++Chapter 4++

Classical music played softly in the background of Arvin Gabriel Herrera's office at AGH Enterprises. Arvin, the billionaire everyone knew but feared, sat at his large desk, flipping through papers. His eyes moved quickly over each document, his face showing no emotion.

A knock at the door interrupted the silence.

"Come in," Arvin said, his voice calm and firm.

Tanya Bautista stepped into the room. She was as polished as always—hair neatly pulled back, glasses sitting perfectly on her nose. She walked over to his desk and placed a folder in front of him, her expression professional, but her eyes held a touch of concern.

"Sir, Gabriel," she started, her voice steady. "I have an update on Miss Villanueva."

Arvin nodded, signaling her to continue.

"She's been attending therapy, as you instructed," Tanya said. "The therapist reports that while she's participating, she's still struggling with anger and grief."

Arvin opened the folder, scanning the papers inside. He didn't respond right away.

"Did you look into her background?" he asked, his voice flat.

Tanya nodded. "Yes, sir. Miss Villanueva worked at OmniPulse Industries for five years as an assistant. She was recently fired after accusations of bullying. After further investigation, we found that the accusations were false."

Arvin raised an eyebrow. "How did that happen?"

"The accusations came from her manager and a new employee," Tanya explained. "Her manager was in a secret relationship with her, but he was also seeing the new employee. When Miss Villanueva discovered the affair, things became difficult. They used it to force her out of the company."

Arvin's jaw tightened, but his expression remained controlled.

Tanya continued, "Miss Villanueva doesn't have any family. Her mother left when she was young, and her father committed suicide while in prison. She's been alone ever since."

The room was silent for a moment. Arvin's fingers tapped lightly on the desk. He wasn't showing it, but Tanya could tell the information affected him.

"Any close friends?" he asked.

She shook her head. "None that I could find. The therapist confirmed that the father of her child was her manager. Regarding the car accident, someone stole her bag. We don't have a clear lead on the thief yet. The CCTV didn't capture his face, but the investigation is still ongoing."

He closed the folder slowly, his expression serious. "She's been through a lot," he said quietly, though his tone remained professional.

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

Arvin glanced up at her. "That will be all, Tanya. Thank you."

She nodded respectfully and turned to leave, her heels clicking softly against the floor. He remained seated, his thoughts clearly elsewhere, as the door closed behind her.

——————

He walked through the sleek, quiet hallways of AGH Medical, his private hospital. The staff nodded at him respectfully, some even bowing slightly, as he passed by without acknowledging them. His movements were quick and efficient, like always.

He stopped in front of Naomi's room. For a moment, he just stood there, listening to the soft hum of the hospital around him. He raised his hand and knocked gently.

When he stepped inside, Naomi was sitting by the window. Her back was straight, but her face looked drained. The usual fire in her eyes was there, but it was hidden beneath the weight of everything she had gone through.

"Mr. Herrera," she greeted him, her voice steady, but not without hesitation.

He nodded and stepped closer. "How are you feeling, Miss Villanueva?"

She shrugged, her fingers twisting together in her lap. "Better, I guess. But... not really okay."

He studied her for a bit, then asked, "Your therapist mentioned today is your last session. Are you ready to leave?"

Naomi's laugh was short, a little bitter. "Ready? I don't even know what that means anymore." Her gaze turned distant, as if she was looking at something far away. "I want to move on, but... everything's still there. My baby, my job, my ex... it's all just... stuck in my head."

He didn't respond. He wasn't the type to offer empty words.

"I don't know what to do," she confessed, her voice shaky. "I want to start over. I want to get revenge, but it feels like everything is gone. I can't let them win. Not after everything."

He raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"My ex. And his mistress," she said, her voice sharp. "They ruined everything. I can't just pretend it didn't happen. I know it sounds petty, but..."

She stopped, her hands clenched tightly, and then her voice softened, but her words were firm. "I want to change. Completely."

He took a step back, surprised. "What do you mean?"

"I want surgery," she said, meeting his eyes. "I want to look different. I don't want to be Naomi Villanueva anymore. My reputation's ruined, and I can't fight back as I am. I need a fresh start. If I'm going to get revenge, I need to be someone else."

Arvin stood still, absorbing her words. "That's... extreme."

She nodded, her eyes unwavering. "It's the only way. I've thought about it. I don't need more therapy. I just need to be someone new. A chance to leave all this behind."

He studied her carefully, crossing his arms. "What if it doesn't work? What if you're still not happy?"

"I don't care," Naomi said. "I need to try. I don't want to be the person I am right now."

He hesitated, his cold exterior flickering for a moment. He could see the fire in her eyes. It was desperate but real.

"You're sure about this?" he asked quietly.

"Completely," She said, her voice steady.

He exhaled and slowly nodded. "If this is what you want, I'll arrange it. But know this—it won't erase the past. You'll have to face it sooner or later."

"I understand," Naomi said, her resolve clear.

He gave a slight nod and turned to leave. As he reached the door, he looked back at her one last time.

"I'll take care of everything," he said. "You'll get your fresh start."

She watched him leave, a sense of relief washing over her. For the first time in weeks, she felt like she might have a chance. And she was ready to take it.