Chapter 3 Let the games begin

Aurora rose from her seat, her movements deliberate and calculated, exuding a dangerous calmness as she approached Blade. Her imagination ran wild with visions of slitting his throat, watching his blood spill like rivulets. But she restrained herself, aware of Blade's expertise in martial arts, honed by the best trainers in the country.

She hesitated, knowing a physical confrontation would be futile. Instead, she grabbed a nearby napkin to wipe her hands, then securely fastened the knife to its handle.

Aurora couldn't help but notice the numbness in her hands, contrasting with the searing agony in her heart. It felt like it might burst at any moment.

With measured steps, she closed the distance between them. "I had our baby, Blade," her voice trembled. "And when I needed you most, you were nowhere to be found. What were you doing?"

Blade sensed Aurora's fury and knew her usual coping mechanism was diverting herself with work. He deduced that's why she peeled the oranges herself.

"Aurora, calm down," Blade coaxed, approaching her cautiously, as one would tame a wild beast.

He gently placed his hands on hers and released the knife from her grip.

Blade's eyes locked onto Aurora's, his voice laced with conviction. "As I said before, I had to go on an emergency business trip. I didn't want to tell you about the business trip because I didn't want to scare you. Everyone knows how anxious you've been lately."

Aurora's expression remained neutral, but her mind raced. She knew Blade's words were a lie. The private investigator's report had revealed the truth – Blade's "business trip" was a romantic getaway with Claudia.

"Come on, Aurora," Blade pleaded, his tone dripping with sincerity. "I'm telling you the truth. You have to believe me. If you love me as you claim you do, then you'll forgive me."

Aurora's gaze never wavered. She pretended to consider Blade's words, her voice measured. "I want to believe you, Blade. I really do. But it's hard to shake off the feeling that you're hiding something."

Blade's face lit up with relief. "See, I told you I'm not hiding anything! You're just being paranoid."

Aurora's smile was a carefully crafted facade. "Maybe I am. Maybe I just need reassurance." She leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Help me trust you again, Blade."

Blade's eyes sparkled with triumph, convinced he'd successfully manipulated Aurora. But she was playing a calculated game, pretending to buy his lies while secretly gathering evidence to expose his deceit.

As they hugged, Aurora's mind whispered: "You're playing right into my hands, Blade. But soon, you'll realize I'm the one holding the cards."

***

It had been two agonizing days since Claudia last heard from her lover, Blade. He had been inexplicably silent, consumed by the demands of his wife and child. The memory of their last conversation still stung; Blade's anger and frustration had been palpable.

"You knew my wife was calling, but you didn't let me answer," he had rebuked her. "You hid the phone from me, Claudia. My wife just had a baby boy, and I knew nothing about it."

Claudia seethed, her resentment simmering. If only Aurora had died, her path to Blade would be clear. Her sinister plan had been to orchestrate Aurora's demise, either through emotional turmoil or more sinister means.

But Aurora's resilience was a constant thorn. Claudia's dismay deepened, knowing Blade now abhorred her.

Lost in self-pity, Claudia sat on her couch until a knock at the door broke the silence. She rose to answer it, and her eyes widened in surprise.

Standing before her was Laura, Blade's mother. The older woman's smile was warm, but her eyes betrayed a firm determination.

"Hi, Claudia. Nice to meet you," Laura said. "It's been a long time."

Claudia's curiosity was piqued. What brought Blade's mother to her doorstep? Laura's unwavering gaze hinted at a hidden agenda."

Laura's eyes blazed with determination as she stood at Claudia's doorstep. "I know your secrets, Claudia," she said, her voice low and menacing. "I've uncovered your sinister plan to harm my daughter-in-law and grandson. Your deceit is appalling."

Claudia's expression faltered, her eyes darting toward the door. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she stammered, attempting to shut Laura out.

But Laura was relentless. "Don't think you can hide behind closed doors, Claudia," she warned. "I'll bring the police to your doorstep, and my proof will speak louder than your lies. Close that door, and I'll summon the authorities immediately."

Claudia's hand hesitated on the door handle, her gaze locked onto Laura's. "What do you want from me?" she asked, desperation creeping into her voice.

Laura's smile was cold and calculated. "Let me in, Claudia, and I'll reveal the truth – but only if you cooperate. You're my pawn now, and you'll do exactly as I say."

"You'll spend the rest of your days behind bars, Claudia," Laura promised, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "But if you follow my instructions, I might just spare you that fate. The choice is yours."

Claudia's heart sank, her mind racing with the implications. She was caught in Laura's game, with no clear exit strategy.