CHAPTER 4

ALINA'S POV

I sat on the three-seater couch sipping a glass of champagne in Adrian's mansion, now my mansion as well.

Finally, Celine's scent was gone. Her belongings were thrown out and her framed photos burned.

The only evidence of her existence was the faint echo of her heartbreak, which makes me smile anytime I think of it.

“You look pleased,” Adrian murmured from the kitchen doorway, holding a glass of cold water.

My lips curled up in a satisfying smile as I gradually turned my head.

“Why not? We won, right? Shouldn't that call for a celebration?” I said, twirling my long hair in celebration.

Adrian chuckled and walked towards me.

“She was never a match for me,” he whispered, lowering his head to press a kiss on my forehead.

I stood, slightly turning my face away to avoid his lips touching me.

“She wasn't. But that doesn't mean I've forgotten how long you kept me waiting.” I said, feigning a displeasing expression on my face.

Adrian's smile faded slowly.

“Come on, Alina. You know I…”

“Don't flatter yourself.” I snapped.

“You didn't choose me because you love me. You only chose me because I'm dangerous and because I know how to keep your secrets.” I reminded him.

Adrian looked annoyed.

“What do you mean by that, Alina?”

I sneered and stepped closer, whispering in his ear, “don't forget, sweetheart. I helped you hide the truth about that accident. If Celine ever finds out the accident was all a plan to get her stuck in marriage with you until you get her father's wealth, your empire, your freedom, and everything would end in a minute.”

Adrian's face turned pale. Fear was written all over him.

I smirked.

“Got you.”

“Relax,” I mumbled calmly, stroking his jaws.

“I'm not here to expose you yet. But always remember who kept your secrets safe.”

Adrian took a deep breath and heaved a sigh of relief.

“I haven't forgotten.” He said, his voice soft and smooth.

But I can see the doubt in him. As if he knows that all my smiles never touched my eyes.

For now, Celine is a major concern. I'd make sure I ruined her life the same way she unknowingly ruined mine two years ago. And I'll make sure she pays dearly for the past she thought no longer mattered.

NORA'S POV

I flipped through the bundle of cash on my bedside stool, newly stacked hundreds.

I squeezed my eyes shut as I remembered the person behind my wealth, Celine Bentley.

Poor girl, I guess she should be under the duvet now crying her heart out over Adrian's betrayal.

Well, her headache isn't my concern.

I've received my payment for loyalty and silence.

I stumbled out of the bed and gazed at my reflection in the mirror after pouring myself a glass of wine.

But something was awful; the apartment was smelling of guilt. Am I regretting my actions?

I squeezed my eyes shut to wave away the feeling of guilt, but the thought of my betrayal kept haunting me.

“You did what you had to do, Nora. She would have done the same if the reverse were the case.” I whispered to myself, heaving a sigh of relief.

But the guilt kept cutting deep into my heart.

Celine had trusted me like a sister, yet, I fed Adrian with every ounce of her secrets, every doubt, and every tear.

Well, it wasn't entirely my fault, because love means nothing when you're broke and broken.

Three years ago, I was drowning in debt. My mother's hospital bills, the house rent, and the shame of being a girl from nowhere.

But Celine, with her designer bags and daddy's money, never knew that kind of hunger.

A few days after introducing me to her fiancé, Adrian offered me a deal:

“Feed me what she doesn't tell me. Keep me updated about her and her family, and in exchange, you'll never go hungry again.”

Without hesitation, I accepted the big deal.

But now, things have changed.

The moment Celine told me how she walked out of that marriage without any belongings, I felt something foreign. A feeling of regret.

“Oops. It's 9:00 am already.” I whispered to myself when my eyes met the ticking wall clock.

I have to get ready for work!

As soon as I returned from the bathroom, my phone began to ring.

Before my hand could reach for it, the call had ended, and immediately, the phone buzzed with a message.

“What does she want?” I muttered when I saw the sender's name.

It's Alina.

“Nora, meet me now. Alone.”

I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them again to make sure that I'm not seeing double.

“What does she want again? I gave her the information she asked for, and she paid me. So what's with the message?” Different thoughts flooded my mind, but I couldn't find an answer unless I go to see her.

At the cold rooftop bar, Alina was already waiting, a red coat wrapped around her like a warrior.

“I know you're starting to feel guilty,” she said without greeting.

“Don't.” I snapped.

“You don't know what I feel.”

Alina stepped closer, her heels tapping the tiles like gunfire.

“You’re a traitor to your friend. You might as well deviate from that.”

I narrowed my brows.

“Why are we here, Alina?” I asked.

“Because Adrian is sliding. He's arrogant, and Cynthia is smarter than he thinks. If she ever finds out what happened the evening of that crash…”

“She'll throw a fit.” I concluded.

“Exactly.” Alina said with a smile.

“But she doesn't know. Or does she?” I raised an eyebrow.

“No.” Alina answered.

“But she will. Unless we control the narrative.” She added.

My mouth went dry.

“What are you saying, Alina?” I asked.

“Good.” Alina said and leaned in.

“We give her something else to chase. A new scandal. A new betrayal. Something bigger. And when her guard is down, then we finish what we started. What do you think?”

“I'm done betraying that innocent girl.” I said flatly.

Alina's lips curled up in a wicked smirk.

“Then, maybe I'll tell Celine who tipped off Adrian about her father's offshore account.

And whose silence was bought with just 10 grand!”

“You do no such thing!” I roared, standing abruptly and hitting the table with my fist.

Alina smirked.

“We're in this together, sweetheart. Whether you like it or not. So, the choice is yours to make.” She whispered and left me standing, numb and confused.

“I returned home that night, feeling as if the ground should open and swallow me up. I can't continue living this life of a snitch.

“What could this be?” I mumbled and narrowed my brows when I noticed an envelope slipped under my door.

Without hesitation, I opened it, only for me to see a USB stick labeled

“Celine, the truth.”