The Epiphany

The Epiphany

The tenderness of Alexanders hug the silent power of his presence had been a momentary salve for my broken heart. I was finally able to cry without fear of being judged because he was a rock in a storm. The raw visceral pain had diminished by the time I withdrew leaving behind a dull ache and a simmering resolve though my eyes were still red and swollen. With robotic movements I made two mugs of steaming chamomile tea as I made my way to the kitchen the herbal scent providing a tiny calming solace. He was still slouched on the sofa staring indifferently into the dying embers of the fireplace when I returned to the living room with the mugs. As a shadow of the strong man he usually was he appeared completely defeated. My heart ached for him. In many ways his suffering which was so open and honest reflected mine. Feeling the warmth of the ceramic against his icy fingers I put a mug in his hand before pulling my knees up to my chest and sitting next to him.We were separated by a hush that was heavy with unspoken sorrow and tiredness. His eyes remained focused on the dancing flames as he slowly raised the mug to his lips and took a long contemplative sip. With my thoughts racing with the revelations of the night I gazed into my own mug and watched the wisps of steam curl and dissipate. The revelation of my past the humiliation I had received from Liam and the horrifying truth of Fionas condition all swirled around in my mind. It took several minutes before he turned and looked directly into my eyes. His eyes were heavy troubled by worry and lack of sleep. He said “Whats wrong Ava?” in a rough yet kind voice. “Youre quite reserved.”I let out a long exhausted breath that was heavy with the weight of everything. “Are you… are you still in pain from what happened last night?” “Yes” I said softly as I admitted. Yet. “But before I came down something else happened.” Taking a deep breath I prepared myself. I felt a strange urgency to share it to make it real even though this was a lot to drop on someone who was already coming apart. “I went to do an internet search for my name, merely to check for anything. Anything regarding me prior to the mishap.”His eyes flashed with curiosity and his brow furrowed slightly. “And what did you find?” He asked me keeping his eyes fixed on me. “Everything” I muttered with a still-fresh sense of bewildered awe. “Everything is here Alexander. I was astonished actually. I had a lot of money. I was the owner of three large businesses. Nexus Innovations Solstice Media and Roderigo Tech Solutions. I possessed estates. an entire empire.”My voice faltered the enormity of my forgotten past still unfathomable. I was residing in my own shadow. I simply forgot that I had this legacy this power and this entire life. everything. His eyes widened the fatigue giving way to surprise. “Ava. You… you regained your memories?” He asked with a sudden tangible excitement that contrasted sharply with his earlier dejection. He looked intently ahead as he leaned forward. “All of them? Everything that happened before the accident?” I smiled, nodding as one tear fell—not from sadness but from the moments overwhelming intensity. “Yes. All of it. My life before marriage, the wedding, my marriage, the accident my parents, my issues with Liam. Every single thing.” The weight of the admission made my voice a little raw and shaky. “When I experienced that pain earlier everything returned in a flash. Thats how it happened. I didn't lose them again.” A sincere smile stretched across his lips the first I'd seen on his face since Fionas call. This brief but impactful expression of relief and unanticipated joy was powerful. He muttered “Thats incredible Ava” with gleaming eyes. “Absolutely amazing. I had hoped actually. But to know that its real…”He extended his hand touching mine tenderly and entwining his fingers. “This makes a huge difference.”“It does” I said quietly in agreement. “Now I understand everything. I am aware of my life, my empire and Liam.” The name was bitter on my tongue and felt like a curse. “Alexander, he wasnt just up and leaving me. He took my businesses. During my incapacity he seized my entire empire. He used the remains of my fortune to build his own. And then he dared to reject me to call me a mad lady.” The icy hatred that had been inside me before came back hardening my voice and tightening my hold on his hand. Alexanders eyes narrowed as my own rage mirrored the cold fire that was burning in their depths. It was evident that the full extent of the betrayal had added to his earlier rage at Liam. “I had my suspicions.” he said in a tight voice. “A preliminary investigation into Liams recent acquisitions had been conducted by my team. Unusualities were noticed. He grew too rapidly and too violently. I was unaware of the entire extent though. He had stolen your legacy but I was unaware of it.” He gave my hand a squeeze. “This is excellent Ava. Thats excellent. It indicates that we are nearer. To get your revenge sooner. Nearer to penalizing him.”The statement so straightforward and uncomplicated gave me a gloomy sense of satisfaction. Despite being exhausted my mind felt clear and concentrated. I turned to face the strong dangerous man who had just told me about his own deep sorrow and who was now using his vast resources and intelligence to fight for me. A fresh idea one that was strategic and pragmatic came to me. I started by pointing hazily around the magnificent room and then toward the enormous mansion. “But Alexander” I said. “You fight your own battles. . . and your business, Fiona. You expressed concern that her condition would cause a void in your company. Dont you need someone you can rely on to take up that space?” With silent resolve in my eyes I looked him in the eye. “I am able to assist you.I’ve been there before. I am knowledgeable. I'm able to fill in. As you concentrate on Fiona I can assist you in running your empire. Together, we need to remain in your company.” Alexanders face lit up slowly as a self-assured almost predatory gleam appeared. The smile held the promise of strength and vengeance. He held my gaze while cocking his head slightly. “You’re right Ava” He muttered in a deep contented voice. “That was a concern of mine. With Fionas. . . absence its important to find someone reliable who can fill such a crucial role. Someone who is intelligent driven and aware of this world.”In a loving possessive motion his thumb brushed the back of my hand. “But you know what else Ava?” he added his smile widening and his eyes never leaving mine full of a disconcerting certainty. “You have been my wait. Ive been waiting for your memories to return. Before starting.” My forehead wrinkled in perplexity. “Starting what?” I asked a little out of breath and with a shiver going down my back. Starting sounded like the quiet before a storm from the way he said it. Alexanders smile expanded a chilly but powerfully captivating look. Absolute destruction was promised by his intense dark eyes. “One of the reasons I brought you here was to assist you in exacting revenge on Liam.”