Honor In Vengeance

Chapter 8

Michael was astonished when he looked at the girl. He remembered her as his classmate back in university. She has grown into a beautiful lady, for some minutes he was mesmerized as he stared at her, but something kicked in his mind and he recomposed.

The girl was also surprised to see him in the estate, back in school she liked him more like a crush. She searched her brain and realized he must be here to see someone as this is the first time she is seeing him, she guessed.

Seeing that the securities were blocking his way, she anchored them to let him in. 

Since the estate was only made for rich people, not just the rich but rich, important, famous, powerful people, strangers are considered intruders.

She said to the security guard, “He came with me.” 

Michael raised his brow, for the last record, her voice is still the same tiny and sweet voice as it rang loud from her car.

The security didn't waste any time opening the gate and made way for him to enter.

“Get in my car,” she offered, “Let me drive you.”

Michael hesitated, but she was trying to help him here by lying and if he didn't play along he might end up being kicked out. So, he inched to the car and hopped in the passenger's seat.

Only when he plopped his buttock on the leather seat did he realize how expensive the car is, luxury is the volume. He wondered if she would notice his stinky state, hell! Who wouldn't.

She started the car and drove straight into the estate, the car was awkwardly silent. So, she decided to bring up a topic.

“So, did you remember me? It's Ayla” she blinked with a smile on her face, her eyes still focused on the road.

Michael nodded his head, it's pointless denying her, saying he doesn't remember. No matter what, she has already seen him in this state and that can't be redone else, he would have preferred staying in Jaden's house than coming here at first.

“Do you live in the estate?” she asked.

Michael was ready for the question, he knew it was going to come, but he is not sure if he is ready to give her details.

He shook his head, instead of talking, why is he answering with motion? He asked himself.

But Ayla didn't have any problem with that because she went on to ask the next question, which he expected.

“So you came to see someone or buy a house?” she asked like it's normal

Only if she knows that he is penniless, only if she knows that he was just released from the prison.

He smiled, this time he decided to talk, “I live in my friend's house here.”

“Oh, okay” 

Michael caught her from the corner of his eyes, her eyes focused on the road she was on, he wondered what was running in her mind. A full-grown man like him is perching in another man's house, a walking red flag like him without any job. 

She broke the silence that was about to seep in again.

“What about Kathie? Are you two still together?” 

That name, the sorrows it brought to him clenched his heart, how can a name that makes excitement bubble in your heart now make bile to rush up your throat and adrenaline to pump in your bloodstream.

A name that ruined him, took away his happiness and left him broken. 

Ayla noticed the change in his mood and realized that something was wrong, she gulped and took it easy.

“And the company? Your company… How is that too?”

But Michael remained silent, he wouldn't wish to talk about that now, especially at this moment that he just wants to rest and forget some things like it never happened.

“Micheal” she called him, probing for an answer.

“It's a long story actually, and I don't think you will be comfortable to hear it”

“I will be comfortable, and I have heard worse before.” she insisted.

“Okay then.”

He started, “Three years ago, she was obscene by a man, it happened to be-” 

He narrated the whole incident from three years ago to the current one. And used ‘she’ to refer to Kathie rather than her name because the name rolling off his tongue is like a curse.

From time to time, Ayla squeezed her face in annoyance and contempt.

This was terribly wrong and unbelievable! Thought Kathie.

“How can she be so heartless! A complete freaking three years,” she yelled in anger.

“Tsk tsk, she must have been a bitch and people like her will drain you and not grow with you.”

Three years ago, Michael would have solemnly disagreed with Ayla on that remark about Kathie, but after the wedding saga, what he feels now is nothing compared to what Ayla uttered, she is not just a bitch, but a daft one at that.

She went on, “I am deeply sorry, you went through that, for everything. I know you are hurting inside, but I pray you heal from the past even though it will be difficult to let go, I hope you find someone to lean on to when you feel shattered, and also I am always here to help.”

Michael's mood was boosted a bit because he was glad that other than his friend Jaden, another person was trying to comfort him. Though he doubted he would let go that easily but at the least, her words were like a pillar to hold on to, and he loved that the girl from the university, the kind Ayla was still the same Ayla driving him to God knows where. 

Her words lifted his mood as he nodded and smiled.

“Yes, I mean it. Now that she found someone she believed is better than you, you should move on and not cling to the past. They have shown how terrible humans can be, now it's time to also level up… you know, as they say. The best revenge is to come back better than you were.”

He turned his head, fully to look at her, she had this beautiful smile on her face letting him know that she sympathized with him, though he wants to appear stronger, but he can't help but widen his smile as he turns back to his front.