Page 2 of Payback
“Speak!” she demanded.
“Yes...”
“Louder!”
“Yes!” I shouted, the taste of vomit still lingering in my mouth.
She laughed, content with herself, and with a snap of her fingers, she and her entourage departed, leaving me alone to clean up the aftermath. I yearned for a sanctuary, an escape from the torment. A home that could offer solace, but there was nowhere to go to evade the suffering. If it wasn’t at school, an evil presence awaited me at home, ready to blame me for my mother’s departure. I was nothing but an unwanted child, the reason my father’s true love had left. And I paid the price for it, particularly when he was sober enough to stand. I sighed, methodically collecting my belongings once again. After ensuring everything was in my bag, with no one to hinder me, I remained on the ground, ensnared by my fears. Escape felt impossible, yet when a dog is struck enough times, it eventually bites back. I turned, my gaze falling upon the ruined drawing on the ground. The flames of my hatred burned fiercer than ever. Payback was imminent for Alison. I pledged that to myself. One day, she would be the one on her knees, on the ground, pleading for mercy. After all, karma is a bitch.
Chapter 1
-Alison-
“Laptop?” I asked, trailing my husband to the door with a smile.
“In my briefcase,” he reassured, snatching his jacket from the entrance’s coat hanger.
“Car keys?”
“In my pocket,” he confirmed. I handed him the coffee I held, ensuring he had the necessary caffeine kick for later. He accepted it gratefully, and I leaned in for a kiss, but he turned away, seemingly oblivious to my presence and my desire for that connection. He walked out the door, and I observed him as he walked to his car.
“Remember date night!” I called after him. As expected, his response was a casual wave in acknowledgment. I tried to suppress the pang of disappointment in my chest as I watched him, dreading another evening spent waiting at home. I hoped work wouldn’t be his excuse this time. The constant repetition of it was wearing thin. I waved at his black BMW as it drove away, though I knew he wouldn’t see me. Closing the door, I returned to the kitchen island to gather my belongings. I slipped my laptop into my briefcase, grabbed my coffee and car keys, and then surveyed my surroundings to ensure I hadn’t forgotten anything. Satisfied, I retraced my steps to the entrance, picking up my coat before stepping outside. Climbing into my car, I prepared to drive into the bustling city of Seattle. My fingers tapped the steering wheel rhythmically, a harmonious accompaniment to the music playing through the car’s speakers. I attempted to overlook the almost obvious sense of relief I felt about heading to work. If there was one place where I could find solace, it was at my workplace. As the owner of a modeling agency and a former model myself, I was well-versed in the industry’s intricacies. I had a keen eye for talent, having propelled numerous individuals to stardom through my agency. My work, which included design as well, had brought me substantial wealth and recognition.
Parking in my customary spot in front of the grand glass building that bore my name, I exited the car, slipped on my sunglasses, and gazed up at the sign. The sight of my name in such prominence never failed to elate me. It was only fitting that everyone should be aware of who I was. With my computer bag in hand and coat on, I left the car behind and entered the building. Along the way to the elevator, I exchanged greetings with colleagues. Reaching the top floor, I found my assistant, Maddy, already waiting.
“Morning, boss,” she greeted, her arms laden with a stack of files.
“What’s on today’s agenda?” I asked as we strolled down the corridor leading to my office.
“We’ve got some new models for you to review,” she informed me. “But—”
“Excellent, that’s my first priority. Any updates on what’s happening with my star?”
“We’re managing Carter’s situation,” Maddy assured me. “However—”
“How did he end up in those pictures? While it’s no surprise that celebrities party hard, the explicit photos of him fucking a young woman while getting fucked himself by a man, were unnecessary. That’s not the image we want tied to the company.”
“Don’t worry, we’re working on fixing it. No more ‘sex trains’,” Maddy assured.
“That’s the term we’re using now?”
“Well, it sort of became the unofficial moniker around the office.”
“Oh, God, the rumors this will generate,” I sighed, feeling the weight of exhaustion brought on by the scandal. Ever since those pictures emerged, it had been a ceaseless struggle of damage control, consuming time and resources.
I halted, causing my assistant to almost collide with me, and consequently, she dropped the stack of papers she was holding. I removed my sunglasses, inspecting her from head to toe, prompting an apologetic smile from her as she collected the papers before standing up.
“Remember, maintain distance, Maddy!” I scolded.
“Yes, certainly, boss,” she reassured, yet she remained rooted in place. Waving my hand dismissively, I signaled for her to take a step back. She complied, her gaze directed at the ground.
“Very well, hand me the applications, and I’ll review what we’ve got,” I instructed her.
She handed me the papers, and I sifted through to find the relevant documents.
“Oh, but—”
I raised my hand, signaling her to stop talking.
