Who really is Keith

Elliot's laughter faded as he turned, his eyes locking with mine, and the room became tense. "Cora, in our world, survival is an art, and sometimes we must paint with dark colors," he said, his voice a low murmur only I could hear. "But no, I did not send anyone to harm you. Why would I sabotage my plans?"

His words hit me and I was breathing rapidly. I wanted to believe him, but he only left me with doubt. "Then who did?" I pressed my voice barely above a whisper.

Elliot stepped closer, the scent of his cologne mingling with the floral arrangements that adorned the room. "That, my dear, is the question we should both be seeking the answer to," he replied, his gaze never leaving mine. "For now, let's focus on today, it's such a happy day. We shouldn't ruin it with something like this, he said and laughed.

“Sweetheart, what are you still doing waiting here? Your father is waiting for you. My mum interrupted and I was happy she did.

The event kicked off and I walked alongside my father with a smile. The guests sat, unaware of nothing. They just clapped and cheered me on. Laughter and music echoed through the hall and Keith stood beside the priest in his dashing suit.

The ceremony concluded with a beautiful display of fireworks that lit up the night sky, symbolizing the union and the bright future ahead. Guests began to depart, their hearts light and spirits high from the festivities.

Still dressed, I saw Keith talking to some people. It felt like he was giving them instructions. I approached him before he got busy again.

“Keith, do you have a moment?” I asked, my voice soft.

Keith looked up, his eyes meeting mine with a gentle understanding. “Of course, Cora. What happened?”

I hesitated, the earlier conversation with his father was weighing heavily on me. “I… I’m. I thought about it myself again and took his hand instead. I wanted to ask what time we'd leave.” I said.

Keith nodded and offered me a comforting smile. “Soon, I need to take care of something first”

“Alright, I replied and stood at a side. Some minutes later, a black sedan car hooked its horn at me and Keith walked out of it.

“What's happening? I lowered my voice and asked him, as silent as I could.

“Don't you feel suffocated? I'm sure you want nothing more than being out of that wedding dress, he joked and took my hands into his.

We walked side by side to the car and I saw my mum teary. My father had her in his hands and comforted her.

“Give me one second, I need to say goodbye to my mother, " I said. I ran and hugged her in tears. She told me to be a good girl and do as Keith wants so he would help in the merger. I went into the car and he drove off.

“I didn't expect you to be a crybaby, " he teased and pointed a tissue to me.

“Please, don't look at me, " I said and looked out of his car's window. It was humiliating enough for him to see me in tears. I didn't know where we were headed to and decided to ask. “Where are you headed to?

“My house, " he answered and brought out an expensive cigarette from his car drawer.

“You smoke, I inquired, not sure whether to be impressed or shocked.

“What did you expect? He said and offered me one. Do you want one? Or you don't smoke? “It might help calm your nerves,” he said, his voice gentle.

“I don't and I'll pass, " I said and pushed back the cigarettes to him with my hands. He lit it instead and began to smoke. The car was filled with smoke and I coughed not being able to inhale it.

The car journey was short, and soon we arrived at Keith’s house. It was big and it was seated in between the woods.  The moon cast a soft glow over the garden, creating a serene atmosphere. The environment was silent and all I could hear was the singing of birds.

Keith led me inside and opened the door wide for me. “This is where I live,” he shared, as he showed me around. The house was simple but well-kept, with wooden floors.

In the living room, a large window looked out onto the garden, the moonlight cast its shadows that danced across the floor. “ Are you impressed?” he asked.

“It would be a lie if I wasn't,” I said and sat on the cushion next to me.

“Let me show you to your room, " he added and I followed. We went through a dark corridor and he opened a door with a key card.

“Oh my God, this is so big, " I exclaimed and covered my mouth with my hands. This isn't bad.

“I'll leave you to it. Take a shower and be at the table in 30 minutes. Dinner should be ready” He said and left me to admire the beautiful room. I stepped into the bath and took a cold shower. The water felt good, it made me hum my favorite song. I got dressed and applied a little makeup on my face before leaving the room.

At the table, Keith was nowhere to be found.  “Keith, I called but he didn't respond.  Are you in there? I said and walked along the corridor he showed me. I saw a door half open and went inside.

“Are you here? I carefully peeped around before I entered. It felt like a study and he had books piled up on his table.

“I didn't think he was the study type” I chuckled to myself and surveyed around. Then I saw an oddly familiar envelope. Where have I seen it from? I tried to remember and struggled with my brain. Then I remembered, it was the same one he collected from his driver on the day of the exhibition.

“What could be in it? I wondered and walked towards it to pick it up.

“Drop it down, Keith showed up from behind me and roared.

“Finally, you show up. Been calling your name and no response has come. Where have you been? I asked, pointing the envelope at him. This is the same right? I added.

Keith walked towards me and aggressively snatched the envelope from my hand. “Didn't your mother teach you not to touch things that don't belong to you? He hissed.

“What? My eyes lit first in shock and anger. I turned his body to face me and saw a scar on his face. We had seen each other before the wedding and there wasn't a scar on his face. “What's happening?? I pondered.

“Wait, you're not Keith, are you??