Kalina sat in the cozy cafe, cradling her tea in her hands as she gazed out the window. The serene atmosphere and soothing music were a balm to her nerves, a welcome respite from the tension of the past few days. She watched as people bustled about on the sidewalk outside, their faces a blur as her mind wandered back to the events that had led her to this moment.
A sly smile spread across her face as she thought about how she had expertly manipulated Ophelia, using her secrets against her to avoid a political marriage. It had been a risky move, but it had paid off in the end. Their mother had been convinced, and Kalina had secured her freedom.
As she sipped her tea, Kalina's mind replayed the conversation that had expertly manipulated her sister, Ophelia, into avoiding a political marriage. It had been a risky move, but it had paid off in the end.
"What do you think will happen if I tell Father that your innovative idea was mine?" Kalina had said, her tone laced with a subtle threat. "Remember that year you promised you'd do anything as long as I saved you from the disaster you created and Father's anger? Are you going back on your word?"
Ophelia's eyes widened, her hands trembling slightly. "You wouldn't. That would ruin everything I've worked for."
"It's not that I want to," Kalina sighed, feigning regret. "But you know how much I despise the idea of being wed to someone I don't love, just for political gain."
"It's not that," Ophelia replied, her voice laced with desperation. "I just don't want to be in a loveless marriage either, sister. Can't you understand?"
"And why are you threatening me with that?" Ophelia shot back, her eyes flashing with anger. "If you tell Dad, you'll be exposed too. You don't want that, do you? All your secret meetings, your 'projects'—they'll all come to light."
Kalina grunted, "Ahhhaaa," sitting defiantly, arms crossed against her chest. "But you promised you'd help me whenever I needed you. Was that all just empty words, Lia?"
"I know, but this is hard. I didn't expect you to corner me like this," Ophelia said, her anger deflating. She sat beside Kalina and cradled her. "You know I love you, but you're asking me to sacrifice my own happiness."
They stayed like that for a few minutes, with Kalina feeling depressed, when suddenly, she let out a "huh," as if struck by an idea. "What if it's the Blackwood heir, Maximilian?" Kalina said, turning to look at Ophelia, holding her hands.
Ophelia blinked; disbelief etched on her face. "Maxi—Maximilian Blackwood? Are you crazy?" she exclaimed. "How do you expect to have access to him? You never go to any noble social gatherings. Even I, who attend all of them, haven't had the chance!"
"You underestimate me, Lia," Kalina grinned wickedly. "I have my ways, little sister," she said, locking eyes with Ophelia.
"Your ways?" Ophelia scoffed. "What, do you sneak out at night, pretending to be some mysterious lady at these gatherings?"
Kalina's smirk only widened. "Maybe I do, maybe I don't. The point is, I can make this happen."
Ophelia looked at Kalina skeptically and shook her head. "It's not possible. The Crystal family's daughter is always around him, and it's likely they'll get married. I don't stand a chance, sis. Look at her beauty compared to mine."
Ophelia stood up and posed bizarrely in front of Kalina, who scrunched up her face. "Why are you belittling yourself? You're the most beautiful in this family, and your cuteness is unparalleled, my dear Lia. Besides, you said she's hovering around him, not that they're dating."
"But Kali, she's perfect. Her hair, her eyes, the way she carries herself—"
"Stop it," Kalina interjected. "I don't know why Maxi doesn't get rid of her," she said harshly. "She's sometimes so annoying. Always clinging to him, laughing too loudly at his jokes."
"Maxi?" Ophelia repeated, and Kalina looked at her, palms open as if asking why she was repeating it. "You... you call him Maxi?"
Suddenly, Ophelia moved closer to Kalina, bending in front of her. "Sis, you know him personally? No wonder you spoke with such confidence," Ophelia said, cradling Kalina's hands. "But how? When? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I told you, I have my ways," Kalina began in a displeased tone, "but you said you don't want to—"
"No, no, no!" Ophelia interjected, her eyes sparkling. "Of course, I humbly accept your decree, your judgment, your honor," she added humorously. "But please, tell me more. How well do you know him?"
Kalina wasn't surprised, just amused. She knew Maxi had always been her sister's long-time crush, another reason Ophelia worked so hard on her gallery—to attend gatherings and make her gallery worthy of a visit from the top three.
"Well enough," Kalina teased. "He's not as perfect as everyone thinks, you know. He snores a little when he sleeps."
Ophelia gasped. "You've seen him sleep? Kalina! What else haven't you told me?"
"That's for me to know," Kalina chuckled. "But I will say, he's much more down-to-earth than people think. And he hates those stuffy gatherings as much as I do."
"Fine, now stop the fawning and those cute faces," Kalina said, shrinking back into the couch as if feigning fear. "You're making me regret telling you anything."
"Don't you dare," Ophelia laughed, tossing a cushion at her sister. "Don't go back on your promise, Kalina. I want every detail. And don't worry, I'll convince Mum about Mr. Rylan. She likes him anyway; she just wants to make sure you're not rushing into anything."
Kalina smiled softly. "Thanks, Lia. I promise, once this is all sorted, I'll introduce you properly. No more hiding in the shadows for either of us."
Ophelia beamed, her eyes shining with excitement and gratitude. "I can't believe it. Maximilian Blackwood. You're the best sister ever, you know that?"
"I know," Kalina smirked. "Now, let's plan how we're going to make this work without causing a scandal. Father would have a fit if he knew half of what we're up to."
The sisters spent the rest of the afternoon plotting, their laughter echoing through the room. For once, their secret machinations were working in both their favors, and the future looked brighter than ever.
As she lost herself in thought, the door to the cafe swung open and Ophelia walked in, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Kalina. For a moment, the two sisters locked eyes, a complex mix of emotions hanging in the air between them. Gratitude, a hint of envy, and a shared secret understanding passed silently between them.
Ophelia made her way to the table, her steps a mixture of excitement and hesitation. She knew her sister's victory was partly her own, but the path they'd taken to get here weighed on her conscience. As she sat down, she wondered if Kalina felt the same, or if the thrill of victory had washed away any lingering doubts.