The air was still as the night deepened around the William estate. Inside, Sarah sat in her guest room, brushing her hair with slow, deliberate strokes. The lavish surroundings contrasted sharply with her internal turmoil. Tonight marked the end of her stay at the William house—soon, she and her father Leo, the family's loyal servant, would head back to their modest home.
But before she could leave, Josh knocked on her door, his usual awkward charm evident in his voice.
"Sarah? Are you still awake?"
Sarah set her brush down and walked to the door, opening it with a calm, composed smile.
"Yes, Josh. Is something wrong?"
Josh rubbed the back of his neck, his nervousness evident.
"No, nothing's wrong. I just... wanted to talk before you left."
Sarah tilted her head, feigning curiosity.
"Of course. Let's go downstairs."
---
Josh led Sarah to the garden, where the stars shone brightly above. The soft glow of lanterns lit the path, casting warm light over their faces. Sarah followed, her mind calculating every step. She knew how important this moment was for Josh, and she intended to make it count.
They sat on a stone bench, the cool breeze making Sarah wrap her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Josh glanced at her, his eyes filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"So, Sarah," he began, his tone unusually serious.
"In just four days, we'll be married."
Sarah smiled softly, her voice gentle. "Yes, it feels Unreal."
Josh chuckled, leaning back against the bench. "I never thought I'd get married so soon, especially to someone like you."
"What do you mean by that?" Sarah asked, her tone light but her eyes sharp.
Josh quickly raised his hands in defense. "No, no! I mean it in a good way. You're... different. Special."
Sarah pretended to blush, lowering her gaze. "That's sweet of you to say."
---
Josh leaned closer, his enthusiasm bubbling over.
"I've been thinking about our future, Sarah. I want to make you happy. I know I can be a bit... immature sometimes, but I'll do my best to be a good husband."
Sarah looked at him, her expression soft and sincere.
"You've always been kind to me, Josh. I believe in you."
Her words seemed to light up Josh's face. He reached out, hesitating for a moment before gently taking her hand in his.
"I know we come from different worlds," he said, his voice earnest. [ N/ Different world meaning ' Rich and poor ' stuff ]
"But that doesn't matter to me. You're the only one I want to be with."
Sarah felt a pang of guilt—not for what she planned to do, but for how easily Josh's kindness made him vulnerable.
---
While Josh spoke of his dreams and plans, Sarah's mind worked tirelessly. She thought of her revenge, the lives she would ruin, and the justice she believed she was delivering. Josh's words barely registered; she was too focused on her ultimate goal.
Yet, she knew this act was crucial. To carry out her plans, she needed Josh completely devoted to her.
"I feel the same way," she said softly, her voice trembling just enough to seem genuine.
Josh squeezed her hand, his grin widening. "I promise, Sarah. I'll take care of you. No matter what."
---
Before their conversation could continue, Leo appeared at the edge of the garden, his expression calm but firm.
" Sarah," he called out, his voice low yet commanding. "It's time to leave."
Sarah turned to Josh, giving him a regretful smile. "I should go."
Josh nodded, standing up with her. "Let me walk you to the car."
The three of them walked back to the house in silence. As they reached the car waiting in the driveway, Josh turned to Sarah, his nervousness returning.
"I'll see you soon," he said, his voice soft.
Sarah nodded, her smile gentle. "Goodnight, Josh."
---
As the car pulled away from the William estate, Sarah leaned back against the seat, her calm mask slipping for a moment. Leo glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his sharp eyes catching the shift in her expression.
"You handled that well," he said, his tone neutral.
Sarah didn't respond immediately, staring out the window at the passing scenery.
"Josh is falling deeper into your trap," Leo continued.
"But you can't let your guard down."
"I know," Sarah said quietly.
"Everything is going according to plan."
---
As they drove through the quiet streets, Sarah's mind wandered to the upcoming days. The wedding was fast approaching, and with it, the culmination of her revenge. She thought of the Williams—Adi , Tara , Rocky , George, Ruhr, Eithan, and, of course, Josh. Each of them had a role to play in her grand scheme, whether they realized it or not.
But for now, she allowed herself a moment of rest. The full moon hung high in the sky, its light casting an ethereal glow over the world below.
Soon, she thought, her resolve hardening. Soon, they will all pay.
---
The night was quiet at William House RTC. After seeing Sarah off, Josh returned to the grand family mansion, his emotions mixed.
He entered the main hall, intending to relax for a while before heading to his room.
The hall was dimly lit, and the soft hum of the chandelier cast warm shadows on the walls.
As he approached the sofa, Josh noticed his youngest cousin, Albert, deeply engrossed in a mobile game. Albert was using Ruhr's phone, his expression a mix of concentration and glee.
The boy sat cross-legged on the sofa, his childish demeanor evident in every move he made.
Josh smiled faintly, his thoughts momentarily distracted from his upcoming wedding.
---
Albert's game session didn't last long. He suddenly threw the phone onto the sofa, ensuring it landed softly, and looked up at Josh with his signature goofy grin.
"Brother Josh!" Albert called out enthusiastically. "Y-you back! W-what... how's Sara?!"
Josh chuckled, shaking his head at Albert's innocent curiosity. "It's Sarah, not Sara, Albert. She's fine. I just dropped her off at her house."
Albert tilted his head, his face scrunching up in exaggerated confusion. "Ohhh... okay. S-So, umm... you, uh... getting marry soon?"
"Yes, in four days," Josh replied, taking a seat beside Albert.
Albert clapped his hands, laughing. "Four day! B-brother Josh marry! Big cake? W-we get cake, yes? Big cake like sky?"
Josh laughed at his cousin's excitement. "Yes, Albert. There will be a big cake at the wedding."
Albert's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward conspiratorially. "C-can I eat all cake? Not give Big sister , not give Eithy!"
Josh smirked. "I don't think Ruhr or Eithan will like that, Albert. Everyone gets a piece of the cake."
---
Albert pouted, crossing his arms dramatically. "Hmmm... fine! I share. But Brother Josh, why you marry her? She not even, uh... um... princess! You prince! Marry princess, right?"
Josh sighed, his amusement replaced by a hint of seriousness. "Albert, marriage isn't about being a prince or a princess. It's about... finding someone you care about."
Albert blinked at Josh, his childish mind struggling to grasp the concept. "S-So, you like her? Like a lot?"
"Yes, Albert," Josh replied patiently. "I like her a lot."
Albert grinned mischievously. "Then why you blush? Y-you red like tomato!"
Josh couldn't help but laugh. "I'm not blushing, Albert. You're imagining things."
Albert wasn't convinced. He pointed at Josh's face, giggling. "Tomato Josh! Tomato Josh!"
---
Switching topics as quickly as only a child could, Albert suddenly asked, "B-brother Josh, when you marry, can I, uh... ride horsey? Like prince wedding in fairy book?"
Josh raised an eyebrow, amused. "A horse at the wedding? I don't think so, Albert. But there will be a nice car."
Albert looked disappointed for a moment but quickly brightened up. "Car okay! I-I sit front seat, yes?"
Josh smiled. "We'll see."
Albert's face grew serious, which was a rare sight. He looked at Josh and asked, "B-brother Josh... when you marry, will you forget me?"
Josh's heart softened at the question. He ruffled Albert's hair affectionately. "Of course not, Albert. You're my cousin, and I'll always be here for you."
Albert beamed at the reassurance, his childish worries dispelled.
---
Just as Josh was about to say more, Ruhr walked into the hall, her expression neutral as always. She immediately noticed her phone lying on the sofa and picked it up, frowning.
"Albert," she said sternly, "you're not supposed to throw my phone around. What if it broke?"
Albert scratched his head sheepishly. "B-but I didn't break it! Look, see, phone okay!"
Ruhr sighed, her sternness melting into exasperated fondness. "You're impossible, Albert."
Josh laughed at their interaction. "Don't be too hard on him, Ruhr. He didn't mean any harm."
Ruhr looked at Josh, her usual neutral tone softening slightly. "I know, but he needs to be more careful."
Albert, oblivious to the scolding, turned to Josh and asked, "Brother Josh, can we have, uh... firework at wedding? Big boom, like movie!"
Josh grinned. "That sounds like a good idea. I'll see what I can do."
---
As the conversation continued, the atmosphere in the hall remained lighthearted. Albert's innocent questions and Ruhr's quiet presence helped Josh momentarily forget his own doubts and worries about the wedding.
Eventually, Albert began to yawn, his energy finally waning. Ruhr guided him to his room, leaving Josh alone in the hall. He leaned back on the sofa, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts drifting back to Sarah.
Four days, he thought to himself. Four days, and everything changes.
The night deepened, and the house grew quiet once more, but the echoes of Albert's laughter lingered in Josh's mind, reminding him of the simple joys amidst the complexity of life.