Riele's mind spun as she walked away from Jace and toward Marcus. Each step felt heavier, laden with the weight of the double life she was leading. She knew that Marcus wouldn't have come unless her mother had sent him directly—a silent command, a reminder that she was being watched and judged with every move she made.
They reached the edge of the wooded area around the lake, and Marcus wasted no time. "Your mother wants to know why it's taking so long."
Riele took a deep breath, keeping her face steady. "Things don't always happen overnight. I'm getting closer to Jace. He trusts me."
Marcus sneered, folding his arms. "Trust isn't enough, Riele. She expects more than that. You're supposed to be gathering information, and all we've got so far are excuses."
"I need more time," she said, her tone sharper than intended. "Do you think this is easy? Jace's father is cautious. If I make one wrong move, everything falls apart."
Marcus studied her for a moment before nodding slightly. "I'll tell her. But if you fail…" He left the threat hanging, a reminder of the consequences if she didn't fulfill her mission.
Riele watched him disappear back into the shadows, her fists clenched. She knew exactly what her mother was capable of—she'd grown up witnessing it firsthand. And now, she was caught in the middle, a pawn in a game that had started long before she was born.
---
Later that evening, Riele returned to her house, her sanctuary in the chaos. She dropped her bag by the door, took a deep breath, and tried to steady herself. The weight of her mother's expectations pressed down on her, relentless and suffocating.
Her mother was waiting in the living room, sitting with an air of authority that never seemed to waver. She didn't even look up as Riele entered, as if expecting her to report.
"I spoke with Marcus," Riele said, her voice steady. "Jace is getting close. It's just a matter of time."
Her mother raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Time is not something we have in abundance, Riele. Remember, this isn't just about your own future—it's about the family. Our rivals are growing stronger, and we need leverage."
Riele resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Her mother's version of "leverage" was often ruthless, calculated, and without mercy. "I understand," she replied, keeping her tone respectful.
Her mother's gaze softened, just slightly. "Good. You've always been a resourceful child, Riele. But don't let emotions cloud your judgment. Jace is a means to an end. Don't forget that."
A pang of guilt twisted in Riele's chest. She knew she was lying to Jace, but she couldn't help the feelings she was developing for him. He was more than just a pawn, more than a tool in her mother's schemes. But she couldn't tell her mother that. Not now, maybe not ever.
"Understood," Riele murmured, keeping her tone neutral.
Her mother nodded, satisfied, and dismissed her with a wave. Riele left the room, feeling the weight of her secret growing heavier with every passing day. She couldn't betray her family, but she couldn't betray Jace, either. And that left her trapped, with no clear way out.
---
The next day at school, Riele found herself on edge. She knew Jace would have questions about Marcus, and she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep him in the dark. As she walked through the hallways, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Jace, his expression serious.
"Hey," he said softly, steering her toward a quieter part of the campus. "Can we talk?"
"Of course," Riele replied, trying to keep her voice light.
Jace studied her face, his eyes filled with concern. "I don't like what I'm seeing, Felix. That guy who showed up yesterday—he didn't look like 'just family business.'"
Riele forced a laugh, trying to deflect. "Come on, Jace. Don't be so paranoid. My family's complicated, that's all."
"Complicated?" Jace frowned. "Felix, I'm not an idiot. I know when something's off. I just want to make sure you're safe."
A wave of guilt washed over her. He was worried about her safety, and here she was, lying to him. "I appreciate it, really. But you don't need to worry. I can handle it."
Jace didn't look convinced, but he nodded, letting it go—for now. "Fine. But promise me that if anything changes, you'll tell me."
Riele managed a small smile. "I promise."
But as the words left her lips, she knew it was another lie. And with every lie she told, the tangled web she was weaving grew more dangerous.
---
That night, as she lay in bed, Riele thought about the life she was living, the deception she was forced to maintain. Jace's kindness, his unwavering belief in her—it was the one thing that made her mission bearable. But she knew that once he learned the truth, all of it would come crashing down.
Her mother's words echoed in her mind: Loyalty to the family above all.
But Riele wasn't sure she could keep obeying that command.