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Last Updated:
2024-05-02 13:57:38
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THE LYING GAME 17
~Vincenzo~“Zeta Mancini.” I ended the call with Jade while committing the name she had mentioned to memory. It did not ring a bell. If truly she was an actress, then she was an insignificant, time-wasting one. I picked up a glass tumbler from a waitress and drank the whiskey in one go. The burning sensation of the liquid teased my throat. I embraced it as well as the feeling of satisfaction and power that surged through my bones as I looked over at the dancing entwined bodies in the large room below. I could end their fun. I could issue an order to declare the major chains of luxurious clubs in the city closed and they would have nowhere left to run wild.Rotana was home to me. And now, with my father retired, and the Russo’s cartel under my fucking command, I would finally get to own the fucking city. Not my father. Not Lazarus Russo, but I, Vincenzo fucking Russo.Marcel’s head bobbed in through the entrance. Like always, he looked impatient. I sat up in my chair, wondering why
Last Updated : 2024-05-11THE LYING GAME 18
~Jade~I could hear Kim say something, but I couldn’t take my mind off the short, corky-as-hell text messages I had received from Vincenzo in the early hours of the morning.“Leave Zeta Mancini out of it. And it’s time you get a zip-up on the distractions. Concentrate on the damn mission for fuck sake!. Tick tock!.”A girly laughter from the garden, which was only a few meters away from the open doorway, wafted through the hallway. I scrunched my brows up to see Eva and fucking Zeta Mancini, laughing loudly as they checked out dresses on long stretchers in the garden. With flowery, too-short dresses and a cup of tea in their hands, they had slowly converted the garden into a mini showroom. A handful of maids were waiting on them. I looked from Eva’s cheerful form to Zeta’s playful composed one. As if on cue, the witch turned back, looking in my direction. Our eyes met. She let out a smirk.“Goodness, Elena. You still wanna help me out with this or you wanna join them instead?.” Kim’
Last Updated : 2024-09-07THE LYING GAME 19
~Jade~By Monday, I’d made a long list of things I hated about Angel Axton.He was condescending, arrogant,… annoying. If I were to nanny him up instead of his mule-headed niece, I would get started with a lesson or ten on basic manners. Ursula dropped a tray in my waiting hands, distracting me from my thoughts. I furrowed my brows at the two tall glasses of fruit drink with ice cubes placed on the small tray.One for the brat, the other for the ex.I could get it that Eva had requested I fetch her a drink, but why did I have to wait on Zeta too? The sound of their laughter floated down the hallway. I fumbled between balancing the tray on one hand and adjusting the falling strap of my bag on the other hand. “Finally..” Zeta’s feathery voice sang as she stood up hastily from the leather couch. Her tight nude gown clung to her like a second skin. I sucked a sharp breath in as she picked a glass off the tray without warning, almost knocking down the tray if not for my quick reflexes.
Last Updated : 2024-10-10THE LYING GAME 20
~Jade~ Stepping into the crowded school cafeteria, I found Zeta.She was settled on one of the tables and eating without a single care in the world. Her eyes which had a shiny look in them squinted the moment I stepped in front of her. Sending her a sharp look, I tried to contain my irritation at how calm she was, as if there wasn't a volcano waiting to erupt somewhere.., “Where’s Eva?.” Zeta continued munching on French fries, her words flowing easily. “Don’t beat yourself up nanny, Eva’s just making up with her friends... ” She then pressed her lips together, smacking loudly before picking up another fry.“You should have stopped her!.” I snapped, wondering just how dumb the woman could be. Angel might have let the kids out on bail, but the hostility they exuded whenever they ran into Eva was enough to know what terrible choice of friends they were. “They are not her friends.” I corrected. Figuring out I would be wasting my time explaining anything to Zeta, I let my eyes
Last Updated : 2024-10-12THE LYING GAME 21
In my head, a thousand thoughts collided. How was Salvatore Axton here? When did he arrive? Wait. How does he know my name?!“You’re Elena, right? Eva’s new nanny.” He spoke again when the silence lingered, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Yes,” My brows lifted, fingers tight around the handle of my bag. “and you are?..” Better to pretend to be clueless. I didn’t want to be thought of as a stalker.“My bad.” Salvatore Axton laughed lightly. His right hand rubbed on the exposed part of his tanned, chiseled chest, where three buttons of his body-hugging, black shirt had come undone. I swallowed as I took in his appearance. Just like his brother, Salvatore was built handsomely. He had dark brown hair, wavy and full, eyes that were a lighter shade of blue compared to Angel’s deep ones, and a chiseled face that could make anyone rush to do his bidding. The fact that I had to crane my neck a little just to get a good look at him made me sum up his height to at least a six foot three. Hi
Last Updated : 2024-10-25THE LYING GAME 22
~JADE~Don't look, Elena. Don't.Despite the heat from the burning embers of coal in the lit fireplace, the tiny hairs on my arms were high on alert. I shivered at the slightest breeze, knowing fully well why the air suddenly felt so stuffy.No one wanted me at this table. Not Eva, who was currently glaring at me as she stabbed her steak a little too hard, or Zeta who had found a way to be so close to Angel that their seats were almost touching. My fingers cradled the glass of champagne on the table and just when I had finally gained control of the situation, my eyes betrayed me and I met his gaze.His beautiful deep blue eyes were dark and the slightest smirk made his lip curl as he stared from my face to the napkin his brother had passed to me a few seconds ago. Unlike most families who preferred to eat quietly, I found the Axtons did dinner quite differently. The conversation at the table had danced through Eva’s performance in school, to the family’s legal business which had be
Last Updated : 2024-10-27THE LYING GAME 23
~JADE~“You are fired!”~I could feel the pressure of Eva’s anger and for a brief second, I glanced at Angel’s cool and undisturbed face opposite me. If he had heard Eva’s declaration, he showed no sign of being offended. Even in the heat of the moment, he was still picking up dishes from the numerous servings on the table to his plate.My employment had been demanded by Angel Axton, so technically, he was my boss. The knowledge released a small weight from my shoulders but also added another. What if Eva could still fire me despite that? Was it possible? Did she have the authority to?What would that mean for my mission, revenge, and ultimate plan to retire? No. I couldn’t mess this up. I had to remain here no matter what. Nervously, my fingers wrapped around each other beneath the table. My gaze wandered from Angel to Salvatore. Unlike his younger brother, Salvatore was slightly taken aback. He looked up at his niece strangely; as if he were seeing her for the very first time.
Last Updated : 2024-11-08THE LYING GAME 24
~ANGEL~Pitch-black darkness. My lips curved on their own. The amusing smirk on Elena’s face lived rent-free in my head as I stepped into my large living space. My eyes flicker as I sense the presence of a secondary existence.I clapped twice, wincing slightly as the bright light illuminated my dark room.“You almost had me fooled there, brother,” Salvatore said from behind.Raising a brow, I turned to see him sitting by my patio with a wide grin on his face. My favorite bottle of whiskey was uncorked and he drank directly from it.I wasn't at all surprised that he had invaded my space once again. I half expected to meet him there. Sneaking into each other’s room was a bad habit we had developed as kids, and it seemed we would not be outgrowing it anytime soon.I feigned ignorance as I undid my watch and laid it down carefully. “I thought you were heading to bed?”He chuckled and rose to his feet with the bottle in tow. “You failed to include in your messages that the new nanny was t
Last Updated : 2024-11-11
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THE LYING GAME 38
“Matte, Satin, or liquid red?” Elena asked, leaning into the mirror as she flipped her hair to the side.Weekends were slowly becoming her favorite time of the week and for this one, she was willing to go all out.Her maroon dress hung three inches above her knees with a high neck in the front and a low-cut V-neck at the back that revealed the deep line running from her exposed neck to her small waist. Her makeup was light but she felt the irresistible urge to wear lipstick. “Matte. Definitely…matte.” A voice yawned in the background.Elena sighed. Grabbing the phone from the vanity table, she yelled into the speaker. “Get your lazy ass up from that bed, Ruby.”“We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”“Yes ma’am.”~A low, rhythmic clink sounded in the hallway, drawing the attention of all active staff to the woman strutting on the grounds like it was a personal runway.A bucket fell in the distance as the murmurs built up. Elena kept her chin up, her shoulders squared and her face str
THE LYING GAME 37
Elena woke up to a consistent banging on her bedroom door. Muttering long strings of curses beneath her breath, she struggled to her feet, and instantly missed the comfort of her duvet as she departed from it.Still swearing, she turned the key with more force than usual, her face contorted in a glare as she prepared to meet face-to-face with the culprit. “Eva?” She frowned, her brows lifting as she scanned the girl who looked like she had gotten straight out of bed as well.Eva was dressed in a silk nightgown and had a brooding expression on her face which worsened as their eyes met.“Can I come in? Please?” She asked, breathing heavily. Without getting a response, she barged in, moving to sit on the bed. “I’m a fucking sixteen-year-old!”Elena rolled her eyes as she walked towards the windows, pulling the drapes aside and flinching at the intensity of the sunlight outside. “Language, Eva. Now take a deep breath and tell me why I’m up from my bed early when you ain’t even going to
THE LYING GAME 36
“I heard your voice last night…”~Elena’s nails dug into the softness of her palm as she watched the girl lower herself into a kneeling position, her cotton hospital gown rumpling as she did. She couldn’t stay a word. Couldn’t breathe as she waited for Eva’s next words.“I thought I was going to die.” Eva continued, adapting into a sitting position on the cold floor as she stared into the distance with a slack expression on her face. “You know, for a long time, after my mother’s… death. I looked up to Zeta.”“She was like.. a gift. The mother who stayed. The shoulder I got to cry on. The one who I could nag to. The only person who truly…understood me.”Elena stayed quiet but her ears were wide open. Her mind raced as she tried her best not to freak out.“I was a fucking fool. I should’ve listened to you. I should never have gotten too attached.”Eva’s voice cracked. Her shoulders quaked and her voice broke.“I am too goddamn naive. I allowed myself to get deceived by the same woma
THE LYING GAME 34
“What do you fucking mean Eva got missing under your watch?!”A deep voice bellowed from behind. Elena and Salvatore looked up from the CCTV footage they were intensely watching. Turning around, they found Angel seated in his chair outside the room with a dark scowl on his face. He’d arrived at the hotel a few minutes ago, expecting to join the event, only to be greeted by the sudden news.The manager who appeared to have aged ten more years walked forward stiffly, her knees buckling as she pleaded with trembling lips and chin. “I’m sorry, Mr. Axton. I will… take full responsibility for this.”“Responsibility?” Angel snickered. A devilish grin settled on his face. “Will your goddamn responsibility find my niece?”The manager’s trembling lips parted and closed.“Thought so.” Angel’s eyes clamped tight. “Get lost!”The manager scurried off and for a second, the room stilled. Angel moved in and everything returned to normal. Unfastening his wristwatch, he handed it over to a bodyguard
THE LYING GAME 34
“What do you fucking mean Eva got missing under your watch?!”A deep voice bellowed from behind. Elena and Salvatore looked up from the CCTV footage they were intensely watching. Turning around, they found Angel seated in his chair outside the room with a dark scowl on his face. He’d arrived at the hotel a few minutes ago, expecting to join the event, only to be greeted by the sudden news.The manager who appeared to have aged ten more years walked forward stiffly, her knees buckling as she pleaded with trembling lips and chin. “I’m sorry, Mr. Axton. I will… take full responsibility for this.”“Responsibility?” Angel snickered. A devilish grin settled on his face. “Will your goddamn responsibility find my niece?”The manager’s trembling lips parted and closed.“Thought so.” Angel’s eyes clamped tight. “Get lost!”The manager scurried off and for a second, the room stilled. Angel moved in and everything returned to normal. Unfastening his wristwatch, he handed it over to a bodyguard
THE LYING GAME 33
Huge chandeliers hung above the high ceiling, illuminating the tastefully decorated hall, and casting its halos on the cheerful gathering below. Evangelina Axton’s 16th birthday gathering was marked as a private event. The media was forbidden from getting a 100 meters close to the hotel and only a selected few elites were cordially invited to grace the occasion.Elena downed her second glass of champagne as she watched Eva pace about the room nervously. Finally, she stopped in front of a full-body mirror, clasping her fingers together.Tonight, Eva appeared more mature in a baby’s breath blue evening gown and beautiful makeup. Her golden hair cascaded down her shoulders in curls and even Elena could tell how pretty she truly was.The event manager had been to the dressing room twice to announce that it was time for Eva to make her appearance, yet the girl kept postponing, saying that she wasn't ready.At the third knock, Elena stood to her feet. She picked up a clip from the dressin
THE LYING GAME 32
Elena collapsed on the living room sofa, not hiding her exhaustion any longer. Mentally, emotionally, and physically, she was drained.It had been a hectic day in school guiding Eva, who was not only nonchalant about her projects but too stubborn to take corrections as well.Somewhere, deep down in her heart, she wondered if perhaps Eva belonged to a secret coven of nanny-frustrating wards. It wouldn't be a surprise if she was. At least, it would make it easier to understand her witchy- bitchy attitude.Zeta’s disappointment had not only made her morning harder, but it had frustrated the rest of her day and right now, it made Elena mad that the silly woman had been sick at home while she had been at the receiving end of Eva’s foul mood.“Eva?” A familiar voice called out from the doorway, and Zeta suddenly appeared, making Elena frown.Was she not supposed to be… sick?Scanning around the room and settling on Elena, the smile on Zeta’s face froze and the expression on her face turned
THE LYING GAME 31
Long, slender legs, fitted into red-hot stilettos, moved elegantly past the corridors, and into the private elevator.The lift halted at the top floor with a ding, and Zeta Mancini stepped out into the hallway. Her entire figure was wrapped in a big, brown fur coat, and her smooth face was beaten into a sleek perfection. Reaching the doorway where she had been barely thirty minutes ago, she placed a hand in between the door frame and retrieved a slipper preventing the door from coming together with her free hand.As she entered, it protested with a click, locking her in. She walked carefully into the quarters, finding her way to its large bedroom.Her pulse was pounding somewhere in the 160 range, but despite her pounding heart, there was a fluttery, empty feeling in her stomach. The bedroom door was slightly ajar; just the way she had left it earlier. It was a good sign. She hoped. At least it meant no one else had come in after she did. A commanding presence filled the room the
THE LYING GAME 30
4:28 A.M.Beads of sweat ran down the deep middle line of Elena’s small back, denting through her light workout vest.Her hands, which had been extended in continuous repetitions for the past thirty minutes above her crouched knee, trembled as she collapsed on the cold floor and reached for her phone. At exactly 4:30 A.M, the phone vibrated. Looking at the familiar number on the screen, Elena picked it up on the third ring and held it up to her ear.“So what?” Vicenzo’s impatient voice filtered through. “Has this whole operation been a total waste of my time or not?.” Elena rolled her eyes.With the events the night before concerning the lighter case and the invitation, they were truly making progress. But, thinking about the unsolved relationship between the two silver cases, she took a deep breath and responded in a robotic tone. “I received an invitation from Angelo last night. His painting of me has been nominated for an award. He wants me there with him, to receive it.”There
