Chapter 7
Anderson
The mirror reflected the man I had become—a businessman with ambitions far beyond his years in music. I adjusted my tie, glancing at my reflection one last time before heading downstairs. It was already past 7 AM, and I was running late.
Aiden was sitting in the corner of the living room, sulking. His arms were crossed, his face drawn in a pout that mirrored his mother’s features so perfectly it was hard to look at him sometimes. Aiden had always been sensitive, but it was a trait I couldn’t allow him to carry into adulthood. He needed to toughen up. Soon, he would be old enough to join me in the business world, and there was no room for weakness in this industry.
“Why are you sitting there like that?” I asked as I walked past him.
His expression brightened when he saw me, but he didn’t answer. I didn’t press further. If Kate had scolded him again, he’d get over it. He always did.
It had been five years since Kelly left. Five years since my singing career had dropped as if her absence had sucked the life out of my creativity. I didn’t dwell on it, though. I had reinvented myself, diving into the clothing business. My fame and global fan base had given me a platform, and with the right moves, I had turned my company into a global name. Business was going well—better than well.
I moved to the dining room, where Kate was setting breakfast on the table. She smiled when she saw me, but there was tension behind her eyes.
“Good morning,” I said, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
“Good morning,” she replied, but her tone was clipped.
I grabbed a slice of toast and took a quick sip of coffee. “I’m running late,” I said, heading for the door.
Kate crossed her arms. “Again? You’re missing breakfast again?”
“I’m sorry,” I said, not stopping to look back. “I’ll make it up to you.”
Her sigh followed me as I walked out the door, but I didn’t have time to calm her. Sliding into the car, I started the engine and drove straight to the office.
When I arrived at the entrance, the guards were already in position. They greeted me in unison, and I nodded in acknowledgment.
David, my secretary was waiting for me by the elevator. “Good morning, sir,” he said, falling into step beside me.
“Morning,” I replied. As the elevator doors closed, I glanced at him. “What’s my schedule like today?”
He hesitated for a moment before pulling out his tablet.
“You have back-to-back meetings starting at 9 AM, a lunch appointment with the investors, and the product shoot at 3 PM.”
I paused, remembering something important. “The models—were you able to get a replacement?”
David’s eyes darted nervously.
“I’m sorry, sir. I wasn’t able to secure a replacement. All the professional models were already booked when I checked.”
I clenched my jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. I hated inefficiency, but I masked my frustration with a calm exterior.
“When is the shoot?”
“3 PM, sir,” he replied.
“Then you still have time,” I said sharply. “Find a replacement before the deadline. I don’t care how you do it.”
David nodded quickly and exited the office as soon as we arrived.
I glanced at my watch—nearly 8 AM. Time for the morning news. It had become a routine for me ever since I’d taken an interest in politics. The idea of becoming a politician was enticing. After all, what was left for a man like me to conquer? Wealth was no longer a goal—it was a given. Power, however was a different story.
I flicked on the TV, leaning back in my chair as the news anchor began her segment.
“In breaking news, the youngest politician in DC’s history has just secured her position after a landslide victory. Kendra Lewis, a woman of remarkable influence and determination, has proven her mettle in a male-dominated arena…”
At first, I wasn’t paying much attention. Politics was a game I wanted to play, but this wasn’t the kind of news that interested me. I reached for my coffee, glancing back at the screen—and froze.
The cup slipped from my hand, spilling onto the desk. My eyes locked on the image of the woman on the screen.
No. It couldn’t be.
Kelly?
I blinked, thinking it was a trick of the light, but the resemblance was undeniable. The same sharp features as Aiden, the same piercing chestnut eyes, the same grace. But her name wasn’t Kelly—it was Kendra Lewis, or so the screen claimed.
I leaned forward, my heart racing. “David!” I shouted, and he came running into the office.
“Yes, sir?”
“Look at this,” I said, pointing to the TV. “Who is she?”
David frowned, confused by my urgency.
“That’s Kendra Lewis, sir. She’s been making headlines for a while now. Why?”
I didn’t answer. My mind was spinning. Kendra Lewis? Was this some kind of sick joke? Who the hell is Kendra Lewis?
“Find out everything you can about her,” I ordered.
David hesitated. “Sir, are you sure—”
“Do it!” I barked, and he quickly left the room.
I turned back to the screen, watching as Kendra or so gave her victory speech. Her voice was steady, confident, and filled with conviction. It was Kelly’s voice. I’d know it anywhere.
But how? How could she have built this life without me knowing? And why? But Kelly doesn't have that much power to compete in politics, especially with DC politicians. There's no fucking way that's Kelly!
I shook my head, pushing the thoughts aside. No, this wasn’t about underestimation. This was about answers.
If Kendra Lewis was Kelly, then she owed me an explanation. And if she wasn’t…