“No,” I said plainly.
Zack’s expression darkened as he formed a fist, as if, wanting to hit me.
I remained still, I was still blind to him.
“It’s for the best, baby, trust me. What better person to entrust your position to if not your sister? She’s family,” Zack said, trying to convince me.
How did he even expect me to agree to that? He knew very well that Serena and I were rivals, and she hated me.
Hell, he knew she was the reason I lost my sight in the first place.
Why did Serena want my position? She is the next in line to my father’s company. Once he retires next year, Rashfords conglomerate becomes hers! But for some reason, she wants my corporation.
“I feel sick, Zack. I don’t want to talk about this,” I said as I turned to the other side and laid my head.
“Why are you so selfish, Lena? Do you know how that company has been striving since your accident? It’s been me! All me, making all the big decisions!” Zack snapped.
“You should be grateful I even asked. I could’ve gone ahead without you, and no one would’ve questioned me.”
“I will make Serena co-CEO in two weeks. You’ll sign them, Lena. One way or another.”
“Fine… Just give me some time to process it.”
I wasn’t going to sign anything, but Zack didn’t need to know that yet.
Zack exhaled sharply as if he’d won.
I watched him walk out through the door. I already had enough drama for one day. He wasn’t always this cold towards me. I knew he was irritated by me but he never showed it, so, what changed?
Just then, Serena walked into the room, dressed half-naked.
She stood by the bed, giving me a disgusting look before she walked closer.
“I have to prepare you for the party. We better hurry or we will be late,” Serena said.
“What party?” I asked.
“Even though you’re an outcast, should you forget today is Mom’s birthday?” She snapped as she rolled her eyes.
I had forgotten totally, else, I would have gotten a gift for her.
Serena, the golden daughter, never does anything wrong in my parent’s eyes.
No one would believe me if I told them that she was having an affair with my husband. They didn’t believe me when I told them that she orchestrated the accident that led to my blindness. Who would? She brought witnesses who testified against me.
She claimed to have been lucky and karma gave me the blindness that was meant for her.
I just sat still as Sereba dressed me up in ugly clothing as usual and did shitty makeup.
She attempted to take off my glasses when I protested.
“You know I don’t like anyone looking at my eyes,” I said as I held them back in place.
“True. They creep the fuck out of me,” she sneered.
“I’ll go get dressed and come get you when I’m done,” she said and left the room.
It was going to be a long night, I had to brace myself.
Shortly after, Zack and Serena were ready. I could hear them close to my room, giggling and smooching.
Serena came in with a wheelchair. I was a bit confused.
“Lena dear. It’s a big night for me, and I can’t babysit you. You’ll have to be in a wheelchair, okay?” Serena said.
I could see as they struggled to hold in their laughter.
“I’m blind, Serena, not cripple,” I protested.
Serena let out a dramatic sigh, like I was exhausting her.
“Oh, Lena, don’t be so sensitive. I have my own reputation to uphold tonight, and dragging you around like some lost child isn’t part of the plan.”
“Just get in the damn chair. You don’t want to ruin the evening for everyone, do you?”
I clenched my fists. I wanted to argue. But what was the point? No one ever listened. So I swallowed the lump in my throat, kept my face emotionless, and sat down.
I could hear their barely contained-laughter as Serena wheeled me out the door.
We arrived at my parents’ mansion. It was beautifully decorated and even more stunning than the last time I saw it.
When we entered inside, Lena and Zack went about familiarizing themselves with people while I was left in a corner.
I didn’t mind, it was peaceful.
My mother’s heels clicked against the marble floor as she approached me. Her perfume was suffocating. She didn’t hug me. Didn’t even smile.
She was an absolute diva with an intimidating aura.
“What are you doing here, Lena?” My mom snapped like she was embarrassed by me.
I barely had time to answer before she exhaled in frustration.
“I really wish you would stop being such a burden to Serena. You could have just hired a proper maid instead of—” she gestured vaguely at my existence…. this.”
I gritted my teeth. It shouldn’t hurt. Not anymore.
“Happy birthday, Mom,” I said, forcing the words past the tightness in my throat.
“Thank you,” she said flatly, before scanning my outfit in disgust.
“I’ll have the maids take you to their quarters. It’s a big night for Serena, and I can’t have the media projecting our family like this.”
Just then, someone climbed the stage, hitting his glass for a toast. It was Zack, and he helped Serena up the stage.
Before my very eyes, he got down on one knee and flashed an absolutely stunning ring at Serena.
“Serena… Marry me,” he said.
