Is It Revenge Or Love?

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~Monroe~

I look at myself in the full-length mirror, straightening out my clothes for the millionth time. I genuinely hate things like this, and I’ve been avoiding it since I came back. I finally ran out of excuses and couldn’t avoid it anymore. They say this is an important thing that needs to be done. I don’t agree, but I guess that doesn’t matter.

I’ve been back in the States for about six months after being gone for eight years. I left right after high school—well, I should say that I left right before high school was officially over. I graduated, but I didn’t stick around for graduation. I couldn’t stay and wait for the ceremony. I knew that I had to get out so I could actually have a life.

I went to England with the intention of never looking back. There was no reason why I chose England; it was just the flight that happened to catch my eye that day. When I got to England, I spent some time hanging out before starting at the University of Oxford. I majored in business and economics so I could make a name for myself. I swore I would never allow my life to be like it was in high school. I needed a fresh start, so why not try a different country?

I’m Monroe Jensen, formally Monroe Rivers. There’s a reason why I changed my name, but we can hold off on that story. I vowed that if I made it through high school, I’d make my name one that was well-known. I would no longer be someone who needed to cower in corners. I’d be able to stand tall and live my life freely.

I’m sure you can gather by now that growing up wasn’t a great experience for me. There were many times when I didn’t think I’d make it to adulthood. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t due to anything I’ve done or have wanted to do. Sometimes, you have to play the hand you’re dealt, and that’s precisely what I had to do.

I was born into a family of grifters, but I didn’t share that sentiment. We moved around a lot when I was growing up, always trying to outrun the law or angry victims. It just so happens that it all caught up with my parents while I was in high school. Can you imagine having to go to school with the kids of those who my parents swindled? Welcome to my world because that’s exactly what happened. I have no other family, so I had to stay there and deal with the daily torment. I had to pay for what my parents did. That’s why I changed my name. I had to be a different person. I couldn’t let my parent’s crimes continue to weigh on me. It had to begin with a new name if I wanted a fresh start.

I turn to the side to catch my profile. If I do say so, I fill out a tuxedo pretty well. I went with a gray slim-fit tuxedo suit and a jacket with a shawl lapel. I skipped the vest and the tie. I like the open-collar look. It isn’t that I’m trying to impress anyone; I just like to be comfortable.

I stare into the mirror, taking in my hazel eyes and strong jawline. I have light stubble, never one for the completely clean-shaven look. I take care of my almond-colored skin, but I like to keep a bit of a rough look. I keep my hair low and tapered, making sure the waves are always visible. I wear diamond studs in my ears, a look I feel never goes out of style.

I turn to the left and catch the scar running from the back of my ear to the bottom of my neck. Memories flood into my mind, and my body immediately reacts. I shut my eyes and focus on my breathing: in on 5 counts and out on 5 counts. I can’t believe that after all this time, I’m still affected by the memories of that night. I’ve tried to forget about it, but I did leave the scar as a reminder. One day, I will get revenge; they will pay for what they did to me.

A knock on my door breaks me out of my tumultuous thoughts, and I’m grateful for that. I clean my throat, trying to make sure my voice comes out steadily. “Come in.” The door opens slowly, and I look to see my executive assistant peeking in. “What is it, Dixon?” He quickly steps inside, casting the door open widely.

“Uh, sir, we really need to leave. At this rate, you are going to be late.” I fix my cufflinks and look at him in the mirror. Dixon Lovell has been with me for years, and I have to say that I’d be lost without him. When I decided to come back to the States, he was more than happy to come with me. He felt he had been away long enough, but that isn’t my story to tell.

“Isn’t it my party? They can wait for me. I shouldn’t have to rush.” I turn to face Dixon, placing a hand in my pocket.

“That’s true, it is your party. There will be a lot of people there we work with and those who want to work with us. I think it would be best to make a good impression.” I guess he’s right. Did I mention that this is a bit of a coming-out party? I’m the CEO of Lenetronics, a tech company I built from the ground up. It blew up in England, and I decided to open a branch in the States. This branch will be the corporate headquarters. I could have stayed in England, but then how would I get revenge on those who deserve it?

“I guess you’re right. Let’s go.” Dixon turns on his heel and leads the way out of my room. I detest parties like this, but there’s no turning back now.