Three Minutes
574 Words
Selene’s feet faltered to a quiet stop as she watched Marina giggle before a gathering of reporters, a proud smile tugging at her lips.
She tore her eyes away, fists clenching at her sides as anger bubbled violently within her.
“Mrs. Marina… we don’t mean to pry, but we’d love to know— is motherhood something you’d want to experience again? Seeing how amazing you are with little Miss Quinn here…”
Marina laughed, the sound clawing at something raw and bitter inside Selene. Her gaze snapped back just in time to see Marina press a kiss to Quinn’s hair.
“Of course,” Marina replied proudly. “My husband and I are working on it. Hopefully, there’ll be good news soon.”
“That’ll be all,” her assistant chirped quickly. “Thank you—no more questions.”
A bitter scoff escaped Selene. She was just about to turn away when her eyes caught sight of Damien and his entourage of guards approaching. The press immediately shifted their focus toward him—along with an excited Marina, who shoved her daughter into her assistant’s arms and hurried toward Damien.
“You’re here…” Marina mouthed, looping her arm through Damien’s and posing for pictures as flashes erupted around them.
“Come on,” the assistant mouthed to Quinn, taking the child’s hand and leading her into the school building.
A slow smile curved Selene’s lips.
Finally.
She followed at a distance, watching as the child was led down a quieter hallway, only a few students and teachers passing by.
“Mama will get you as soon as your class is over, okay?” the assistant assured gently.
Quinn let out a small whimper but nodded.
“Don’t be sad—”
A buzz cut her off.
Selene slipped into a corner before turning, her brow arching as she glanced behind her. Nothing. She could have sworn someone had been there.
Rolling her eyes, she checked her phone.
Done, ma’am.
The message made her smile stretch—slow, sharp, anticipatory.
“It’s now or never, Selene,” she whispered to herself.
She scrolled through her contacts until she found the number Marina’s assistant had once reached her with. Her fingers flew.
Meet me in the bathroom in three… or Marina finds out.
She hit send.
The girl’s phone chimed loudly down the hallway.
A sharp gasp followed.
Selene watched as panic took hold—shaking hands, quick glances over her shoulder, breath already uneven.
Who are you? What do you want?
Selene read over her shoulder as the assistant typed frantically.
“Dumb b***h,” Selene hissed under her breath.
What bathroom? There are many. Where am I meeting you?
Selene ignored the messages and turned her phone off.
She’d done her homework. Like her boss, the girl had secrets too.
The assistant glanced around restlessly before releasing Quinn’s hand and hurrying toward a corner that led to the hallway bathroom.
She disappeared inside.
Selene smiled and quickened her pace, passing the confused child and heading straight for the bathroom door.
“Where are you?” the girl called nervously from inside.
Selene shoved the door shut, locked it, and turned.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Her gaze landed on Quinn—small, alone, blinking up at her in confusion.
“Hello, child,” Selene sneered—
Just as the fire alarm screamed through the building, unleashing chaos as students and teachers rushed for safety.
- Writer
