Monica's Vengeance

First Person's point of view

Monica's phone rang, breaking the silence of her kitchen. Immediately she looked at the caller ID, seeing it was her mother-in-law Grace, she hesitated. Grace's voice sounded loud on the phone. She ordered Monica to prepare plenty of food, saying her friends were coming over to pay her a visit. Monica's face filled with sadness, feeling the weight of her responsibility.

That day was a significant day, marking the fifteenth anniversary of her father's gallery, where paintings were showcased and sold. Monica's father was a painter and Monica inherited his talent even though she was adopted. She had planned to attend the ceremony, but Grace's priority came first as her mother-in-law.

As Monica began cooking, her mind was in the gallery, wondering how the party was going. She accidentally cut her hand with a knife. As she was tendering to her wound, the food on the fire caught fire, filling with smoke everywhere. Grace returned with her friends. On seeing the state the house was, she was furious. She started to throw all sorts of insults at Monica, belittling Monica.

In a moment of frustration, Monica handed Grace her ATM card, telling her to order food for her friends and get whatever they needed. Monica walked into her room, feeling defeated. She looked at the family picture she had painted featuring her sister, mother, father, husband Miguel and herself. The painting was proof of her talent. The talent she had neglected since she got married to Miguel.

In order to escape her mother-in-law's trouble, Monica got dressed and left for the gallery party carrying the family troubles.

On getting there, Miguel was already there mingling with the guests. Monica hung the frame on the wall in the gallery for everyone to look at. The room went silent as people admired her painting. They praised her and offered to work with her.

But Emily, her adoptive mother, ruined the mood by saying she had hired someone to paint the frame for her, trying to ruin Monica's achievement. Anger washed all over Monica's face, but she remained silent, looking at the frame on the wall, a symbol of her passion and talent. Little did Monica this day mark the journey to be able to stand up for herself.

Monica approached Miguel, her husband, with a mix of emotions. "Why didn't you call me before coming here?" She asked, trying to hide her sad mood.

Miguel apologized to her, "I am sorry, and Monica, I have something to tell you. But it can wait after the party. She seemed happy right now, and I don't want to ruin the mood". Monica nodded her head and understood, "Okay, let's talk later".

Miguel left Monica and went over to Mia, Monica's sister. "You looked beautiful in that dress", he complimented her.

Mia raised her eyebrows `` Did you tell your wife that before?" She asked. Miguel hesitated and said "Well, you know why I married your sister. I just wanted to be close to you"

Mia's expression changed to "Miguel, you are below my level. You are just a mere secretary."

Monica, still looking at the photo frame on the wall, felt unease as she sensed the tension between Miguel and Mia, but she chose not to intervene.

Just then Gael arrived, admiring the painting on the wall. "It looks amazing, Monica, you are incredibly talented".

Monica smiled, feeling grateful. "I am glad you like it."

As they continued talking, Miguel and Mia walked up to them. Mia became furious about seeing Gael and Monica together. She quickly moves to hug Gael. But he gently freed himself from her.

Monica noticed the exchange and felt a flatter on her chest just then Gael faced her and asked "Monica, what do you think love is?".

Monica's heart was shocked. Why do you ask me that?"

Miguel placed his hand around Mia's neck like he was trying to protect her. Gael knowingly smiled. " Love is when you love someone unconditionally, without expecting anything in return". Miguel said, smiling.

Monica and Gael's eyes met for a moment, sharing a glance that went beyond words.

Gael's words broke the silence. "Monica, I think your husband and sister have a nice relationship, don't you think," He asked, looking at Miguel's face

Miguel smiled and said "of course we do, boss Gael".

Monica's mind raced, sensing secrets and lies. Little did she know this party was just the beginning of a journey that would reveal the truth about her family, her marriage and her own heart.

Monica excused herself, feeling uncomfortable. "Excuse me, I need to find my father" she said, looking curious.

Gael ran up to Monica, grasped her hand and said" are you really stupid, or are you just pretending to be stupid? Can't you see the way your husband looks at your sister? Something is surely going on between them."

Monica pulled her hand free. "Don't assume impossible things, Gael", she walked away.

The party continued with paintings selling at high prices. Suddenly, a commotion occurred. Someone accused Emily, Monica's adoptive mother, of selling fake and copied paintings. The police arrived and the investigation began.

In the chaos, Emily pointed at Monica. "She is the one who brought the paintings, I know nothing about them".

Monica defended herself, but the police led her away. As she was being taken away, she overheard a shocking conversation between Miguel and Mia.

" I don't love her, Mia, I will divorce her soon. I have signed the divorce papers. Only her signature is left", Miguel confessed. Monica was broken, her heart was shattered into a million pieces. She felt betrayed and humiliated. The police took her away unaware of the shocking revelation she had just heard.

Miguel and Mia remained at the party, unaware to them that Monica heard their conversation. But Monica knew her life would never remain the same. That night was supposed to be a night of celebration for her father's legacy, but it turned into a nightmare that will haunt her for life.

The police took Monica away, leaving her father in confusion. He tried to bail her out, but the police said it was too late that he should come back the next day. The news of Monica spread like fire. Gael saw it on the news. He went to visit her early the next day, determined to help her. As Gael entered the prison visitation room, Monica looked up at him in tears." Gael, what are you doing here? Are you here to mock me too!" She asked, her voice shaking.

But Gael's expression was kind and with pity "Monica, I know you didn't do it. It's time you wised up and stopped letting people treat you this way. You deserve better".

Monica nodded her head with hope. After Gael left, Monica's father came to pay for her bill, but he was told someone had taken care of it. Monica's father was surprised but he felt relieved. He wanted to take Monica to his house but Monica refused,

" I don't want to go home with you father, I want to go to my husband's house" she said your voice.

Monica's father nodded with concern ". Okay dear, be careful"

When Monica arrived at Miguel's house her mother in law Grace and her sister in law Nicole were waiting. They insulted her Calling her a thief. Monica tried to defend herself but it was like they already mean her

Meanwhile Mr Tomas went to his own house where his wife Emily was waiting. " Why did you bail Monica out" she asked full of anger

Mr Tomas said " I couldn't leave my daughter alone in prison while she is innocent of the accusations against her"

Mrs Emily's expression turned cold " your daughter? Tomas she is a criminal and a thief". Mr Tomas walked away leaving his wife behind.

Monica entered her room, her heart was heavy, she found her husband Miguel lying on the bed, his eyes avoiding hers. " Why didn't you even visit me" she asked her voice shaking

" Because I had no reason to" he said

Monica couldn't hide her tears anymore. It flowed out of her eyes freely. " Miguel, I heard what you said to Mia. You want to divorce me because of her. You already signed the divorce papers" Miguel expression was unyielding " yes Monica, I want myself out of this marriage"

He handed her the divorce papers " sign them, please"

Monica felt like her world was crumbling, she took the paper, her hand shaking. Miguel walked out of the room leaving her alone, Monica wrote uncontrollable.

The next day Monica visited her mother, determined to get answers hoping she had realized her wrong doing " why did you do this to me mother? Why did you accuse me of selling fake paintings?"

Emily's expression was cold. She didn't see what she did was wrong. " isn't that the least you could do to repay me for raising you for the past thirty years?"

Monica looked confused " repay you? What do you mean?

Emily turned away " I don't owe you an explanation, at least you are free now"

" Mom you sold fake paintings, you know it illegal and you accused me of doing it to cover your own tracks"

Emily walked away leaving Monica frustrated and angry . As Monica left her mother's house she ran into Mia " Mia I know everything about you and my husband" she said her voice firmly.

Mia was shocked she was covered with fear but she quickly recovered " you should talk to your husband Monica. He' s the greedy one and not me. And to be honest you are too low for his level anyway"

Mia walked out on Monica.