Chapter Five

If the opponent knows everything about you, then you are already losing. That is how things will always be in friendship, love, and war.

Sierra and Alek's situation is unique: living under the same roof, sleeping on the same bed, and being tied with marriage by someone who is almost but not quite an enemy. 

The blurry line between a suspect and a criminal is evidence, and both of them don't have one yet. At this rate, it will be a contest of who catches the other first. The second contest would be how big damage it can cause.

Sierra caught Alek's reflection in the mirror. He made an effort with his quiet steps as he walked towards her, careful not to make any sound.

“Good morning!” Alek kissed Sierra's cheek in surprise. Contrary to what he was expecting, Sierra didn't budge at first. She didn't even stir. She was still steadily holding the cup in her hand, and not a drop of coffee dripped from it.

This time, she didn't turn a blind eye. If Alek wanted to see Sierra's true color, it would be a wish she'd be more than willing to grant. Inclusive in this package is the interest in the damage he caused, of course.

She placed a hand on her chest. The late reaction was an indirect mockery of his failed attempt to surprise her. "You surprised me." She pulled Alek for a quick kiss on the lips before giving a cunning smile. 

"Good morning, too, my love," she whispered while her lips lingered on his.

Both of them sat at the table on their patio, enjoying the sunrise view by the beach.

Sierra's hair moved swiftly as the cold morning breeze passed. Alek was lovingly looking at his wife.  Sierra’s simple beauty can be described as a face that deserves a second look, maybe three or even more. Her elegance and grace come so naturally with how she moves. She tried not to stand out and blend in with everyone, but that didn't remove what made her look exquisite.

Her coffee was getting cold, but she took a sip carefully. "How was your day at work?"

"Nothing new. Same old, same old. I try to maintain being on the good side of my boss so he wouldn't and couldn't say a thing for our trip."

A lie, but despite knowing so, Sierra listened with her naive glowing eyes. Her pinky lightly tapped the teapot.

What’s worse about knowing the truth is pretending it’s still a lie.

"Don't get me too excited, my love. I might go ahead and start packing right now."

Alek laughed. Her instinct immediately doubted the sincerity of his reaction, analyzing his every move. "You can expect. I promise you, this will happen."

"You have to or else-" She mixed her warning with a touch of tease. "You don't want to see me pissed, husband."

"I can't imagine seeing you angry. I don’t think I’ve seen you really furious."

"Not seeing me angry doesn't mean I can't get angry. I can be capable of things you have never seen me do." She reminded.

"Angry or not, I will love you the same, my sweet, sweet wife."

What a ridiculous thing to say. Sierra may have married him without knowing him fully, but it was the same for Alek. Is he just pretending to be clueless, or does he really believe he knows everything?

In the end, being clueless might be better than knowing what she can do. Too bad it's already too late to back off.

"By the way, I was doing some finalizing and cleaning up after the wedding. You know me, I tend to get obsessive over important paperwork. It’s almost like a disease."

"What do you mean?" He was quick to ask.

Apologetically smiling, Sierra softly caressed Alek's hand. Her lips quivered in regret. "I actually have a confession to make."

"What?" His back straightened, anticipating Sierra's words. Just like how she wanted her to be, panicking but trapped.

"I lost the marriage certificate."

The coffee dripped a little and almost slammed on the coaster.

"But don't worry. I processed another one. Actually, they encountered a problem, but it's okay now. They acknowledged the mistake, and I might have made a scene if they weren’t being nice about it. I made sure everything was okay."

Alek was panicking. It isn't visible with one quick glance, but Sierra examined his eyes. She could tell that even when he was sitting still, the lack of expression was a front for something else.

"And I made sure we will stay married. You don't need to worry about a single thing. All you have to do is stay by my side. I got this."

The flowers were blooming from Sierra's point of view. As long as everything is according to her plans, then there is nothing to complain about.

She has time, and she has no hurry to come home. Indie said her mother knew about this but hadn’t said a word. She can play a little longer, then. She will wait for Alek to say something… anything. Maybe a confession before she has caused damage and it’s too late for an apology? He can kneel, and she would spare Alek his life. That would be the dream scenario.

For now, a lot of planning has to be done to achieve it. Sierra is the only person in her family who would rather fight her battles without violence. Ironic how she grew up witnessing violence like a kid’s TV show but ended up becoming a pacifist- for only a certain time period. Once the trust is broken, the enemy will surely regret tapping her inner evil.

"What do we have here?" She asked, looking at the perfectly wrapped white box on the table. Looking closer, a couple dressed as bride and groom are on the cover.

It is a wedding gift for her. For her only. 

'Problem solved. Thought you might need this soon, Aki. Congratulations  -I.'

Unable to wait for that 'soon' that card refers to, she impatiently unwrapped the gift messily.

Her naughty laugh echoed around the four corners of the room. The door was still locked upon double-checking. Carefully stacking the bills on her table until there was nothing left but a gun at the bottom of the gift.

Totally unnecessary but still appreciated. Thank you very much. Sierra thought.