Chapter 4: The Return
Renee’s POV
One Year Ago
I found myself laying in a bed in an empty hall surrounded by just white light. It felt endless, like I was drifting too far. But before I could make sense of my environment, I heard a voice.
“Hi Renee, I’m here again.. I brought your favourite book.. you remember how we fought over this book because I threw your only signed copy into the pool?..yeah I got you another signed one.. the doctor advices that we engage you in familiar conversations as it will help you return to us.. fingers crossed that it’s works because I miss you every damn day…”
The voice began to read to me softly, they were words I couldn’t forget.. words I’d read a million times over, words from my very own favorite book series “Harry Potter.”
Then it hit me… I knew that voice.
Andrew?
It belonged to Andrew.
But how could I hear him when I can’t see him? I looked around but there was no sign of him… Hold on! Am I dead? If I am then how could I be hearing someone who's alive?
suddenly out of the corner of my eyes I saw a haze of light growing stronger, I turned sharply towards it fast enough to catch the light spliingt into a narrow opening. I quickly got out of bed and moved toward it, and as soon as I touched it, I felt myself falling. My chest tightened, and I screamed silently until my body slammed back into itself.
My eyes flew open to a flash of bright ceiling lights. The impact stung, tears sliding down my face. I couldn’t move my head, only my eyes. To my right, a man sat with a book covering his face, but his hand held mine tightly.
Then to catch his attention I tried to move my hand and it ended up squeezing his fingers.
He paused and then the book was lowered. It indeed was Andrew. He froze for half a second, then jumped to his feet and pressed the call button frantically. Doctors and nurses rushed in, surrounding me, checking everything.
A torch light shone in my eyes, and I blinked. Oxygen was pulled from my face, and a doctor leaned close.
“Miss Renee, if you can hear me, blink once.”
I blinked.
He nodded. “Can you move your legs?”
I tried, but nothing happened. My body felt heavy and unfamiliar. After the checks, only my hands could respond.
“This is a miracle,” the doctor said to Andrew. “The surgeries were successful. Every part of her torn body has begun to heal, She will recover, although the scares will linger but then she’ll need therapy to regain her motor functions. We’ll also run more tests to be sure.”
The room cleared. I tried to speak but ended up with a cough instead, and Andrew quickly held water to my lips.
After drinking, I could feel my throat clearing up little by little. My voice finally came out broken and hoarse.
“Andy… how?”
He leaned close, his eyes wet. “I promised you I’d save you. I love you, Renee. I couldn’t lose you.”
Tears filled my eyes. He pulled me into a careful embrace just as the door opened again. My father walked in.
“Dad?” My voice cracked as tears spilled.
He rushed to me as Andrew made way for him and he hugged me tight. We both wept, and when he pulled away, his voice shook. “I’m sorry, my dear girl. I should have protected you.”
“No, Dad,” I said weakly. “I should be sorry. I didn’t listen to you. I abandoned you for that devil Clark. I was wrong.”
“You don’t need to think about that anymore,” he said firmly.
Andrew added, “Clark has already been dropped from the Crownlakers. His career as a pro hockey player is over..”
But I shook my head. “That’s not enough. He left me to die. A ruined career is too small a punishment.”
Andrew touched my hand gently. “Renee, don’t do this now. Focus on recovery first.”
I looked at both of them, my chest tight. “I want a fresh start. But not like this.. nor with this face. If he thinks I’m dead, then I’ll come back as his biggest nightmare.”
They were both silent, shocked. But I meant every word.
Present Day
I headed for the stairs after getting home. Andrew stood at the landing, waiting.
“Where the hell were you last night, Renee? I’ve been trying to get a hold of you all night. You fucking got me worried.”
I walked closer to him and kissed his cheek with a smile before trying to walk past, but he caught my arm. “Please answer me.”
“I was at Greenville Suites, I know you already know that” I said, still holding onto the smile.
His eyes darkened. “With Clark?”
I searched his face, then laughed lightly. “Is that jealousy I sense?”
“That wasn’t the question,” he said firmly. “Were you with him?”
“Yes,” I admitted, stepping down one step so we were face-to-face. “But nothing happened. I only made him believe it did.”
Andrew stared at me, saying nothing. I closed the distance, kissed him softly, and took his hand. “Andy, I love you. More importantly, I chose you, and I’ll always choose you. But I can’t move on while Clark enjoys his life like he did nothing. I need to do this. Please all I'm asking is that you support me.”
His expression softened, though worry lingered in his eyes. “Renee, I love you too, and you know I’ll always support you. But..”
“That’s all I needed to hear, honey” I cut in quickly. “Tell Dad we’re returning to L.A. tomorrow. The game has just begun.”
I cupped his cheek and kissed him again, smiling softly. “And while we’re at it… I’ve missed you. Let’s make up for lost time.”
Despite the tension still written on his face, Andrew pulled me closer. I melted into him, knowing he was torn… but I wasn’t.
This was only the beginning of my Revenge plan.
