Chapter 12:The Trap Is Set
984 Words
Selena arrived at the restaurant ten minutes early.
In her previous life, she had always been the one waiting—eager to please, afraid of disappointing the people she cared about.
Not anymore.
Today, she chose a table with a clear view of the entrance and ordered a glass of iced tea while she waited.
Just as expected, Aria arrived exactly on time.
She rushed over with her usual bright smile and wrapped Selena in a hug.
"You've been impossible to reach lately," Aria complained playfully as she sat down.
Selena returned a small smile.
"I've been busy."
Aria pouted dramatically.
"Too busy for your best friend?"
There it was again.
The familiar guilt.
The subtle pressure disguised as affection.
In her previous life, Selena would have apologized immediately.
Now, she simply stirred her drink.
"I didn't realize friendship came with attendance requirements."
For a brief second, surprise flashed across Aria's face before she laughed.
"You're joking more these days."
Selena met her gaze calmly.
"Maybe I'm just speaking my mind."
A waiter arrived to take their orders, and Aria quickly shifted the conversation to safer topics—fashion, social events, mutual acquaintances.
Selena played along, listening more than speaking.
The more Aria talked, the more obvious her agenda became.
Every topic eventually circled back to Ethan.
"Ethan's been under so much pressure lately."
"He barely sleeps."
"He's really upset that you've been distant."
Selena nearly smiled.
There it is.
The real reason for this lunch.
Aria wasn't here as a friend.
She was here as Ethan's messenger.
Or perhaps something more.
Selena remembered the countless times Aria had manipulated her emotions in their previous life, always pushing her toward Ethan while secretly resenting everything she had.
It was almost laughable now.
Almost.
"You seem very concerned about Ethan," Selena said casually.
Aria's smile stiffened for a fraction of a second.
"Of course I am. He's your boyfriend."
The emphasis wasn't lost on Selena.
Your boyfriend.
As if reminding her of a role she was expected to play.
"What about Lucien Dregor?"
Aria asked suddenly.
Selena looked up slowly.
"What about him?"
"Oh, come on." Aria leaned forward with a teasing grin. "People saw you two together. You seem close."
Selena pretended not to notice the jealousy hidden beneath her friend's playful tone.
"We're friends."
Aria's fingers tightened around her fork.
"Just friends?"
"Why does it matter?"
"It doesn't." Aria laughed lightly. "I'm just curious."
Selena held her gaze for a moment longer.
In her previous life, she had never noticed how often Aria's curiosity crossed into obsession.
Now it was impossible to ignore.
Before Selena could reply, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Sorry I'm late."
Ethan.
Of course.
He approached the table with a sheepish smile, as though his appearance was completely accidental.
In her previous life, Selena would have believed the act.
Today, she almost admired the effort.
"Ethan?" she said, feigning surprise.
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Aria mentioned she'd be here. I thought I'd stop by."
Aria quickly added, "I had no idea he was coming."
Liar.
Selena nearly laughed.
The script hadn't changed.
Only she had.
"Do you mind if I join you?" Ethan asked.
She gestured to the empty chair.
"Go ahead."
If he expected gratitude, he would be disappointed.
As he sat down, Selena noticed the dark circles under his eyes.
The leaked documents were taking their toll.
Good.
"Ethan, how's work?" she asked sweetly.
His expression darkened instantly.
"Stressful."
"I heard about the leak."
His jaw tightened.
"Someone deliberately targeted my company."
Selena tilted her head sympathetically.
"Do you have any suspects?"
His gaze lingered on her for a moment too long.
For the first time, she saw something new in his eyes.
Suspicion.
Just a hint.
Not enough to be dangerous.
Yet.
"No," he said finally.
"But I'll find out."
Selena offered an encouraging smile.
"I'm sure you will."
Aria quickly changed the subject.
"So, Selena, are you coming to the charity gala next weekend?"
Selena paused.
The charity gala.
In her previous life, that event had marked the beginning of her public downfall.
Aria had manipulated a situation that made Selena appear jealous and unstable in front of influential guests.
The rumors spread quickly.
Ethan had played the role of the understanding boyfriend while quietly encouraging the gossip behind her back.
That night had isolated her from people who might have helped her.
This time would be different.
"Of course," Selena replied.
Ethan looked relieved.
Aria smiled.
Perfect.
Neither of them realized Selena was already planning three moves ahead.
As lunch continued, she carefully guided the conversation, asking innocent questions and gathering information.
The more Ethan talked, the more frustrated he became.
His investments were stalling.
Investors were hesitant.
Partners were demanding explanations.
Everything was unraveling faster than expected.
And Aria looked increasingly nervous.
They were losing control.
By the end of the meal, Selena knew exactly what she needed to do next.
As they stood outside the restaurant, Ethan reached for her hand.
Instinctively, she stepped back.
A flicker of hurt crossed his face.
Then confusion.
Then anger.
It vanished so quickly most people would have missed it.
But Selena saw everything now.
Every crack in his perfect mask.
"Selena," he said softly, "have I done something wrong?"
The question would have broken her heart in her previous life.
Now it only strengthened her resolve.
She looked directly into his eyes.
"No, Ethan."
Not yet.
"But people change."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.
Across the street, a black car waited by the curb.
Lucien sat behind the wheel.
As Selena got in, his eyes briefly met Ethan's through the windshield.
A silent challenge passed between them.
Ethan's expression darkened.
Lucien simply drove away.
Beside him, Selena allowed herself a small smile.
The trap had been set.
This time, she wasn't the prey.
She was the hunter.
- Writer
