine was about to respond, a familiar figure burst into the room—Paulo.
Gala’s expression turned from anger to shock as she looked at Paulo. “Paulo? Oh, my gosh, are you here to save me from this bitch?”
She kept accusing Janine of being a flirt, trying to manipulate men to get what she wanted. But Paulo stepped forward, his voice filled with authority and determination.
“I’m here for Janine, Gala. And you have no right to speak about Janine that way,” Paulo asserted. “If you continue verbally abusing her, I will not hesitate to sue you for defamation.”
The threat hung heavy in the air, causing Gala to falter momentarily. The police officer intervened, urging both parties to settle the incident peacefully. With Gala reluctantly withdrawing her charges, the tension began to dissipate.
Standing by Janine’s side, Paulo offered her a reassuring smile. He understood the weight of the situation she had been thrust into and was determined to support her. Janine felt a sense of gratitude wash over her, realizing that Paulo had come to her rescue once again.
As they left the police station, Paulo insisted on driving Janine back to her apartment. The car ride was filled with a mixture of relief and lingering tension. Janine couldn’t help but apologize to Paulo, knowing that it was Adelle who had called him to rescue her.
“Sorry for dragging you into all this,” Janine said sincerely.
Paulo shook his head, a gentle smile adorning his lips. “Don’t worry about it. We’re friends, remember? I’ll always be there for you.”
Janine chose Paulo not as her partner in life but as her business partner. When Ken left her in her apartment, Janine spent the whole week crying and asking herself what had gone wrong. But then, Janine got through it all with Adelle’s help and her parents. Since Ken has cleared the scandal that their private lives brought into, Janine has continued to receive project offers. She has a feeling that it’s because of the publicity she got. She used it as an opportunity to show people her skill and true self—that she wasn’t the kind of woman that the haters implied her to be.
The atmosphere inside the car grew more intimate as Paulo stared at her full of admiration. Still, before it could escalate, Janine changed the topic, inviting Paulo to their party. She expressed her gratitude for his continued support and congratulated him on his successful career.
Paulo’s eyes lit up with excitement at the invitation. “I’d be honored to attend your after-party,” he replied. “And you know what? I also want to be the first to endorse your new business. I believe in you, Janine.”
Janine’s heart swelled with appreciation, grateful for the unwavering support she had found in Paulo. Yet, despite her newfound happiness, a part of her still longed for Ken. The memories they had shared and the connection they had once had lingered in her heart, an unresolved chapter.
Janine couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for her. Would she let go of the past and embrace the possibilities before her? Only time would tell.