…

Six years later.

“Mommy! Mommy! Wake up”. Erica heard her son’s voice followed by his tiny pair of hands, shaking her.

“Oh Nicky, go away. I will get up soon”. She said with a sleepy voice, her eyes still closed.

“It’s Ricky mommy, not Nicky. By the way, your alarm has been beeping and it's causing such a nuisance already”.

“Oh sorry my love, I’m up now, see!” Erica said, finally opening her eyes. She slowly pulled herself up into a sitting position and pulled her son closer. “Give me a hug, my dear”.

The little boy threw himself into his mother’s waiting arms and snuggled deeply. Erica placed a deep kiss on his forehead before asking, “Where are your siblings?”

“Ricky is still sleeping and Becky is outside, painting as usual”.

Erica nodded and smiled. “Let's go see what your sister is painting”. Erica intertwined her hand with her son’s and went outside into the garden.

It was big and filled with beautiful flowers which spread across the floor, giving the place a beautiful view. Erica spotted Becky at the far end of the garden, doing what she loved the most.

“Hey beautiful, what are you painting, my love?” Erica asked, bending over her daughter’s shoulder to get a closer view of her painting.

“Hi mommy, it’s a butterfly”. Becky responded, smiling cheerfully.

Erica smiled and rubbed Becky’s head satisfactorily. “That’s beautiful love, it’s time to get ready for school. You can resume painting when you get back, okay! I need to be at work early, so let's go get you guys ready”. Becky looked at her mother and smiled. “Let’s go wake your brother up”. Erica held Nicky’s hand on one side and Becky’s hand on the other side and plodded towards Ricky’s room, chatting cheerfully with her kids.

Just like Nicky said, Ricky was still sleeping. Erica walked towards him and gently shook him, “Wakie wakie, wake up, Ricky, it’s time for school”. The third triplet stretched and yawned, Erica bent down, pulling him up, she kissed him on the forehead, then led the trio into the bathroom.

“Mommy, can you make another omelet for me please?” Becky asked, pulling at Erica’s gown as she got their lunch box ready.

“Another omelet, why?”

“She wants to give it to Jaime”. Ricky’s voice rang out. Erica looked at Becky who was shy already then back at Ricky. “So Ricky, tell me, who’s Jaime?”

“A boy in Becky’s class…”

“A boy! okay, I see.” Erica mumbled, she stared at Becky who was blushing already. “What did I miss? You know what, you will give me the full gist when we all are back home, how about that?” Erica loved her triplets dearly and she cherished them. They come first in her life and she was willing to do anything to see them happy. One thing she had adopted when it came to them was active and effective listening. It gives her time to interact with them and bond with them.

Once she was done packing their lunch boxes, she led the triplet downstairs. Rebecca, the maid, was waiting for them downstairs alongside Mathew, the driver.

“Make sure they are in safe hands; I need you to see them to their classes.” Erica said to Rebecca. “And please drive safely, Mathew.” She said, turning towards him.

Erica stood and watched with smiles on her face as they walked out of the house. She rubs her chest satisfactorily after which she goes to her room to get ready for work.

She was done in about one hour and hopped into her Maybach. She had just purchased it a week back, adding to her collections of luxurious cars. The ride to work was often therapeutic for Erica as she gets to see the city bustling with people just going about their lives. Little children playing by the roadside and chasing after each other. It was nostalgic.

After what felt like forever, Erica pulled up in the staff parking lot, she got down from the car and strode towards the company’s building.

Grace, her secretary, rushed over and took Erica’s handbag from her. “Ma’am, there’s someone at the reception waiting for you.”

“Who?” she muttered, chewing on a gum as she made her way towards her office.

“Your maternal Aunt, Amelia.”

“Amelia! What is she doing in my office at such an odd hour? Let her in”.

“Okay ma”.

Erica sat in her office wondering why Amelia wanted to see her all of a sudden. She was still deep in thought when the door opened and a woman, who should be in her late forties, walked up to her. The striking resemblance the woman had with her late mother made Erica stare at her awkwardly.

“Please sit, pardon my manners for staring at you but you look just like my late mother. And I still can’t get over it.”

The woman smiled, “Erica, I know you are surprised to see me in your office at such an odd time but I need to discuss something with you”.

“Go on, I can hear you, but you should have informed me before coming, aunt. What if I wasn't around?”

Ever since Erica left the United States, Amelia has been the only family member she was communicating with. She was her mother’s younger sister and took Erica just like her own daughter. She had taken Erica in until she was buoyant enough to have gotten her own place and helped her build her company from scratch.

“I know how you love to work, so I know you must surely come to the office. Well, what I want to discuss with you is about the company back in the United States, your father’s company”.

“What about it?” Erica sounded aloof. The last place she ever wanted to be reminded of was the place she fled from.

“It is on the verge of winding up due to bankruptcy”.

The revelation came as a shock to Erica. All this while, she had thought the company was doing so well, especially since her stepsister Delaney got engaged to Norberto, just so they could merge the company together. “Hum, this is shocking, but then, what has it got to do with me?” Erica said with confusion etched all over her face. She stared at the woman from head to toe.

“You are the only heir your father has on this earth. He has no other child. If there’s anyone to save his company, it is you, Erica. Your father spent quite a fortune on that company”.

“Then let Delaney and her father take care of that, not me”.

There was a heavy silence in the room as Erica said those words. She was not ready to go back to the United States. Everything that happened years back came rushing to her memory. She could remember everything vividly as though it was playing right in front of her.

Amelia understood the reason for her refusing to go back to the United States. “Keep the past behind you Amelia. Won't this also be an avenue to shove all they've done to you at their face. More like your own revenge”.

“These people are from the past, aunt; I don’t want to have anything to do with them anymore”. Erica pleaded.

“Norberto is now a major shareholder in the company. So he's affected too. And should I tell you about his own company, it's close to winding up due to bankruptcy also. The last information I got was them pitching for a grant, from your company and also trying to seek help. They need your help but then, they do not know you are the owner of Global Enterprises”.

Erica smirked as she rested her back against the high gloss painted wall of her office, pondering over what Amelia said.

“I think I know what to do aunt”. Amelia smiled and bade her farewell as she exited the office.

Grace walked inside with her left hand holding a file which she dropped on the table. She had a cup of coffee on the other hand which she handed over to Erica.

“You have a meeting with some new clients today, scheduled for three pm. Would you be available so I can add it to the to-do list ma?”

“What’s the meeting about?” Erica mumbled, typing on her laptop as she sipped the coffee at intervals.

“The meeting is with the Welling's enterprises. They are almost on the verge of closing their company due to too much debt incurred, so they are making a proposal to be considered for the grant as that would help settle off their debts and have the company back on its feet again. Considering the numerous benefits attached, they are willing to take any percentage of profit they will get if they merge with our company in the United states”.

“Hmm!” Erica sighed, “I see. Postpone the meeting till another time. I’ll let you know when I am free to meet with them”.

The company was her father's company. And Norberto being a major shareholder meant he was greatly affected too. Remembering what they made her pass through, she was determined to get her revenge back and make them beg at her feet. She realized she could only achieve this, if she agreed to help them and attend the meeting, revealing herself as the CEO of Global Enterprises.

She will make them bite their fingers in regret.

“But ma’am, are you willing to help them, I mean if we collaborate with them, won't it pull us back?” Grace said, interrupting her thoughts.

“No grace, I believe we have enough resources and finance to take care of everything. Send a message out to them. We will be having a meeting with them. Get me more information about that company. I need to know everything about them.”

“Alright ma’am.”

………………..

Five hours later.

Erica was going through some files when she heard someone knocking. “Come in”.

The door opened and she looked up to see Richard walk in with a smile on his face. He had a small gift bag with him.

“Hello pretty”. Richard said as he sat on the chair opposite Erica.

“Hello Richard, how are you?” she responded casually, still looking at the files in her hand.

Richard was a medical doctor who specialized in gynecology. He had been attracted to Erica for the past four years and since then, he had been hoping she would accept his advances and allow him into her life.

“Don’t you think you need some rest, Erica? You look tired. I got you this.” Erica took the gift bag from him and brought out its content. It was a necklace which had her name inscribed on it.

“This is beautiful. Thank you Richard. I have a lot of work to do and taking care of the triplets isn't easy either.”

Richard smiled and took her hand, rubbing it fondly. He looked at her and brushed the strand of hair that was squeaky clean, aside, as he kissed her hand gently.

“You know you've always got me Erica. I'll always be by your side, willing to help you. You don't have to carry the burden alone”. Erica's face flushed as Richard said those words.

“I'll need to go to the United States”. Erica explained her reasons for taking this decision and her fears about it.

“I'll go with you; you need not worry”. Richard assured her.

A week later

“You must be kidding right? You will be meeting with your ex-husband and Delaney? And then your father too”. Erica's best friend, Rose, ranted over the phone, obviously angry. “Why didn’t you tell me all these while?”

“I only got to know about it after Aunt Amelia came a week ago. It was just a quick decision.” Erica sighed wearily.

Rose sounded worried from the other side. She had been friends with Erica for the last four years and had shared all emotions with her.

Erica soon got off the phone with rose. She went over to her bedside and pulled some files out from the shelf beside her bed. She glanced through them, pacing up and down the room.

She suddenly felt uneasy as a photo of the triplets when they were just born fell out from one of the files. She picked it up and stared at it. She had hidden the news of her pregnancy and birth away from Norberto.

She was worried, knowing that she had no clue regarding how he will react when he finally gets to know.

Her heartbeat quickened as she remembered the night of their conceivement. They all had a striking resemblance to Norberto and she feared him taking them away from her when he finally learns the truth.

Erica Walked over to the triplet's room. She found them fast asleep. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw them sleeping soundly. She wondered what fate had in store for her. She was not willing to go back to Norberto and she wasn't ready to give up her kids either. And then there's Richard in the corner, waiting to come into her life. He was the exact opposite of Norberto. She knew not to deny that she had a soft spot for him but a greater part of her was unwilling to let him into her life at the moment.

I'll give it sometime. Maybe we can have a thing and see how it goes along the line. Erica thought to herself.

She battled with the conflicting thoughts in her mind. She didn't know what to expect and what will be the outcome of her going to the United States and this further throws her into a confused state. Meeting her stepfather, seeing Delaney, meeting Norberto after all these years. Her appearance was surely going to stir up a lot of reactions.

She reached out for her phone which was ringing beside her. She looked at the screen and a smile appeared on her face, brightening her expression. She picked it up and with a gleeful voice, she responded to the person at the other end.

“Good evening, Richard”.

……………

Norberto buried his face in his palms, letting out a sigh.

“Another rejection again. I am so sick and tired of all these. I feel like a fool already. There’s no hope for the company anymore”. He moaned, rubbing his eyes. They were swollen due to lack of sleep and his appearance looked messy.

“We tried everything we could, sir. We did our best. It was just not enough. You don’t have to blame yourself or beat yourself up”. Carlo, his secretary, who sat beside him said.

“We need to try harder. I can’t afford to see the company go down the drain. It is going to be a big slap on our face”.

“By the way, who used to bring up the ideas and do the pitches then? I remember the company was not in shambles like this”.

“Unfortunately, she resigned, sir. It used to be a lady. She was very dedicated and brilliant and also very business oriented too. To be honest, she was the pillar that held the company from collapsing”.

“Where is she? Then find her. We need her back on track. I shouldn't have invested in the company of Delaney's dad. It's really pulling us back”.

“I’m afraid I can’t sir”.

“What do you mean? I said bring her and do something.” Norberto said at the top of his voice, impatiently.

“But she left already, sir. She doesn’t work in the company anymore”.

Norberto's heart sank as Carlo said those words. He exhaled heavily and paced up and down his office, undoing his tie.

“I have no idea where she is currently, sir. I tried reaching her several times but she was not accessible. And I could not find any file about her in the company’s register either”.

“Do you have any idea what her name might be?”

“I think Erica, yeah Erica…”

Norberto’s body went weak immediately he heard his secretary’s words. “Erica…. She’s the one?”

“Yes sir. She did so much for the company”.

Norberto crouched down and banged his fist on the desk out of frustration. “DAMN IT!”

“We need to get going sir so we can be early and on time for the meeting with Delaney’s father and the investors.”

“I am seriously tired and sick of seeing that man. He should better have something tangible to offer this time around. His daughter isn’t helping matters, she is not any better either, bunch of losers”. Norberto mumbled, adjusting his tie.

The duo exited the company and walked straight to where Norberto parked his car. The driver was already waiting for them. Norberto sat in the back seat while Carlo and the driver occupied the front seat.

Norberto could not wait to be done with the meeting. He dreaded any event or opportunity that made him have an encounter with Delaney’s father. His mood was always bad whenever it came to see or have anything to do with George Shawn. He would have opted to not be in attendance but it was urgent and his presence was needed.

As the car sped down the free tarred road leading to the company, his mind was filled with different thoughts. He looked outside the window absentmindedly, this time around, wishing he could turn back the hands of the clock and do right by Erica.

The car pulled up at the company’s entrance. Norberto got down impatiently without waiting for the driver to open the door for him. He strutted off with an air of confidence. And just as he was about to enter the building, his gaze met with his worst nightmare. He kept looking straight ahead without blinking his eyes and his lips were slightly parted.

His legs grew heavier and he just stood at a spot as though he was frozen while locking gaze with her. He had no idea what really got him so surprised the most, seeing her after six years or her striking beauty or the expensive car she had taken a ride in.

“Erica?!” he whispered her name in disbelief, staring straight at her. For the first time since he had met Erica, he felt ashamed. He let out a sigh, as guilt slowly crept into his heart, wondering why she was here. For the first time, in a very long time, he felt his body growing weak as fear consumed him.

Erica helped herself down from the car immediately Richard pulled up at her father's company. He was hell-bent on coming with her and she had no other choice than to agree. She took a deep breath as she looked at the company, taking in the whole surroundings. It was the same as she remembered it to be, only that the building was looking a bit dilapidated. She was almost making her way in when she came to a halt. She thought her eyes were playing tricks on her when she saw who was standing just in front of her.

Norberto Welling.

She felt her heartbeat increasing, beating hard against her ribs. The silence that enveloped them was deafening.

“Come on, let's get going babe.” Richard said, wrapping his hand around Erica's waist and drawing her closer to himself, leading her inside.

In as much as she would hate to agree, Norberto was looking disorganized and worn-out. It was obvious in his face and clothes.

“Is everything okay, Erica?” Richard interrupted her thoughts, immediately they made their way inside, peering at her face.

“Yeah I'm fine Richard. Thank you.” Erica didn’t fail to see the way Norberto turned green with envy the moment Richard approached her. `

“Oh my god! Who do we have here? Erica?” Carlo cried out. He rushed over to her with his face beaming with smiles.

“Carlo!!! It’s been a while.” She responded, hugging him.

“It’s so good to see you again. You left the company just like that. I was just telling the boss about you and how much of a great help you have been to us.” Erica turned towards Norberto who immediately turned his face away.

“I am happy to see you Carlo. This is Richard. My ….”

“Her boyfriend,” Richard said happily, stretching his hand forward for a handshake.

“ouui, she’s a really good person, please take care of her. If you snooze, you lose. Trust me when I say she’s a gem, one you wouldn’t want to lose.”

“I won’t, trust me too.” Richard smiled, holding Erica’s hand passionately.

“I have to go now Erica. Boss should be waiting for me already. We’ll get in touch, I trust.”

Carlo’s face beamed with smiles as he sat close to Norberto. “That was Erica, boss. The same lady I was talking to you about.” Carlo was surprised when he saw Norberto fuming and mumbling incoherently to himself.

“Is everything fine sir?”

“That guy was touching her so inappropriately.” He fumed. His fist bawling.

“But sir, that’s her boyfriend”, Carlo was surprised.

“He better stay away from her. That’s freaking my wife.” Norberto had said harshly before realizing the grave mistake he had done.

Carlo looked at him with a puzzled look, worried that he may be talking under the influence of the stress he had been going through lately.

“Are you sure you are okay sir?” Carlo asked.

Norberto recalled that he had always treated Erica as just a staff and hidden his marriage away from everybody.

Norberto cursed Richard internally. He chuckled painfully, wondering how she could have a boyfriend when they haven’t finalized the divorce.

“She just disappear for years and come back now with a boyfriend…. huh!” Norberto sneered.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, I wasn’t talking to you. We should focus on the meeting now. Mr George is here already.” Norberto said, folding his arms together and fixing his gaze at the high table just few steps in front of him.

“What the hell is Erica doing in this room?” he asked Carlo who was seated beside him.

“I don’t know sir. I’m surprised as well. Well let’s wait and see.”

Norberto’s eyes were filled with jealousy as he saw Erica and Richard laughing quietly and mumbling some words to each other. He had his hands wrapped over Erica’s tiny waist which infuriated him the more.

“Silence everyone. The board meeting will start soon; the lawyer, Lucas is the one keeping us waiting and also Delaney. They will be here soon.” George said. His eyes scanned the room and fell on Erica who was staring hard at him. Unsure of what to do, he rushed over to Norberto, “What is she doing here? Is that her ghost?”

Norberto sighed and mumbled. “I am confused as well.” He looked at his father-in-law and wondered how such an old man could act so stupid some times.

Lucas soon graced them with his presence and apologized for being late. He gazed at Erica for a few seconds before walking over to his heat.

The door opened just immediately, “So sorry I am late everyone. Had to put some things in place and have my makeup done.” Delaney said, rushing to her seat. Norberto rolled his eyes at her as she said those words. He felt embarrassed as she was only concerned about her looks and had nothing else to offer.

“Now we can begin. Mr. George, Delaney and Norberto, kindly please come forward and take a seat on the high table.

Delaney tried intertwining her hands with Norberto but he shook her off. Delaney, feeling embarrassed by his action in front of everyone and trying to hide her hurt, she faked a smile and went straight to her seat.

“I have great news everyone. But before that, I am grateful to you all for making out time to be here today. I received a mail few days ago from GLOBAL ENTERPRISES and they have agreed to partner with us and approve our grant.”

Everyone in the room clapped except Delaney who had her face screwed in disgust.

“Such an annoying company. Why didn’t they approve it all these while? We had to send thousands upon thousands of proposals and emails before they could finally approve it, what is there to be happy about. It’s not as if the grant will cover for all our debts.”

“Watch your words, Delaney.” Lucas warned her, “Say one more word and I’ll have you thrown out of this board room.” He glared at her.

“What? I haven’t said anything wrong. Norberto here knows how many times we had to send a proposal and an email, right Norberto?”

Norberto gave her no response as he was busy occupied with different thoughts. He felt the room had become stuffy even though the AC was fully on. He couldn’t bear being in the same room with Erica and her boyfriend.

Seeing that the noise had died down, Lucas continued, “Now, permit me to introduce to you, the CEO of GLOBAL ENTERPRISES, miss Erica, can you kindly come up please?”

There was a sudden silence in the room. Delaney suddenly took notice of Erica’s presence. “What is this ghost doing here?” she asked no one in particular, rising to her feet.

“I think it will be good if you stop making such a nuisance of yourself, miss.” Richard said, eyeing her with his face filled with irritation.

“Aww, after how many years and now this thing over here just decided to appear with a boy to spite us, hey look over here, who the hell do you think you are?”

“Delaney, this is my last warning to you, keep shut or I will have you thrown out.” Lucas fumed at her.

“Say that to those cheap things over there and not me.”

“Delaney!!!” George shouted, banging his fist on the table, “Say nothing anymore.” He cautioned her. Delaney defeatedly sat down on her seat, casting glances at Erica.

“Erica is the CEO and owner of GLOBAL ENTERPRISES. please come take your seat over here.”

Everyone looked in shock and utter disbelief as Erica walked up to her seat. She scanned the room with a smile on her face.

Lucas beamed with smiles, Richard winked at her, proud of her. George avoided her gaze, Delaney was burning with rage while Norberto was almost going crazy where he sat.

“My name is Erica, and I am the CEO of GLOBAL ENTERPRISES. I am not really happy with the condition of the company and that is why I have stepped in to offer my help in my own little way. Henceforth, I am now the new CEO of this company and I will be overseeing its affairs to ensure it gets back on its feet. There will be no room for flimsy excuses and unseriousness, anyone found wanting, will be dismissed with immediate effect!” Erica stated, glaring at Delaney.

The rest of the time was further spent discussing about the affairs of the company and how to run it.

Three hours later

“I think with everything being said now, we can call it a day. I will get back to everyone after having a discussion with the new CEO.”

Erica picked up her bag immediate and gracefully exited the room. Richard was behind her, as though he was watching over her, trying to save her from danger.

She suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned towards Richard, “Thank you so much for everything, thanks for coming with me. You gave me the confidence to do all I did over there.”

“It’s fine my lady. You did really well. I am so proud of you.”

Erica blushed.

“I need to use the restroom, give me some minutes please.”

Norberto who had been watching the two of them from a distance followed Erica immediately.

“This is the right time.” He mumbled. He had been looking for an avenue to speak to her.