al·tru·ism or ˈaltro͞oˌizəm/

Noun

1. the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

"Some may choose to work with vulnerable elderly people out of altruism"

2. behavior of an animal that benefits another at its own expense.

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. ― Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Don't sacrifice yourself too much, because if you sacrifice too much there's nothing else you can give and nobody will care for you." ― Karl Lagerfeld.

THIRD POV

A sleek grey 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan was cruising through the quiet country side. The sun and the cool weather made for a peaceful drive. The palm trees and the freshly cut grass was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city. This was a perfect season and time for a vacation. Except for Merissa.

The beauty did nothing for her. There could be a thunderstorm and the roads ripping apart and the sky falling and she wouldn't care. She might not even notice.

Her brain had been elsewhere since she entered the car 45 minutes ago. After series of kisses and hugs to Sophia and Tino, she had left the house. That was after she had given explicit instructions to Lois and her sidekick. The other occupants of the house bid their farewell. Every one of them had their hearts in their mouths. And Amber was in deep prayer to The Father above that this vacation would bring those two together. She was skeptical about this whole trip but Merissa had kept mum on the whole topic. And when she spoke to Zach on the phone the other night he seemed upbeat and excited for the trip. So with a heavy heart she could only hope for the best.

Robert was his usual self. Nonchalant and unmoving. The entire week before the trip he was not too forthcoming with information. The only thing he told her was "she didn't need a thing." Every move she made he countered. And he was always serving with that damn nonchalant smile. So she had cooled off for the week. And she put her plans on the backburner for now. She and Robert had agreed to some kind of truce. She had even agreed to leave Callahan behind. But that might be because he was on a covert mission.

Merissa on the other hand couldn't be bothered. She had prepped enough to think of anything and everything that could be possibly go right with this farce of a vacation. Or wrong. So the minute she stepped into the car she whipped out her laptop and started typing up a storm. And when she was not typing she was reading some books. In all honesty she was thoroughly calm and collected. This was just a mere distraction and she had a job to do. Thanks to Ophelia, she was up to her neck with homework and assignments and readings. They were just ideas she had put together to increase sales. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would be the one running the Danson Empire. But now she was, she had no thoughts of relinquishing power anytime soon.

"Excuse me ma'am?" the driver said breaking through her thoughts.

Shaking her head to clear the cobwebs "Hmm?" looking at him.

"Sorry ma'am but we have arrived" he said in a low voice, giving her smile through the mirror. He had heard stories of the boss. And he wanted nothing more but to come out of this trip unscathed. The other Mr. Danson had made it beyond clear that this whole trip was a surprise for Mrs. Zach Danson and under no circumstances was he to reveal the location.

"Oh really?" in a disinterested voice. "Thank you"

Sighing she snapped her laptop shut and put it away. She still had no idea where she was. And she didn't have the heart to look out the window and guess. Even though Zach would never know, her pride and will-power would not allow her to even show the least bit of interest.

Sighing, she stepped out of the car and into the sunshine and the cool air. Breathing in the cool air she relaxed. But looking 200 ft. in front of her had her freezing. Then she scoffed. But not in anger. But in amusement. She got to hand it to Robert. That man went for the jugular.

At this moment, she was standing in front of a brick style beach house. The house was a five bedroom and five and a half bathrooms. It had a massive kitchen and a great big den. And the house had been a refuge and solace. This beautiful place had been the very first house that she and Zach had purchased together. Together Zach and Merissa had shared their aspirations and dreams. It had also housed many laughter. This was not just a house but a home. Or it used to be. Zach had received it in the divorce.

And the man himself was standing in front of house. His arm in a sling. Callahan really outdid himself.

"I will be leaving now ma'am. All your luggage is already inside"

"Thank you" nodding her head appreciatively.

"Goodbye."

She stood back as she watched the car makes its way out. With a catwalk that could rival any international model she started to make her way up to her awaiting husband. And she made sure to take extra time. She was in no hurry, she was the queen and everyone waited for her. As she walked, she saw that the place looked tided up. The gardens were neat and trimmed. And her favorite flowers were blooming. The air was filled with the scent of them. She couldn't wait to rip them out. And snatch the sweet smell away from the land.

But alas she finally stood in front of her husband Zach Danson.

Chuckling "How are you my dear? You look so good. A week has done you well."

"Why thank you. I really do have my color back, don't I?" he joked. His genuine smile never disappearing from her face.

"I see you still have your mouth. I must have a word with Callahan" shrugging her head.

"How is dear old Callahan? Still alive?" raising his eyebrows. But there was something that was different about Zach. Something she could not put her finger on.

"Yes. But you knew that didn't you, no doubt Robert is keeping you informed"

He just smiled and said nothing. Instead he changed the subject "How are you?"

"I am good. I will admit that that I was doing so much better when I didn't have to look at your face. But human plans and God laughs doesn't he?"

"Why don't we go inside, hmm? No need to stand out here" gesturing his hand for her to walk by.

"Thank you" walking with a joyous stride. But that soon ceased. Her strides slowed. And the only sounds that could be heard was the echoing of her heels. Merissa slowly and carefully took a good look around the house. She could not believe her eyes and if she was being honest she was slightly dumbfounded. Her ruby red lips were pursed and she was drawing blood from biting her lips. And felt like someone had suckered punched her. She finally stopped at the wall of the hallway leading to the stairs.

"You like?" Zach's voice came from behind. As he walked to stand beside her and gaze at the wall. "It took a bit of time but I had this done yesterday"

Merissa just smiled. But it wasn't a smile of happiness or rage. It was more like a smile of respect "You have guts Mr. Danson" she admitted.

"I hope so. I need as much as I can possibly get to keep up with you my dear wife" he replied but not taking his eyes off the wall.

The wall that the couple were gazing at held pictures and memories from their previous life. The whole wall was covered with them. From their wedding to some of her father. It was like a collage of memories.

"I thought they were all destroyed. I can recall the day that I was screaming at the base of the stairs screaming my lungs hoarse for you to leave these pictures alone"

"The films were saved"

"Why didn't you burn them like you did to the old ones?" her voice devoid of emotions.

Because that was exactly what he did. Every picture that meant anything to her, Zach and his minions had created a bonfire and out of pictures and books that meant the world to her.

"What can I say? I am a sucker for pain" shrugging his shoulder. "I am sure you are tired. Why don't you go and rest. Dinner will be ready in a couple of hours"

"That sounds good. But before I leave, tell me something Zach"

"Hmm?"

"What do you think is going to come out of this week? In your twisted depraved mind do you really think that this is going to change the way I feel about you?" cocking her head slightly to the side.

She continued her questioning "Do you think showing me a couple of memorabilias is going to change anything between us? That I will go back to being the same sweet naïve Merissa?"

Sucking in a breath "Yes. That is what I hope. That is what I pray for. That you go back to being that sweet naïve girl as you call it because that is how Louis raised you. Not this vengeful sadist"

She chuckled lowly "You call it sadism but I call it logic"

Then turning she made her way up the stairs leaving her husband at the base of the stairs.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ophelia and Big E (her body guard) sat side by side at the reception hall of Shawn McGill. Ophelia already had everything planned. Every phrase, every action had properly been rehearsed and beaten into her mind. She could do this in her sleep. This was not the time for screw-ups. She could not afford failure. This had to go right or there was going to be big problems.

"Ms. Caine?" a young man called.

She raised her head.

"Mr. McGill will see now"

Nodding her head, she followed the young man. Her persona was tactful and controlled. There was a purpose behind everything–every gesture, every word, every smile.

"Ophelia!" the man called as soon as he laid eyes on her. He was well aware how she had risen through the ranks. Word was everywhere. The corridors and the walls were speaking of her intimidation and her control and her brilliance. She might not be the smartest in the companies but she was an underdog. And she used peoples prejudice and underestimation to her advantage. Many could not believe how crafty and cunning this woman could be in the business world. It was like this was a whole different person that had taken place of the old social butterfly.

"Mr. McGill" nodding her head in greeting. Her hands in her pocket. She did not wait to be seated she just took a seat and crossed her legs.

"What can I do for you?"

"I am sure that you have heard that my company is making great strides for watches"

"Yes. Everyone has heard. Congratulations are in order" giving her a wolfy smile.

"Thank you. Well, then I am sure you know that our means of production. We have bases in Asia. And some here. But we are at an impasse because our researchers and advisors tell us that we need more bases. But it is too expensive in money and reputation and bureaucracy to get a new grounds."

He started to smile. This was good. Really good. "Oh?" he feigned concerned.

"But we need those grounds. Then it occurred to me that you quite a good production manufacturing company in Argentina."

Leaning back in his chair, Shawn gave her a look "What are you saying, Ophelia?" But it was really a rhetorical question. He knew it and Ophelia knew it. He knew a meal ticket when he saw one.

"I am saying that we need Argentinean base" she replied.

"I see." Thinking it over for a minute he finally addressed the woman. His eyes and voice were filled with happiness and excitement. His investors had already informed him that Project Alpha (the watches) was $350 million market. And that was the minimum in two years. Of course he wanted the piece of the pie.

"I will admit to you that I love this. Of course I would like to go into business with the Dansons and now the Caines. Who wouldn't? I mean this watch business is going to be a benefit to us both"

She started to chuckle.

"I am sorry did I say something funny?" looking amused.

"No I think you misunderstood me. I don't want to be partners with you"

"But you said-"

"I said, I want the Argentinean base" raising her voice slightly.

"What?"

"Let me be blunt. I want to buy your Argentinean base from you. Understand now?"

He started to laugh. "You have got to be kidding me"

"That was not a choice. It was a demand."

Seeing her seriousness his eyes changed to slits. "Who do you think you are?" banging his hands on the table. But Ophelia to her credit did not flinch.

"Please don't put yourself out," she told him. "The thing you don't understand Shawn is I have shares in that production company."

"You are delusional. What have you been smoking?"

"See when I got this job, Mrs. Danson offered me considerable power and money. And after going through her life it came to my attention that she could fight for shares in your company" just remembering of coming to that extraordinary find was enough to bring a smile to her face.

"What? You know what I don't even want to know. Just get out of my office now!" standing to his feet and pointing to the door. His ego had been really hit.

But she just remained sitting. "Seven years ago, did or did not Merissa Danson give you $25 million dollars to bail your company out of debt and bankruptcy?"

Slowly he sat down. He already knew where this was going.

"Ahh I see you are finally getting it. She put quite a lot of money into your company and one could argue that she was financing into a company for shares"

"It was a gift" he protested.

"I am sure that that was what she started it out to be. But times have changed and money speaks. So after seven years and calculating all your profits and losses over the years Merissa should have about 200 million dollars. Give or take."

She let it sink in.

"Calculating everything she should be majority shareholder which will cut down your business shares and that of your new partners" pausing for a brief minute. "Or at least that was the gist that my lawyers were explaining to me. Sorry but I didn't pay much attention."

"It was a damn gift!" he yelled. "She gave it to me as a gift and did not require payment. Why are you doing this?!" his voice sounding desperate and in anguish.

"Because I am money-grabbing bitch. I get what I want and what I want is money."

"I am taking this to court" he growled. He had worked too hard to get this. "I have three very aggressive lawyers"

She burst out laughing at this statement "Just three? I have about 8"

He let it sink in. He knew just how vindictive and aggressive that major corporations like E Incorporated operated. They would bankrupt and put him into deep depths that his grandchildren might never recover from.

"Besides I don't think you should do that. Because when Merissa bailed you out, she paid your debts directly through her account. That stands as reasonable evidence. And any judge will say so" she continued.

"And even if they don't a signed contract can always pop out of nowhere" letting her sentence hang.

His eyes widened. "You truly are-"

"Evil. I know" smiling at him sweetly. "Reaching into her purse, she pulled out a check and slid it to him. "So as not to have any hard feelings we are buying you out even though we really shouldn't"

Pulling the check closer he balled it up and threw it at her feet. "You insult me"

"How incredibly clever of me then" she clipped back politely. "$45 million is more than enough"

"I am the CEO, I have the majority shares! You are spitting in my face"

"No. You are the de facto CEO. Look at the facts, Anderson who has the second highest of shares only has 25 percent of shares and he put in only $10 million. And that was two years after Merissa started your company again. If we adjust inflation and whatnot she put in $60 million which will give her majority. Understand?"

"I keep telling you that it was a gift!" he screamed. "Merissa and I were best friends when she gave me the cheque." And indeed they were. He had been struggling and was at the end of the rope when Merissa pulled him out of the fire. He had explained the situation and she just listened. The next day his future started looking bright once again.

"Oh?" she cooed. "Was that before or after you turned your back on her and publicly humiliated?"

He kept silent at that.

"Because I can always remind her of what you did. There are many things she doesn't know. Do you want me to enlighten her just how far your betrayal went? Even the greatest saint might not be forgiving of your misconduct and atrocities."

He flinched back. He now looked truly scared. He was counting on his past never coming up.

Ophelia knew that she had gotten him there. Men and women like McGill were easy to read and control. People like him are friends with the kind and favorable. But their inferiority complex and jealousy make them bitter and they end up making the kind and favorable like Merissa into enemies and set out to ruin them.

"Sell your company. This is the highest we will ever go" standing up and grabbing her purse. With a toss of her hair she walked to the door but stopped when Shawn called her name.

"You might have some power right now but you are still nothing Ophelia Caine. Merissa will soon come to that realization. Just you wait and see. I know you will come to rue this day"

"Have a nice day" she replied and opening the door walked out. Leaving Shawn turning mad and trashing his office. Giving her signature coy smile she walked out with Big E. Once in the car and on their way, she made a call.

"It worked" she spoke into the metal.

The voice at the other end said something and she just laughed. "Yup he is going mad. How is things going on your side?"

She waited for the response.

"Take it easy. And don't kill him. It won't do you any good"

Laughing at the reply she hung-up.

"Where to ma'am?" Big E asked, as he sped through a yellow light.

"Back to the office, sweetie" she responded.

"Yes ma'am"

And there was silence in the car. Tapping on her phone she went through some files and not looking up addressed the driver

"Did you do what I asked?"

"Yes" he responded.

"And?" still not looking away from her phone.

"Your suspicions were right. Your father was behind it all."

"I see." There was no hurt in her voice as one would expect. She couldn't change the past her subconscious reasoned.

Big E continued to explain "I don't think he knew that it would get to that extent. But still his greed and covetousness and his lack of love for his own daughter caused you harm. He must be dealt with"

She chuckled wryly "And what can I do, have him arrested?"

"No. Ma'am no authorities must be brought into this. It will harm Tino if comes to know how he was conceived." Bid E hastily refuted. He was little Tino's guardian angel. He loved that boy as if her was his own.

"You really do know me well" she sighed.

"Then you will understand when I say that all loose ends must be dealt with. And that man cannot get away with what he did" Big E growled.

"Right again" she started to drum her fingers on her pad as she thought about what to do. "Okay. Scare him. Don't let on that I know. But get some people to frighten him out of his mind. Make it crystal clear that he is to keep his mouth shut."

"That will work" after thinking it over for a minute. "And he is now deeply scared of you. With your power he must be completely afraid of you taking revenge"

"True. And if steps out of line you know what to do. Make it clear that if this gets out to the public, daughter or not I will kill him with my bare hands" she growled.

"Yes ma'am"

"Other than that let him be. He caused me to have the greatest gift and I can never hate him for that"

"Yes ma'am. Oh and your mother is going mad. She keeps blowing up my phone and crying nonstop" he complained.

She just laughed.

"She is so annoying forgive me for saying" tapping into the private parking lot that was just reserved for the Dansons and Caines and the Coopers.

Zach and Ashton and Sheldon had vehemently opposed Ophelia parking with them. Theo they didn't mind much. But her they would sooner drive their cars off a cliff then share a space with her. But after a couple rounds with Merissa they had begrudgingly relented.

Laughing to herself, she descended and made her way to her office. Getting right to work, she was lost in her thoughts until her p.a Olga informed her that Sophia was here to see her and she had brought her little man.

Smiling happily she walked to the door, but what she saw made her blood run cold.

"Oh hell" she said to herself softly. And it certainly was going to be.

.....................................................................................................................

The days were passing with no incident arising between Zach and Merissa. That was partly because Merissa was holed up in her room working. She hardly took any breaks. And when she did appear out of her or office she made it a mission to avoid him. Zach couldn't help but think of the reverse irony. In the past it had been him working and unintentionally ignoring his wife. Now it was the exact opposite.

The only time he had gotten to spend any time with her was when she had gone for a walk in the woods and he had followed her. She said nothing. She didn't berate him or accuse him of spying. She just continued enjoying her time with nature. She also didn't fly off the handle when he had walked side by side. She just ignored him for the most part. The only sound heard was from the birds and the crunching of the leaves and sticks under their feet. Each person was lost in their own thoughts. Neither speaking. Just comfortable discomfort and longing.

To Zach that was progress. It seemed Merissa was slowly getting used to his presence. It was a step in the right direction. Every night he made dinner and left it at her door. Sometimes it came back half-gone or completely untouched. It hurt but his subconscious kept on reminding him that he was the reason for this. His actions had led to this. And it was with great disappointment when Merissa announced five and half days into the trip that they would only be spending eight days here before they returned back to The Plantation. He could not refuse.

So it was with heavy heart that on the last night he sat in the den sipping some cranberry juice. His mind reminiscing of the joyful times he used to share with his wife in this house. The happiness was gone. The house was now a book for the tragedy that had befallen upon them. The echoes of laughter and debates and silliness were silenced and replaced by anger.

"What is this, no wine?" a voice called from a distance.

"Excuse me?" looking up. He had been lost in reminisces that he hadn't heard her descend from the stairs.

"No wine to go with your self-pity?" Merissa asked again.

"I don't drink alcohol anymore" he replied in somber voice.

She guffawed "You? Straightedge? Since when?"

He hesitated a bit "Since the day I found out you were innocent"

"Ahh. I see" she squinted her eyes in thought. "Actually I don't"

"I swore off alcohol in the hopes of becoming a better man. It never did me well in the past. I want and need to become a better man. And alcohol was a weakness of mine in the past. It needed to go."

"Well good for you. But I drink. A lot." And as she spoke she withdrew a bottle of wine from behind her. And she took a seat across from him. "Since our divorce alcohol welcomed me into his club and made me an honorary member"

And as she spoke, she unwrapped the cork and proceeded to take a long sip.

"Don't you need a glass?" looking at her with hooded eyes of disappointment.

"What is the use? I will finish this by morning" not sounding at all ashamed.

He looked at her in shock. He didn't think that her drinking had gotten that bad. The Merissa he knew was an extreme light weight. She couldn't even finish half a glass of wine before throwing up.

Seeing the confusion and surprise on his face she just chuckled. "When you are in pain, you look for anything to become absent from what is killing you. Even for a moment"

"So you still hate alcohol?" sounding surprised.

"I honestly feel like throwing up right now. But I am willing myself to continue drinking so my mind and soul can focus on something else other than this burning in my heart and soul"

He didn't need to ask to know what pain she was referring to.

"Funny isn't it. It seems the shoe is on the other foot now"

"You can stop anytime you want" in a firm voice. He knew of what he spoke. He had been down that road.

"That isn't life. At least my life. Life doesn't stop becoming hurtful and painful simply because you are dying or in pain or about to throw in the towel"

There was a pause.

"When will you stop being angry with me?" his voice chocking up with emotions. "Will you ever forgive me?"

And at that moment Merissa looked at him for the first time in months and perhaps years as a human being. And she politely answers

"I don't dare to be angry with the great Zachary Danson"

But Zach the emperor dismisses it immediately. "You and I both know that is a lie"

There was another pause as Merissa took another sip.

"What do you want from me Zach?"

Running his fingers through his head wildly he answered "I don't know. Maybe an idea or a clue to know what I can do to fix you. To heal you. Even if it is just a little of the person that you once were"

A dark chuckle answered his question "The person I once was" she repeated.

"You mean the naïve, stupid idiot? The weak and innocent fool?"

"Unfortunately yes. That was how your father raised you. To be kind and see the good in life. Not cynical or diabolical. Not the person who sets up her own blood sister and throws her in jail"

She cocked her head to the side.

"Oh yes I know about that"

"Aren't you happy that I took care of a problem?"

"No. let this vengeance against your blood go" he snapped.

"I can't do that Zach. You can't take back a bullet when it leaves the gun."

"Not this way. This isn't you" he urged.

"It should have been. Zach you don't get it. You cannot begin to understand the amount of things I am holding back. You can't comprehend how much I am holding back just as I have always been. How much I am trying to be as reserved as possible and hiding my disappointment and resentment towards you and everybody else."

Zach couldn't help it but he burst out laughing. "This is you holding back your disappointment and resentment. I wouldn't want to imagine what your anger would be like fully unleashed and unrestrained"

She just chuckled. And continued to sip her wine, letting the silence reign once again.

"To be honest I hate that person I once was"

"Hmm?"
"That naïve kind-hearted girl. The one who would rather die than see a person go without or is in need. That stood imbecile. If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self, not to bother. I would tell her it is a waste and a painful road to give your heart and soul to humanity."

"Everyone loved that Merissa. Everyone"

"Really? Remember Jim Castwell?"

He nodded his head.

"Remember when he was having trouble finding a job after he was laid off? It was so sad. He had a wife and three children and was finding it difficult to make ends meet. I heard about it and his wife came to begging that I should help her family. I asked Kristian to hire him. He did well, I will admit it. According to rumors he now earns a million dollars. And what does him and his family do in the future? They insult me, mock me. One of his daughters poured a Slurpee on me when I was pregnant. And his loyal wife starts spreading around town that I came onto her husband. Tell me, was I fool for giving a damn about them?"

He remained quiet.

"And what about Matilda Bosompem? She was about to be deported from the country. But she was a promising doctor. So I personally went and sat with her in the immigration office during her trial to give support whilst our lawyer argued her case. And luckily or unluckily she got to stay in the country. And if that was not enough I sponsored to get her entire family to get visas and citizenships to the country. And if that was not enough, I put her siblings and their kids through the best of schools. And gave most of them jobs in your company and talked them up to our friends. And even threw in a house and two cars." She started to chuckle about the irony.

"And how does she show her gratitude? First, by refusing to see me as a patient when I was pregnant. Ignoring calls and my texts and refusing to see me when I went to her office. I put her through medical school to be an OBGYN and she refused to have me as a patient. And then she tops it all off by accusing me of being a witch. She tells everyone who will listen that I was interested and deeply involved in African black-magic because I wanted to keep you and your money secured. Oh I almost forgot, she also claimed that she had witnessed me cast many a- black spells on my enemies" She chuckled at the ridiculousness of that statement.

As she had been speaking her eyes were dead and unmoving. She was just looking straight at the wall. But now she turned to look at him with eyes that held so much sorrow and pain.

"The stories were passed around. They made from the city to the town you forced me to live in. I am half-Latina Zach. Being branded a witch and living in a place that is mostly immigrants is not easy. It is death wish for your reputation. Everywhere you walk people are laughing at you."

"And Karen Sullivan who lived three doors down my dad? When she was struggling and going through a nasty divorce, with no income, same bills, and no way to afford groceries, it was I and my father who helped her out. Every morning we would leave boxes of food and clothes and money at her doorsteps for her and her grandchildren. I believe they were four in number. We did this for months. And then I talked her up to be the manager at a fancy retirement home, with good pay. And she and her children made it point to never come near us when we were going through our storm. If we were walking on a street they took the other side. But you know the best one?"

Zach said nothing.

"There are many more but this one is my favorite. You know St. Marks right? The church we built. The church that I paid for the roof, the youth building, organized fundraisers to send 200 kids to camp each year. Bought instruments for, everything they needed. And when I was going through hell and needed my Christian brothers and sisters they all turned against me. No one would sit by us and I mean no one. And by us I mean my father, Theo, Sophia and I. They fired me from the Charity board. And they gave the pastors and the leaders an ultimatum. So one day, a couple of priests showed up at my father's door and pretty much told him to stay away from the church"

"No!" Zach yelled. That couldn't be possible. They basically built that church. And it was all because of Merissa's influence.

"Oh yes. Not in those exact words. But they told him that with all the accusations against him and I, perhaps it would be best if we lay low for a while. In other words stay away from the church and the congregation. Their self-righteousness deemed us unfit for mercy or grace. That was when we started going to Theo's church. And they were much better Christians"

She smiled after a pause and another sip of her wine. "So you see, why I think I was stupid."

"I-I don't know what to say" he had tears in the corner of his eyes. "I never will know how much you suffered. Or what you went through. I can only plead for mercy. And for forgiveness. And a chance to right the many wrongs that I did and caused others to do to you. Please" he pleaded.

"You know Zach, the day after my son's first anniversary of his death that was the day that gave up on you."

"I can understand that" his voice and his face sounding and looking defeated. At the moment anyone could see that he resembled a man that had the whole world weighing down on his shoulders.

"I don't think you can. I can see your anger and disgust on why I can't forgive you"

"Forget about me. What about your brother and sister? It is not too late. Forgive them. They had nothing to do with it. They were blinded. I was blinded and I forced them to become blind. It is all on me. Deep down I know that you still love them. They are not to be blamed" he pleaded. He might never have Merissa again as a wife. But the least he could do was reconcile Louis's children once again. He owed him that much. And he owed her that much.

"No" in a quiet voice.

"Merissa please"

"No. I know that you think if I can forgive them then maybe I can forgive you, but it is not going to happen"

"You forgave Ophelia" his voice sounding bitter.

"Zach, although Ophelia may have taken part in framing me, you were the one who disappointed me."

He said nothing to that.

"Besides. I never loved Ophelia." And then took another sip.

"Well I should call it a night" rising to her feet. "I still have to pack. Goodnight"

"Goodnight" but he remained seated. And until the grandfather clock struck 2 in the morning he sat there weeping. Weeping for the woman he had destroyed.

.....................................................................................................................

Packed up and ready to go Zach and Merissa hit the road. Upon her insistence she drove.

"That was an interesting week" she announced.

"Yup" in detached voice. His eyes were set on the window, watching the green pastures. It was with a heavy heart that he had left their matrimonial home. And knowing full well and without a shadow of a doubt that it would never be the same ever again. Everything that that house had stood for was gone. And it would never return.

"I am curious about something?" Merissa said breaking his thoughts. "Why didn't you call the authorities on me?"

"Because you are my wife. And I won't let any harm come to you."

"Oh you poor fool. You will come to regret that. I know that better than anyone. I stayed because I didn't want any harm to come to you and look where it lead me"

"Do you want me to leave? Because that would be the end of your revenge?"

"I could be in prison in Siberia and I will still find a way to make you suffer and pay" in a low voice.

"Why should send you there then? No use to waste money. I am right here"

"Don't say I didn't warn you"

"You have to remember Merissa, I won't give up, not till my dying breath. Your revenge against your brother and sister and that woman who gossips a lot is cute and maybe terrifying. But you have to remember what I told you before. I am Danson and I may have lost my money. But I have power of the likes you haven't seen or dealt with"

"That may be true" shrugging her shoulders. "But I am a monster you have never imagined possible or dreamt of before" her voice calm and slow and poised.

"We are going to kill each other" she sighed.

"Well, it will make a good movie" he joked.

She chuckled lightly at that.

And so they trip continued. In silence. Each person lost in their thoughts. No words needed to be spoken. For each person's mind was scheming and planning. After an hour Merissa pulled into The Plantation.

"Home sweet home" killing the engine and stepping out into the hot sun.

Shaking his head at her behavior, he opened the door and walked out. Some maids immediately emerged from the house and he ordered them to bring their suitcases.

Evan met the two at the front of the house. He had a look of dread and fear on his face.

"Mr. and Mrs. Danson. What a surprise? I thought you would be gone for another week"

"It is my house Evan. I can come and go as I please" Merissa replied in a cold voice with a hint of disapproval.

"We cut our trip short Evan" Zach intervened feeling sorry for the treatment of the old man. Merissa had not eased up on the guy and Zach could see that it was killing him.

"Say, you look a little bit pale. Are you okay?" concern in his voice.

Merissa took a good look at him and she could see where he was coming from.

"Um" clearing his throat he then replied with "Yes. I am." But anyone could see that he was sweating bullets. He looked clearly distressed.

"You sure?" he asked again not sounding convinced.

"Yes" nodding his head.

"Well, can I come in?" Merissa asked in a deadpan voice. Evan was still standing in the door, blocking the entrance. She didn't really care about his well-being. He could be having a heart attack and it wouldn't make any difference.

He hadn't expected them back so soon. "Uhh"

"Can you speak in complete sentences?" sounding bored.

"You see- the-the"

"What is with you?!" she snapped angrily. Why had he all of the sudden gone incompetent?

"Mrs. Danson" he pleaded eyes wide and scared.

"Mrs. Danson what?! You know what? Get out of the way!"

"Mrs. Danson you are back" Lois exclaimed coming to stand beside Evan. This was bad. Very bad. She had heard the voice and had prayed that it was a mistake.

"Lois what is with him?" not bothering to greet her.

"The thing is. The thing is" she was at a loss for words. She didn't know what to do. The whole house was in disarray.

"Oh great, another bumbling idiot" her voice sardonic and rude.

"Merissa calm down" Zach told her.

"Don't tell me to calm down. Look at how they are behaving!" turning on him now.

The two still said nothing.

Growling and having enough she pushed her way through the couple who looked like they were going to cry. Had everyone in the house gone mad? What was happening?

Zach was thinking the same think to. He had stayed back and to question Lois and Evan. But the two had taken after Merissa in a bid to stop her.

"Mrs. Danson wait" they called.

Merissa rolling her eyes was ignoring them and making her way to the living room when she bumped into a middle-aged woman she had never laid eyes upon before.

"Watch where you are going!" the lady snapped angrily. She had an accent in her voice. If she was not mistaken, Merissa assumed she was from Ukraine. She could bet her money on it.

Evan and Lois now looked like they were really going to faint. Nothing good could come from this meeting. Nothing at all. A war was coming.

Zach was irate by the woman's disrespect for his wife and was about to ask her to apologize. But it seemed Merissa was amused. She was not an esteemed guest that was for sure. She looked to be an employee judging by her dressing.

"Who are you? And what are you doing in my house?" Merissa asked with a smile.

"Who are you?" the lady threw back at her. Looking at her up and down.

"The owner of the house" she replied smoothly.

"Oh" taken aback and looking thoroughly confused. "You?"

"Yes me" she replied. "Zach do you know this woman?"

"No. Never seen her before" looking as confused.

"Have you two found your voice to tell me who this woman is and what she is doing in my house?" turning to Evan and Lois.

"Sorry ma'am I will make sure she doesn't disturb you. She is here to see the other Mr. Danson" Evan replied smoothly.

"I see. So Kristian's guest?"

"Yes" they replied simultaneously.

"Okaaayyy" not sounding very convinced. She was about to turn and head for her room but stopped when the woman asked a question.

"You say your name is Zach?" the woman asked pointing to Zach.

"Yes?"

"Zachary Danson?" her accent thick.

"Yes" this time Merissa answered. "What do you want?"

"Ma'am this way" Evan quickly interrupted trying to grab her arm and pull her away. The lady didn't look too pleased with this invasion of personal space.

"Just a minute Evan. Let her be" Merissa commanded.

And Evan reluctantly released her.

"That is Zachary. What do you want from him?" trying to sound gentle. It was clear that Lois and Evan were trying to hide something from her. And she was now very curious. Their whole behavior was off.

"To give him something."

"Miss, please Mr. Danson is waiting for you. If you will follow him" Evan hastily voiced out.

"And he can wait" Merissa in a deadpan voice. Raising her eyes to him in a challenge. "What do you want to give him?" her voice again gentle as he addressed the older woman.

"This" and going over to the couch she bent down as if to retrieve something. And when she stood up to her height again, Lois grabbed the bannister for support and was praying to the heavens for grace. Then a switch went off in her brain, and turning she ran as fast as her aged legs would allow up the stairs to the room of Amber.

Evan hung his head down in pain and dear.

Zach's eyes were bulging out of his sockets and his heart was drumming. He was no fool. He was praying that this wasn't what he was thinking. He was really and truly praying. If never believed in God before, this very moment was changing that mindset.

"Care to explain?" Merissa's voice broke the silence. Her face wore no expression. But she was also no fool. She just needed confirmation. And she soon received the answer that she sought.

"This is Zachary's son" referring to the sleeping toddler in her arms.

7)WW6