Chapter 5 One Lie Too Many

Benita didn't sleep.

Her eyes stayed open until morning. The message from Sule kept flashing in her mind.

"I can bring it all crashing down."

She had tried so hard to leave her old life behind.

But her past was catching up with her-fast.

---

By 8 a.m., she dressed and went to the living room.

Kelvin was already there, reading news on his tablet.

"You look tired," he said without looking up.

"I didn't sleep much," she replied.

"Any reason?"

Benita hesitated. "Just nerves."

He finally looked up.

His eyes studied her face like he could see through every word.

"Don't lie to me," he said. "I don't play that game."

Benita looked away. Her chest felt heavy.

She wanted to tell him.

She really did.

But if she did... would he still protect her?

---

Later that day, they went to a photo shoot. It was for a magazine-an article about power couples in business.

Benita wore a black dress. Kelvin wore a white shirt with no tie. He looked powerful, relaxed, and dangerous.

The photographer kept saying, "Closer. Smile. Look at each other like you're in love."

Benita leaned in. Kelvin's hand touched her waist.

It felt real.

Too real.

---

When the shoot ended, Benita stepped aside to get some air.

A woman walked up to her.

Tall. Beautiful. Confident. Wearing red heels.

"You must be the new fiancée," the woman said, smirking.

Benita blinked. "Yes. And you are?"

The woman smiled wide. "Sasha. Kelvin's ex. The one he actually loved."

Benita's heart jumped.

Sasha leaned closer. "Enjoy your little game, sweetheart. But don't forget-you're just filling a role. You'll never be the real thing."

Then she walked away.

---

Back in the car, Benita didn't speak. Her hands were shaking in her lap.

Kelvin glanced at her. "What did Sasha say to you?"

Benita looked out the window. "Nothing I didn't already know."

He didn't reply. But his jaw tightened.

---

That night, Benita sat on the balcony. The wind was cold.

She held her phone in both hands.

She wanted to call someone. Anyone.

But she had no one.

Tina was back home. Her brother was too young to understand.

And Kelvin... wasn't really hers.

She looked down at the street below. People moving. Living. Free.

She wasn't free.

She was trapped in a lie.

One she had signed with her own hand.

Suddenly, Kelvin appeared at the door behind her.

"You don't have to pretend when we're alone," he said.

Benita didn't turn around. "I'm not pretending right now."

He stepped closer.

For the first time, his voice softened.

"Then tell me what's really going on, Benita. I can help... if you trust me."

She turned to look at him. Her lips parted. Her eyes filled with tears.

But just before she could speak-

her phone rang.

Unknown number.

She picked up.

The voice on the line whispered:

> "You have 24 hours. Tell Kelvin the truth-or I will."