The Return

The city skyline shimmered beneath the glow of the setting sun as Stephan Blackwood's private jet descended onto the tarmac. After years of seclusion and tireless pursuit of success, he had finally returned, his heart pulsating with a mix of anticipation and vengeance.

As the jet's doors opened, Stephan stepped out onto the runway, exuding an aura of power and determination. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that bespoke his newfound wealth, he scanned the surroundings with a steely gaze. This was the moment he had been waiting for—the moment to set his plan of revenge into motion.

News of Stephan's arrival had rippled through the city, stirring whispers and sparking curiosity. The media speculated about his motives, while the public eagerly awaited the unveiling of his grand scheme. His rise from the shadows had become a tale of legend, a symbol of resilience and determination.

“The time has come.” 

With a calculated stride, Stephan descended into a waiting black limousine, the epitome of elegance and opulence. As the car glided through the city's bustling streets, Stephan's mind raced with memories of the pain and betrayal that had fueled his relentless pursuit of success. Images of his ex-wife, Magdalena, and her family flickered in his mind—a constant reminder of the past he sought to avenge.

Finally, the limousine pulled up to a lavish penthouse—a testament to Stephan's newfound wealth and power. Stepping out, he was greeted by Oliver, his loyal and astute assistant, who had stood by his side through thick and thin.

"Welcome back, sir," Oliver greeted, his voice filled with a mix of respect and curiosity. "Are you ready to set your plan in motion?"

A smile curled at the corner of Stephan's lips as he replied, "Indeed, Oliver. The time for vengeance has arrived. The Rivers family will soon feel the weight of their actions."

But just as the words left his mouth, Oliver's face bore a conflicted expression. "Sir, I must tell you something before you proceed. It's about Magdalena."

Stephan's brows furrowed in mockery. "What about her? Did she break a nail while riding one of her horses?"

Oliver hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Sir, it appears that Magdalena's current circumstances are far from what we expected. She does not reside in the Rivers mansion or live a life of privilege. In fact, she resides alone in a dilapidated house in one of the poorest areas of the city."

Stephan's mind whirled, disbelief mingling with a flicker of confusion. The anticipations that had fueled his revenge began to crumble, and a sliver of doubt pierced his resolve. How could Magdalena, the daughter of the Rivers and the one he believed to be the orchestrator of his suffering, end up in such destitution?

Driven by a mix of curiosity and concern, Stephan made a decision. "Oliver, take me to her. I need to see it for myself."

A wave of uncertainty washed over Oliver's face, but he nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. The limousine changed direction, making its way toward the forgotten corners of the city, where Magdalena's fate awaited.

Minutes later, they arrived at a rundown neighborhood, the stark contrast to the glittering façade of the city leaving Stephan unsettled. Once he used to live in such places, but how could the delicate Magedalena ever can? 

Oliver led him through a maze of dilapidated houses until they stood before a small, weather-beaten structure—a place where dreams went to wither.

Stephan's heart raced as he pushed open the creaking door. What he found inside shook him to his core. There, lying on a threadbare cot, was Magdalena—pale, weak, and seemingly abandoned by the world. The sight crushed his assumptions, raising more questions than answers.

A whirlwind of emotions enveloped Stephan—confusion, guilt, and a flicker of compassion. How had things come to this? How had the woman he believed to be one of the wealthiest in the city ended up in such dire circumstances?!

“Take her to the hospital… immediately!”

Stephan paced back and forth outside Magdalene's hospital room, his mind consumed with questions and a growing sense of urgency. His men had carried her to the private hospital, ensuring she received the best care possible. Now, he anxiously awaited the doctors' assessment of her condition, hoping for answers to the mysteries that plagued his thoughts.

As he stood there, deep in contemplation, Oliver approached, a look of intrigue etched across his face. "Stephan, while examining Magdalene's house, we stumbled upon something intriguing," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Stephan's interest was piqued. "What is it, Oliver?"

Oliver held out a weathered journal, its pages yellowed with time. "We found this locked journal hidden away, Stephan. It appears to be of great importance to Magdalene, as it was safeguarded with a key."

Curiosity mingled with a sense of foreboding within Stephan. "A locked journal? What secrets could it hold? We must find a way to unlock it, Oliver. It may hold the key to understanding Magdalene's past and the circumstances that led her to this state."

Oliver nodded in agreement. "I've already enlisted the help of a skilled locksmith to attempt opening it, Mister Stephan. We should have the results soon."

Minutes turned into an agonising wait as Stephan and Oliver stood outside Magdalene's room, their eyes fixed on the closed door. Finally, the attending physician emerged, wearing a sombre expression that betrayed the gravity of the situation.

Stephan stepped forward, his voice filled with concern. "Doctor, how is she?"

The doctor sighed, adjusting his glasses. "Mr. Blackwood, Magdalene's condition is dire. She's suffering from a severe illness, worsened by neglect and malnourishment. It seems she has been living in these deplorable conditions for quite some time."

A pang of guilt shot through Stephan's heart, the weight of his assumptions and revenge-driven plans pressing heavily upon him. "Is there anything we can do, doctor? Any treatment that can help her?"

The doctor hesitated, his voice gentle yet tinged with realism. "We will do everything in our power, Mr. Blackwood, but I must be honest. Given her weakened state, the chances of a full recovery are uncertain. And-” The doctor looked at Oliver as if he didn't want him to know what he was about to say.

Stephan ordered Oliver with a nod to step back and he gave his ear to the doctor, “We are afraid, sir, that we noticed some signs of sexual assault.”

Stephan's gaze fell to the floor, his mind swirling with a mixture of shock and unbelief. He couldn’t even utter a word.

As the doctor left, Stephan turned to Oliver. "The journal, Oliver. Make them deal with it immediately! Don’t let anyone know the place of Magdalena. Bring me her friends, connections, and the name of any f*cker who was around her recently!"