Chapter 4. Surprise.

?presently?

Sia and the rest gathered around Mr. Monson’s coffin as the priest said the last prayer. She glued her eyes to the coffin, wondering about the cause of his sudden death.

Monson had been sick but Sia made sure to take good care of him. He helped her as promised all these years. He sent her to school and did everything possible but she wasn’t able to give him an heir.

She always had miscarriages during her first trimester. Tears were welling in her eyes at his sudden departure because Mr. Monson was a kind man. So caring and so loving despite the fact she had sworn never to love again.

She hates it when people say they’re in love because to her love doesn’t exist.

She sees love as a game. People playing one another that’s why there’s so much heartbreak.

Sighs.

Sia’s eyes unknowingly strayed around and she spotted someone at the corner.

A man in a black rolled-up, T-shirt and black pants. He covered his eyes with dark sunglasses and his dark hair whipped back and forth as the breeze kisses it.

He clasped his hands at his back and it appears his eyes met with Sia’s immediately.

Sia shuddered and peeled her eyes off his direction instantly.

‘What is he doing here?’ she asked herself.

Taking a sneak peek in his direction again, she saw him simpering.

‘Oh God no. I know those smiles are dangerous ones. God, I can’t bear to face him now. I just can’t.’ She mentally faces palmed, rolling her eyes.

“May his soul rest in peace?” The priest’s words snapped her out of her thoughts and Sia veered her head to face the priest as they all responded collectively.

“Amen!”

Then they carried Monson's body to the grave.

“Goodbye, Mr. Monson. I won’t ever forget how you brushed me. Your love and care, it’s all hidden in my heart.” She whispered under her breath.

“Sia…always remember to lead the Monson’s group when I’m gone.”

“No Mr. Monson don’t say that. Nothing will happen to you. I know you'll recover soon.”

“No, you don’t understand my dear. They are ready to confiscate the property from me. Something I labored for. I wish you understand.” Came Monson’s voice.

“I told you, you’ll be fine. Nothing will happen.” Said Sia, confidently.

When the cenotaph was sealed, Sia stood there for some minutes as Monson’s words flashed through her mind.

“That’s why I want an heir!”

“I’m sorry, I couldn't give you one. I have had many miscarriages.” She said in between tears.

‘Now, Mr. Monson is out of the way, it’s time to face Lucas Evangelista. It’s time I exert my revenge. I swear to make him perish. He’ll suffer.’ She said as thoughts about Lucas rolled back in her mind.

“Hi, Mrs. Monson. I’m sorry about your husband’s death. I was shocked when I heard the news.” Sia turned around and saw her friend from college standing at her back.

“Estrella?” She called, surprised. “I don’t remember inviting you over?”

Estrella is Sia’s friend from college. They were in the same department and shared the same condo in California. They became tight friends from there on and Estrella came from an average-income family.

“Oh C’mon. How do you expect me not to come over when I know my bosom friend's husband just passed away?” Estella strode toward Sia and clamped her in a hug. “All will be fine, baby.” She added.

“Thank you for showing up, Estrella. I really appreciate it.” Sia said when they broke the hug.

“It’s what friends do for each other. So I don’t think it’s a big deal…”

“Hi, Sia. Been a long time.” The strange man’s voice interrupted Estella’s words.

They both twirled around to face him. Then a cocky smile played on his lips.

“Silas!” Sia called, boring her eyes into his.

Silas peeled his sunglasses off of his face and held it in his hand.

Sia drank in his features. Silas is handsome. Devilishly handsome but not as good-looking as Lucas.

Sia started to compare. However, she knows everything about Silas' screams of evil. Malice. She can’t shake it off of her mind because it’s obvious.

He’s being a thorn in her flesh since Monson married her into the family.

She can’t forget all he did to her no matter how handsome and good-looking he is. He’s a devil.

“Uh…who is he?” Estrella whispered into Sia’s ear, stalling her gaze at Silas.

Sia didn’t give a response immediately ‘cause her eyes were still glued to Silas.

“I can see you’ve missed me lots, love. Well, I just want to make it clear to you that I’m back. Full time. So you don’t necessarily need to miss me.” Silas announced making Sia shiver in disgust.

‘If Silas is back, then more problems will fling my part. Not now.’ She thought.

“We'll meet at the villa, love. Continue with your discussion.” Silas spouted and walked out of their presence.

“Okay…who is he?” asked Estrella, curious.

“My husband’s brother. Silas Monson.” Sia said and sighed.

“oh, Sia you should be careful around him. His aura speaks of evil.” Estrella spouted.

“Yeah, sure I’ll, friend,” Sia assured.

“Let’s head out. Shall we?” Sia shooed Estrella outside the cemetery. “Maybe we should go grab some coffee.”

They entered Sia’s car and headed to the

nearest coffee shop.

While they were there, Estrella began saying all sorts of things to which Sia nodded and squealed an ‘oh' to until Estella spilled the beans.

“Sia! I'll be getting engaged in two days' timeeeee!!” she shook her body in sheer happiness.

“Omigod!!! Girl, you didn’t tell me about this earlier?’ Sia exclaimed.

“I wanted it to come as a surprise, babe.” Estrella chanted.

“And I must say I’m totally surprised.”

“My plannnn!!” they both broke into laughter.

“So who's the lucky guy??” asked Sia, cheerfully.

“Ethan Santiago. Half Spanish.” She chuckled. “I don’t know if you've heard about him…he’s quite popular.” She added.

However, Sia could tell

the name sounds familiar but as she was about to press on her phone rang.

“Oh, excuse me.” She picked up her phone and walked outside to take the call.

“Mrs. Monson.” The panicked voice of the person from the other side streamed into Sia’s ear.

“Yes, Mark. What’s the problem?”

“Uh…ma’am, the attorney is here likewise Mr. Silas.”

Hearing that, Sia became alert. She worded a few things to the person on the other side and hung up the call.

She shuffled into the restaurant to dismiss Estrella.

“Girl, I’m so sorry but I need to go and attend to a few things at home. I will call you later at night.”

“Is everything ok?” Estrella asked as she rose from the seat.

“Not so sure. I need to leave.” She picked up her bag and dashed off.

Moments later, Sia drove into the driveway of Monson’s villa and parked in the garage.

She hobbled into the house that was deadly silent but people were there in the living room.

Mr. Monson’s attorney and Silas’s attorney were there too.

She took strides toward them, her heels clanking on the marble floor. Silas’s eyes jerked in her direction and he studied her features.

‘Looks as good as always.’ He mused, sipping his lower lip.

“what do I owe this visit?” was her first question when she stood at the hub of the living room.

“Mrs. Monson. I came to read Mr. Monson’s will.” Said Monson’s attorney.

“And Silas? Why are you here?” she asked, not sparing him the decency of a glance.

“To claim my brother’s property of course.”

Sia bashed him in her eyes and scoffed.

“Oh really? I see.” She sat down gracefully on one of the empty burgundy settees and crossed her legs, elegantly.

“Mr. Sam, could you please read the will.” She urged eagerly waiting to see if there’s any hope for her.

If this Will doesn’t favor her then she’s doomed because she’ll be back in the street. And not be able to exert her revenge.

“Ahem!” the attorney cleared his throat and shuffled out some crib sheets in the manila file he held. Then he began to read.

Everyone paid attention and within twelve minutes, he finished reading.

“This means…Mr. Monson transferred all his property to his wife Mrs. Monson!”

Sia’s eyes dilated in shock!

“To me?”

“Yes, Mrs. Monson.” The attorney replied.

Before Sia knew what was happening, Silas rushed toward her and pinched her throat with his callused hands. Trying to smother her to death.

“That’s impossible!! This bitch bewitched my brother!” He roared, anger seeping through him.

Cough* cough* cough*

Sia coughed hard trying to wheeze for breath but his hands on her throat is very strong.

She hit his chest,

“Le…let…go…Si…las.” She stuttered, trying to hit him harder.

“I'll kill you!” he howled.