The choice is mine

Nancy and Kate sat in the pews, their voices hushed as they spoke of a girl who had stirred trouble in their community.

"All the news is about that devilish girl," Nancy said, her tone laced with disdain.

"I wish she was still here; we would have taught her a lesson," Kate replied, her fists clenched in determination.

Just then, Selina entered the church, a smirk on her face that hinted at mischief.

"Your wish has been granted, sisters," she announced, a glint of mockery in her eyes.

Mary, sitting nearby, shot her a disdainful look. "How dare you come into a sacred place like this? Devils are not allowed in churches."

"I am not here to pray, and I don't go to church either. I am here to kill you three, and then I'll leave," Selina declared with seriousness.

The nuns erupted into laughter, their mockery ringing through the hallowed space. "Kill us?" they echoed, amusement lighting their faces.

"Let us see you try," Nancy challenged, her bravado unwavering.

Selina, undeterred, reached for a full-face respirator and put it on. "Forgive me for my reeking attitude, but I forgot to buy you one."

"Why would we need that?" Kate asked, confusion replacing her bravado.

"You don't, only I do," Selina replied cryptically.

With a swift motion, she released hydrogen sulfide into the church. The laughter faded as alarm crept into the nuns' expressions.

"What is that? What are you doing?" Nancy gasped, eyes widening.

"Let's just say I'm leaving a mark. Say hi to the police officers for me," Selina said, her voice smooth and carefree.

"What is this lunatic talking about? Haven't you learned your lesson?" Mary shouted, panic rising.

The nuns began to choke and gasp for air.

"What...?" Nancy struggled to ask.

"What is it?" Kate wheezed.

"Poisonous gas," Selina answered, a sinister satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.

"W-what gas?" Mary stammered.

"Hydrogen sulfide. Miss Lizzy told us back in high school that it's dangerous. Once inhaled, it causes severe harm," Selina explained, her voice dripping with delight.

"This is madness," Kate murmured, fear etched across her face.

"I know, right? I guess I am truly what they say I am," Selina replied, her smile widening.

"You... need..." Nancy gasped, her strength fading.

"Help, I also know that. Have fun, nuns," Selina taunted, turning on her heel and exiting calmly, leaving the nuns struggling for breath.

At Helen's house, Richard paced the living room, his agitation palpable.

"No, no, no, this can't be happening!" he shouted, frustration coursing through him.

Helen rushed in, her eyes wide with alarm. "Oh my God, why the yelling?"

"My dreams are shattered! I wanted to buy a house, a car, a lot of other things!" Richard exclaimed, his hands gesturing wildly.

"What happened? Just spill the beans already," Helen urged, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Hundred million dollars," Richard replied, disbelief evident in his voice.

"Yeah, that's the money you won. What happened to it?" she asked, confusion thickening the air.

"It's gone, Helen. It's gone!" he insisted, his voice rising in desperation.

"Yeah, it grew wings. If you want to prank me, you are way off the mark," Helen countered, trying to make sense of the situation.

"I am not joking, Helen. My hundred million dollars is missing!" he repeated, his tone frantic.

"What? How come?" she pressed, her heart racing.

"I know how and who," he stated ominously.

Just then, Richard's phone rang, cutting through the tension. He answered it with an edge of anger.

"Hello?" he snapped.

"Dad, you are boiling in rage. Chill. It's just a hundred million dollars," Selina's voice came through, calm and mocking.

"I swear, Selina, if I lay my hands on you, I will..." Richard threatened, his patience fraying.

"Uh-uh, no threats, Daddy. You will regret it later, but I want you to suffer now," Selina replied with chilling amusement.

Helen's anger flared. "You brat!"

"Hello, Daddy's mistress," Selina shot back, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"You don't know what you've gotten yourself into," Helen warned, her voice fierce.

"Hey, hey, hey, I never mentioned taking the money. You know me; I can't stoop that low. Helen is the one without shame," Selina retorted.

"Watch your mouth, Selina," Helen snapped.

"Where is my money, brat?" Richard demanded, his voice rising again.

"I wanted to come visit yesterday... I mean, I did, but Helen was the only one home. I saw her going through your things. She found a stash of cash in a bag, took it, hid it, and grinned. She said she was just using you for your wealth. Daddy, Helen is a villain just like me," Selina accused, her words dripping with malice.

"You can't fool me," Richard said, his resolve hardening.

"Then search her closet. You'll find your dollars," Selina taunted.

"You cheap liar!" Helen spat.

"Bad news, Daddy, she has already spent some of it. Love you, Dad," Selina said sweetly before hanging up.

"I'm searching your closet!" Richard shouted, storming out in a fit of rage.

"Are you really listening to your daughter? Richard, she is a lunatic!" Helen called after him, her voice trailing as she followed.

At the bar, Anne spotted Thomas and Mia sitting together, her expression darkening as anger swelled within her.

"There he is... wait, is that Mia?" she muttered to herself.

Just then, Selina entered, disguised as a barmaid, balancing a tray of drinks.

"Care for a drink, beautiful?" she asked, flashing a charming smile.

"No, thanks," Anne replied, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Are you here to snatch someone's boyfriend?" Selina teased, tilting her head.

"What?" Anne shot back, bewildered.

"You haven't stopped staring at that guy," Selina observed, a sly grin on her face.

"He is my fiancé," Anne snapped defiantly.

"Really? I've never seen you with him before. He always comes here with her," Selina pointed out, her eyes dancing with mischief.

Anne's anger boiled over. She stood abruptly and marched to Thomas and Mia's table.

"Wow, congratulations. Am I invited to your wedding?" she demanded, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Anne, it's not what you think..." Mia began, but Anne cut her off.

"What a friend I got," she retorted bitterly.

"What are you doing here? Have you been following me?" Thomas asked, confusion etched on his face.

"I should be the one asking questions. Did you propose to me because of my parents and the business?" Anne accused, her tone sharp.

"What are you talking about?" he replied, bewildered.

"Anne, you've always been a fool. I made friends with you when I knew you were after my boyfriend. He was mine all along. You were the one who snatched him away from me," Mia interjected, a smirk forming on her lips.

"You are right, Mia. I've always been a fool, but not anymore," Anne declared, her resolve hardening.

With a swift motion, she removed her engagement ring and threw it at Thomas's face.

"I am done with you, Thomas. There will be no wedding," she proclaimed, her voice filled with finality.

"Anne, you're not in your right senses," Thomas pleaded, reaching for her.

"Why? You can engage your lover," Anne shot back, her anger flaring.

In a fit of rage, she poured her drink over both Thomas and Mia, the liquid splattering dramatically.

"Are you out of your mind?" Thomas exclaimed, astonished.

"I hate you with the burning rage of a thousand suns, Thomas. To hell with you and you too, Mia," she spat, her fury palpable.

Anne turned back to the bar, ordering another drink.

"Sorry, beautiful, but three glasses are enough," Selina interjected, her voice firm.

"Excuse me? You're not my father, my mother or my friend to tell me what to do."

Anne burst into tears, her emotions spilling over. Selina moved closer, her tone gentle as she sought to comfort her friend.

"Hey, it's okay," she said softly.

"No, it's not!" Anne shot back, frustration tightening her voice. "All my life, I've listened to everyone but myself. I've lived according to other people's wishes, but that ends today. Give me a drink, or I'll speak to your manager!"

Selina smiled, trying to encourage her. "That's the spirit, beautiful. Don't live for others."

"Thanks... now, my drink?" Anne pressed.

Selina stood her ground. "What I said earlier stands. Three glasses are enough."

"Selina? Is that really you?" Anne asked, her anger flickering with uncertainty.

"Anne, I came here to make sure you're alright. Come on, let's go home."

"Hell no! I'm getting another drink."

"Fine, I'll get you one. Oops, looks like there are no drinks left."

"I'm not a fool anymore, Selina. This is a bar; if there are no drinks, you make one."

Selina pulled out an injection, her expression turning serious. "Don't make me do this."

"What, am I next on your list?" Anne shot back defiantly.

"Watch it, or you might just be. Let's go!"

They stood face-to-face, tension thick in the air. "Is that a threat? Have you forgotten I'm your best friend?"

"No, I'm not like you," Selina replied, her words sharp.

"What do you mean?" Anne's confusion deepened.

"Oh, quit the act. You never called back, and your so-called friend Mia always picked up my calls. Have you forgotten?"

"What?" Anne's expression morphed into bewilderment.

"I need a drink," she muttered, glancing away.

"No, I'm sorry" Selina insisted.

Ignoring her, Anne grabbed a glass from a passing barmaid and strode over to Thomas and Mia.

"Why are you here?" Mia asked, her voice dripping with disdain.

"I forgot to tell you this." Without hesitation, Anne poured the drink over Mia.

"Anne..." Thomas's voice was filled with concern.

"You were never my friend," Anne declared, her voice steady. "Selina stays my best friend, no matter what."

Turning back to Selina, she said, "Now, let's go!"

A smile broke across Selina's face. "You've changed too."

"I needed to," Anne replied, her newfound strength evident.

"That's my point," Selina said, pride swelling in her voice as they exited together.

Mia watched them leave, scoffing. "What rubbish."

Thomas, however, had a plan brewing in his mind. "Don't worry, I know what to do."

Mia's smile widened, mischief glinting in her eyes as the atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension.