âExcuse me, I'm Cassandra's sister, may I know if you saw my sister today? She hasn't returned home and I'm worried that something may have happened to her. âHelene spoke in a worried tone, holding a napkin in her hand to collect the fake tears.
The male guard looked at her pitiful state and felt pity towards her.
âMy lady, your sister left with the headmaster after she finished her schedule. â the guard replied.
âThe headmaster? May I know his name? âHelene asked, gripping the napkin tighter.
âEdric Heroux is his name. That's all I can say, you should go now. â
âI see, thank you,good sir. âHelene added before she left, stomping all the way to the carriage.
âIs she having an affair with her superior? Is that why she seems to not care about William anymore? Shit, I have to change my plan then and catch this Edric quick. â Helene thought.
âDo you know where Edric Heroux lives? â Helene asked.
âI do, would you like to go there? â
âYes, please. â
The carriage drove off and soon Helene arrived in front of a big, luxurious mansion.
âHe's a wealthy man, look at his baby. So luxurious, I wonder how the interior looks like. âHelene wondered as envy filled her expression.
âJust you wait sister, I'll get him like I got William and you'll have no one.âHelene promised, returning inside the carriage and back home, making a plan to deal with Edric.
âWhat if she decides to leave? Then I'll lose this luxurious house and most certainly, my job. I've been to careless. âWilliam said as he poured another glass on whisky.
âBut then Helene is also Alec's daughter, am I right? If I marry her then I'll be safe. â He added, thinking of the best way to assure a luxurious life for himself.
âIt seems like I've won. âEdric declared, smirking.
Zhia Xiang looked at the board and raised her hands in the air, defeated.
âYou're not a master of chess for nothing after all. âZhia Xiang replied, looking down at her state. One more layer and she'll be left in lingerie,unlike Edric who still had his pants and undergarments.
âThen? Do you have the courage to keep our deal? âEdric asked, supporting his chin on his hands, looking at her.
Zhia Xiang looked at him and stood up, taking the last layer off, remaining in her lingerie.
Edric whistled appreciative and smiled.
âI'll admit, this was the best match of chess I've ever played. âEdric said.
Zhia Xiang sat back down and served herself with a pastry filled with berries jam.
âMay I ask for a favor? âZhia Xiang said.
âOf course. â
âI have a presumption that my sister will try to find and flirt with you. âZhia Xiang said, finishing the pastry.
âHm? And what do you want me to do with her? âEdric asked, twirling a piece of her hair between his fingers.
âBe rude and push her away. âZhia Xiang replied.
âIs this part of your plan or are you a little jealous? âEdric asked jokingly.
âJealous? Is there any reason for me to be jealous? âZhia Xiang asked, licking her dirty finger.
Edric took her by the waist and pulled Zhia Xiang in his lap.
âWill you feel jealous of I flirted with other women? âEdric asked, roaming his hands on her back.
âYou're part of my plan so you aren't allowed to flirt with other women. We're having an affair, have you forgotten? âZhia Xiang replied.
Edric chuckled and kissed her hungrily.
âYour wish is my command then. Shall we move this affair to my bedroom? âEdric asked, breathing quick against her lips.
âPermitted. â Zhia Xiang replied and let herself carried by him.
Next day arrived and Zhia Xiang went to work together with Edric.
âYou can't leave without giving me a kiss, dear. âEdric said, looking at Zhia Xiang.
She softly sighed and kissed him before leaving to her classes. As expected, Helene came by, under the pretext that she's worried about her sister and wants to ask him a few question.
Her dress and makeup said otherwise and it gave Edric a sour feeling in his mouth.
âLike I said, it's none of your bussines. âEdric insisted, looking down at his documents like she wasn't even there, exposing her chest to gain his attention.
âYou have to understand me, sir Heroux. I'm worried for her, she had a fight with her husband and didn't returned last night and I've heard she left with you. Did my dear sister say anything? âHelene insisted as well, not giving up on her chance to talk to him.
âI ask you to leave, my bussines with her is private. âEdric said, a smile escaping his mouth.
Helene looked at him, clenching her fists.
âThis bastard didn't spared me a second glance since I came here. Is he blind? I'm clearly more attractive than her and I'm wearing such a good dress, how come he won't look at me? What a rude bastard. â Helene though as she quickly tried to find a way to stay.
She got up, tears falling down her cheeks.
âYou have a heart of stone, sir. I'm just a worried big sister. âHelene said walking towards the door.
When she was about to open it, she fell down, pretending to faint.
Edric looked at her in disgust.
âFaris, throw her out. âEdric ordered coldly.
Faris nodded his head and dragged Helene out.
âWhat's wrong with him?! To throw a hurt woman out like that, is he crazy? Bastard! âHelene shouted, cursing Edric over and over again.
Zhia Xiang heard about the encounter and laughed at Helene's cheap act.
âShe really is a chaos piece. I can't believe she's your sister. âEdric said.
âShe's adopted. âZhia Xiang said casually.
Edric laughed at the information.
âExplains why she's like that. Tell me, what's your next move? âEdric asked.
âYou'll see. I'll send you an invitation to a banquet later, I hope you can make it. âZhia Xiang said standing up.
âYou're leaving already? âEdric asks disappointed.
âI have to go home today. âZhia Xiang replied and leaned over, kissing him.
âTake care. âEdric said, kissing her again and again before reluctantly letting her go.
She finished earlier today so she'll be home earlier.
William was home as well, angry. Alec worked him hard, he heard from Helene that Cassandra is having an affair, all those made him fume with anger.
Zhia Xiang entered the house, allowing the maid to take her coat.
âWhere have you been last night? âWilliam asked.
Zhia Xiang looked at his miserable state and smirked.
âA place.âZhia Xiang replied.
âCassandra! âWilliam raised his voice.
âThat's my name, stop saying it, it feels dirty. âZhia Xiang said, smiling.
William walked to Zhia Xiang, raising his hand to slap her, but before he could, she kicked him in the stomach with her heel.
âWhat do you think you're doing, cheap piece of shit?âZhia Xiang asked, looking down at the gasping William.
He looked up to her,angry.
âWhore. âWilliam called, getting up.
Zhia Xiang laughed loudly.
âHurt your feelings again? How does it feel to be hit by a whore? You don't stand a chance, Willy. âZhia Xiang mocked him, still laughing.
William walked past her, giving her a death glare. He slammed the door after him and left the house.
âLet's see. âZhia Xiang said taking her bag.
She took the invitations out and gave them to the maids to deliver them.
âDo you plan on ending it soon? â agent 0 asked after seeing the happy, victorious look on her face.
âYes.âZhia Xiang replied.
âWill William and Helene come? â
âOf course, I've wrote in my journal. They'll be there for the final play. âZhia Xiang said smiling.
The music was filling the ballroom, couples dancing on the dance floor, enjoying themselves.
Two people had sour faces, making everyone wonder what happened to them. Those two were Helene and William.
âMy baby! Look at you, how beautiful. âCassandra's mother said as she hugged Zhia Xiang.
âI've got it from my dear mother. âZhia Xiang said smiling.
Her mother playfully hit her shoulder.
âYour sweet mouth. â
âIt's true, mother. You look marvelous. âZhia Xiang complimented sincere.
âI'm glad to see you so happy, dear. Father told me everything, I can't believe I've grown a snake at my door. â The older woman said shaking her head in disappointment.
âNo worries, it would be solved soon. I'll go see father, I have something to talk to him. âZhia Xiang said and left to find Alec.
âHave you talked to your mother? âAlec asked, hugging his daughter.
âYes. Are you ready for tonight? âZhia Xiang asked smiling.
âOf course, I'll help you with anything. I can't wait to see that bastard's face. âAlec said kissing her forehead.
âLet's begin then. âZhia Xiang said, walking to the middle of the room.
She signaled for the music to stop and everyone was looking at her.
âI would like to make an announcement everyone. âZhia Xiang said, keeping a breathtaking smile on her lips. âI'm divorcing my husband since he has an affair with my older sister. â
Everyone gasped, not expecting such shocking news. Helene and William were pale, they weren't expecting this either.
William walked to Zhia Xiang, pissed off.
âYou're divorcing me? I won't allow it. âWilliam said serious.
âYou won't allow it? Who do you think you are, roach? âEdric asked, walking towards Zhia Xiang, under everyone's surprised gazes.
âWho the hell are you? âWilliam asked pointing to Edric.
âAre you worthy of knowing my name? âEdric asked, looking down on William.
William was red with anger. He took Edric by the collar which made Edric laugh.
Everyone present were holding their breath.
âFaris. âEdric simply said and William was thrown down by Faris's strong arms.
âYou can't do this! Release me right now or you'll have to suffer. âWilliam threatened.
âOh? How exactly? You're currently jobless and homeless, William. âZhia Xiang replied, smiling.
William looked at her and smiled, thinking about his ticket to remaining a part of the family:Helene.
Helene was frozen on the spot, without an idea of what she should do.
âEven if you divorce me, I'll marry Helene. She's better anyway! In all aspects. âWilliam said.
Zhia Xiang grinned and heard Alec's footsteps coming from behind.
âSpeaking of Helene, I would also like to make an announcement. This is a secret my family had kept for years and I would like to let it out. âAlec said, looking straight at Helene.
The woman's eyes widened in fear.
âFather, what secret could our family have? Is is about little sister having an affair with the headmaster of the academy who's also your friend? âHelene spoke, hoping she'll delay the announcement.
Alec laughed. The guests were looking from Alec to Helene wondering what secret he's about to uncover that makes Helene so scared.
âYour attempt to distract won't work. Everyone, Helene is not our daughter, she's adopted. And now that she had the nerve to hurt my daughter, I disown her. All of you may witness this, from today, Helene is not part of the family anymore and I don't wish to see her face ever again. âAlec spoke calm, keeping eye contact with Helene.
Helene was shaking, everyone's dirty stares were piercing through her like knifes.
Zhia Xiang admired her horrifying look, the looks of realization. Helene lost everything because of her stupid envy.
William's face turned paper sheet white at the news.
âShe's...adopted... â He repeated. Realization kicked it and he looked at Zhia Xiang.
âMy dear, please give me another chance. I won't do it again, I swear. I'll be good, I won't do anything to upset you, don't divorce me, I'm begging. âWilliam said with tears falling down his face.
Zhia Xiang laughed at his miserable state, enjoying every second of it.
âIn your wildest dreams. Cassandra will be miss Heroux from now on. âEdric said, the audience gasping once again.
Zhia Xiang looked at him curious.
âWhen did we decided that? â she asked.
âLast night while your were screaming my name in bed. Or did you forgot? âEdric asked, looking at Zhia Xiang.
Zhia Xiang looked at him wondering if he's serious or just messing with her.
âIf I may interrupt, he indeed asked if you'll marry him. âagent 0 said.
âWhen?! I don't remember it. â
âWell... it was a moment of... absence of mind...but you said yes. âagent 0 added.
Zhia Xiang sighed and smiled awkwardly.
âHow could I forget...ha.â
Edric leaned on and whispered in her ear.
âYou're smelling like a liar. I'll have to give you a lesson later. â
âI'm sorry, maybe don't ask something like this while I'm not lucid. âZhia Xiang protested.
âI'm sorry, I didn't thought I made you feel so good that you lost your senses to that extent. âEdric continued.
The two forgot the audience that could hear their conversation. Zhia Xiang remembered then when she heard Alec clear his throat.
âI think everyone got the idea,dear. I'll support you whatever choice you make. âAlec said.
Zhia Xiang smiled and hugged him.
âThank you. â
âWhat shall we do with those two? âFeris asked.
Zhia Xiang looked at William who was on his knees, looking at the floor lost and Helene who fainted.
âGive them a beating and throw them on the streets, let's see how they live with the rats. âZhia Xiang said smiling.
Faris nodded and dragged the two out.
The rest of the party was less shocking, everyone minding their chatting and dancing.
Zhia Xiang went out for a breath of fresh air.
âWhat should I do? âZhia Xiang asked.
âWhat do you mean? â agent 0 asked.
âThe task is finished, the two are poor and homeless, their biggest nightmare. But if I leave now... âZhia Xiang said sighing.
âYour choice. âagent 0 replied.
âThanks, mr. useful. â
âDon't get angry at me. â agent 0 said defensive.
âHow are you feeling? âEdric asked, stopping next to Zhia Xiang.
âA bit tired.â
Edric pulled her in his arms.
âI'm glad it turned out this way. âEdric said.
Zhia Xiang decided to stay a few more years in this world. She married Edric, a expensive and fancy wedding that lasted days.
William and Helene begged again and again for forgives, but got only closed doors.
Winter came and they didn't managed to find work or shelter to they froze to death in December, their bodies ending food for stray animals.