Lara’s POV

I blinked at the sunlight peeking through my curtains.

Was it morning already?

My heart skipped as flashes of last night came rushing back—Alex. The kitchen. His voice. That dark whisper.

I shivered.

A vibration startled me. My phone.

Sia: “LARA! You’re late again! Hurry, babe!”

“Shit,” I muttered, jumping out of bed.

I got ready in a blur—brushing, changing, tying my hair in a messy bun. As I rushed down the stairs, I slowed for a moment when I saw my parents sitting at the breakfast table.

They were laughing. Talking excitedly about Rose’s wedding—shopping, venues, gifts.

Not a single glance toward me.

Typical.

I skipped breakfast, like always. They never asked. I don’t think they even noticed I existed.

Outside the college gate, Sia stood waiting.

“Finally!” she huffed, crossing her arms. “I was about to call the cops.”

I gave her a sheepish grin. “Sorry. Overslept.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled. “Come on, we’ve got class.”

After college, we rushed to our part-time job at the daycare. Luckily, today’s shift was light, so we finished early.

“You free after this?” Sia asked, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

“Yeah. Why?”

“I need your fashion goddess powers. Rex is taking me out tonight!”

“Say less. Let’s glam you up,” I smirked.

We hit the mall, roaming through shops, trying on outfits, laughing like kids.

Sia picked a stunning wine-red dress, and I helped her match it with delicate silver jewelry. We lost track of time until the mall started closing.

As we exited, my steps froze.

Across the parking lot, I saw Mia.

And not just her. The entire family. They were shopping too—probably for Rose’s wedding.

I spotted Rose stepping out of a car, her expression blank. She didn’t look like a happy bride. More like... trapped.

I hesitated, then softly said, “Congratulations on your wedding.”

She gave a small nod.

Before I could walk away, the car door on the other side opened—and Alex stepped out.

My breath caught.

He walked straight to Mia, said something I couldn’t hear, his hand resting lightly on her back.

I watched them. Confused.

like the perfect married couple.

Are they in love? Or is this marriage just for show?

I only found out about their marriage five months ago—when I was forced to move back from my hostel.

And now, here I was... stuck in the same house as them.

“Hey,” I mumbled, forcing myself to speak. “Hello.”

Alex’s eyes locked onto mine.

That same unreadable expression.

No smile. Just a silent, dark stare.

I quickly turned and walked away.

Sia’s boyfriend Rex was waiting outside in his car. I gave him a quick hug.

“Hi, Rex! She’s all yours tonight,” I smiled teasingly.

He chuckled. “Thanks for the makeover help, Lara.”

After a few minutes of chatting, they drove off, leaving me alone.

I was about to walk away when I paused... something made me look back.

Alex.

Still watching.

His gaze was colder this time. Sharper.

I didn’t wait.

I turned and walked faster, my palms starting to sweat.

When I got home, I heard laughter coming from the backyard.

“Blake!” I smiled, spotting my baby brother running around with the maids.

“Didi!” he squealed and ran into my arms.

I hugged him tight. God, I missed him.

I turned to one of the maids. “Where’s everyone?”

“Sir went to office. Madam left for shopping with her sister,” she replied.

Perfect.

I played with Blake for a while until he got tired and fell asleep. The maid took him to bed, and I went to freshen up.

I came back down and cooked something simple for myself. No one else ever ate my food anyway.

After dinner, I cleaned up, tired and full.

Then I heard it—car horns. My parents were back.

I peeked from the stairwell.

Bags. So many bags. Designer labels. Jewelry boxes. Gift boxes.

They were unloading everything for the wedding.

Not one of those things was for me.

I quietly slipped back into my room, shut the door, and curled into bed.

There was a strange heaviness in my chest tonight.

Like something was coming.

Something I wasn’t ready for.

Author’s Note:

To be continued...

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