2 - The Second Male Lead

The moment I realized that Ivanoff is the one I just saw, I hurriedly ran to my walk-in closet and searched for an emerald necklace in the jewelry drawer, but I’m confused that it’s not here. That’s quite impossible because Ivanoff is already here at the Mansion of Meras.

I frustratedly closed my eyes and tried to refresh what I’ve read on the book on where Victoria put the necklace. From what I know, that emerald necklace is the most expensive jewelry she got out of all the auctions she went to so she won’t just put it where other jewelries are.

My eyes suddenly landed to a flower vase placed at the corner. I then remembered that there was a part of the story wherein Rosan almost hit that vase and Victoria got so angry. Because of that, I went to the vase and tried to grabble it to find out if there’s a secret button or something like that, but I didn’t find anything. I even lifted it to see the bottom but there’s really none. What I’m confused about is why this rose in the vase still has thorns. I was suspecting it, so I grabbed it quickly, reason for my hands to bleed.

Suddenly, I heard a click that sound like an unlocked door. Just a few second and Victoria’s door opened, and her closet halved. There became a small way at the corner. I happily smirked at how smart I am. Come to imagine that, huh. The secret door wouldn’t be unlocked unless it’s her blood. She used a blood lock instead of secret buttons that I usually see on movies. Hmm, I’m just wondering why this wasn’t mentioned in the story? Good thing that I paid attention to every small detail of the story.

It was an easy-peasy for me to find the emerald necklace now that I’ve opened the secret door since it is in a glass box. I am so mesmerized because of its beauty. No wonder why Victoria bought it even though it costs as much as buying a mansion and an island. It can’t be compared to the other jewelries she owns. The thing is—this necklace belongs to the late mother of Ivanoff. It is a family heirloom of the Wests. That is why Ivanoff is here, disguised as one of the Mera’s bodyguards.

He’s not recognized by Victoria’s family because he has never shown himself to the public nor attended any of the celebrations regarding the four territories because he has no interest on such things.

To make it clearer, there are four territories that is leaded by each famous clan. They’re like royals, and each territory has a symbol. First, the North which is leaded by the Gonzales. Yes, Nixon Gonzales, the main lead. It’s reasonable that North is the most influential and strongest territory since Nixon, the main character, leads it. They’re symbol is Sapphire. Next is the South, which is leaded by the Fuegos, the biological family of Rosan, the female lead. But at the start, Rosan didn’t knew it because she grew up in an orphanage and destiny lead her path to a mansion to be a maid. Right now, Fuegos believe that their only daughter already died. What they don’t know is that Rosan will soon apply as a maid for the Meras. But of course, I wouldn’t do what Victoria did to Rosan just like what’s written on the book that she maltreated her badly. Like duh? That’s one of the reasons why the death sentence to Victoria became that harsh. Geez! And by the way, Fuego’s symbol is Amethyst.

The next one is the East, wherein Meras lead, the family of Victoria which has a ruby symbol. The last one is the West that is ruled by the Suarez Clan which is symbolized by Emerald. If we would rate all of them, the leading territory would be the North that is ruled by the Gonzales, followed by South, and then East, and lastly, West.

At first, Mera Clan was at the bottom, but because of the bloodshed that happened between the clans for territories, they acquired one of Suarez’s territories, that maybe became one of the reasons for Victoria’s accident. In order to make the territory stronger, you’d need to invade some part of territories above yours until you progressively put them below. The only rule in their crazy territorial game is that the ones above can’t invade the lower ones. For instance, North is prohibited to invade South because it’s lower than them. So, all these territories in lower line are the ones who kills each other, really. Hahaha! How unfortunate. To be on top, they’re willing to kill each other. Just why can’t they be contented on what they have? Tch.

By the way, I need to give the emerald necklace to Ivanoff, because he’s one of Nixon’s allies to kill Victoria. The reason of Ivanoff is this necklace of his mom. Based on the story, Victoria didn’t give it to him mainly because it’s her most valuable jewelry among her collection, or probably the most expensive item she has. But since I'm not Victoria, I'll give this to him so that he will not become Nixon’s ally. Hehe. As they say, two is better than one, so I wouldn’t let it come to the point that they will join hands just to kill me. Ahhhh! As much as possible, I will try to impress him and be on his good graces, like what I’d do to Rosan. Because at the ending of the story, North, South, and West joined forces to clear the Mera clan. Because of Victoria’s choices, her family was affected, and I won’t let that happen while I’m here.

I then got the necklace and left my walk-in closet. I hid the box under my pillow then called a maid.

"Yes miss?"

"Can you call Sir Ivan here," I commanded but she just stared at me.

"Sorry miss we can't do that," answered the maid that maid me confused.

"Why?" I asked.

"That's the rule of the house miss. Outside personnel can't enter the mansion without permission from the jefe."

“Ah, okay. Then just come with me. I’ll go to him,” I answered and prompted to go out when the maid stopped me.

"I'm afraid you can't do that too, miss. You can't also talk to outside personnel," she answered. I hardly closed my eyes out of frustration and told her to go. How am I able to give him the necklace? Argh! Geez this house rules.

As what I know, Nixon will become Victoria’s bodyguard because Victoria did something that put her into trouble. But since the story hasn’t started yet, it means that the recent accident is not that “trouble”. So, it means that there’s another one? What again did Victoria did that time? Ah! She sneaked out of the mansion and partied in a night club with her friend. Yes! Right! That is what I’d do.

I grabbed my phone and called the number of Victoria’s friend, Heilee.

[Tori! You called?]

"Hey, Lee. Let's hit the club tonight."

[No problem, but you're still under recovery after the accident, right?]

"That's why I have a favor to ask."

[Sure, sure. Just for our little Tori. What is it?]

"Can you fetch me up? I’ll just sneak out of here. I'm bored as hell here. I need to party and had some booze," I answered like how Victoria would really say. Hailee giggled on the other line.

[Sure, see you tonight, Tori.]

I smiled and punched the air out of joy. Alright! Everything’s going according to plan. As long as Nixon and I’s path won’t meet, it probably would be okay if I adjust the story a little. I need to make a mess so Ivanoff would become my bodyguard and so I could also give him this necklace. By that, I will lessen the chance of Victoria’s death.