The Mystery

~ Benedict's Private Villa ~

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in Benedict's private villa. The room was adorned with modern furnishings and sleek design, a testament to Benedict's impeccable taste.

"Ben! Is it true you missed an entire episode of your favorite drama, 'Broken,' yesterday?" Timmy, Benedict's best buddy, exclaimed as he barged into the room. He slammed the door open, his voice filling the space.

"It's not a big deal. Anyways, did you bring me what I ordered?" Benedict scans him.

"Buddy, don't look at me like that. I have already brought you everything. But what is this Benedict? You have never missed a single episode of this drama so why? Even on your mom's birthday you left the party before cutting the cake for this drama. So tell me, are you my best friend Ben or an imposter in Ben's outfit?" Timmy is suspicious. It's his habit of exaggerating things when it comes to Benedict.

"If you're done with your nonsense, get out! I need to get ready." Benedict glares at him.

"Are you going to propose or what? You ordered a Peony bouquet so early in the morning, now you're getting ready. Something is fishy."

"Dear Vice President, if you want a pay cut in your next paycheck then you can keep blabbering. I'm done with you. I'm getting ready."

Timmy seemed to relent, but he couldn't resist one last quip. "Mouth sealed, bro. Don't be so hyper, relax a bit."

"How about I retire to give you the CEO position for you to relax." He smirks at him.

"No, no please bro. I won't ask , but not that position. I just want a carefree life. I'm leaving. Ugh! I can't even tease my friend."

He leaves his room and sits in the living room.

With Timmy finally leaving the room, Benedict turned his attention to the mirror. He couldn't help but daydream about Peony looking at him with a mixture of emotions. He combed his hair meticulously, ensuring every strand was in place, and applied a subtle fragrance. He wanted to present himself in the best possible way for their meeting.

As he dressed in his navy blue shirt, trousers, and a vibrant red tie, he looked back at the reflection in the mirror. He couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, as if he had reverted to his high school days with this outfit choice.

Descending the staircase to the living room, Benedict's fashion choice had Timmy in stitches. "Hahaha, did you lose your fashion sense? Tell me, my friend, whom you're going to meet. I am really curious."

Benedict's patience was wearing thin, and he looked at Timmy with an exasperated expression. "Why should I tell you? Do I really look that bad?"

"Not just bad but the worst. Hahahaha."

Benedict responded curtly, "I'm confirming your transfer to Piranha Island from tomorrow."

"No! Don't, just tell me who you are going to meet and I will fix your look." Timmy gets excited.

"Peony," He says softly.

"What? Is she that Miss Drama Queen of our batch and the muse of your dramas? And here I thought you're going out on a date. Isn't she married bro? You said one of our business partner's son was getting married to her. I also remember you were invited but you accepted their invitation saying you won't be going but will send them a gift instead. Did you actually go there?"

"Yes I went there yesterday and she is married." He looked gloomy.

"Then why are you meeting her today? You're hiding something bro, tell me what you are hiding. You're acting really odd. You're not someone who changes so many plans in a day." Timmy looked concerned.

"Tim, remember when I told you to find out about the Gonzalez family? You said their profile is clean and they have always believed in charity. Did good deeds."

"Yes, I remember that. You always investigate your business partners before striking a deal. So what is the connection of this deal with Peony's marriage?"

"Say Miss Hart." He asserted his tone.

"Yes, she is Miss Hart. What happened next?"

" Yesterday, I found mail addressed to me from an unknown sender. Usually I avoid such mails, but the warning label on it caught my attention. When I opened it, I was surprised to receive a pen drive. I thought maybe it was a virus and then I saw a typed letter, that letter had instructions to locate a file. It had a tape which recorded Garret's affair. It specifically mentioned me wearing a Groom's attire and exposing him during the wedding. I still have that letter in my office. You will understand once you see it. You know what's even surprising? It had their divorce papers in it."

" What? Then? Did you follow it? Just acted it out to rescue her from that marriage? " Timmy was applying gel on his hair.

"Yeah, I followed it. I was sceptical at first but then I recognised Shyla."

"What? That b*tch !" Timmy flares up.

"Oh, I just realised she broke your heart before." Benedict chuckles.

"Don't remind me of her! That girl is a snake!"

"Well, I approached her with the video. She immediately confessed and asked me to take her with me to the wedding to prove it. She wanted the money.", Benedict frowns.

"Yep, the same b*tch. She never changes." Timmy grits his teeth.

"I know, that's why it became very easy to confirm. I thought maybe she sent the letter but I'm sure she won't give instructions to me." Benedict shrugs.

"Exactly! She is all money and less brains. So you just followed a random letter and put up an act all for her!"

"I kind of enjoyed it though. It is the first time I witness a divorce on a wedding day. The ultimate drama was seeing so many people responding so differently though I still felt bad for her. Yet I'm not clear about one thing, who sent me that. I didn't want to play the video in front of the huge audience, I just brought the audio evidence. By the time I reached, the video was already played."

"That means whoever sent you that mail, played the video. That person can be among the guests."

Benedict nods "I think so too. But they must be very close to Peony and know me as well."

"Can it be Miss Hart?", Timmy asks.

"No! She was totally broken. I have seen her with my own two eyes. How can she devise everything and be so heartbroken at the same time? Mrs. Hart was senseless. She won't do that to her mom knowingly."

"Don't forget she is Miss Drama Queen." Timmy warns.

Benedict pauses and thinks a bit. Her gloomy face when he hands her the earring, left a deep impression on him.

"I don't think so, Tim. That person must be someone who knows me and her too well. She doesn't trust me anyways. Well, thanks dude for setting my hair." Benedict smiles at him.

He feels light after sharing it with his best bud.

"Now tell me why did you bother to even involve yourself in her matters? Who is she to you anyway?"

"It's just, I enjoy dramas and she happens to be the source of it." He smirks.

"Weirdo..." Timmy mocks him.

Benedict reminds him of a pay cut and Piranha Island.

Timmy surrenders and finally leaves.

Benedict soon leaves his villa and rides his Rolls Royce to reach the cafe.

On the way, he texts Peony, "Wait for me at table number 11."