Time passed and soon, June was ready to return to work.
Her body was stronger and she was eager to round up her stay in North City. Liam employed Carson as the doctor in charge of her recovery and he never let up with sprinkling unsolicited news about Rafael in their conversations.
These days, she couldn’t ignore his intentional acts of speaking random information to her hearing. The last one got her angry and she reacted. “I don’t care about my ex-husband or what he does with his life.”
“He can get on with any woman if he so pleases. The moment we signed those papers, I was done with him. Enough already.” She spoke with fire in her eyes.
Carson wore an annoying smile. Unbothered by her anger. “I never said he was with women. I said he was dragged to court by-”
“I don’t want to hear it! Darn. I don’t need news of him or what he’s up to. I have enough on my plate as is.” June said. “Can we have the shot already?” She groaned and Carson smiled.
After the poisoning, June was placed under medication which mandated her to have daily doctor’s appointments and shots from Carson. It was the last day of her treatment and Carson was required to take a test of her blood to find the state of her health.
After administering the shot, he took a sample of her blood for testing and later that day, she was declared healthy as stated in the reports. “Congratulations. You must have nine lives!” Carson joked and she rolled her eyes.
June was happy to be strong and healthy. She appreciated the new life given to her and promised to take care of herself more often in this season of life. While married, she had invested her time and attention in other things, neglecting herself.
However, she was ready to begin a new self-care lifestyle that should see her through. Liam received feedback on June’s health, and he requested a dinner with her. June was glad to get an audience with him, as she had something to discuss with him.
That evening, June sat at the dining table beside Liam, who ate silently, placing more food on her plate. “I can take care of myself,” she said when he poured her a drink of water.
“I take care of my guests.” Liam didn’t bat an eyelid nor spare her a glance as he continued his chivalrous acts. The rest of the dinner was spent silently. June dropped her utensils, signalling she was done eating.
“I need to speak to you, ” she said, and he nodded. I would like to shorten my stay here.”
Liam met her eyes.
“I originally intended to finish the project before leaving but with the past events, time has been expended into this project.” She explained. “I am halfway through the design and it would be ready for presentation before I leave but any further business requirements would be reviewed remotely.”
“And why is that?”
“I need to return home,” June stated, leaving it at that.
“You signed a contract. You should finish your job before returning to your country.” Liam took a sip of his drink. “I could arrange a flight for you to meet your family, and return afterwards.” He offered.
June bit her lips, She didn’t want to travel back and forth. That was a waste of time and resources. Nevertheless, she replied. “I will think about it.”
Liam nodded and she cleared her throat. The atmosphere changed and Liam knew it wasn’t over. “Did you kill that nurse? The one who served at the party?” She asked and he smiled.
“Is there a reason I shouldn’t?”
June took in a deep breath.
“I should thank you for saving my life, little Rivera.” He dropped his glass. “I doubt I’d be alive if you didn’t speak up that night.”
“I am indebted to you.” He announced. “Since I hate debts, I plan to repay your kindness while you are under my care.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll grant you three wishes. Anything at all. You name it.” He said.
June scoffed, “Aren’t you a little too confident?”
“There are no restrictions to what I can do.” Liam said, “What will it be?”
“Your life,” June spoke without blinking and Liam nearly coughed up blood.
June smirked. “Everyone has limitations.” She pushed her hair behind. “I don’t need to be repaid. I just need answers. Is that young lady still alive?”
“She’s in the dungeons,” Liam said. “Good as dead.”
“Can I see her?”
He smiled. “I don’t think you would like to see her. I can’t ascertain what shape she’s in.” Liam stood up. “It’s been a while since I visited the prisons. My men can get rough.”
June stared at him, lips pursed.
“Do you want to see her right now?” He asked with a smirk. June nodded.
“Fair enough. I will escort you to the place.” He led the way and June got into steps with him. “I still plan on giving you those three wishes.”
“Good luck with that,” June responded, and he couldn’t help the smile that appeared on his lips. This woman had a smart mouth. He usually hated women who seemed to have smart mouths, but she made it work.
June and Liam were escorted by a security man who led them down the prison. The place was dark and smelt like sweat and damp air. June put up a straight face as she prepared to meet the woman.
Soon enough, they stood before the young lady’s cell and June swallowed hard. The young lady was tied to a chair, barely clothed with scars on her face. It was a pitiful sight to behold.
“Why is she still here?” June asked before she could stop herself.
“She’s a prisoner.”
“I want to speak to her,” June stated. “Alone.”
“Why?”
“I need answers.” She huffed. “Do you want to watch me get them?”
“I don’t see why not. Unless you want to kill her.” Liam smirked. “I’m a bit angsty from being betrayed by my brother. Forgive me, I can’t let you stay in here alone with an accomplice whose lookalike tried to kill you a couple of times.”
June stiffened at his words. “You are not supposed to know that.”
“I did my research,” Liam spoke unapologetically. “Coincidence of the year. A woman who shares the same look with someone convicted for attempting to kill you shows up at my estate, working for my brother.”
“You had a background check done on me?”
“I always know who I work with,” Liam stated.
“Rich coming from someone who didn’t know his brother was trying to kill him.” June couldn’t help her anger. “I will not stand for having my privacy violated. Not now, not ever.”
“Are you interested in having a conversation with her?” Liam asked with his eyes raised. “You woke the poor woman with your tantrums.”
June sent a glare at Liam and turned to the matter on hand. Once again, this woman looked so similar to the nurse who tried to murder her at the hospital, she could have sworn she broke out of jail and jetted to North City.
“Are you here to finish me off?” The young woman stated with her eyes closed. “Do it already. I’ll die anyway.”
June didn’t expect to hear her speak so soon. She stepped into the prison cell, leaving Liam behind as she took a look at the woman who she couldn’t forget no matter how she tried.
“Why did you do it?” She asked after a moment. “Why would you let him use you?” June could never wrap her head around it.
How people could allow themselves to be pawns at the hands of others, leaving a trail of bodies behind them. “Was it for money? Huh? Did he promise to give you money?”
The young lady opened her eyes, her beautiful amber orbs standing out. “My sister,” She responded, sounding exhausted, “I did it for my sister.”
June heard Liam’s rescinding footsteps. She turned around, and sure enough, he was gone, giving her space with the young lady who had haunted her dreams and seemed helpless in her state.
“What do you mean?”