I leaned back in my chair, making sure to catch his eye, my smile never wavering.
Jessica's hand froze mid-motion, and she turned to me with an exaggerated gasp. "Oh my gosh, Kiara, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with fake innocence.
Her wide eyes fluttered as she leaned back, giving me just enough space to make her little display seem accidental.
Then, with an almost playful flick of her wrist, she "accidentally" knocked over her glass, spilling a few drops on the table in my direction. "Oops! Sorry, Kiara."
I kept my smile tight, not letting her antics get to me, though my fingers itched to grab her by the throat. "No harm done, Jessica," I said, voice smooth. I wiped the droplets off the table with a napkin, not breaking eye contact with her. "Just be careful next time, hmm?"
Jessica smiled back, her lips curling into something that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course." Then, as if on cue, she tilted her head to the side, looking every bit like the confused, concerned friend. "By the way, Kiara, I've been meaning to ask you—why aren't you answering my calls? Or my texts? We used to hang out all the time, and lately, I feel like you've been avoiding me." Her tone was so sweet, so innocent, you'd think she was genuinely hurt by it.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Of course, she'd play the victim now, in front of Gabriel, trying to make it seem like I was the one being distant. I met her gaze, keeping my expression calm, but I knew she could see the cold edge in my eyes.
"Really, Jessica?" I said softly, tilting my head. "Maybe it's because I've been busy... dealing with all the chaos my reinstatement has caused. You know how it is—suddenly being thrown back into the spotlight." I let the words hang there for a moment before adding, "Besides, I didn't realize you were so desperate to hear from me. We've had... so much time apart. I figured you were just as occupied."
Her smile faltered for a second, the cracks in her act starting to show, but she recovered quickly. "Oh, I get it," she said, her tone still sickly sweet. "But you know I'm always here for you, Kiara. I was just... worried. I miss our girl time."
I leaned forward slightly, resting my arms on the table, my voice dropping to a whisper that only she could hear. "Funny, I didn't miss it at all."
Jessica's eyes flickered, her mask slipping just enough for me to catch the flash of irritation underneath. But before she could respond, Gabriel, oblivious as ever, interrupted with a grin. "Come on, ladies, let's not dwell on the past. We're here to celebrate, right?"
I turned my gaze to him, smiling sweetly. "Right, Gabriel. Celebrate." But in the back of my mind, I was already plotting my next move. This little charade wouldn't last long. I was done playing nice.
Jessica glanced between the two of us, clearly trying to keep control of the situation. She leaned back, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, trying to pretend everything was fine. But I could see it—the cracks were forming. And soon, she wouldn't be able to hide behind that innocent face anymore.
****
Jessica waved at Gabriel and Kiara, her soft smile barely masking the frustration simmering underneath. She watched as they stood at the curb, Kiara acting all smug, Gabriel none the wiser. Her hand trembled slightly as she waved, but she kept her smile intact, hiding the storm brewing inside her.
Once she was in the taxi, the smile dropped immediately. She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms as the car pulled away.
Who the hell does Kiara think she is?
Jessica grabbed her phone and scrolled through the news again, her eyes narrowing as she saw the headline about Kiara's supposed reinstatement as the Williams heir. Her lips twisted into a sneer. The audacity of that woman, pulling a stunt like this. Back in the family? As if.
But then, just as she was about to hurl her phone at the seat in front of her, something caught her eye—a fresh update. The news had been debunked. Kiara's claim was already falling apart.
A sudden, sharp laugh burst from Jessica's throat, startling the taxi driver who glanced back at her through the rearview mirror.
"Everything alright, miss?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion.
Jessica caught his eye and smiled, her earlier frustration melting away into something almost euphoric. "Oh, it's more than alright," she said, her voice light, almost giddy. "Today has been... wonderful."
The driver gave her a strange look but shrugged and returned his focus to the road. Jessica leaned back, feeling triumphant. Kiara's little stunt was crumbling, and she couldn't have been happier about it.
By the time she got home, her mood had fully transformed. She rushed into her apartment, shedding her day's frustrations like a second skin. Her hands moved quickly, pulling out her seductive influencer gear—a sleek, tight dress that hugged her curves perfectly, and a mask that covered the lower half of her face, hiding just enough to keep her followers intrigued.
She stood in front of her large vanity mirror, applying the final touches of her makeup, her lips curling into a sly smile. The world knew her as an influencer, but very few had seen her full face—just the mystery, the allure. And tonight, she had the perfect announcement planned.
Sitting down in front of her camera, she turned on the ring light, casting her in the perfect glow. She pressed record, her voice purring into the microphone as she began. "Hello, everyone. It's your girl, Jessie V, coming to you with something special tonight."
She paused, letting the anticipation build. She loved playing this game, keeping her audience on edge, always wanting more. "Today's been a... great day. I received some wonderful news." Her voice dripped with sarcasm, though her followers wouldn't pick up on it. They'd just see the flirty, seductive tone she always put on for them.
"Now, in honor of such... exciting developments," she giggled softly, "I've decided to give you all something big. Next week, I'm going to reveal my face. Yes, darlings, the mystery is finally coming to an end."
Jessica leaned in closer to the camera, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You've all been so patient, waiting for this moment. And I think it's finally time. So, get ready. Next week, the mask comes off and I shoot myself to stardom."
She giggled again, leaning back in her chair, basking in the thrill of it all. She was in control here, adored by thousands, with Kiara's fleeting victory already fading into the background.
This was her world, and she was the star.