"Checkmate" said the Queen

Veronica sat in her bedroom, idly flipping through a magazine as the soft melody of her favorite song played in the background. Suddenly, her phone rang, the screen lighting up with a number she didn't recognize. Puzzled, she hesitated for a moment before answering the call.

"Hello?" Veronica answered cautiously.

"Hey Veronica, it's Celine," came the voice from the other end.

"Celine? Oh, hi. What's up?" Veronica replied, surprised by the unexpected call.

"I was thinking of organizing a girls' outing and I thought it would be nice to have you join us," Celine said, her voice friendly.

Veronica hesitated for a moment, considering the invitation. "That sounds nice. Thanks for thinking of me," she replied, trying to sound appreciative.

"I also wanted to talk to you about something. I feel like there's been some tension between us, and I'd like to clear the air. What do you think?" Celine continued, her tone sincere.

Veronica was taken aback by Celine's openness. "I... I appreciate that, Celine. I've felt it too. It would be good to talk," she admitted, feeling a glimmer of hope that maybe they could resolve any misunderstandings.

As they discussed the details of the outing, Veronica couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Celine's sudden interest in repairing their relationship. Despite her reservations, she saw this as an opportunity to address the underlying tensions and hopefully put an end to the rumors that had been circulating about her.

As they finalized the plans for the outing, Veronica couldn't help but feel a sense of unease lingering in the back of her mind, a foreboding sense that this meeting might not unfold as she hoped.

•••During the Weekend at Lucian Hotel•••

The pool area at the Lucian Hotel exudes sophistication and luxury, with a sleek modern design featuring a pristine pool, minimalist lounge chairs, and elegant cabanas providing privacy for guests seeking relaxation.

Celine is reclining on a plush sunbed, dressed in a sultry emerald green one-piece bathing suit that features a deep plunging neckline and high-cut legs, accentuating her toned figure. Her tanned skin glistens in the sun, and her tousled beach waves frame her face as she enjoys a refreshing drink.

Janice lounges nearby on a chic daybed, wearing a striking black bandeau bikini with high-cut bottoms that showcase her long, slender legs. The simple yet alluring design highlights her frame, and she exudes effortless confidence as she soaks up the sun, her oversized sunglasses adding a touch of glamour to her look.

Veronica makes a grand entrance, turning heads as she steps out in a daring crimson one-piece swimsuit with daring side cutouts that reveal a hint of skin, exuding confidence and allure. The high neckline and sleek silhouette of the swimsuit accentuate her curves, while her confident stride and radiant smile command attention as she joins Celine and Janice by the pool, embodying elegance and sophistication.

Celine, Janice, and Veronica settle into their lounge chairs by the pool, the warm sun casting a golden glow over the elegant surroundings. Celine, flashing a bright smile, turns to Veronica with genuine interest.

"Wow, you're here, Veronica!" Celine exclaimed with excitement. She continued, "I bet this isn't your first visit to Lucian's Hotel." Celine's grin seemed to carry a touch of playful mockery.

"CC stop, you sound mean." Janice chimed in, pretending to lighten the mood.

"It's not my first, although I don't go out often I've been here before." Veronica replied, already losing interest in the banter.

Veronica then took charge of the conversation, saying, "Let's get to the point, girls. I thought we were meeting to clear the air between us." Her tone was confident as she continued, "I honestly don't know why there's tension when I barely interacted with either of you back in school." Veronica's words carried a hint of coldness.

Both Janice and Celine exchanged devious grins as they locked eyes.

"Ron, you're quite feisty. Hmmm "Ron" is that what you prefer the guys to call you?" Celine quipped with a teasing tone.

"Come on, CC, let's be civil. Veronica, we're just curious to learn more about you. Especially now that you seem to have shifted from Austin to Zach," Janice remarked casually, tinged with a touch of mockery.

"Seriously, what is this?" Veronica exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration. She added, "I'll say it once 'cause I'm not here for the drama, but let me clear things up, Janice. Austin and I went on just one date. Zach? He's just a friend. That's all there is to it. Are we done here?" Veronica said, clearly irritated.

Just as Veronica finished speaking, a shadowy figure emerged from behind and swiftly silenced her with a drugged cloth, sending her into a drowsy state. Though her body felt heavy and sluggish, she remained fully alert as a guy around her age scooped her up and whisked her away. Before long, she drifted off into unconsciousness. Meanwhile, Janice and Celine raised their glasses in a toast, celebrating the flawless execution of their scheme.

•••Jake's House•••

Jake was deeply engrossed in his playroom, battling virtual foes in his favorite video game when the shrill ring of his phone shattered the peaceful atmosphere. Irritated by the interruption, he hesitated for a moment before picking up the phone.

"Hello?" Jake answered, curiosity piqued by the urgency in the voice on the other end.

"Jake? Oh, gosh... Jake! Veronica... Jake it's Veronica!" Heti's voice quivered with fear and desperation, causing Jake's heart to skip a beat.

"Heti, slow down. I can't make out what you're saying. Take a deep breath and tell me what's going on," Jake urged, his own concern mounting as he tried to decipher the jumbled words amidst Heti's sobs.

"Jake, Veronica's missing! Oh, gosh, her parents called and..." Heti's voice cracked with emotion, the unbearable weight of the news rendering her speechless.

Jake's blood ran cold as the gravity of the situation sank in. "Heti, I'm coming over. Stay put, try to calm down. Everything will be alright. Just wait for me," Jake reassured her, his voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions within him.

After exchanging quick goodbyes, Jake dashed out of his house, his mind racing with worry for Veronica and the fear of the unknown. He drove hastily to Heti's house, his heart heavy with the ominous sense of foreboding that hung in the air. Determined to find out what happened to Veronica, Jake braced himself for whatever lay ahead as he reached Heti's doorstep.

Heti opened the door, her appearance reflecting the torment of her emotions - eyes swollen, hair disheveled, and face etched with worry. Without a word, Jake enveloped her in a comforting hug as she collapsed into his arms, her sobs echoing through the room.

"Jake, Veronica's missing. What if something bad happened to her? She wouldn't just vanish without a word to her parents. Something must have happened to her. We have to find her," Heti pleaded through her tears, her voice laced with anguish and fear.

"Heti, we'll find her. We'll figure this out together. First, tell me everything you know. Have her parents contacted the police?" Jake inquired gently, guiding Heti to the sofa and sitting beside her, offering his support.

"Her parents just returned from a business trip and found the house empty. They thought she was with me. We've searched everywhere she usually goes, but there's no sign of her," Heti explained, her voice trembling with dread for her missing friend.

"Does anyone else know about this? Have you informed Austin and Zach?" Jake queried, trying to piece together the unfolding mystery.

"I called Austin and Zach to see if she was with them, but I didn't disclose that she's missing. We didn't want to jump to conclusions at first. But now, it's getting late, and she's truly missing," Heti confessed, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and panic.

"Alright, I'll start asking around discreetly, and then I'll meet up with Austin and Zach. We'll work together to find her. Stay strong, Heti. We'll get through this," Jake reassured her, determined to calm her nerves and take action to unravel the mystery of Veronica's disappearance. With a renewed sense of purpose, Jake left Heti's house, ready to unravel the mystery and bring Veronica home safe.