CHAPTER 3

Violet sat silently looking at herself in the huge mirror placed on the wall, everyday for the past twenty years she made sure she took a look at herself. With her right hand fingers, she traced the peach flowers tattoo on her cheek that ran across her throat to her left breast. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen the moment that mark appeared on her. A blessing of life was what her mentor told her when it came out. Anne appeared right that moment with a tray full of her jewelry. She combed her hair first with a jade comb she was gifted by someone whom she already forgot about. Anne put the gold head chain on her head and two pieces of hair chains to complement the head chain. A simple gold choker was put around her neck, few bangles on her hand, and her five rings for both of her hands and lastly her anklet. She never goes anywhere without the whole set, if someone can defile her in a second and make people around her look at her as if she was rotten then she can as well make herself beautiful so that anyone who sees her can also become enchanted with her as if she used any spells. She stood up and looked at herself once more, for the first time she was not wearing any white garment. Her goddaughter had made this gown and it looked beautiful, she was one person she wouldn't want to see sad. That is why she was wearing this black and gold gown today.

'It's beautiful,' Violet said as she looked at her daughter.

'I'm glad you love it.'

'Let's go to the club, I’ll be having my breakfast there. And call Martin, I need to talk to him.'

'Yes, godmother.'

Anne held her hand like she always does and they left the mansion for the club which was one kilometer away from the mansion. When they arrived, the staff had already been informed so her breakfast was quick. After finishing eating Martin arrived and she dismissed everyone.

'Violet, why did you want to see me?'

'I was wearing this attire when I suddenly thought of you. How is your family doing lately?'

'They are all fine thanks to your mercy.'

'I am pleased to hear about that,' she said as she took a sip of her water. 'You heard that Suzy is getting engaged to the first son right?'

'Yes, I heard it from your brother.'

'Good then. I want you to put security around that bastard sister of mine and make sure nothing happens to her until she gets married whenever that is.'

'Should I notify her?'

'She is an ungrateful bastard, no need. Be her shadow, protect her without anyone knowing. I wouldn't want anyone to harm even a single hair on her head.'

'I will get my men to it then.'

'If something awful happens to that little girl, I swear that this time I will be the one killing you, burying you deep that no one can ever retrieve you and make sure you will never be reborn again in any lifetime. Understand!'

'Yes, I do. I won't forget that my life is at your disposal and I will protect her with everything on the line.'

'Now we are talking.' she said smiling at the man she once loathed and still do though at a lower level.

'Is there anything else you need my help with?'

'Whatever you do, don't let my brother finds out what happened between us. I will never forgive you like i did the rest of you.'

'Always remember that I am not like how I used to be back then when you gang raped me. I am Violet now, the woman you bow to, the woman capable of bringing you back to life, the white witch as they like to call me. But let me assure you one thing, they may call me the white witch but I’m not that benevolent, so never get on my nerves.'

She looked at him and saw the look in his eyes; it reminded her of what happened thirteen years ago. The fear she could smell it, see it and hear it. That's exactly how she was back then when he and his gang defiled her over and over again until she became just a lump of human meat.

'You can go now and resume your work, I have appointments to keep,' she said dismissing him too.

She watched him leave and seconds later Anne appeared.

'You came,' she said as she looked at her.

TEN YEARS AGO

It had been five years since she began making her dynasty, her empire after completing her mentorship with her mentor, the woman who gave her back life and a purpose when she wanted to kill herself. She was driving one day just surveying the area where she wanted to buy a building when she saw a dirty kid roaming around the street. Even though she faced hardships when she was young, her parents never made her look like this at all. She was so skinny, dirty and her appearance was something that could scare anyone away. She followed the girl slowly in her car until they reached an abandoned building. She got out of the car and began to search for her there until she found her. It seems that she lived here alone, she guessed. The little girl noticed that she had a visitor so she quickly turned and made that face that showed that it was her territory.

'Don't worry little girl, I’m not here to harm you.' she said as she walked closer to the girl.

'Who are you? What do you want?'

'Let's go somewhere and have something to drink,' she said trying to calm the kid down but it made it made worse.

Who knew the kid had principles even though she was like that; apparently she knew that it was a bad thing to go away with strangers. So instead of taking her she left and came back with some food and clothes for her to wear. For the following month she did the same thing after every two days she would come and leave food for her and clothes. With time the kid began to trust her and just like that they clicked. She learnt that her home was taken away by her relatives when her parents died unexpectedly; no one took her in so that is how she ended up in the streets alone to fend for herself. She felt bitter and sad for her, so she asked her that one important question.

'Do you want to be my daughter?'

She herself was even surprised by her question but what else can she do. If she was by her side, then she can protect her and give her a life full of wealth and luxury. She agreed and she began the adoption process which was a bit difficult due to those relatives. She remembered arriving one day at that beautiful house and finding both the little girl's aunt and uncle present.

'You look like a witch by that white hair. What do you want at our house?'

'I came to the right place,' she said as she sat down.

'Leave before I call the police.'

'Since I am a witch you think I will be afraid of the police?'

'Tell us what you want and leave this place before our kids come back.'

'Now we talking,' she said and took out the forms in her bag and handed them over.

'You want us to sign this? You must be out of your mind.' the aunt said looking at her.

'You have no other choice than to sign it if you don't want to see me going nuts this moment.'

'What does that girl have to do with you?'

'I like her and I’m going to take her. You are going to sign that form willingly or I will force you and in both scenarios you won't be able to do anything about it.'

The aunt took out her phone and began to dial 112. She was a complete fool, did she thought that she was just bluffing when she came here? Raising her hand, she snatched the phone away from the aunt and smashed it against the walk without even touching it. The aunt screamed, the uncle panicked and she smiled.

'I told you that one way or the other you will sign the forms. Should I put you on a death scenario for you to do what I’m asking you to do?'

They thought she was still bluffing so she suffocated the uncle, she watched as the man tried to breathe, his eyes popping out like a toad, tears running down his cheeks. At that moment, the aunt went down on her knees and began to cry and asking for mercy.

'We will do anything, please just let us live.'

'You should have been cooperative from the beginning and we wouldn't be making each other suffer right now,' she said and let the uncle go.

The man gasped for air and took the forms and signed them. She took the forms and put them back in her bag and stood up, she saw them retreating and she smiled.

'I am pleased to learn that you are still human after the way you treat your own kin. If anyone of you says a word about what happened today, I will start with your kids, relatives and the last ones will be you. You can never suicide because I will bring you back to life and kill you again myself.'

'We won't say a word, please spare us.'

'I like it when people beg.'

'Please spare us,' they both said and she smiled once again.

'A reminder to both of you, I don't want to see, smell or hear of your presence near her again. If you do that I will show no mercy. Remember to always watch your backs, you never know what may happen to you,' she said and laughed out loud as she left the place.

What she did was cruel but she had no other choice, she had to get her and people with no manners like them deserved to die. If it wasn't for the little girl she was going to end their miserable lives once and for all.

She took the girl to the Registrar and submitted the forms for adoption, name change and the one that revoked her relative’s parental rights. It didn't take long; everything got settled in one day. It was a good thing having connections in higher places.

She looked at the ten-year-old and smiled.

'Starting from today, you are my daughter but I wouldn't want you to forget your birth parents so I’m your godmother. From today I will protect you from any harm and I will give you a better life. As a new start I will call you with another name not your old one.'

'I'm getting a new name?' the little asked excited, she was relieved to see that.

'Yes, your name from today will be Anne Grant. And I will make you a powerful woman so that no one will tramp over you again, understand!'

'Yes, godmother.'

'So don't disappoint me Anne.'

'I won't godmother.' Anne said as she grabbed her hand and ever since then, it became a habit of her god daughter to hold her hand.

***

The news about the President's son getting engaged had somehow leaked, so it was a bit hectic on news reporting the issue. His family had received the invitation so he and his immediate older brother were going to attend since they were in Damon's age group. Dylan wasn't really on friendship terms with Damon since they once had fallout back in high school all because of a girl. Who knew his father will be elected as their country's President? The engagement was in two days and he was getting engaged to a girl named Susan Grant. Her family was not that special, her parents were retired but living in a luxurious and expensive house which made him thinks about the Grant's position again. The eldest son was currently a well known CEO who had won so many achievements and was married to the Minister of Tourism and welfare's only daughter. The second born child a girl was a mystery and there was absolutely no information about her except for her middle school information. She was involved in an accident twenty years ago and was in a comma for a year, after she was discharged there was nothing on her. It was like she did not exist anymore, so he was wondering where this Samantha was actually. The last two children were both girls, the other one being the fifteen-year-old popular model Lucy who had featured in a lot of teen magazines lately. The last one was Susan the one getting engaged, twenty years old, a university designer student and famous for her looks too. This family was actually very interesting and he was not going to miss the opportunity to dwell into it.

***

It was now the day before the engagement party and Dylan decided to go out and chill at Lucid Dreams. It had been long since he went there; his friends were not available, busy with their own schedules. So he called Rita who seemed happy about the appointment. He went to pick her up at her place and he drove straight to the club. He used the wisdom gate again and parked his car in an empty slot. To his surprise Rita had not yet joined but it didn't bother him. He only needed someone to be with tonight. He checked in and asked Rita where she wanted to go and she chose the crowded place with all the youths. The dance floor was much livelier tonight so they found a spot and sat. The servers came and they made their order.

It was after they had a couple of drinks when Rita left for the dance floor, he couldn't help himself but smile when he saw her dancing. She was a great dancer and she was receiving a lot of attention and that somehow made his heart ache. Was he jealous right now? If that was the case, then he was practically doomed. He ended up joining her at the dance floor and began to dance freely with her. Seeing her there felt different than the first time he saw her back at the mansion. Was it because there were no restraints of the elders and they were just alone in this magical and enchanted place? She looked so beautiful that he could not withstand anyone looking at her. Maybe it was because of the alcohol or the special effects of the light but he saw himself kissing Rita right there. She responded to his kiss and for a while they stood there kissing before Rita dragged him off the floor.

He woke up tired and all, looking at his environment he noticed he was in his apartment bedroom and next to him was Rita. Judging by the way they were entangled, he could tell they were intimate after that kiss in the club. How they got back, he didn't care. Now what matters was the engagement party at the state house that evening. Looking at his watch he noticed it was nearly noon. He got out of bed and went to take a shower. When he came back, Rita was awake. He kissed her softly on her forehead. While he changed his clothes, Rita took the opportunity to clean herself as well. They had an early lunch and he took her back home before her went to collect his suit at the boutique.

When he arrived at the State house, a lot of guests had already arrived. The hall the engagement party was going to be held was nearly full. He couldn't help himself but look at the girl's side. He saw the people he already knew excluding Susan and the mysterious sister. There wasn't much time left till the ceremony commences when the President and the First Lady came in. Like always they looked stunning, he took his eyes off them and began to look for other interesting things. They were a lot of people he knew from school and other events, next to him was his older brother of course. He noticed Rita was also in the hall, seated next to her parents. Just when the commotion was over with the President taking his seat another one started.

What was going on exactly that night? Seeing her once nearly made him faint but seeing her again at this huge event was too much. For a moment he thought he came to her wedding but realized a bit later that it was Suzy's engagement party. She came in dressed in white and baby pink. With one glance you could tell that she was wearing very expensive clothes from head to toe. The supermodels didn't have a chance when it came to this woman. Everyone turned to look at her as she walked hand in hand with that beautiful young lady in black for last time though she was not wearing black but blue. The white witch's hair was decorated with pink diamonds this time, the head chain covered most of her head with some silver chains dangling on her hair that went on and on down her back. She was wearing matching pink diamond jewelry set from head and toe. That white dress had pink diamonds embroidered on it in the front in such an attentive way that could catch anyone's eye but that wasn't all with her dress. It was the back design that took his breath away, the design made him think of his mother. She loved making unique garments; she always made his clothes before she left him. The back of her gown had a tail which had pink tulips on it which he saw that complemented the tattoo on her right side cheek. It was a tattoo that freaked him out when he first saw her. He had never seen something like that before especially on a woman but to see that on a woman who was unique in all aspects was just too much.

He watched as she smiled and greeted a lot of officials. She was well known apparently, he even saw her nodding her head to the President and First Lady before she made her way to the bride side. He was even more shocked when he saw her sitting where the Grant family was. Was she a relative or was she Samantha? He would make sure he gets his answers before he leaves this place.

There were always so many ways to kill a cat and she was going to use the cruelest one to that ungrateful little sister of hers. After all the things she did for her, her tuition, her clothes allowance and food allowance. For her to be where she was right now it was all thanks to her but she bears such an attitude towards her. She was Violet after all; she left for the State house with her god daughter who was dressed to kill. She wanted her baby to find someone who will appreciate and love her more than the way she does. When she entered the hall, just as she had anticipated all eyes were on her despite her looks. After greeting the necessary people, she joined her family and Lucy was more than happy to see her.

'You look beautiful sis,' Lucy said smiling at her.

'Is that so? I just picked something from my closet; I didn't want to outshine the lady of the night.'

'Wow. You have clothes that are more beautiful than these?'

'Have you forgotten that your sis is a business lady? I am a very rich older sister. Don't forget that.'

'How can I forget?' she said and looked at Anne and smiled. 'Anne, you must be happy to have my sister as your mother. I envy you.'

'Don't be. It's tiring sometimes. You don't know how picky your sister is. You won't be able to manage with her.'

'Really?'

'I am just joking; she is the best mother I can ever have.'

'I will come and visit next weekend then, I haven't been able to come to your place since you moved there.'

'Tell me in advance and I will prepare your room.'

'Yes, I will make sure to do that.'

***

The march began and the love birds entered the hall, Suzy looked stunning. She was her blood after all. The ceremony commenced and like a flash of lightning the vows were made and the wedding date was set for another three weeks. It seemed these people were very impatient, their loves not hers anyway. The love birds first went to the first family before they came to where they were busy chatting. Suzy was all over the place and she was busy talking to Anne who had noticed something out of the ordinary. They didn't get a chance to finish because Suzy was now right in front of her.

'You are here older sis,' she said making that face of hers.

'If I don't show up, what will that make me?'

'Jealous of me,' she said just low enough for everybody not to hear.

She nearly burst out laughing but controlled herself.

'I'm really happy for you Suzy, but I should warn you right now at this moment in front of the family that you shouldn't do this at a day like this. I know exactly what you think of me but never judge a book by its cover. Just because you see me smiling right now doesn't mean that I don't know how to hold a grudge.'

'Violet, please stop It.' her father said looking at her.

'It's time for me to say it out and right now I don't care about anything else. Just because I look different from what you used to know or see when you were still in diapers doesn't mean that it's not me. Just because I have white hair and you don’t understand me; doesn't give you the right to criticize me as if you know how I live my life.'

'Violet.....'

'I have had enough of all of you, what you think of me I know. How you see me, I also know that. I bet if I didn't have any money in my wallet, you wouldn't be seeing me. If I was really a member of your family, wouldn't anyone of you know about my work place or even the house I live in? You never for once asked about it but when you needed money or help you knew just when to call but when all was going well you threw me out of the window,' she stopped talking and looked at her mother who was now looking down. 'As my mother, you never comforted me even after I woke up from that comma. Until this day I still remember the look on your face after I got discharged, how you withdrew yourselves from me and concentrated on the new bundle of joy my dear little sister. I wasn't that mad because it wasn't your fault but you still ignored me. When I decided to move out, you never objected and somehow it felt like you were happy to get rid of me. A child who happened to become something you could never explain to anyone, you let her out of your home.'

'Why are you talking about this Violet? It's my engagement party. Why are you doing this?'

'If I were you I would keep my mouth shut before I shut it for you. As my flesh and blood, you harbor evil thoughts against the one person who made you who you are today. You go around flaunting money. Do you think that money fell from the sky?'

'What are you talking about?'

'As a member of your family, I was the last to hear about this engagement. As happy as I was to hear about it, you Suzy made it look like I was being cynical and above all jealous about it. Your fiancé is just a kid and I don't rely on kids.'

'Don't say that about Damon.'

'I can say whatever I want and there is nothing you can say about it now. If I need something I can get it, do you know why?'

'Don't scare us, Violet.'

'I won't go further; you have already spoiled my day and my good intentions. Since I already came, your engagement gift will arrive at home,' she said and turned her head and looked at her father. 'When you need me, you will know where to find me.'

She stood up and Anne did the same. She looked at the shocked faces of her family and smiled.

'It was nice seeing you, and don't bother sending the wedding invitation. I don't want to be accused of something again I have no intention of doing. Take care.'

She could feel it, that Anne was worried but she couldn't ask. She was the only one who understood her best. She was on her way out when she saw him again, that kid she once saw back at the club. He looked handsome and mature in formal clothes.

'Find me information about that kid, everything; don't leave anything out.' she said as she showed Anne her target.

'Okay, I will get on it. Let's leave now.'

'Yes, let's do so.'

She was waiting for her car to arrive when she saw a familiar face; she waited for him to arrive.

'His Excellency would like to meet you.'

'I'm afraid he caught me at a bad time, I have a head ache and I need to consult my doctor without any delay. Tell him that I will see him when I feel better.'

‘But ...’

'You heard her, do you want her to get worse with you doing what i think you are about to do?' Anne cut the bodyguard off.

'I'm sorry; I will go and inform him.'

'Let's go,' Violet said as the car came to a halt.

Leaving this place at that moment was the best thing she did the whole day.

'Call the doctor; I think I have a head ache.'

'Is it serious?'

'Nothing that I can't handle, don't worry.'

In order to soothe her mood, Anne put on her favorite classical piece Beethoven's 5th symphony. She closed her eyes, relaxed her mind and let the music carry her away.