Chapter 3 The Game Begins

CHAPTER 3

Paula's POV

The sun was barely up, but my mother's voice already filled the house screaming my name "Paula! You need to clean your room! What have you been doing all day?"

I rolled my eyes, still lying in bed, wishing I could deafen my ears. "Why don't you just leave me alone? I'm not your maid!"

"Excuse me?" She stormed into my room, hands on her hips. "You think you can talk to me like that? I do everything to provide for you!"

"Is that why you left me and Dad when we needed you?" I shot back, feeling bitter "You think living with Andre is your golden ticket or something?"

She frowned, her lips twisting in anger. "Don't even start with that. Andre is a good man! He's giving us a life I couldn't have otherwise."

"Giving us a life? Or giving you a life of luxury you didn't earn?" I spat, standing up to face her. "You think that makes up for everything?"

"Paula, I am trying to be the best mother I can be! It's not easy!" she yelled, her voice echoing off the walls.

"Easy for you? You left us! You were never there!" I slammed my door behind her as she exited, shutting out the chaos.

I leaned against my door, breathing heavily. I thought I could finally find some peace, but that thought was shattered when I heard laughter coming from the living room.

Curiosity peeked through my anger, so I tiptoed out to sneak a glance. I stopped in my tracks when I saw them. My mom and Andre were cuddled together on the couch, their faces too close.

"Andre, you're so handsome," my mom purred, leaning in closer.

I felt a knot in my stomach as they shared a laugh. "You know you're even more beautiful." Andre replied, a smile softening his features.

I turned my head slightly, trying to see better without them noticing me. But then I saw it. My mom brushed her fingers through his hair, her eyes sparkling.

My heart raced, and I felt something deep inside me reel. Jealousy? Anger? I couldn't tell. How could she be so affectionate with him, acting like she hadn't just spent the morning yelling at me? Also, why was he all over her? How could he

"Why don't we go somewhere private?" she whispered, her voice husky.

I couldn't take it anymore. I burst into the room, fury boiling over. "What is going on here?"

They jumped apart, guilt flashing across Andre's face while my mom quickly tried to compose herself. "Paula!" she exclaimed. "This isn't what it looks like!"

"Really? Because it looks like you're trying to get down with him while you're still in mourning for my father!" I shouted, fists clenching at my sides.

"Don't talk to me like that!" she yelled back, fury reflected in her eyes.

I stepped forward, driven by anger. "Why don't you just stop pretending for once, Mom? You think you toy with men's feelings, and they won't reject you later?"

"Watch your mouth, you little brat!" she hissed.

In a moment of rage, she swung my arm, hitting me across the face. The pain stung as I glared at her.

"Maybe this is all your fault!" I yelled, breathless. "Maybe you're the reason Dad is dead! You were busy trying to find some rich guy instead of taking care of your family!"

Her expression shifted from shock to disbelief. "How dare you say that?!"

"I dare because it's true! I'm sorry I'm stuck with you!" I stormed out of the room, the taste of anger still heavy on my tongue.

As I walked down the hallway, my mind was racing. I had always blamed her for Dad's death, but now it felt like there was a way to show her what it really meant to be abandoned. If she could take what she wanted from me, maybe I could do the same to her.

That night, as I lay in bed, I had an idea What if I played a game with her? What if I took my mother's happiness from her just like she had taken my father?

It was decided then, I was going to take her man and the source of her happiness and make him mine. She was going to grovel for it.

The next day, I observed Andre , trying to figure out how to get close to him without revealing my intentions. He was always in the living room, reading or watching TV when I got home from school.

Maybe I should try being sweet to him, maybe even flirty. That evening, I walked into the living room when he was alone.

"Ermm.. Hi?" I said, adopting a soft voice. "How was your day?"

He looked up in surprise, giving me a charming smile. "You're asking me?"

"Ye–yes?"

"Why?"

"Because I want to try being nice?!" I glared and he chuckled.

"You look like steam is about to come off your head. Calm down and I'm just relaxing, Paula. How was school?"

"Boring, like always," I replied, leaning against the doorway. "You know, I've been thinking about what you said the other day. About how you care about me. I'm really sorry that I blew you off. I've been feeling so down lately."

"Of course I care," he said, his brow furrowing slightly. "You're part of my family now."

"Right," I said, stepping closer. My plan was to soften him up. "You're really nice to me, you know? Mom doesn't always treat me well."

"Parents can be tough sometimes and she loves," he replied, trying to sound understanding.

I noticed how he shifted in his seat as I moved even closer. "Yeah, but you always seem to look out for me. Why is that."

I could see him hesitate, and it made me almost smirk. It was working. Andre shifted again, looking a little uncomfortable .

Just then, my mom called out from the kitchen. "Andre! Are you coming to help me with dinner?"

"Just a minute!" he called back, his gaze returning to me. "Paula, you should really help your mom."

"Maybe," I said. "We'll talk later?"

He stared at me as I shifted in my seat again then said, "Let's finish this conversation later, okay?"

"Sure," I replied casually but knew I had to kick things up a notch. I didn't care if I was going too fast. I had to get him falling as soon as possible.

The next time I saw him alone, I decided to wear one of my best outfits and it was a bit–revealing but the more that showed, the better. "Hey, Andre," I greeted.

"Paula! You look nice," he said, his eyes widening as he took me in.

"Thanks! I was just wondering if I could go somewhere or do something but I don't want to go alone or with my mom. Eugh."

"Uh, what do you have in mind?" he

"Maybe we could watch a movie together?" I suggested, leaning in a little more, playing my cards right.

"Sure, I suppose that could be nice," he replied, though I could see him glancing toward the kitchen.

Then, just when I thought I had him right where I wanted, I heard my mom's voice from the hallway. "Andre! Dinner's ready!"

The moment shattered like glass. Andre looked torn, and my stomach twisted with frustration. Why did she have to fucking ruin everything?!

"Guess I have to go," he said, standing up. "Let's continue this later?"

I forced a smile, but inside I seethed. "Yeah, later," I said, watching him leave, feeling like I had missed my chance.

The next few days were beginning to look like a dud. Just as I made progress, my mom would decide to swoop in, stealing attention away. Once, I walked in right as she kissed him on the cheek. My heart sank, that familiar jealousy stirring again.

"Paula, you're back!" she said cheerfully, trying to act all innocent.

"Yeah," I replied with a tight smile. "Just wanted to see what you were both up to."

"Oh, just talking." Andre smiled, but I felt the distance in his words as he stared at me instead.