Caught?

Ruby

"How's it going with what we talked about?" Mum asked as she sipped her wine.

The three of us were having without Dad because he was going to be late, working overtime.

"Ma, do we really have to continue with this?"

"Of course, why would you even ask that."

I sighed. "I just don't think it's a good idea. We're definitely spying on them."

"What's wrong with that?" Kaia asked.

"Kaia, you're okay with this?" I was surprised.

"Look, I'm pretty sure every business person does it. So, why not?"

"See, your sister gets it." I plopped back in my seat, defeated.

"Yound lady, don't let your Father hear what you just said." Mum warned with that stern look of hers.

Kaia continued eating, not fazed at all. Brunch with the Franklin and Banks was pretty fun that day. I got to know Nadia, and she's a really sweet human, just precious. I've gained another little sister. So, how can I shamelessly keep her close just to get useful information that can help Dad's business?

It's not right. Dad believes that the Banks are still new to this city and the exploitative business world. He thinks it'll be easy to bring their business down, which, if you ask me, sounds stupid.

When we were driving back home that day, after brunch, Dad warned me to not just get close to Nadia but to use my head properly.

Then, today, I come to find out that Kaia is already busy at work, befriending Nadia at school. She claims she's doing it for the family's sake, but I'm not so sure. Mum sounded pleased when Kaia mentioned her progress with our 'plan'.

"Am I clear?"

I'm brought out of my trance when Kaia shakes me. "Huh?"

Mum sighed. "I don't know what to do with you. Just be useful, Ruby. Please."

I internally rolled my eyes as I left the dinner table no longer in the mood to finish my meal. I just don't know what to do.

My phone vibrated, showing an incoming message from him. "I'm outside."

What?! "You're joking, right?" Coz there's just no way.

"Of course, not."

Nah. This can't be happening. How do I sneak out now when Mum and Kaia will definitely see me using the front door. I can't possibly jump out the window from the second floor unless I want to break a leg.

"I'm at the door."

What?! Was he hellbent on giving me a heart attack?

I quickly went downstairs to see him engaged in a conversation with Mother! Just shoot me, will you?

"Ruby, your friend's here to see you." Mum said.

"Friend?" I looked at him, confused.

"Yes, I just came to drop off your stuff."

"My stuff?"

"Yes, remember?"

"Oh, yes. That stuff."

"Okay. By the way, Ruby, your friend looks pretty young. Are there a lot of youngsters in the model industry? Whatever, what do I know." Mum left for her room.

I sighed in relief. "Really? We're now just friends?" I playfully hit him while relieved at the same time.

I jumped in surprise when someone cleared their throat. Shoot, Kaia!

"I didn't know you guys were friends. Since when?" She looked scary, being all serious with her arms folded.

"Kaia, I didn't know you were still here."

"What's he doing here? Don't tell me he's your boyfriend?"

"Kaia, please." I pleaded, trying to push her away.

"He's so much younger than you!"

"You don't have to shout." What if Mum heard that?

"We love each other. That's what matters." He said.

"I wasn't talking to you."

"Go to bed." I gave her a stern look. She stood her ground for a second.

"You better act like you don't know me when we meet back at school." She glared at him as she went upstairs, to her room.