It's been couple of weeks since I saw Steve. Mum doesn't talk to me anymore. I tried calling her on and off but she is not interested to speak to me. But I am not going to give up. She is my mother after all. I don't agree with her ways nor I approve her ways of doing things, but she is my mother and will remain.

My private practice started picking up as people knew my hand in Steve's case. The hospital some how got rid of me, which is okay. But I miss Talia, as I was very close to her. They refuse to let me see her after that. There is nothing I can do about it. All investigations I recommended have been put on hold by the new doctor, who has the authority to do so.

My phone rang.

"Jen, what's up?"

"Steve called. Apparently Talia isn't in good shape. He is worried. Harry's lawyers are pulling crazy stunts. What do you say?" she asked me

"I don't know. I am not in a position to do anything. Everything I initiated was put on hold. I cant do anything now" I told her which is the truth.

"Do you think Talia's life must be in danger?" Jen asked worried.

"Child birth be natural or cesarean, Talia can't handle. She will not out live that. It is my honest opinion" I told her.

"Is it a reason why they are postponing looking in to this matter?" she asked me.

"I don't know. If one of the men in that family are responsible for the plight she is in, they have good reasons to fear this haunting them"

"That will land them in jail for a good 10 years" she told me.

"I don't know Jen. My head isn't working anymore" I told her honestly.

"Well, if I say, Steve asked about you, will that brain re-functioning?"

"Keep talking. It is already alert" I told her.

"Well, he was asking how you are and I said to call and find out from you"

"Jen, why did you do that. How is he keeping?" I asked her.

"Well, you have to call and find out. I got to run. My case is next" and she hung up.

I had a full day of appointments but my mind is elsewhere. I am just tired of treating rich, pompous, spoilt people. For once I need an opportunity to help people who really need it. My long term plan is to open a unit of my private practice in a deserving area, to treat people free for what I earn by pampering the rich.

What would it really be to be married to Steve? I was thinking for over half an hour before my assistant disturbed my thoughts. Back to reality.

****************************************

"Steve, someone here to see you" Martha shouted.

No one knew I live here except for Sarah and some work mates. SO I quickly dressed up, and came in. I had to blink many times to make sure I am not hallucinating.

"Steve, good to see you" Nana Luisa, the old witch who is partly responsible for my fate.

"You never told us about your family Steve. Please Mrs. de Bourbon, I will get something to drink. You talk to Steve" Martha said getting ready to show her hospitality.

"No need Martha. She isn't staying for long" I told Martha who looked confused.

"We will talk outside" I told Nana Luisa, who is my step mother actually. We went out. The air is chilly, but cant help it.

"Say whatever you want and be gone" I told her.

"Steve, I came here for peace. Hear me out first" she said walking to the nearby bench to sit.

"I want you to come with me. I will restore you back to what you were. You can prosecute anyone including Harry for what he has done. But I want you to come home with me" she told me.

"So that you can frame me in to something else? No thanks. You know despite everything I went through in that house, I had immense respect for you. And you helped them in deceiving me and betraying my trust. You let them abuse Talia. Tell me, is Talia the daughter of Henry?" I asked her.

"No, it's Henry's bothers" she said.

"I am not coming with you even if you can give me the entire world and back. I am done with you" I told her.

"What if I give you assurance of Talia's safety and someone else you seems to care lately" she asked me.

"What?"

"Sarah. I will ensure Sarah and Talia are safe in return for your loyalty to me. You will come with me, and I will restore you back what you were. You will again live the life you were once accustomed to" she told me.

"What if I refuse?"

"Philip is in charge then. You know how he works. He goes after the people you love most. And you pay the price for loving them and they will pay the price for being loved by you" she said coldly.

"And what makes you think you can stop whatever he wants to do?" I asked her. Her influence of Philip weaned off long ago.

"I cant. But you can" she told me.

"I hate you" I told her honestly.

"One day you will change your mind" she said leaving me no option but to follow her.

And it took me 2 years ever since to work my way in to what I am today. Nana Luisa deposited me as one of the directors in the group of companies. She is the head of all the companies. I got not only to make decisions but I was give shares to have ownership. It didn't work well with Philip but he had no choice.

Harry was convicted within 6 months for murder. Talia gave birth to a girl who is called Sara according to Talia's wish. It is one of Harry's friend whose child she was carrying and apparently she was raped by many. Things came out in the investigation and everyone held responsible for were accounted for their sins.

Within this 2 years, I rose from position to power. To my amazement Nana Luisa, stayed with me. She was right, our relationship improved with time. I am given 10% of all company shares for my contribution in the first year. Philip has 30% of shares, his relatives have 20% of shares and Nana Luisa has 40%. That's how the company works. The heir gets 30% by default and then 40% which the head of the family has, upon their demise.

Nana Luisa had an agenda. I can clearly see her cheering me all the way to the top, and pulling Philip all the way to the gutter. I am much more aware of the games she is playing. But I don't understand why.

With success things became easy for me. I became the new sensation in town. And the honored guest at parties and events. My social circle expanded. But not a day pass by I never thought of one woman who stood by me when no one did, Sarah. Gosh! Every time I think of her, my entire body hurts with pain.

I am still in a cut throat environment where anything can happen. Can I bring Sarah in to this? Can she survive the ugliness in this? Will she hate me eventually?

Time will tell.