I step out into the rain with Michael in my arms, my feet landing on the wet pavement. Drips of water slip through the half-open door of the building, dampening my hair. Outside, the streets are empty. Not even the dogs dare to wander in this weather. The cold seeps through my coat, but theres nowhere for me to go.
For hours, I wander through London, my child clinging to me. Finally, an elderly neighbour, Mrs. Evelyn, spots mesoaked and shiveringand ushers me into her small but warm flat. She hands me a towel, a cup of tea, and makes a makeshift bed for Michael. That night, I cry silently, staring at the ceiling. I know something has to change.
The days that follow are brutal. I search for work, but no one wants to hire a single mother with a young child. Our food money dwindles, and the pity in the eyes of those who know me cuts deeper than hunger. Richard and Elizabeth act as if I dont exist. And I feel erased from their lives, like a stain wiped clean.
A week later, an official letter arrives. At first, I think its a notice from the authoritiesperhaps a debt I didnt know about. My hands shake as I open the envelope. But the typed words change everything: *”Dear Mrs. Clara Hartley, we inform you that you are the sole inheritor of the estate of the late Mrs. Beatrice Whitmore, your distant aunt…”*
I read it three times. I cant believe it. Beatrice, whom Id met only once as a child, has left everything to mea grand house on the outskirts of the city, substantial bank accounts, and, most importantly, shares in a respected trading company.
I go straight to the solicitor and, step by step, claim my inheritance. For the first time in years, I feel the sun rising for me. I buy new clothes, give Michael everything hes never hadtoys, warm coats, proper meals. But above all, I give him security.
Years pass. I learn to manage my aunts business and, to everyones surprise, I thrive. I invest wisely, surround myself with trusted people. Slowly, my name becomes known in the business worlda strong, elegant, mysterious woman. No one speaks of the days when I was cast out in the rain.
Richard and Elizabeth, meanwhile, are no longer on top. Their company teeters on collapsepoor management, reckless decisions, lost partners. They search for investors, but doors slam shut in their faces.
One morning, my solicitor calls.
*”Mrs. Hartley, the Spencer familys firm is up for sale. Theyre deep in debt. If you wish, you can bid at the auction.”*
My heart leaps. This is the moment. Fate has handed me the chance I dreamed of on that rainy night when I was thrown out with my child in my arms.
I attend the auction in a sharp suit, my hair pinned in an elegant updo. No one recognises me. Years have passed, and Im no longer the desperate, humiliated woman of the past. Im someone else.
When the winning bid is announced, Richard and Elizabeth turn pale. I, Clara Hartley, now own their business. I dont look at themjust sign the papers with a calm smile.
That evening, Richard comes to my office. He trembles, aged by worry, shoulders hunched.
*”Clara please dont leave us with nothing. You know were finished without this company.”*
I meet his gaze. The same man who once told me our son and I were a burden now begs for mercy.
*”Richard,”* I reply coolly, *”lifes funny, isnt it? I told you youd regret it. And here we are.”*
Elizabeth tries next, tears streaming down her face. But all I see is the woman who pushed me into the rain with a terrified child in my arms.
*”Clara, we were wrong. We were angry, blinded by pride. Please, have mercy!”*
I smile bitterly.
*”Mercy? Did you show any when you threw us out that night? When Michael begged you not to leave him? You didnt care then.”*
I let them walk away, heads bowed. The business is mine. They have nothing.
Years later, Michael grows into a strong, intelligent young man. Sometimes, I tell him about that rainy night. I tell him never to lose his dignity, even when the world turns against him.
And every time I spot Richard on the streetworn clothes, hollow eyesI feel a deep calm. Not from revenge, but justice.
Because on that rainy night, years ago, I swore theyd regret it one day.
And they did.
