Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Vanessa

Looking behind me seems to be for nothing as I only spot a man in his work suit and cap dragging the trash bag. But even with that, I look all around again, wondering what made Carmella run off like that when she seemed shocked. I guess I must have missed it.

While I think about what it possibly could’ve been, I tilt my head with wonder. It takes me a moment to go back inside, and that’s when the man dragging the trash speaks to me.

“Vanessa?”

I instantly narrow my eyes, processing what I just heard. How dare he address me informally when I don’t even know who he is? I’m Mrs Richards to everyone here.

Ready to give him a piece of my mind, I make my way over to him while he continues to drag the trash. He also seems to be coming straight to me.

Just as I get close enough, he takes off his cap and I can’t believe my eyes. I even stop in my tracks. I’m not just looking at an old friend of mine, but my high school boyfriend. He looks so thin and older than he should. His hair also seems to be falling out.

“Patrick Kentworth?” I say to him, my eyes wide in shock. I even struggle to close my mouth.

This is nothing to brag about, but I’m glad you’re one of the few people who can still tell that it’s me.”

“It’s… it’s really you.” I’m unable to hide just how unexpected this is for me as I look at him from head to toe.

“It is. You don’t have to say much. I know exactly what you’re trying to say. I can tell by the way you’re looking at me.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to look at you like I was judging you or anything.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s been so long. I see you’re doing so well for yourself and now you’re married to the person who runs this place.”

He tries to smile and have small talk with me, but I’m not buying it. He was wealthy back then and I need to know what happened.

“Can we talk?” I scan him from head to toe again, wondering why he’s in such a state..

“Of course. I was just about to ask, but considering how busy you must be as Mrs Richards

“Don’t worry al

worry about it.” I assure him.

We sit down together on a bench and he sighs deeply, giving me a painful smile with his yellow stained teeth.

“I don’t even know how to start,” he says. “I know I’m the one who left you and I regret it now. When I did, I was actually already interested in someone else. She was from another town, guess I fell for her because of how wild she was. We dated for a few years and I even married her.”

“Oh, you’re married?”

“I was. She ruined me not long after we got married and fabricated lies. Then came the painful divorce and I lost everything. I’ve been struggling to get by ever since, and the fact that I spotted you just as I was arriving here is crazy”

I’m so sorry about what happened to you.” My voice is gentle. “I want you to know that I never held a grudge after you left me the way you did.”

Chapter 58

He sighs. Thank you. I really needed to hear that. Isn’t it funny how life works? I was living the life that I thought I wanted, but it turned out to be a nightmare. I married the devil. There are people in this world who are just pure evil and I lived that. reality.”

“Tell me about it,” I nod, thinking about what Carmella just did to little Billy

“You know what? Talking to you like this has really made me have a sense of peace when it comes to you. I also believe things change in life. But for me, one thing has stayed the same for years. I still plan to make her pay for everything she did to me and when the time is right, I will.”

Before I can speak, car tyres screech from somewhere and I look around but can’t see anything, so I focus on Patrick again. “Do you know where to find her?” I ask.

“Yes, and she knows I’m looking for her. I found her not too long ago. You know what? I shouldn’t bore you with my sob story.

“Not at all. Hey, did you go to college?”

“I did. I’m an accountant by profession.”

“I don’t want to sound offensive, but-

“I know what you’re going to ask. I just landed this job a few days ago. I can’t seem to work in any company for long because of my drinking problem. I take out my frustrations on alcohol.”

I see. You know what? Give me a call whenever you can and then we’ll talk.”

I take his phone and type in my number for him.

He receives his phone with a painful smile. “Thank you. I’m so embarrassed right now.”

“You shouldn’t be. I chuckle.

Quickly, my bodyguards come rushing over, their body language defensive,

“You there, step away from Mrs Richards! Ma’am, are you alright?”

Patrick is already so threatened that he gets up and steps away from me.

“It’s alright. He’s an old friend of mine.”

As soon as I assure them, they y seem a little more relaxed.

“We thought you were in danger.”

“Not at

“It was pleasant and embarrassing to meet you again,” Richard says with his head low.

“Please don’t say that. And don’t forget to call me.”

“I will

As he walks away and continues to drag the trash bag, I can’t help but feel pity for him. His ex–wife must’ve hurt him so badly for him to want revenge this much. He was never the type for such things. I guess his experience changed him.

While I walk back inside, I look around at my bodyguards, thinking about the children’s safety.

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