Chapter 3 Secrets in the Shadows

Benita stood alone in the hallway.

Her hands were shaking.

She read the message again:

> "I know who you are. Stay away from Kelvin. Or your secret dies with you."

Her chest felt tight.

Who sent it?

What did they know?

She quickly hid her phone as Kelvin returned.

"We're leaving," he said.

His voice was calm, but his eyes were cold.

She nodded and followed him out.

No more words. No more smiles.

The night had changed.

---

The car ride was silent.

Kelvin sat beside her, staring out the window.

Benita wanted to ask him something. Anything. But her throat felt dry.

Was he angry?

Or suspicious?

She looked at him.

He was so calm. Too calm.

He looked like a man used to lies.

She was starting to wonder if he already knew one.

---

Back at the penthouse, Kelvin spoke first.

"I don't like surprises," he said. "And I don't like secrets."

Benita stood by the door, hands tight by her side.

"I'm not hiding anything," she said. "I came here to play my role. Nothing more."

Kelvin stepped closer. "If someone is trying to use you to get to me, you better tell me now."

Benita met his eyes. "No one is using me."

He stared at her for a long moment. Then he said:

"Good. Because if I find out you're lying, I won't be kind."

---

That night, Benita couldn't sleep.

She sat on the edge of her bed, thinking.

Who knew her secret?

Was it someone from her past?

Someone who knew what she'd done?

She opened her old phone, the one she left at home.

There were missed calls. A message from her best friend, Tina.

> "Someone came to the house asking about you. Said they were from GreyCorp. But they weren't. Be careful."

Benita's heart dropped.

Someone was digging.

---

The next morning, Kelvin knocked on her door.

"We're going to my father's house for brunch," he said.

Benita blinked. "Your father?"

"Yes," Kelvin said. "You'll smile. You'll lie. And you'll act like we're madly in love."

Benita hesitated. "Why so soon?"

He gave her a long look.

"Because my father never believes what he sees. If he thinks you're fake, this deal ends."

---

Benita dressed in a soft cream dress. Her hair was up. Light makeup. Simple, pretty.

She stepped into the car with Kelvin, heart pounding.

"I don't know how to lie to family," she whispered.

Kelvin didn't look at her. "Then lie to me instead. Pretend I'm the one you love."

---

Cliffhanger Twist Ending:

As they arrived at the gates of a large mansion, Benita's phone buzzed again.

This time, the message was worse.

> "You think you can play rich? You can't hide forever. Tell Kelvin the truth. Or I will."

Benita's breath caught.

She looked up-and saw a man standing at the gate.

His eyes met hers.

She knew that face.

He was from her past.