CHAPTER FIVE-who is she?

RACHEL’S POV

Believe it or not, anxiety is coursing through me as I think about appearing on that variety show with Leo. Yet, despite the nerves, I can't help but feel an undercurrent of excitement. This is my chance to manipulate him, to finally gain the upper hand. “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer” – that will be my mantra. I won’t let him reign at the top forever. He needs to know what it's like to be in second place, to feel the sting of being overshadowed. And I, in turn, will relish what it means to stand on the top rung.

As the driver sped through the highway, my mind raced even faster. Numerous thoughts swirled within me, a chaotic storm of  strategy. Today marks our first interview as the cast of the variety show, and we’re expected to arrive by 9:00 AM. I’ve always prided myself on punctuality, always being the first to arrive. But this time, I silently prayed that Leo wouldn’t beat me there. Being second to him, even in arrival time, would be a small but bitter defeat.

I instructed Bug to keep me updated on anything significant related to the mall – meeting changes, news headlines – especially now that all my meetings have been rescheduled to Zoom. I need to stay ahead, to use every opportunity, every piece of information to my advantage. This variety show is a stage not just for entertainment, but for my plans. I can feel a sense of inevitability, as if destiny is aligning in my favor. It’s only a matter of time before everything falls into place.

The car came to a halt at the studio where we were all going to be interviewed, and I saw the paparazzi that surrounded the entire building. Their cameras were directed toward my car, and I could feel their eagerness to see me. I put on my shades, not ready to face those lights.

One of the guards came out and opened the door for me. I stood up, fixed my posture, composed myself, and then walked elegantly into the building. Camera lights flashed from all directions, and questions were thrown at me, but I refused to respond as the guards tried to protect me. We entered the building, took the elevator, and went to the makeup room for a touch-up.

The room was filled with a pleasant scent of vanilla and fresh lilies, which immediately calmed my nerves. Two makeup artists and a hairstylist rushed to attend to me as I settled down in one of the chairs. Four other ladies were also dressing up, occasionally stealing glances at me. I couldn't tell if they were part of the cast or not.

Nonetheless, I felt relieved when one of the makeup artists mentioned that Leonardo Lugard had yet to arrive. I was excited but also worried that he might ditch at the last minute.

"Jerk," I cussed out loud, causing the ladies to exchange glances. I just waved it off with a smile.

Soon, we were done, and Drew came to check on us and have a word with me. He led me to a quiet corner in the hallway, away from the bustling preparation room. The atmosphere was tense, with a mix of anticipation.

“Do you think he is going to come?” he asked.

“Do I look like I care?” I raised my brow. I didn't care anymore whether he showed up or not. I had another plan up my sleeve and  that plan can be carried out when he actually did not show up. Just then, despite the soundproof walls, we could hear noises from outside. I already knew he was here.

“Seems like you don’t need to worry anymore,” I said, folding my arms.

After 30 minutes, we were all seated in front of the cameras, each person sitting beside their partner. The atmosphere was electric, with lights and cameras all around us. I could sense “his” presence next to me, and just the thought of his name made my blood boil.

We were asked to introduce ourselves, and when it was his  turn, he was uncharacteristically quiet. I turned to see what was going on and noticed him staring intently at one of the ladies across from us. She was dressed in an emerald green elegant gown that hugged her figure perfectly, paired with matching heels. Her makeup was subtle, with a nude palette that highlighted her natural beauty. She looked stunning.

“Wow something is fishy here” I thought, as he finally introduced himself after realizing he had been staring for too long. I wasn’t sure if anyone else noticed the charged atmosphere between them, but I did.

“Hello viewers, I am Rachel Snow, the owner of Snowmall, and as you already know, I am taking part in this variety show with Leonardo—” I paused, trying to suppress the disgust that threatened to show on my face. “Lugard as my husband,” I finally said, and heaved a sigh of relief when I got through the sentence.

After the introductions, we were handed documents to sign, formalizing our participation in the show. I couldn’t help but notice Leo sneaking glances at the lady from time to time. It was infuriating and distracting.

Once the shooting was over, I received a phone call from Cecilia, who wished me luck. Her support was a small comfort amidst everything. As I turned to head back to my mall, I saw two figures standing by the glass wall. Intrigued, I moved closer, only to recognize Leo and the lady from earlier.

“What’s going on?” I muttered to myself, moving closer to get a better look. My heels made a distinct sound on the polished floor. I quickly hid behind a corner wishing they did not see me.