XXIV. The Game of Deception

I had prepared myself. I was ready. My body, my clothes, and even my face were arranged in a way that felt unfamiliar—different from before.

I texted Canim to wait outside the gate and meet me there. Nadia followed a strict schedule, always arriving at school at the same time every day. Predictable. Easy.

As I reached the gate, Nadia was stepping out of her car. A smirk tugged at my lips—the show had begun. Showtime.

With confidence, I strutted toward Canim, grabbed his necktie, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. His eyes widened in shock, just like Nadia's. That's what I loved about her—she was so transparent and predictable. I turned to her, winked, and watched as she scoffed before storming off.

That was too easy.

"Let's go."

"Where to?" Canim asked, clearly still surprised.

I turned away from him. "To our separate ways. I did my job perfectly today." I waved my hand in the air as I walked away.

It felt satisfying. But after a moment, goosebumps ran down my arms. I didn't even know I had that side of me. That had felt strange—almost disgusting.

"What a great show we had there, sweetie pie," Alex teased as he approached, holding two cups of coffee.

I noticed Lara's furrowed brow, her expression holding back a question.

"Spill it, Lara," I said, not in the mood for her silent staring.

"What is your relationship with Canim?"

I smiled, trying to reassure her. "What you saw and what you are seeing—it's all not real."

"You mean you two are faking it?" Alex jumped in.

"More like role-playing," I corrected.

Lara's face twisted in confusion. She started pacing, anxiety evident in her every move, while I remained seated calmly on the couch.

"Lara, I understand you're worried, but please trust me. I know what I'm doing. I'll tell you everything in due time."

"But why can't you just tell me now? I need to know where we stand." Her frustration was clear.

"Hey, hey, what's with all the seriousness? Let's lighten up. How about we talk about something fun?" Alex, as usual, tried to break the tension.

Lara and I exchanged glances, and for a moment, the weight of the conversation lifted.

"Okay… but I still want answers, Kaesu," she said, though her voice had softened.

As much as I badly want answers from you too.

"I promise, Lara. I'll explain everything soon. Trust me." I just hope that when the time comes, there will be no more secrets. I trusted them—I just hoped I wasn't putting my trust on the edge of a cliff.

"So, who's up for game night this weekend?" Alex's excitement was evident. I knew he was trying to steer the conversation away from the heavy topic, hoping to ease the tension in the room.

Lara's lips curled into a small smile.

"Game night sounds fun. Send me the address and expect me there."

And then—**as if summoned by some unseen force—**Antonio appeared out of nowhere.

I rolled my eyes. Antonio and his mysterious entrances.

I raised a fist to punch him playfully, but he caught my hand before I could.

"Careful there, this is delicate," he teased.

Ugh. Antonio and his cringe jokes.

"Get lost."

"But before I do, can I talk to you for a minute?" His tone shifted—serious this time.

I signaled Alex and Lara to go ahead without me.

"I found him," Antonio said.

"Who?" Can this man ever get straight to the point?

"The CCTV guy."

I composed myself, then pulled him aside to a more secluded spot. "Go on."

"He's in some province, living a simple life with his family. I think he's harmless. We just need to have a good talk with him."

"And how can you be so sure?"

"Come with me this weekend?" His voice was steady. "I promised to protect you, and I won't bail on that. I've got you, 24/7."

I groaned, facepalming. "Can you quit being so cheesy? You're giving me goosebumps."

Antonio chuckled and flicked my forehead.

I rubbed it and groaned. "Oh, did I flick too hard this time?" he asked, stepping closer to inspect my forehead before blowing on it softly.

His breath brushed against my skin. My heart stuttered, and I immediately cleared my throat.

"I think I better head off—I have classes."

His chuckle followed me as I walked away. Annoying.

It had been a long day. I was exhausted. All I could think about was crashing onto my bed. And then—

"Look who we have here."

Oh, great.

I had been so distracted by my thoughts that I hadn't noticed I had wandered into that part of the road—the same isolated area where I had almost been kidnapped before.

And now, here I was again, serving myself up like prey.

"Yeah, right, Nadia," I said sarcastically. "Look who you just caught."

"You got me back there with your little show," she sneered. "But do you really think you can scare me off?"

Ah, Antonio said he settled things with her.

Guess he just made her even angrier.

Great.

Antonio, if I see you again, you're dead meat.

"Isn't it a great motivation to be stronger, sweetheart?" Nadia's voice dripped with mockery.

She pulled out her phone and held it up to me. On the screen was a picture—Antonio and me, earlier. He was blowing on my forehead, but at the perfect angle, it looked like he was kissing it.

Damn. That was a good angle.

"Nice shot," I said coolly, but internally, my mind was racing.

"You're playing both men, Kaesu. That's not fun. Are you trying to steal mine while hitting on another hottie too? Trying to hit two birds with one stone?" Her speech was long—she must've felt brave with her minions surrounding her. Too bad they were useless. Especially with those ridiculously thick red lips.

"Actually," I said, grinning, "you can count yourself in and make it three."

Before she could react, I ran.

I heard them try to chase after me, but how could they keep up in heels? Amateurs.

Laughter bubbled out of me as I sprinted down the road—until a loud engine roared ahead.

Antonio's big bike screeched to a stop in front of me.

He tossed me a helmet. "Hop in."

I didn't hesitate. I strapped on the helmet, swung my leg over, and we sped off.

I threw my hands in the air and screamed as loud as I could. The rush. The adrenaline. The freedom.

Antonio laughed along with me.

"That felt good," I admitted.

"I was about to help you earlier, but…" he smirked. "I didn't think you needed it."