Chapter 3 MASKS AND MIRRORS

Chapter Three

Serah didn't sleep.

She spent the night lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling, the ring box still on the table like a cruel joke.

By morning, she had made up her mind.

She wouldn't lash out. Not yet.

She needed proof. And more than that-she needed to know just how far James and Eva were willing to go. If they thought she was weak, she'd let them believe it... for now.

The apartment door opened around 9 a.m., and James walked in like nothing was wrong. He dropped his keys in the bowl and loosened his tie, humming under his breath.

Serah sat up slowly. "You're back early."

James froze for a split second, then turned, flashing that same charming smile that used to melt her.

"Morning, babe. Couldn't sleep at the hotel. Missed my bed-and you."

Liar.

Serah forced a small smile. "Didn't hear from you last night."

"Yeah, sorry." He kissed the top of her head lightly. "Phone died. Long day at work."

And a long night with Eva?

She didn't say it out loud.

Instead, she stood and walked into the kitchen. "I made coffee."

"God, I missed your coffee," James said, following her in. "That hotel junk is battery acid."

She poured him a cup, sliding it across the counter. "You left your ring here."

He sipped and blinked. "Ring?"

She looked him in the eyes. "The one you proposed with."

There was a beat of silence.

Then James chuckled. "Oh, that. Yeah, I-uh-took it off during a meeting and must've forgotten it. Thanks for keeping it safe."

Serah smiled softly. "Of course. Wouldn't want it to get lost."

She watched him closely.

Not even a flicker of guilt.

She changed the subject, just slightly. "Eva stopped by last night."

That got his attention.

"She did?" he asked, too quickly.

Serah nodded. "She said she was checking on me. Thought I might need a friend."

James's eyes darted to the living room. "That's nice of her."

"Very," Serah agreed. "She brought flowers."

James shifted uncomfortably. "Well, she's always been thoughtful."

Careful, James, Serah thought. You're walking into your own trap.

She leaned against the counter, her voice light. "It's strange, though. She asked me if I'd made any decisions yet."

"Decisions?"

"About the will," Serah said, watching his face. "The deadline. The marriage condition."

James kept his expression neutral, but his fingers tightened around the coffee mug. "Right. That. Must be stressful for you."

"You could say that."

He reached out, touching her hand gently. "We'll figure something out, Serah. Together."

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "You still want to?"

James blinked. "Want what?"

"Marry me," she said, keeping her voice steady.

There was a pause.

Then James smiled again. "Of course I do. I love you."

Another lie. Smooth. Practiced.

Serah gave a slow nod. "That's good to know."

The front door opened again.

Eva.

She walked in wearing a soft pink dress, her long curls bouncing, face glowing like she hadn't helped plot her sister's downfall just days before.

"Oh!" she chirped, stopping when she saw James. "Didn't realize you were here."

"Just came by to see Serah," James said smoothly. "We were talking about... everything."

Eva's eyes flicked to Serah, then softened. "You poor thing. You must be so stressed."

"I'm fine," Serah said, crossing her arms. "Thanks for the flowers, by the way."

Eva blinked. "Flowers?"

Serah tilted her head. "You don't remember bringing them?"

Eva hesitated, just a blink too long.

"Oh, right! Yes. I was so tired last night, I must've forgotten. I hope you liked them."

Serah's stomach turned.

She had caught her.

Eva hadn't brought any flowers. She'd made up that lie to see if they'd stick together. And now, she had her answer.

They were both playing her.

Pretending. Lying. Smiling like snakes.

"I loved them," Serah said sweetly. "They were... unforgettable."

James gave Eva a look. "I should get going. Meeting in an hour."

Eva walked him to the door, a little too eagerly. Her hand brushed his lower back in a way that made Serah's blood boil.

They were careless. Confidence.

They didn't think she had the guts to fight back.

When the door closed behind him, Eva turned back to Serah and gave a sympathetic sigh.

"You know... I was thinking," Eva said, sitting on the couch. "If the marriage thing doesn't work out, I'd be happy to help with the estate. I mean, I know it's yours and all, but... we're family."

Serah's voice dropped. "Would you?"

"Of course!" Eva smiled. "I only want what's best for you."

"You mean like kissing my fiancé?" Serah asked suddenly.

Eva froze.

Just for a second.

Then she let out a laugh. "What?"

Serah stepped forward. "You heard me."

"You must be exhausted," Eva said quickly. "I think you're just confused."

"I'm not," Serah said coldly. "I saw you. On the plane."

Eva stood slowly, her smile gone. "You were asleep."

"I was awake. Every second."

Silence crackled between them.

Finally, Eva's expression hardened. "Fine. So what if you saw something? James loves you. He'd never ."

"Then why lie?" Serah shot back. "Why pretend?"

Eva leaned in close, voice low and sharp. "Because you're weak, Serah. You always have been. Grandma knew it. That's why she made that stupid condition. She thought it would scare you into being strong. But it won't save you."

Serah's eyes burned.

"I'm not scared of you," she said.

"You should be," Eva whispered. "Time's ticking, sis. Three days left."

She walked out of the apartment, heels clicking like the beat of a countdown.

Serah stood still, breath shaking.

They wanted her gone. They were circling like vultures.

But she wasn't going down without a fight.

Not now.

Not ever.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

One message.

"If you want a real way out, meet me tonight. Alone. 10 p.m. -E"

Serah stared at the screen, her heart thudding.

Was this a trap?

Or a chance?

She didn't know yet.

But she was going to find out.