love on hold

chapter 6- Poison

"I don't know how to get the poison, and even if I did, I couldn't get close to the baby," Claudia admitted, frustration etched on her face. "Remember when Aurora was in the hospital? I tried using nurses to poison her, but it failed. Alice, her friend, stopped them and sent them back."

Claudia's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with remorse. "Why did I say that! my mistake," she stammered, recalling that fateful night.

Aurora's labor had been Claudia's opportunity. Her primary plan was to manipulate Aurora's emotional vulnerability, pushing her to the brink of despair, hoping she'd succumb to suicidal thoughts or die during childbirth.

But Claudia had a contingency plan. If Aurora survived childbirth, a compromised nurse would poison her in the hospital, using tainted equipment or cotton wool.

Claudia's leverage? The nurse's son, a repeat offender, detained in a cramped cell thanks to Claudia's police connections. The nurse was coerced into complying, fearing her son's safety.

However, Alice had intercepted the plan, deploying detectives and bodyguards to monitor the hospital. The nurse was caught and confessed, fearful of Alice's scrutiny.

Claudia's gaze met Laura's, her mind racing with the events. Had Laura known all along? Laura's enigmatic smile only deepened Claudia's unease.

Laura's smile hinted at a hidden plan. "I knew about your attempts, Claudia. And I'm here to help."

Laura's gaze lingered on Claudia, her heart swelling with amusement. She thought to herself, "Claudia is so naive. If Alice, of all people, could unravel her scheme, why wouldn't I, the mastermind, be aware of it?"

Laura's smile deepened, her eyes glinting with superiority. She had always been one step ahead, orchestrating the game with precision.

Claudia's curiosity piqued, Laura continued, "There's a maid in Aurora's house who'll do anything for Blade. We can use her."

Claudia's gaze sharpened. Her thoughts swirled with unease. Who was this maid, so devoted to Blade? What drove her unwavering loyalty? Claudia sensed hidden strings, a secret Laura kept concealed.

As the truth evaded her, Claudia's curiosity grew. She felt an unsettling unease, a creeping fear. Something didn't add up.

Laura's smile grew, leaving the question unanswered, allowing Claudia's imagination to run wild.

Claudia's patience snapped, she raised her voice. It was heavy with displeasure and jealously. "Laura, what's going on? Why would a maid in Aurora's house do anything for Blade?"

Laura's gaze turned piercing. "Don't you understand? She's motivated by more than just loyalty."

Claudia's eyes widened as Laura's words dripped with implication. "You mean she's having an affair with Blade?"

The confirmation struck Claudia like a blow. She felt betrayed, her heart racing with anger and hurt.

"How could he?" Claudia whispered, her voice trembling. "With a maid?"

Laura's calm demeanor contrasted with Claudia's turmoil. "Don't take it personally, dear. This is an opportunity. We'll use this maid, Blair, to our advantage."

Laura relaxed into the chair, "You want to know more about Blair, right, Claudia?" She paused, studying Claudia's tense expression. "My son Blade has many women interested in him, they follow him like flies. Blair took a liking to him and, eventually, he fell for her." Laura's words were laced with intention, designed to stab Claudia's heart.

Claudia's face drained of color and, Laura couldn't help but notice. "Come on, why are you acting like this? You've been his mistress for years, cheating with him, cheating on others, sleeping with my son and, deceiving his wife. You know the drill, you know the game. Why feel bad now when my son is cheating on you with another woman?" Laura's tone was manipulative, pushing Claudia's emotional buttons.

Claudia felt a pang of sadness, "I've done everything to please Blade, I thought he'd be content with just me."

Laura's expression turned cold, "Men cheat, you know that. What you should do is think about being the number one woman in Blade's life - his wife. Take away every other person from that position."

Laura's words were laced with malice, using emotional blackmail to control Claudia's actions. "I didn't just tell you this to let you in on the info, I want you to make Blair destroy Aurora, so you take the number one spot. Simple. If you put your sentiments aside and work hard, you'll get what you want. You can cry later, feel better later, but for now, it's time to work. Do you understand me, Claudia?"

Claudia's resolve hardened. "What exactly is the plan?"

Laura smiled, a calculated glint in her eye. "Blair will do our bidding. I'll guide you on what to say and, she'll follow obediently."

Claudia's determination solidified. "I'm at your service, Laura.Guide me."

***

Aurora settled onto the couch, laptop open, baby beside her. Blair approached, "Welcome, Mrs. Johnson."

Aurora didn't glance up. "What do you want, Blair?"

"I made your favorite dish," Blair replied, setting the plate before Aurora.

Aurora's sarcasm dripped. "How thoughtful. I'll eat when I want."

Blair's eyes sparkled, but Aurora's suspicion grew. Rumors of Blair's morning confrontation with Blade fueled her unease.

"Bring the food," Aurora said, eyes narrowing.

Blair returned with the dish, presenting it on exquisite china. Aurora's gaze lingered on the meal before shifting to Blair.

"Looks great. You did a lot of work, Blair."

Aurora's hand hesitated over the food, noticing Blair's anticipatory gaze. Something was amiss. Aurora could feel it.

"Blair, taste this first. Ensure it suits my taste," Aurora said, her smile masking suspicion.

Blair's composure faltered. "That's not necessary, madam."

Aurora's eyes locked onto Blair's. "Humor me. You can't be sure it's to my taste if you haven't tried it."

Blair's voice trembled. "I've worked for you for years, madam. I know your preferences."

Aurora's tone turned icy. "Taste it! Now!"

Blair's eyes darted, searching for escape. Her hands shook as she raised the fork.

Blair's hands trembled as she held the fork. "No, madam, I couldn't possibly..."

Aurora's gentle laughter eased the tension. "Blair, I'm not going to eat you. I just want you to taste this meal for me."

Blair's refusal turned desperate. "I'm just a maid, madam. You're the mistress."

Aurora's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Obey me, Blair. Eat."

Blair stood frozen.

Blade stepped into the house at that moment, greeted by the warm sight of Aurora and the baby. He kissed them both, asking, "How are you doing, dear?"

Aurora smiled, "We're fine, thanks for asking."

Blade sat beside her, and told her about the successful business deal. Aurora praised him, "My husband, the goal getter. No one can top you in business. You always bring home the bacon."

Blade beamed with pride. Aurora continued, "I told Blair to prepare a good meal. I knew you'd want something special after your successful day."

Blade's gaze shifted to Blair, who stood nearby, her hands shaking. "Blair, thanks for the meal."

Blair forced a smile, "Welcome, sir."

Blade noticed Blair's bandaged head and asked, "What happened to your head?" He did not want Aurora to know he was the cause of the bruise on Blair's head.

Blair brushed it off, "Just a minor accident, sir."

Blade turned to the meal, and Blair hastily interjected, "I think the food is cold. Let me reheat it."

Blade misinterpreted Blair's concern, thinking she was still angry about their morning confrontation. Wanting to reconcile, he reassured Blair, "Don't worry, Blair. So far, you made the food; I'll eat it."

Aurora chimed in, "Yes, Blair, let him eat. He's been working hard."

Blade took a bite, unaware of the poison's deadly work.