He Knows!

Carrie’s POV

“I must say,” he mused, holding up a document, “you played the part well. Almost had everyone fooled.”

“You don’t understand Diego,” I said, trying to reason with him. “It isn’t what you think.”

Faster than I could blink, he reached for his gun

**************

I sat at the long dining table, the morning sun streaming through the large windows. Victor sat at the head of the table, sipping his espresso as he scrolled through his phone.

I tried not to look at him.

Tried not to think about the way his lips had felt on mine that day at the hot spring.

I know it happened days ago but even now, whenever I see him, my memories flood back in reminding me of the events.

My fingers tightened around my fork.

I needed to get out of here.

Out of this house.

“I’ll be out for the day,” I said casually.

Victor barely glanced at me. “Where?”

“To see my papi,” I lied, forcing a small smile.

He didn’t seem suspicious. He didn't seem to care at all.

“Take that guy with you. What's his name…Ayo.”

I shook my head. “No need. I want to surprise my Papi, I'll go alone.”

Victor studied me for a moment, looking me up and down then shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

I finished my food quickly and left the table. Upstairs, I changed into jeans and a hoodie—something plain, something simple.

By the time I stepped outside, Ayo was already waiting with the family car.

I sighed. “You don’t need to take me.”

Ayo frowned. “Victor asked me to.”

I gave him a reassuring smile. “I’ll be fine. I just want some space today, you know.”

Ayo hesitated, but eventually, he nodded.

“Fine. But call me if anything happens miss. Your father would put a bullet to my head if you ever got hurt.”

I waved him off, I walked to the gates of the mansion and hailed a cab.

As soon as I got in, I pulled off the wig and wiped away all the makeup I had on.

The driver eyed me through the mirror. “Rough morning?”

I smirked. “Something like that.”

***********

Jordan’s office was a disaster.

Papers everywhere. Drawers open.

“What the hell happened here?” I asked, stepping inside.

Jordan sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. “Break-in.” He said picking up the papers, "It appears that someone was looking for something.”

My stomach tightened. “Huh?, break-in? in a hospital?"

That didn't always happen

“What did they take?”

Jordan motioned to the printer. “Looks like our guy printed a single document. Have no idea what it was though”

I walked over and checked the machine. A record was missing.

I clicked on Jordan’s computer.

The missing file appeared on the screen: Camilla Estella – Deceased.

My blood ran cold.

I turned to Jordan. “Who broke in?”

Jordan shook his head. “I already told you I have no idea, I don't have time for silly questions Caroline.”

My mind raced.

I had to know. Who would steal the files containing details to Camilla's death. I was in real trouble.

Was someone on to me?

Wait. could it have been…

Oh no

I excused myself and headed straight to the security room.

The guard barely looked up at me as I walked in.

“The head nurse was looking for you,” I said to him, in an attempt to make him leave the room.

The guard cursed under his breath and hurried out.

I slid right into his seat, pulling up last night’s footage.

A man.

I zoomed in.

My heart stopped.

Diego Estella. Just as I thought!

I quickly deleted the footage but copied a file onto my drive.

Diego had the document.

And I had to get it back.

***********

Barely 30 minutes later, I arrived at the Estella estate, my Camilla disguise flawless.

The maid barely glanced at me.

“Your father is away, miss,” she said. “Only Diego is home.”

Perfect.

I nodded and walked upstairs, silent as a ghost.

I knocked on the door a few times, and once I didn't get a response, I slipped into Diego’s room and started searching.

Drawers.

Closets.

Nothing.

“Looking for this?"

I turned—and froze.

Diego stood in the doorway, holding the file.

I forced a smile. “You’re looking good, Diego.”

Diego’s face hardened. “Drop the act. I didn’t even need to read a damn thing in here to know you’re not Camilla, your not my sister.”

My heart pounded. I didn't think I could talk my way out of this one.

Or…I could take it by force.

I lunged towards him.

But Diego was ready.

We crashed into the dresser, sending a lamp shattering to the ground.

I grabbed a book and threw it at him. He dodged easily, his grip tightening on the file.

I aimed a punch at his gut, but he caught a hold of my wrist and twisted.

Pain shot through my arm.

“Nice try,” Diego muttered.

I gritted my teeth and slammed my head forward.

Our foreheads collided. Diego stumbled back.

I quickly went in for the file—

But Diego was faster.

A fist to my stomach sent me doubling over.

One sharp blow to my temple and I was out cold.