BACK TO HER ROOTS

CHAPTER ONE

DIANA

In the bustling airport, with families picking up their loved ones and others saying goodbye to their loved ones, I stepped down from the airplane alone.

The only thing I had with me was the suitcase I was dragging with me, as well as the sunglasses that covered my faces perfectly.

Five years ago when I left this place, I had my family waving my goodbye, and now, there was nothing left, absolutely nothing.

I was all alone, a widowed twenty five old starting life all on her own once again.

Just two months ago, the news of my husband's sudden death hit me like an incoming train, and everything went downhill from there.

Now, I was left picking up my life from the shattered pieces.

Once I was out of the airport, I looked up at the clear skies that was a fry cry from my current mood.

However, I had to push on, that was what I told myself when I packed up whatever was left of my life in a suitcase and left that place.

A taxi pulled up in front of me, and I swiftly got into it.

Just as I sat down, my phone rang, a smile lit up on my face when I saw who it was.

It seemed like she was timing me.

"Hello?" I said as I put the phone to my ear. Even though I had a sinking feeling in my stomach, I tried to sound cheerful.

"Diana, you should be back by now, right? How was your journey? What do you think of Lakeview? You've been gone for so long I've forgotten what you look like!" My friend, Amanda made sure to draw out her ending words in an exaggerated manner.

Amanda's cheerfulness rubbed off on me, and soon I was smiling.

I looked outside at the city, and realised that things here hadn't changed that much. Sure, they were a few new buildings and sky high skyscrapers, but it was still the same place

A bustling and flourishing city where people from all walks of life gathered.

If I didn't have such a sad history with this place, I would actually feel happy to be back.

"It's still the same place," I found myself replying to Amanda.

"How can you say that? It's so much better than before! Don't worry, I am going to show you around since you are back, I am sure that you are going to love it," Amanda still sounded as cheerful as ever.

"You just need to settle in your new job first," she added, probably as an afterthought.

I sat up when Amanda said this. My fists clenched and I held the phone tighter to my ear.

"Amanda, thank you so much for helping me get this job, you have no idea how much this means to me, really, if it wasn't for you I...."

Amanda did not let me finish. "What are you talking about? We are friends, of course, I am going to do this for you," she said.

I felt choked up when she said this, so many people had claimed to be my friends in my life, but in the end, which one of them didn't abandon me as soon as things went wrong?

"Really thank you so much," besides being grateful to her, there wasn't much I could do now.

"Just come home and we can talk about your new job. I am not home right now, so the key is inside the flower pot. I'll be waiting for you," Amanda said before she ended the call.

Tears gathered in my eyes once she ended the call, but I blinked them all back.

I had not forgotten what I promised myself. I absolutely could not break down right now. I had to be strong.

"Sir, can you please stop at the city's cemetery? It's on the way, I'll compensate for your trouble," I said to the taxi driver.

.....

Taking each step slowly, I headed for my father's headstone.

Tears gathered in my eyes as I looked at the picture of my father on the headstone. He wasn't the best man, or even the best father, but he had done the best that he could for me.

And me as a daughter....I was the worst. I actually felt ashamed to face him like this.

"Dad, I'm back, I know you wouldn't appreciate this, but I am back for good. I don't have flowers right now, but I'll bring them when I come next time, please don't be mad at me," I lowered my head and let a few tears drop from my eyes.

These were the only tears I was allowed to shed.

When I looked back up, my eyes were cold, "don't worry father, none of the people who did this are going to get away with it! And if you do see James in heaven, please make sure to get revenge for your daughter!"

I turned and walked away from his headstone, as I made my way out of the cemetery, I saw the back of someone who was just coming in.

I couldn't see his face, but his back was enough to make me pause.

Why did he look so much like that....person?

I shook my head as laughed bitterly. There's no way we'd run into each other here. We wouldn't run into each other at all in this life!

.....

"Diana , let me tell you, the boss is a little strict, and he might be harsh with his words. He only let you get this job as his secretary because I am close to his best friend who recommended you. I know things might be tough in the beginning, but you need to bear with it. The pay is good, the best in the city!" Amanda was trying to convince me as we walked to the boss's office.

I smiled without saying anything. How was I supposed to tell her that I was the best when it came to enduring bossy men?!

We arrived in front of the CEO's office and just as I was about to knock, Amanda grabbed my hand and forced me to look at her.

She had a worried look on her face that was just comical.

"Don't worry , Amanda, I am fine, I can handle a bit of criticism from the boss," I said, a smile on my face.

Amanda nodded her head, panting heavily. "I trust you, so please don't....."

"Are you guys coming in or not?!" Amanda was still saying when someone barked from inside the office.

I saw Amanda flinch and I squinted my eyes. Was the CEO really that scary?

Amanda took a deep breath and she looked into my eyes.

"Okay, this is it," she muttered.

She pushed the door and I walked in, my head lowered .

"Good morning, CEO, this is your new secretary, I told you she would resume work today. Her name is Diana Rodd, and she's a good friend of mine. I assure you she can do a good job!" Amanda introduced me.

I heard the man chuckle, "Diana? Diana Rodd? Not Diana Carter?"

I froze when I heard that oddly familiar voice. He had even used my previous surname!

With my heart pounding wildly, I looked up at the man, and whatever was left of my life came crumbling to the ground really quick.

" You....!" I exclaimed.

Why was my ex my new boss?!