As promised the first update of the day is here. Next update will be in a couple hours with an important decision so don't miss it out.



Upon arriving at my apartment, I swiftly packed my essential luggage within an hour, preparing to stay at the mansion following my grand return. My next task was to choose an outfit for the ball celebrating both my step-sister’s birthday and my return, which was something only me and my friends knew.

I decided on a sleeveless black fishtail sequin dress, paired with simple black heels. I completed the look with minimal makeup and styled my hair in a half-up, half-down fashion. A spritz of perfume and some jewellery added the finishing touches.



Checking my reflection in the mirror one last time, I adjusted my dress. The sadness in my eyes had been replaced by a burning passion and unwavering determination. I was no longer the young girl cast out of her family due to a minor scheme, stripped of everything. Today, I am a woman with nothing to lose, who has achieved success and wealth on her own. I am powerful now, and it is my time to shine.

With these thoughts, I turned around and checked my purse to ensure I had everything I needed: a gun, a knife, car keys, phone, and a mask for the grand reveal later.

After confirming everything was in order and my luggage was in the car, I locked my apartment and headed to my car. Sliding into the driver's seat, I started the engine and drove towards my old family home, the Rossetti Mansion.

**********

The drive to the old family house felt surreal. The city had changed, and so had I. When I finally arrived, the house loomed ahead, exactly as I remembered it. It was a symbol of my past, but tonight, it would witness the rise of a new me.

I took a deep breath and walked up to the door, knocking firmly. As I waited for the door to open, I collected my thoughts. This reunion was just the beginning. I had come back not only to reconnect but to reclaim my place, to show them that I had risen from the ashes. And this time, it would not be easy.

Moments later, the butler opened the door. I had made sure to wear my mask before getting out of the car, so no one would recognize me. I succeeded in this, as our butler John did not recognize me. However, to get inside, I had to show him my face.

Reluctantly, I lifted the mask just enough for John to see my face. His eyes widened in shock, but he quickly composed himself and stepped aside to let me in.

“Welcome back, Miss,” he said, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and respect.

I nodded and walked past him into the grand foyer. As I neared the ballroom, I could hear the music and chatter of the guests. However, I bypassed it and headed straight for the stairs that led to a secret balcony overlooking the entire ballroom. Only family members knew about this hidden spot. Once there, I took a moment to collect myself and glanced down at the ballroom.

The ballroom was as opulent as ever, filled with guests dressed in their finest, mingling and laughing. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the sound of classical music.

I scanned the room, recognizing familiar faces and noting the subtle changes time had wrought on them. Amid the elegance and celebration, I sensed an underlying tension. My return was sure to stir up old memories and unsettled emotions.

Making my way through the crowd, I finally spotted her—my step-sister, Christina. She was the center of attention, surrounded by admirers, her laughter ringing out like a bell. She looked stunning in a red gown, her hair styled in an elaborate updo.

For a moment, I paused, taking in the scene. This was the woman who had played a significant role in my downfall. But tonight, she would see me rise.

With renewed determination, I retreated and headed back to the threshold of the ballroom. On the way, I signaled Grayson and Natalie to turn off all the lights in the mansion except for a spotlight on the ballroom door.

As soon as I reached the hallway of the ballroom, the lights went out. I could hear the slight chatter of panic from the guests in the silence. I made my way to the ballroom, the sound of my heels clicking, echoing off the walls in the eerie silence. The chatter slowed as I drew closer. Adjusting my mask, I reached the threshold and stood in the spotlight.

I quickly scanned the scene and saw my family huddled in the far corner of the room, surrounded by guards for protection against any potential threat. I hoped that the threat was indeed me, as I partially intended. Next, I noticed guards in the corners of the room, pointing their guns at me. I let out a small laugh and spoke in a calm, steady voice, "Ah, what a nice and warm welcome I have received."

I was confident my voice reached everyone, as I sensed the guests exchanging confused glances, and the guards seemed unsure of their next move. As for my family, their expressions were priceless—horror, nervousness, disgust, anger, surprise, and shock flashed across their faces.

Seeing their reactions, I couldn't help but smirk. This was just the beginning. I made my way towards my family, who were still in shock. When I was just a few feet away, I stopped.

"Missed me?" I asked, my voice steady and cold, eyes burning with fire, though my heart pounded with nervousness. This was the first time in six years that I was seeing my family in person and confronting them. Nervous as I was, I showed no emotion on my face. They didn't deserve it.

Christina stepped forward, her face a mask of incredulity and disdain. "What are you doing here?" she hissed, her voice low but laced with venom. "You've caused enough trouble."

I took a step closer, my eyes never leaving hers. "I'm here to reclaim what was taken from me," I replied, my tone unwavering. "I'm not the same person you betrayed all those years ago."

My father, standing behind Christina, finally spoke up, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear. "You have no right to be here," he said, glaring at me. "You were banished from this family."

I laughed softly, the sound echoing through the now silent ballroom. "Banished? You can’t erase me that easily. I’ve built myself up from nothing, and now I’m back, stronger than ever."

The tension in the room was palpable. The guests, frozen in shock and curiosity, watched the unfolding drama with bated breath. The guards remained on high alert, unsure whether to intervene or let the family dispute play out.

Christina's eyes narrowed. "You think you can just waltz back in here and demand what you want? You’re delusional."

I smirked, the fire in my eyes burning brighter. "Delusional? No. Determined? Absolutely. This is just the beginning. You all will soon understand the depths of my resolve."

With that, I turned my back on them, signalling Grayson and Natalie. Soon the lights of the mansion were turned on. I made my way to the bar and ordered a cosmopolitan. I could feel the curious gazes of people on my back but I didn't care for them at the moment. Soon I was served the drink. I took and gulped it in one and turned back to look at the stunned faces of my family.

Tonight was only the start of my return, and I was ready to reclaim everything that was rightfully mine.

I walked away from the ballroom, the voices dying down as I made my exit. The mansion, once a symbol of my downfall, now stood as a testament to my resilience. And as I left the ballroom, I knew that this was just the beginning of my journey back to the top.

**********

Fourth chapter done!!!!

What do you think about this? Share your thoughts in the comments and let me know how'd you find this?

With love, Abeer