Masquerades

Chapter 10

A sigh of relief came out of her lips as she read those words. She stepped back from the window after making sure to close it, and sat on the edge of the bed.

You: Be on standby.

Warren Dong: Are you safe?

You: Yeah, for now.

Time seemed to be flowing slowly, whenever she checked her wristwatch, only a minute or two had passed. It was excruciating. What makes it worse is she’s staying in the lion’s den, and anytime now, she could be caught and be gobbled up like a prey.

Arcane’s words kept repeating inside her head, making her wonder what he was planning to do next. If she’s caught, then what will happen? How about if she is not? Will they easily admit defeat or is there another kind of torture waiting for her? She can’t trust these people. They have successfully organized a hunt with the whole senior batch, then what makes her think that this would end after just an hour?

Who would have thought she would find herself in this situation? She had been doing so well, making herself unseen the past year, and it all went down the drain just because someone got curious of her name. Damn, she should really have listened to her cousin back then. This would’ve been avoided if she did.

She couldn’t help but anticipate the moment the news of the Calista Song being alive was announced. Will they instantly think it’s her? Though she is not planning to admit it before her birthday, she’s certain these people will still give her the benefit of the doubt and they will start being careful around her.

This is the part she is most excited about – the discomfort in their faces when they are suddenly reminded of the possibility that they may have bullied the long-lost Song heiress. Though she’s never a fan of this Caste system among the students, once her true identity is revealed, she could still use it to right all the wrongs in this school.

“I’m in school. Where else would I be?”

Her head automatically snapped towards the door, hearing the voice. Unlike how faint the voices were earlier, this one is much clearer, indicating that the person is just outside the door. She slowly slid down the floor, careful not to make a sound, and started to untie her sneakers to remove them from her feet. With only a pair of socks, she stood back up as her eyes zeroed in on the closet nearby.

“There’s no need, I can drive on my own. You just got back from the US, you should take some rest.” It was Arcane, of all people, and she wished he had only come up to answer the call. “Are you with Silas?”

Who is he talking to, though? Silas… where did she hear that familiar name again? Silas, Silas… oh! Silas Cai? The sole heir of Cai Global? How could she forget! This Cai clan is supposedly the ones who took their clan’s former position when they fell. They are now friends with the Wongs, and Alexandra Wong – older sister of Arcane – is even engaged to Silas.

He’s probably talking to his sister.

“What? Why do you have to attend?” Her brows rose in curiosity. “We don’t even know that American CEO, and won’t your presence lead to another set of controversies? Didn’t mom think of that?”

American CEO… are they talking about Callum? Wait, is Alexandra attending their company’s anniversary gala tomorrow night? The f*****g audacity!

“For old time’s sake? Are you hearing yourself?” Arcane scoffed and, for the first time, they are actually on the same page. “It’s not safe for you to attend, even though you’ll be with Silas! The place will be flooded with reporters and—what? Andra… what the f**k are you saying?”

So Alexandra will really attend with her fiancé. This must be a part of their plan – to make it seem like their relationship with the Songs is still intact until the end, so the public will stop speculating that they’re behind the accident that killed her parents.

Snakes – that’s what they are. Her only regret in life is not helping her parents be more vigilant of these manipulative people. If only she had agreed to be more involved in the company, she could have met the Wongs earlier and easily judged their filthy characters.

“That’s a topic that shouldn’t just be talked about over the phone. I’ll see you later at home.”

Silence. There was a momentary pause after his last words, and she could already feel the tension in the air building up. Something’s about to happen…

I need to hide, her mind screamed. She soundlessly walked towards the closet and carefully pulled it open as a distinct click seemed to trigger her panic once again. Without glancing towards the door, she entered the half-empty wardrobe and hid, immediately slapping her vacant hand on her mouth just in case her labored breathing gets too loud. (Her other hand is holding her sneakers.)

From the gaps in the closet’s door, she watched as Arcane sauntered inside the room, taking off his jacket and the hoodie he added to his usual school uniform. He then loosened his tie and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his undershirt. He sat on the foot of the bed and leaned back with his arms supporting him.

Is he just going to stay there? Oh my God, it’s getting hot in here!

She could feel the drops of sweat forming on her back and her hairline, as she slowly brought down the hand covering her mouth. Her heart has calmed down a bit now, but her shoulders are still tensed, and she still can’t relax with the devil still lurking outside.

Arcane raised his phone up against his ear again, “what’s happening down there?”

Oh good, she needs an update too. As of now, around twenty minutes had already passed.

“No one? Have you checked the rooftop? Don’t… hurt her.”

The guy’s words immediately brought a frown to her face. Isn’t it too late to say that now? The upper-left part of her stomach has a hideous bruise from yesterday’s debacle! And he’s saying not to hurt her? What a piece of s**t.

“Just scare her so she’d leave. She seemed to be concerned about the five underdogs from yesterday. Let’s use them.”

Her heart skipped a beat. This monster.

“List down the names of those five students and tell the broadcaster to make an announcement…” Arcane stood up, “those underdogs should be caught alongside Calista Song.”

Son of a b***h.

If looks could kill, the guy would surely be lying down the floor lifeless right now. With a gaze full of anger, Cali unlocked her phone and typed another message for her best friend:

You: Tell the class to protect the underdogs. I’ll meet you all in about fifteen minutes.