Selina's embrace tightened, and she stroked Alicia's hair, trying to soothe her pain. "Oh, Alicia, my dear, you're right. Your heart deserves so much better. It deserves to be loved, cherished, and respected. Don't let Jake's actions define your worth. You are stronger than this, and you will rise above it."
Alicia nodded slowly, taking in Selina's words. "You're right," she whispered. "I do deserve better. It's just hard to see that right now."
Selina's embrace tightened. "I know, sweetie. But you are strong enough to get through this. You've survived every difficult moment in your life so far, and you can keep doing it. You're a warrior."
"But Selina, how do you know about that?" Alicia asked with a raised brow. Selina softly chuckled.
Alicia's sight now knew that the rumors she heard about her elder sister were true - you can't hide anything from her because she will soon discover it.
Selina's soft chuckle sent a shiver down Alicia's spine. "Let's just say I have my ways, little sister," Selina said with a knowing glint in her eye. "You can't hide anything from me, Alicia. I've been around too long and seen too much. Besides, I have my sources."
Alicia's eyes widened in surprise. "Sources? What do you mean?"
Selina just smiled and patted Alicia's hand. "Don't worry about it, dear. Just know that I'm always looking out for you, and I'll always be here to support you, no matter what."
Alicia nodded slowly, starting to realize that Selina was more perceptive and connected than she had given her credit for. She felt a mix of emotions: relief that Selina was on her side, but also a hint of wariness that Selina might know more about her secrets than she was letting on.
"Don't worry, your secrets about you and Jake are safe with me," Selina said with a sly smile. "Only those who are my enemies aren't safe with me. And that's because some secrets can be their biggest weakness. Let me give you some advice, little sis: if you want to defeat a man, it's through their weaknesses."
Alicia's eyes widened in surprise, unsure how to react to Selina's words. "W-what do you mean?" she stuttered.
Selina smiled, her eyes glinting with a knowing light. "I mean that everyone has a weakness, little sis. And those weaknesses can be used against them. But don't worry, I'm not going to use yours against you. At least, not yet."
Alicia felt a shiver run down her spine at Selina's words. She wasn't sure if she should be relieved or terrified.
"But, Selina, why are you telling me this?" Alicia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Selina leaned in close, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Because, little sis, I want to help you. I want to teach you how to use people's weaknesses against them. How to defeat them at their own game."
Alicia's mind raced as she tried to process Selina's words. Was she seriously offering to teach her how to use weaknesses as a weapon? And what did she mean by "defeat them at their own game?"
"Are you saying that you use people's weaknesses against them?" Alicia asked, trying to clarify.
Selina nodded, her smile growing wider. "Oh, yes. I use them all the time. And I'm very good at it too."
Alicia shivered as she discovered the true depth of Selina's powers. Behind her calm facade, Selina was a master manipulator who expertly exploited the weaknesses of those around her. Alicia felt a chill run down her spine as she realized she had underestimated Selina's abilities. Selina's calm demeanor was a ruse, a cleverly crafted mask that concealed her talent for manipulating others. Alicia's eyes widened as she grasped the extent of Selina's influence, her mind racing with the implications. She had unknowingly stumbled into Selina's web, and now she was at her mercy.
Alicia gazed at Selina, memories of their childhood flooded her mind. She recalled how Selina would always stay away, leaving Alicia to feel abandoned and alone. But now, Selina's expression was different - it was as if she was genuinely trying to connect.
"May I know the reason for the sudden help, sister Selina?" Alicia asked, her voice laced with caution.
Selina nodded. "I know we aren't close, little sis, but can I make it up to you?"
Alicia raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Selina's sudden change of heart. "Sometimes I feel temperamentsl seeing you sinking out sometimes to explore the world with Jake made me feel jealous not seeing a good friend like Jake. But I'm glad I didn't have him as a friend to backstab me, which hurt me the most. Watching someone backstab my loved one in my presence made me go crazy, ready to make sure the person pays for what they have done. Since it was you that it happened to, I'm sure you don't want the same thing that I want for the person," Selina said, her eyes gleaming with a hint of vulnerability.
Alicia listened intently to Selina's words, trying to process her emotions. She couldn't believe that Selina was finally being honest with her, but at the same time, she was still wary of her sister's intentions. "I appreciate your honesty, Selina," Alicia said slowly. "But I need time to think about everything you've said. I'm not sure if I can trust you yet."
Selina nodded understandingly. "I don't expect you to trust me right away, Alicia. But I hope that eventually, you'll see that I'm genuinely trying to make amends and help you. I know I wasn't a good sister to you in the past, but I want to be there for you now."
Alicia looked at Selina skeptically, but she could see the sincerity in her eyes. Maybe, just maybe, Selina was telling the truth. But Alicia still had her doubts, and she wasn't going to let her guard down easily.
"I need to go, Alicia. I want you to think about what I've told you," Selina said, standing up from the bed. "Also, I've taken permission from Dad. We're going on a trip tomorrow so we can get to know each other more."
Alicia watched as Selina walked towards the door, feeling a mix of emotions. She was still trying to wrap her head around their conversation, and now a trip? She wasn't sure if she was ready for that.
"Wait, Selina!" Alicia called out, getting up from her bed. "What kind of trip? Where are we going?"
Selina turned around, a sly grin spreading across her face. "It's a surprise, little sis. But don't worry, I've already gotten Dad's permission. We're going to have some quality time together, just the two of us."
Alicia raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. She hadn't spent one-on-one time with Selina in years, not since they were kids. Maybe this trip could be an opportunity to reconnect with her sister and understand her better.
"Okay, fine," Alicia said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'll go. But don't expect me to be all cheerful and friendly the whole time."
Selina chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it, little sis. I'll pick you up at 8 am tomorrow. Be ready!"
With that, Selina left the room, leaving Alicia to process her emotions and wonder what the trip had in store for them.