My husband has died. In a marriage devoid of affection, there existed no room for sorrow. Yet, with his demise taking everything away from me, I just had to return the favor. I lived believing that patience was the answer for a long time, but I won’t endure it anymore. Retribution shall be meted out upon the two houses that, as they were blinded by greed, had abandoned their children And they shall be bestowed with everything they rightfully deserve. ‘If it’s not in my hands, I’ll take it by force.’ In this life, there came the resolve to metamorphose into a marauder of vengeance. *** All was but a fragment within the mosaic of a meticulously crafted design. Love, within this intricate orchestration, was deemed an unnecessary sentiment. However… “I’m going crazy. I just want so, so much to wrap my arms around your waist, pull you to me and give you a kiss right now.” “…” “I concede, Cecilia. You won.” “…” “Therefore, as the victor, lay claim to the spoils of war.” Breathless gasps. A cadence of coarse utterances. Cheeks ablaze with a crimson hue. Nothing was the same from the past. ‘Why are you acting like this now, when you were so indifferent to me before?’