XXVIII. Between Love and Lie

I wasn't a mall person.

Yet, here I was, lurking around like a lost soul.

I hadn't dragged Alex along because, honestly, he'd make this day more tiring than it already was. The guy had an endless battery life—never a dull moment, never a drain day. As for Lara, I couldn't bring her either. Her birthday was the reason I was here in the first place.

But then again, I hadn't received an invitation yet.

Would she even invite me? Of course, she would. Right?

A knot formed in my stomach. Wouldn't it be awkward if she didn't? Should I just self-invite myself?

Ugh. Thinking about it made my head throb.

Shaking off the thought, I wandered aimlessly until a boutique caught my eye. Its window display was elegant, and for a moment, I imagined myself in one of those dresses—if only I had an actual occasion in mind.

Stepping inside, I ran my fingers over the fabric of a soft, flowing gown. Just as I was admiring the intricate lace, a familiar voice froze me in place.

Nadia.

My breath hitched. Instinctively, I ducked between the hanging clothes, peeking through the gaps.

"Leave. At once."

The firm voice belonged to another woman—a young lady standing in front of Nadia. I couldn't see her face since I was behind her, but her stance radiated defiance.

Nadia leaned in, her presence suffocating. "Don't you remember how the life of your beloved ended in this young lady's power?" She smirked, her voice laced with cruel amusement.

I felt the tremor in the other woman's voice when she responded. "Oh, I remember it well. I remember how you killed my mother with those delicate hands of yours."

My fingers curled into fists.

"It's not my fault how slutty your mom was," Nadia sneered. "I mean, why would she even think she could date my dad? Look at you—poor thing. You can't even tell him what really happened, can you? He still thinks she ran off with some random guy."

I saw the woman's fists clench at her sides.

"Wait until I gather enough evidence, sweetheart," she whispered. "I promise it won't take long."

"As if he'd believe you," Nadia scoffed, rolling her eyes before strutting out of the boutique.

I let out a quiet breath, stepping out from my hiding place and clearing my throat. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop—"

"I know you were there all along."

The woman's voice was apathetic, but her words left me speechless.

"And maybe," she continued, "that just proves how stupid Nadia is—not even noticing you."

I blinked. Who was this woman?

"Kaesu, right?" she asked, casually fixing the display.

"How do you know my name?"

"An enemy's enemy is an ally," she replied coolly.

Oh.

"You heard everything," she added. "I revealed it to you for a reason. You wouldn't be here, sticking your nose into Nadia's business, unless you needed something from her. You didn't take her side—you hid instead. That tells me you're against her, too."

I stared at her, unsure whether to be impressed or intimidated.

"You never answered my question," I said, keeping my voice steady.

She chuckled, finally turning to face me. "Oh dear, you seem to be the best candidate for pissing off Nadia and still being alive."

"Well, I guess bad grass doesn't die easily," I joked.

For the first time, she laughed—a genuine, amused laugh.

"But I can help you," I continued. "I can get you the evidence needed to take Nadia down."

The smile vanished from her face.

"You don't know the whole story yet," she said.

"Then tell me," I challenged.

"You don't even know me."

"Then tell me," I repeated, this time with a sly smile.

She studied me for a moment, then sighed. "Call me Susanae."

With that, she led me to the back of the boutique.

I was taken aback. The space behind the shop wasn't just a storage room—it was like a home. Cozy, warm, inviting. It didn't feel like an office at all.

She locked the door, motioned for me to sit, and offered me something to drink. I declined, watching her closely.

She finally spoke.

"Her father fell in love with my mother. She was just a simple modiste—a dressmaker who loved her craft. Nadia's father supported her dreams, which is why we have this boutique now. He knew she had a daughter, too—me."

I listened intently.

"When we were invited to live with them, Nadia never treated us kindly. Mom and I thought she'd warm up to us eventually, but she never did."

So, they were half-sisters.

"Nadia did everything she could to drive us out. I tried defending my mother, but in the end, Nadia mattered more to my stepfather. I begged Mom to leave, but her love for Tito Vince—Nadia's father—was stronger. I never imagined that love would cost her life."

Her voice wavered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.

"I tried everything to get justice for my mother. But nothing worked. I need someone like you, Kaesu."

"Why me?" I exhaled. "Why does everyone think I'm the answer? I almost died at Nadia's hands."

"Which makes you the perfect candidate."

I scoffed. "How does that make sense?"

She leaned forward. "Because you didn't die. You won't die, because someone is always there for you. Someone who'd stand by your side no matter what. Someone willing to protect you, even if it means risking their own life."

I frowned. "Alex and Lara?"

She shook her head.

"Look around you, Kaesu. There's someone who's willing to die for you. Someone who's been by your side through everything."

I was still processing her words when we wrapped up our conversation.

By the time I left the boutique, my mind was a tangled mess of emotions.

I was so lost in thought that I nearly walked into oncoming traffic.

"Kaesu!"

A strong grip yanked me back just as a car whizzed past.

I stumbled against a firm chest, heart pounding.

"Don't you know how to be careful?"

I looked up—and my breath hitched.

Canim's face was inches from mine, his brows furrowed in frustration.

And at that moment, everything clicked.

"You!"

He blinked. "What?"

"It's you," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

"What are you talking about?"

I stared at him, realization dawning upon me.

"She meant you."