Chapter Four

Love can be the most wonderful feeling. People can try and argue or deny. However, the counter-argument of the person in love will overpower any statement. That bliss comes with the thought of a lifetime companion. Just a thought because no matter how in love a person is, marriage is still a gamble. The endorphins remind anyone of the price, but the same feeling makes you forget about the possible loss.

First of all, to minimize this risk, it is essential to know who you are dating. Some would fall short in this area… Sierra included.

"Why do you have a bandaid in your hand?"

Her grip on the knife tightened. She smiled and tried to loosen the tightness in her jaw too. "Got a little clumsy in the flower shop."

"Is it okay now?"

Her pain tolerance is incomparable to anyone, a secret she doesn't usually share. She faked a flinch in between their meal for his act to be believable.

"Have you thought about the vacation?" Alek excitedly asked her.

She admits. Alek is a great actor. He is charming, and he uses this charm well. 

"Are you sure?" She hesitantly touched his cold hand. She noticed how he flinched for a split second. "Because I wouldn't mind staying at home with you."

"I feel sorry enough that we didn't have a grand wedding or a honeymoon. You deserve this, my love."

"I'll think of a place, then."

Love blinded her. Now that her eyes were wide open, the tiny details of how he fooled her through misdirection were easier to notice. A fool no more.

Sierra washed the dishes after cooking for his husband, who seemed stressed working at the office. Hell knows the specifics. She usually doesn't complain. This time, her frustration made her more sensitive.

Sierra and her anger issues are an untouched sensitive topic for Sierra and anyone around her. She would often get teased by her cousins when they were younger. Often told that the prettiest flower has the sharpest thorn. She was the lovely flower who was pleasing to look at and pleasant to be with. Totally trusting with anyone. Although her innocence caused inconvenience for her more than she would admit.

Alek was already in the living room. His eyes were closed, but his breathing was fast. What could he possibly be thinking? Is that how he plots his plans?

"You surprised me-"

Before he could even say more, Sierra covered his mouth with her lips, moving hungrily in the motion of desire.

"Wow," he commented when they separated to catch their breaths.

She didn't notice before how his eyes, when looked closer, were filled with pretensions. Was he just faking his love and enjoyment when he was with her then?

Alek was lying down when Sierra sat on top of him, directly on his crotch. His hardened member was proof that the lust wasn't fake. Maybe it was the only real thing between them.

Freeing her mounds, she smirked as Alek's mouth parted.

She was focused, and she wanted to do what she was doing. It’s because of the desire. The desire to drive her husband crazy and to enjoy the momentary pleasure. She moved faster, grinding harder. 

"My love," she sighed. Feeling her own temperature rising. "From now on, I'll take control."

She can wallow in self-pity or cry when left alone, but this is not the move Sierra wants to take next. She will find out why Alek is lying, and this has to be done fast before he finds out about her secret… or does he already know?

She felt chills all over her body. Since Sierra was just a little kid, she was already taught never to trust anyone- stranger or not. With her naive personality, this rule was hard to follow. In the end, Sierra would still admit that it is a helpful tip. 

Connecting with her and gaining her trust might be an easy task, but those who made the mistake of breaking her trust could never meet her gaze again. Simply because she goes crazy and over the top when it comes to revenge.

Alek was finally asleep. She made sure he would get tired of all the lovemaking they did.

She called a number using a spare phone. No one can be heard on the other line. Upon checking, the call was already answered.

Sierra tried not to laugh when loud banging sounds were heard in the background. Gunshots from a shooting range, she guessed.

"You have to be better at lying," she commented. She looked at the door to check if it was still closed before moving on to another area where she couldn't be heard, eyes on the door for any sign of Alek waking up.

"Are you not going to speak to me?" This time, there's no longer a background sound. Probably because it was muted. "Make sure to hit the center of the target. The center. You need to train harder before they notice your weakness."

"That was fully intended." The woman from the other line finally answered. Indie’s tone lacks emotions, and she almost sounds like a machine. "I wanted to make sure that it is you who's calling."

Sierra smiled. The extra precautious step can sometimes be seen as unnecessary. This doesn’t matter when it comes to their family. Indie is probably her most trusted relative, and she misses her so much. The bond they shared growing up together was so special.

"I'm sorry for not letting you know where I have been."

"We know where you are."

"What?" How could that happen when she didn’t notice anyone following her? Or even trying to contact her? One of Sierra’s biggest fears was what if someone tried to stop the wedding, which obviously didn’t happen. When Sierra was made to believe everything was going well according to her plan, she was being fooled that she had mastered the escape game.

"We also know you got married."

"Even Mama?"

Indie let out an arrogant snort. "Little Rose, you have so much to learn. You try to run or hide, but you'll come around and come back."

This type of arrogance irritated her. Growing up, she didn’t have the same confidence and belief, making her feel out of place. Oh, all those judging looks behind the kind smiles they show them. She is very much aware of everything.

"Are you belittling me?" She whispered with a slight pause after saying every word. A dangerous warning for anyone who hears.

"No, no. Far from it. You know I would never do that. Not to you."

"I need you to do something for me."

"Sure. Of course."

Sierra walked to the bar counter and grabbed a wine glass and a red wine. "I am about to cause a small trouble. Can I count on you for this?"

"Definitely. You know that's my area of expertise. And you may have forgotten, but that doesn't change the fact that you are still my boss."

"You already know I'm married. I want to make sure that I will stay married. I'll send you the details over email."

"Noted."

She took a sip of the red wine. The sweetness and slight sting of alcohol hit her throat.

"Don't tell anyone," she warned.

"Consider it done, boss."

"I'm about to find out if someone owes me, and if they do, I will make them pay threefold." Sierra traced the ring on her finger. 

"You try to hide your thorns. I know it's still there, Aki. Hidden but sharp like it always has been."