Even if Mara hadnât always been the kindest friend, Olivia genuinely cared for her. The news had hit her like a ton of bricks; she spent three nights tossing and turning, haunted by Maraâs sleep-talking confessions.
Could it have been just a nightmare that made Mara spout such nonsense?
Why would Mara hurt her sister?
The question loomed over Olivia like a dark cloud, a shadow she couldnât shake.
Now, finally face to face with Mara, she found the courage to confront her.
âYou donât understand a thing, do you? You have no idea about the pain Iâve endured all these years.
Iâve told you, knowing too much is bad for you. If you want to stay by my side, stop asking questions.
And you should know, my hands are already stained with blood. I wouldnât mind adding yours to the list,â Mara threatened, but Olivia was unfazed.
âOh, really? Do you honestly think I canât scream right now? That would bring Balfour running, and heâd see you for the cruel monster you really are.â
Mara didnât dare take that risk. Everyone knew Balfour was her Achillesâ heel. She couldnât bear the thought of him discovering the truth. For years, she had worked tirelessly to keep this secret from him.
Regret gnawed at her. How she wished she had stayed by Balfourâs side. If only she had, things couldâve been different.
Mara knew too well that Balfour had harbored a soft spot for her sister Victoria.
But the world had no place for âifs,â and there were no second chances.
To win over the man she desired, she had to eliminate her rival, to forge a bond that wo obligate Balfour to her!
âYou know, I donât understand why youâd strike down your own sister with such venom. Didnât you think for a second that she would die with her eyes wide open, full of rage and sorrow?â Oliviaâs voice was ice-cold.
Maraâs lips curled into a smile. âSo what? Iâve warned you not to bring this up again. Otherwise, I canât promise what I might do. Even if Balfour finds out, Iâll show no mercy.â
Her smile was wicked, unrestrained, as if there was nothing in the world she feared.
Olivia retreated, step by step, until she could no longer bear to meet Maraâs gaze and bolted downstairs.
Only when Mara was out of sight did Olivia clutch her chest, panting. âThis woman is terrifying. I need to move out-staying with her could be the death of me!â
It was a bitter realization. After all these years, to have her friend turn on her so suddenly and to know there was blood on Maraâs hands!
But what could she do, even with this knowledge? Mara was smug because she had destroyed all the evidence from back then. If it werenât for Maraâs murmured confessions in her sleep, Olivia would never have suspected that this Mara was a far cry from the real one.
As for proof, it was all but a series of clues that led to speculation, nothing concrete to pin on her. No wonder Mara was so confident.
âMiss, are you alright?â