Chapter 113

ALISHA'S POV

I cut her off. “I’m not going to mess anything up. I’ve got it under control.”

“You’d better,” she snapped. “This isn’t just about you, Alisha. Remember that.”

Her tone grated on my nerves. She always acted like she was in charge, like I was just some pawn in her grand scheme. But I wasn’t going to let her dictate my life.

“I remember,” I said through clenched teeth. “But don’t forget, I’m the one in the mansion right now. I’m the one Richard trusts. So maybe you should ease up on the threats.”

There was a pause on the other end, and I smirked, knowing I’d hit a nerve.

“Just stick to the plan,” Nadia said finally, her voice cold. “Don’t get any ideas.”

“Of course,” I lied smoothly.

We ended the call, and I stared at the phone in my hand for a moment before shoving it back into its hiding place.

Stick to the plan? I thought with a scoff. The only plan I’m sticking to is mine.

I walked over to the vanity and sat down, looking at my reflection in the mirror. I adjusted my hair, smiling at the thought of what was to come.

Richard was mine for the taking, and once I had him, there would be no going back.

I had barely finished tucking my phone back into its hiding spot when it started vibrating again. The persistent vibration of the phone was like an itch I couldn’t scratch.

I groaned, closing my eyes for a moment as I leaned back against the vanity.

Why can’t Nadia just leave me alone for once? I thought, exasperated. Is it too much to ask for a little peace?

The phone continued to vibrate, mocking me with its persistence. I squeezed my face in frustration, resisting the urge to throw it across the room. Instead, I forced myself to take a deep breath.

I couldn’t let my irritation show, not even to myself. Nadia would never stop calling until I answered, and the last thing I needed was for her to escalate things.

With a forced calmness, I picked up the phone again and answered. “Yes, Nadia?”

Her voice came through sharp and demanding. “Why didn’t you tell me about the wedding?”

I blinked, momentarily thrown off. “What wedding?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, Alisha,” Nadia snapped. “Richard and Tammie’s wedding! It’s happening soon, isn’t it? How could you not inform me about this?”

I clenched my jaw, biting back a sharp retort. Because I’m not your errand girl, Nadia, I thought bitterly. Instead, I softened my tone, keeping up the pretense of calm. “I didn’t have a chance, Nadia. I’ve been in the middle of people all day. I haven’t had a moment to myself.”

“You should’ve found a way,” Nadia shot back. “This is critical information. How am I supposed to stay ahead if you’re not giving me updates?”

I pinched the bridge of my nose, willing myself to stay composed. “I’m doing the best I can. And besides, what difference does it make? You already knew this wedding was coming. Does the date really change anything?”

“It changes everything!” Nadia’s voice rose, her frustration palpable. “I need to know every detail, Alisha. Every single one. Have you heard anything else? Any new developments?”

“No,” I replied curtly, my patience wearing thin. “Nothing new. And if there was, I would’ve told you by now.”

Nadia let out a huff, clearly dissatisfied. “Fine. But keep your ears open, Alisha. I need to know if anything changes. Don’t let me down.”

Before I could respond, the call ended abruptly. I stared at the phone for a moment, the silence almost deafening after Nadia’s relentless questioning.

Finally, I thought, breathing a sigh of relief as I tossed the phone onto the bed. She’s like a dog with a bone. Never let go.

I pushed myself up from the vanity and headed toward the bathroom. A hot bath was exactly what I needed to unwind after this long, exhausting day.

As I turned on the water and stepped into the tub, I let the warmth seep into my skin, washing away the tension in my muscles.

By the time I stepped out, I felt lighter, calmer. Wrapping myself in a towel, I padded back to the vanity and sat down, reaching for my brush. But as I looked into the mirror, my heart sank.

'' Oh my God! What will I do now? I'm in trouble and how can I fix all of this? What if Richard comes in now what will I do? The makeup was gone. What will I do now?''

As I thought to myself as I asked myself so many questions as I wondered what I was going to do, knowing fully well that I am in trouble.

The expertly applied bruises and cuts that had made me look like a victim were now just smudges on my face. My skin was smooth, unblemished, and completely free of the fake injuries.

“Damn it,” I muttered under my breath. Panic bubbled up in my chest. What am I going to do?

I needed those fake injuries to keep up my act. Without them, Richard…or anyone else, for that matter…would see through my charade. My mind raced as I tried to think of a solution.

Do I have the materials to redo it? I thought, scanning the vanity. Of course not. I didn’t exactly carry stage makeup in my purse.

Just as I was debating whether to sneak out and find something in the house, a knock sounded at the door.

My heart stopped.

I froze, staring at the door as the knock came again, this time louder.

Who could it be?

Panic set in as I realized I was still in my towel, my face bare and unconvincing. I couldn’t let anyone see me like this.

“Alisha?” came Richard’s voice from the other side.

My breath hitched. Of course, it’s him.

I swallowed hard, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I needed to figure out what to do…and fast.