Chapter 4: Acting strangely

Vadal's eyes locked onto hers a smile appearing on his handsome cold face. "I'll make it better," he vowed. "I'll take care of you."

Lira's smile grew, her heart full. She knew Vadal would be gentle, loving her through every moment.

She stared at him a scheming smile appearing on her face.

Vadal eyes narrowed knowing what it means when this little phoenix smile like this,"she's up to no good.

Are you alright? He ask.

How can I be when you nearly eat me off last night, you're a beast. Lira said drawing circle on his chest like a spoiled child as he carried her out of the bed and into the bathroom.

A wicked smile appearing on vadal face.

---

Beep, Beep

The call connected, shrill in the morning silence.

"Hello, sis. How have you been with that evil Vadal?" her step-sister's voice dripped with malice.

Lira's teeth gritted, her fist clenched. Memories of her step-sister's schemes and Laurent's deceit flooded her mind.

She didn't respond.

"Sister, Laurent really misses you. He's planning on how to save you from that devil, Vadal," her step-sister continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Lira's smile grew, murky and cold. She felt like beating herself up for believing Laurent's lies.

This was what she had been hearing from Laurent and her step-sister: "I'll save you, Lira. I'll marry you." Yet, behind her back, Laurent was sleeping with her step-sister.

Lira's anger simmered, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge.

Emma's Inquiry

"Sister, he wants to meet you. Where can you meet him?" Emma asked, her voice dripping with false innocence.

Lira's Firm Response

"Tell him I don't want to meet him," Lira responded calmly, remembering her promise to Vadal.

Emma's Suspicion

Emma's eyes narrowed. "Sis, what do you mean? You're sounding strangely. Are you alright? Does Vadal hurt you again?" Emma asked, feigning concern.

Lira's Reassurance

Lira's voice was steady. "I'm fine, just tired and feeling weak."

Emma's Probing

Emma frowned. "Is he not hurting you anymore?"

Lira's Cold Smile

A cold smile spread across Lira's face. "He's hurting me so much, but for now, he hasn't done anything."

Emma's Confusion

Emma's confusion was evident. "Oh, okay...I'll tell Laurent you don't want to meet him."

Lira's Warning

Lira's voice was firm. "Tell him to stay away from me, Emma. I mean it."

Emma's Malice

Emma's smile was sweet, but her eyes flashed with malice. "Don't worry, sis. I'll take care of it."

The call ended, Lira's thoughts whirling with unease. She knew Emma's games, and Laurent's true intentions.

A soft knock sounded on her door.

"Who is there?" Lira asked, her voice gentle.

"Madam, lunch is ready," Mrs Ana the butler voice sounded outside the door.

Lira smiled, feeling a sense of normalcy wash over her. She rose from her bed, smoothing out her dress.

Jenkins entered, helping Lira with her lunch preparations.

As they walked downstairs, Lira's thoughts turned to Vadal. She wondered how his day was going, and when he would return home.

Lira sat down at the elegantly set table, the butler pouring her a glass of fresh juice. She took a sip, savoring the sweet flavor.

I love the taste of this juice is very fresh. Lira said with a smile taking another sip.

The butler smile bowing down respectfully. Thanks young Mrs is my pleasure.

Lira took a bite of her food and fround noticing the butler is not very happy, her smile didn't reach her eyes.

Mrs Ana, what wrong you are not looking happy, is everything alright. Lira asked dropping back her food.

Yes young Mrs, but..."

" But what" lira asked listening to the butler.

Mrs Ana, ever the discreet butler, leaned in slightly. "Madam, I couldn't help but notice that Master Vadal seems particularly...distracted today."

Lira's eyebrows arched, her interest piqued. "Oh? What makes you say that, Mrs Ana?"

Mrs Ana's expression was neutral, but her eyes sparkled with knowing. "Perhaps it has something to do with the phone call he received earlier? He seemed quite...intense after that."

Lira's mind whirled with possibilities. Who could have called Vadal, and what did they want? She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her lunch.

As she ate, Lira felt a sense of peace wash over her. Despite the drama with her step-sister and Laurent, she knew Vadal loved her.

In the company,

Vadal sat on his luxurious CEO office, his eyes fixed on his assistant, Raphael.

"CEO, you sent for me," Raphael said, bowing slightly.

Vadal's voice was firm. "Raphael, I want you to investigate something for me.

Yes CEO the assistant nodded, what do you want me to investigate.

Find out what happened in the past few days and why my wife is acting strangely."

Raphael's eyebrows arched slightly. "Acting strangely, sir?

Vadal's expression was grim. "Check where she went and who she interacted with in the past few days. I want to know why she changed to accept me suddenly."

Raphael nodded obediently. "Yes, sir. I'll discreetly investigate and provide you with a detailed report."

Vadal's voice was low and urgent. "I want that report on my desk by the end of this week. I need to know what's going on with my wife."

Raphael nodded again and quickly exited the office, closing the door behind him.

In the estate,

Lira's phone vibrated, breaking the silence. She checked the screen, and her face turned black.

Her face darkened, her eyes flashing with anger as she gazed at the phone. Laurent's name on the screen was like a spark to dry tinder, igniting a fire of resentment within her.

With a flick of her wrist, Lira tossed the phone aside, as if it had burned her. She turned her attention to the butler, Mrs Ana, who stood patiently in the doorway.

Mrs Ana's expression was neutral, but her eyes betrayed a hint of concern. "Is everything alright, madam?" She asked, her voice low and soothing.

Lira took a deep breath, struggling to compose herself. Her voice was tight, controlled. "Yes, Mrs Ana Everything is fine. Just...just a nuisance call."

Mrs Ana nodded discreetly, her expression unreadable. "Very well, madam.

Lira smiled at the butler sweetly. "Mrs. Ana, can you please tell me a story? I'm bored, and I don't know where to go today."

If it were in the past, she would sneak out and hang out with Laurent, and sometimes with her step-sister, planning evil against Vadal. She breathed a sigh, remembering her foolishness in the past.

Mrs. Ana was stunned at first, hearing her words. Lira, the bad girl who always caused trouble and plotted against young master,Vadal. Lira who didn't even know she existed in the past, was asking her to tell a story.

"Are you alright, young Mrs.?" the butler asked, her expression confused.

Lira puffed out her mouth and pouted. "Yes, I'm just feeling lonely. He's not back yet."

Mrs. Ana's expression looked confused. "You mean who?"