Chapter 3 Starting from scratch

"Where are we, Mom?

"Don't be scared, darling..." I whispered, my voice cracking in my throat. "This is our home now."

The cold air from the air conditioner rushed in as the main door of the Anastasya family home swung wide open. The scent of jasmine mixed with sandalwood, exactly like what I always wore to parties back then. It was a luxurious scent, but now it felt suffocating. Over there, at the foot of the grand marble stairs I used to skip down so often, stood my father. William Anastasya. His hair was white at the sides, the lines on his forehead deeper. His gaze... yes, that gaze. A mixture of relief that I was back, concern at our condition, and an unconcealed disappointment. Disappointment in me, in my life choices.

"Ayna." Father's voice was heavy, booming in the vast hall. He didn't move, just watched us from a distance. "You're finally back."

I straightened my shoulders, trying to appear strong. I couldn't be fragile in front of him, especially not in front of Luna. "Yes, Dad, I'm back."

Silence fell between us. Dad's eyes scanned my house dress, my tattered bag, my disheveled hair, and the tear-reddened eyes of Luna and myself. His face looked pained.

"Bring Luna inside," Dad nodded at one of the household staff who quickly approached. "Prepare Ayna's old room. Clean it."

I shook my head slowly. "Luna's coming with me, Dad." My tone was firm. No one could separate me from my child anymore.

Dad raised an eyebrow, his eyes sharp. "Ayna, you think you can still arrange everything?"

"I don't want to be separated from my child, Dad. Is something wrong?"

"I'm not separating you and Luna," Dad's voice softened slightly, but his authority was still evident. "She needs a comfortable place. You do too. You look... a mess."

My jaw tensed. The word 'mess' stung, but I knew he was right. Messy hair, the same clothes for two days, dark circles under my eyes. No longer the Alyssa Ayna Anastasya of before, the one who was always perfect.

"Okay, Dad." I glanced at Luna, stroking her hair. "Luna, stay with Auntie for a bit, okay? Mommy needs to talk to Grandpa."

Luna looked up, her eyes welling with tears. "Mami isn't leaving again, is she?"

My heart shattered into a million pieces hearing that. I hugged her tightly. "No, darling. Mommy will never leave again. I promise."

I placed a kiss on her forehead, calming her fear. I slowly let go of Luna's grip, handing her over to the kind-faced housekeeper. It was incredibly hard. But for her, I had to be strong. I had to talk to my father.

Father walked down the stairs, his steps measured, full of dignity. I stood frozen, waiting for him. Until he was right in front of me. His height, his aura, everything was still the same as before. Intimidating, but also protective.

"So... what happened, Ayna?" He didn't beat around the bush.

"Brian. He..." Tears were all the explanation needed. Just that one name. It explained everything, I was sure.

Dad snorted, his expression turning cold. "I expected as much. That scumbag wasn't worthy of you. I knew it, why did your eyes open after 8 years, Al?"

Silence. I didn't defend Brian. Because he was indeed a scumbag.

"You chose him, Ayna. Left all of this behind. Put aside your identity. For what? To build up the company of a bastard who didn't even have the decency to acknowledge your work?" His voice rose an octave. There was anger there, but also deep disappointment.

I looked up, meeting his eyes. "I loved him, Dad. I... I thought I could make him happy. I thought all my sacrifices meant something." My breath hitched. It hurt so much to remember. My voice trembled. My throat tightened with the tears I held back.

"Love?" Dad smiled cynically. "What kind of love gets you kicked out of the house you built yourself, with your child? What kind of love makes you come back here with not a penny to your name?"

Father's words hit me like a slap. Yes, Dad was right. I was foolish. Blinded by love.

"I know, Dad." My voice was soft, but there was determination behind it. "I was wrong. I've paid dearly for that mistake."

Dad let out a long sigh, massaging his temples. "What now? What do you want? To come back here, live off us?"

It was a biting question, but a valid one. I knew he was probing. "I won't live off you, Dad. I want to take back what is rightfully mine."

Dad's eyebrows shot up. His eyes narrowed, assessing me. "Yours? What rights?"

"Brian's company," I said without hesitation. "It's largely the result of my work. I'm going to take it."

Dad let out a short, bitter laugh. "You think it's that easy, Ayna? You think Brian will just sit by?"

"He'll learn." My face hardened. "He'll learn that the woman he discarded can be your biggest nightmare."

A flicker of appreciation crossed Dad's eyes. Perhaps he saw a bit of himself in me now. Alyssa Anastasya, no longer the obedient Ayna.

"Alright," Dad finally spoke, after a long silence. "I will give you protection. For you and Luna. But there are conditions."

I looked at him, ready to listen. Of course, there were conditions. Nothing was free in the Anastasya family.

"First," he began, his voice returning to business mode, cold and emotionless. "You will be Alyssa Anastasya again. Not Ayna, not some nobody trailing behind Brian."

"That Ayna died long ago, Dad." I said, without hesitation. "Ayna is dead. I am Alyssa Anastasya."

Dad nodded, satisfied. "Good. Second, Luna. Your daughter... she must have the best. Full protection from this family. The best education, a guaranteed future. Whatever happens, Luna must not be involved in your drama."

"Of course, Dad." I wouldn't let Luna get hurt. She was all I had left of myself. For me, this wasn't a condition, it was a promise to myself.

"Third," Father continued, his gaze intense, piercing to the core. "You will work at the main Anastasya company. Starting from the bottom, if necessary. You have to prove yourself again. To the world, and especially... to yourself."

I was slightly surprised. Work at his company? I already knew the ins and outs of business; I had built someone else's empire. This wasn't starting from the bottom anymore, this was... like a test.

"I will work, Dad." My voice was calm, but inside, there was turmoil. What did he mean, starting from the bottom? Hadn't I proven myself? Or did he want to make sure I wouldn't be careless again?

"I won't help you directly with Brian. That's your business," Dad warned. "But I will give you all the resources you need to rise again. This is your home, this is your family. Make use of it."

"I understand, Dad." A thin smirk appeared on my lips. This was more than I expected. This meant I had great power behind me. I had a stage.

"Don't disappoint me again, Ayna." Dad's gaze softened slightly, a hint of pain in it. "I don't want to see my granddaughter suffer because of your foolish choices."

I lowered my head. Guilt weighed down my chest. Luna. Only for her would I endure. Only for her would I fight.

"I won't, Dad." My promise, more to myself. "I promise."

Dad nodded, then turned, walking towards his study. His back looked tired, but still upright. Silence once again enveloped the hall, leaving me alone amidst the unfamiliar grandeur.

I closed my eyes, letting my breath out slowly. Eight years. Eight years I ran from all of this. Now, I was back. No longer the obedient daughter, but a woman hurt, angry, and full of vengeance.

A shrill voice broke the silence. "William! You're home? Since when? I've been looking for you everywhere!"