10 YEARS AGO...
Slap.
My cheek stung as I fell against the locker. Laughter echoed through the hallway, piercing my eardrums like a thousand needles. I slid down to the floor, my back against cold metal.
I was alone, surrounded by classmates who despised me. Their faces blurred together – a sea of hatred.
The cafeteria food fight had spilled into the hallway, and I was the target. Food flew through the air, hitting me squarely on my face. Ketchup dripped down my shirt, a crimson stain spreading fast. Pizza sauce splattered my hair, cheese tangled in my curls.
Their cruel words cut deeper than any slap:
"You're worthless, Aliana!"
"No one likes you!"
"You should die!"
"Your have no parents!"
"You'll amount to nothing!"
Tears blurred my vision, but I saw their faces – faces I'd never forget. Smug smiles, eyes gleaming with malice.
One girl stood out – blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, beauty queen smile. She threw a half-eaten burger at me, hitting my chest.
Another figure loomed behind her – tall, broad shoulders, chiseled features. He didn't participate, but his gaze burned with silent approval.
A third person watched from the sidelines – quiet, mousy jet-black hair, eyes filled with pity. But no help came.
The bell rang, ending lunch period. The crowd dispersed slowly, still snickering.
I remained on the floor, humiliation burning my skin. Tears streamed down my face as I whispered:
They'll pay for this. Every. Single. One.
10 YEARS LATER
Night shrouded Ravenswood town sign in darkness, the only sound being crickets chirping their evening song.
My car pulled over, tires crunching gravel beneath. I stepped out, breathing in the damp air – a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere I'd endured here years ago.
Time to collect debts...
The thought sent a shiver down my spine as I gazed up at the sign. Ravenswood – a name synonymous with pain, fear, and betrayal. Yet, I'd returned voluntarily, armed with a new identity and a thirst for vengeance.
My new identity, Victoria, was ready to deceive. I'd spent years perfecting this persona – a kind, gentle soul with a quick smile and a talent for cooking. The perfect nanny and maid.
Determination etched on my face, I glanced down at the folder in my hand – filled with names, addresses, and secrets. My revenge blueprint.
Victoria's backstory:
Age: 25
Hometown: Auroraville (nearby city)
Occupation: Nanny/Maid
Personality: Kind, gentle, obedient
The engine roared back to life as I slipped inside. Headlights illuminated the road ahead, leading me to Auroraville... and them. My first target lived there, oblivious to the danger lurking in the shadows.
As I drove, memories of that fateful day in high school resurfaced – the laughter, the food, the cruel words. My grip on the wheel tightened.
They'd pay for what they did. Oh, they'd pay dearly.