Revanche

Prologue:

Revenge

 to exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of,especially in a resentful or vindictive spirit.

Riadne Laurel

France, Paris

  As soon as I heard about the offer, I asked my manager to accept it. Never mind the fact I was rejecting three hollywood movies or that I was practically denying myself the chance of soaring higher than where I was. For me, this was more important.

The opportunity I’d been waiting for was finally in my grasp. 

I was going back to the Philippines.

I could start everything.

“Do you really have to go?”asked one of my hair stylist, Ava. She was one of my first friends here in France. One of the few that knew of my plans.

I looked at her through the mirror, smiling playfully. “I always leave, Av. It’s kinda part of the job description.”

“Yeah, but –”  

 “Relax, okay? It’s gonna be okay. Ça va aller.”

“I know, but you can’t exactly blame me for worrying. You just got back from London and now you’re flying already to the Philippines. And knowing you, that's not a good thing," she said as she finished doing my hair. "You really shouldn't have accepted that offer."

I stood up and faced her, leaning back slightly against the table so I wouldn't tower over her petite figure. "Has anyone ever told you that you worry too much? Seriously, Av, I'll be fine. I know what I'm doing."

A pause.

“Can’t I really dissuade you from going?”

I didn’t answer. We both knew the answer to that.

She sighed, her worried eyes settling on the floor. "This is only going to hurt you. You know revenge won’t make you happy, right? It will only make you feel more miserable.”

I turned, and studied my reflection.

Cold eyes, deceitful smile. Vengeful. Unyielding.  

The person I carefully made myself to be.

For six years, I worked on myself. Established my walls. Built my career and popularity. All for one reason.

Caleb Almeda.

“Yeah, revenge won’t make me happy. But until I see him fall..." I closed my eyes, "I won’t ever be."