This is just the beginning

Inwardly, I smile. I knew exactly where this was going to lead. Feigning surprise and innocence, I followed the hairdresser to Visha, who was waiting, looking furious.

"You stole my keys and my wallet," she said accusingly, her eyes burning with anger.

I raised my eyebrows, putting on an act.

-Really ? I don't see why I would do such a thing.

Visha then demanded to search my bag. I held out my bag, displaying a falsely friendly smile.

-Go ahead and search, I have nothing to hide anyway

She searched frantically, turning every pocket, every nook and cranny, but found nothing. Her eyes filled with frustration as she realized her accusations didn't hold water.

-Nothing ? That's strange, I said, a teasing smile tugging at my lips. "You can't accuse someone without proof, you know."

Visha gritted her teeth, her fury palpable.

-You... you must have hidden them somewhere.

I shrugged my shoulders.

-Maybe you should check with other people. To accuse without proof is really low."

I turned on my heel, ready to leave, but not before discreetly slipping Visha's keys and wallet, which I had hidden in another customer's bag, into my pocket.

-For ever

I did this with studied skill and discretion, taking advantage of the moment when all eyes were elsewhere.

Once outside, I found my driver, who was waiting patiently for me. I got into the car, a satisfied smile on my lips. As we walked away from the living room, I took one last look back, imagining Visha's frustration when she realized she couldn't prove anything.

-Everything went well, miss?, asked the driver, glancing in the rearview mirror.

-Perfectly, I replied with a smile. "THANKS."

The car drove away, leaving me to savor this moment of triumph. I had managed to regain control of the situation and turn events in my favor. Now I could focus on the important things, like the charity event and my future.

As the car drove leisurely towards my next destination, an idea occurred to me.

-Stop in front of the first flower shop you see please

-Okay madam

I needed to visit my deceased best friend. It was a ritual I maintained, a way to stay connected to Him and share my victories, my defeats, and everything else that was happening in my life.

We stopped in front of a charming flower shop. The air was filled with the delicate scent of roses, lilies, and peonies. I took my time choosing a bouquet, ultimately opting for white roses, a symbol of purity and respect. They had always been his favorites.

With the bouquet in hand, I returned to the car. The driver then took me to the cemetery where my friend was buried. The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft, golden light on the tombstones. It was a peaceful place, ideal for reflection and memories.

I knelt before my friend's grave, delicately placing the bouquet of flowers on the cold stone.

-Hi, I whispered, caressing the name engraved on the stone. "It's been a while. I have so much to tell you."

I took a deep breath, letting the memories and emotions wash over me. "You remember Visha, right? We always hated her, you and I. Well, today I got my little revenge. She tried to accuse me of stealing, but she didn't find anything. I managed to destabilize her, and it did me a lot of good. It's not over, but it's a start."

I smile, remembering our endless discussions about Visha and her brother, how we dreamed of seeing them fall from their pedestals. "I know you would have loved to see that. You would have laughed to see her frantically rummaging through my bag and finding nothing. It was a moment of pure fun."

The wind blew gently, stirring the leaves of the surrounding trees. I stood there for a moment, silent, enjoying this invisible but tangible connection with my friend.

"I miss you," I finally whispered, feeling tears welling up. "There are so many things I want to share with you. But I know you are there, somewhere, watching over me."