A few days had passed, and Rachel found herself settling into a new rhythm. She woke up early, had a small talk with Richard before he left for work, and focused on her own plans.
Today, she was lounging on the couch, casually scrolling through social media, when a particular post caught her eye.
It was from J Emory, the famous director. The post showcased the individuals he had picked from the recent audition for his upcoming movie.
Rachel's heart swelled with joy as she read through the names.
When she saw "Sarah Lincoln" listed instead of Lucinda, a triumphant smile spread across her face.
MaskX did it!
Rachel couldn't contain her excitement. She had been waiting for this moment, and now that it had come to pass, she felt a sense of accomplishment.
"Looks like my strings are working perfectly," she muttered to herself, feeling a mix of satisfaction and relief.
Feeling playful, she decided to reach out to Lucinda. With a sarcastic and teasing tone, she typed out a message:
> Hey, bestie! Guess what? I saw Jay Emery's post. Congrats to Sarah Lincoln, huh? Let's catch up at our favorite cafe. Can't wait to hear all about it! 😘
She hit send and leaned back, eagerly waiting for Lucinda's response. Within minutes, her phone buzzed.
> Lucinda: Hey! I know, right? Ugh, let's meet. I need to vent. See you in 30?
Rachel chuckled, replying quickly.
> Rachel: See you soon! 😊
She got ready and headed out, feeling a sense of satisfaction. This meet-up was going to be interesting.
***
Lucinda paced around her lavish condo, a gift from Derek, with frustration evident in her every step. The normally pristine space was now a stage for her restless energy.
She had seen the post from J Emory and felt a surge of anger.
How could she not be chosen? In fact, how was her name evicted in the first place even before she could get on acting!
"Gosh!"
Her voice echoed through the rooms as she vented to Derek, who sat on the couch, trying to remain patient.
"This is unbelievable! How could they pick Sarah Lincoln over me? That bitch! I am than perfect for that role compared to her!" Lucinda fumed, her hands gesturing wildly.
Derek sighed, a mixture of sympathy and annoyance crossing his features. "Lucinda, calm down. There will be other opportunities."
"Calm down? Calm down?! Do you know how much hope I put into this audition? It's not fair!" she snapped back, continuing her pacing.
As Lucinda ranted, Derek couldn't help but draw an unconscious comparison. Rachel never whined like this. Rachel was always calm, collected, and focused.
It's just hope that she put into it, isn't it? Compared to whom who spent a lot just to get her name on the list!
But he kept these thoughts to himself, knowing better than to voice them.
Just then, Lucinda's phone buzzed with a notification. She grabbed it off the counter and saw a message from Rachel.
Her eyes narrowed, and she muttered under her breath, "Why the hell is she messaging me?"
Derek glanced up, mildly curious. "Who is it?"
"Rachel," Lucinda replied, her voice dripping with disdain. "She wants to meet up at 'her' favorite cafe."
"Just reply and get it over with," Derek said, leaning back into the couch.
Lucinda typed a quick, forced reply and tossed her phone aside. "I really hate this girl. When are you going to do something about this? We need to get her out of the way."
Derek stood up, walking over to her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, trying to steady her.
"I'm going to meet her parents today. Just rest assured, if we don't get her to comply, we'll get the wealth and properties directly. With her, it would have been easier, but she's just a middlewoman in this. We'll handle it."
Lucinda nodded, feeling a bit reassured by Derek's plan. "Alright. Just make sure it happens soon. I can't stand this waiting."
"I will. Now, why don't you try to relax a bit? We'll figure this out," Derek said, giving her a light kiss on her thick lips before heading out.
As Derek left, Lucinda sat down, her anger simmering just below the surface. She needed Rachel out of the picture, and she needed it done fast.
***
Meanwhile, Rachel was unaware of the storm brewing in Lucinda's condo. She had sent her message and was waiting at their favorite cafe, sipping her coffee with a sense of satisfaction.
The plans she had set in motion were unfolding perfectly, and she couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
When Lucinda arrived, Rachel could see the tension in her eyes. But she greeted her with a warm smile, ready to play her part in the next chapter of their twisted game.
Lucinda had always been the center of attention, but now the tables had turned. Rachel was no longer the passive friend in the background.
Rachel greeted her with a hug, masking her own delight with concern.
"Hey, Lucinda! What's up?" Rachel asked, sitting down.
Lucinda sighed dramatically. "Can you believe it? I was so sure I'd get the part, but no, they gave it to Sarah Lincoln. Who even is she?"
Rachel hid her smile behind her coffee cup. "Yeah, that's tough. But hey, everything happens for a reason, right? Maybe something better is coming your way."
Lucinda looked at her, a bit surprised. "You're being unusually optimistic. What's up with you?"
Rachel shrugged. "Just trying to look at the bright side. Plus, I've been thinking a lot lately. Life's too short to dwell on setbacks."
Lucinda nodded slowly, taking a sip of her drink. "I guess you're right. Still, it's so frustrating."
As they chatted, their phones buzzed simultaneously with a notification.
Both women glanced at their screens, realizing they were both following J Emory. He had posted something new. Rachel's eyes lit up as she saw the post.
"Oh my god! Did you see this dress JM Ray posted? It is so beautiful! The sea blue and that sea-green hue—it's just stunning!" Rachel exclaimed, her excitement genuine.
Lucinda glanced at the dress on her phone and nodded. "Yes, it's beautiful. It's going to be auctioned the day after tomorrow," she replied, though her mind was already calculating.
If Rachel wanted it, she had to have it. She decided then and there to ask Derek to get her the dress.
Rachel continued to gush over the dress, her mind flashing back to her past life. She remembered how she had begged Derek to buy her the same dress when J Emory had posted it back then.
But Derek had bought it for Lucinda instead, leaving Rachel heartbroken.
He had dismissed her feelings, saying, "Lucinda is your best friend. Can't you just give her a dress? I'll get you something better."
Well, guess what? He never did!
Now, sitting across from Lucinda, Rachel had no real desire for the dress. She just wanted to keep the game going.
She watched Lucinda's expression closely, seeing the wheels turning in her mind.
Lucinda, pretending to admire the dress, was seething inside. She couldn't believe Rachel had the nerve to want the same dress.
In her mind, she was already planning how to ask Derek to buy it for her, knowing he would do anything to please her.