Masquerades

Chapter 24

She intended to refuse and tell Maddox that they should go, but the latter beat her to it.

“We’ll give you two some privacy,” the traitor said, earning a scoff from her. How can she forget? The guy is actually loyal to Arcane!

“Take her with you,” Wong nodded at the other Calista’s direction, not even sparing the girl a glance.

She watched as Maddox playfully saluted and gestured for Arcane’s former companion to follow him. The girl’s shoulder instantly slumped as she frowned and glanced at Cali who was taken aback, seeing the latter’s tearful gaze. Oh God… seems like this fake one has feelings for the devil for real. How pitiful…

“You should at least give her the benefit of the doubt, you know? You’re so close-minded to other possibilities,” Cali shrugged as she entered the building first and went straight to the seating area at the corner. She actually planned on going back to class, but this is better… English class gets super boring, especially when she’s already fluent in the language.

She sat on one of the solo couches as Arcane took the other across her, and casually stretched his long legs. The action caused her to roll her eyes when each of his feet went on either side of hers. Why are these couches so close to each other in the first place?!

“Why are you so dead set on convincing me that she’s the real one, huh? I told you, the more you act all defensive, the more I want to believe that you’re the real Calista.”

She scoffed, “if you haven’t noticed, I want you to leave me alone and, as soon as you accept the fact that your ex-fiancée isn’t me, then I will finally get my Arcane-free life back.”

He chuckled, “I believe coincidences rarely happen in this world, you see. Everything is intentional, because people are naturally manipulative – some just do it unconsciously. That’s why they think they’ve never committed it. But those who learned how manipulative they can be early on, instantly turn into dangerous people. And you, my Alice, are one of those who have learned the art of manipulation. Everything that has happened, is happening and will happen, are no coincidences. You are controlling the chess board right now and the moment I fall into your trap… checkmate.”

“You think I have that kind of power over you, of all people? Arcane Wong, the heir to the most powerful clan in China, don’t you think that sounds absurd?”

“The only one who would have that kind of power over me is my ex-fiancée, so yes, you do.”

His words instantly made her laugh, “we’re just talking in circles at this point. I tell you I’m not, you tell me I am, I tell you again that I’m not, and then you keep insisting that I am. You keep acting like you know me more than myself, and it doesn’t make any sense!”

“If you just admit that you are—“

“I won’t, ‘cause I have nothing to admit,” she sighed. When will this guy get tired of this s**t?

“Is it because of the rumors?”

“What rumors?”

“That my family is behind your parents’ death.”

She almost cracked right there and then, but instantly masked her face with an emotionless expression. She then shrugged, faking nonchalance. “I heard about that… I guess, the first thing you should talk about with the real one is that rumor. It’s kinda problematic, you know, being engaged to the guy who’s potentially involved in your parents’ death… yikes!”

“Just for the record, my father also ordered someone to conduct secret investigations about what happened. If you’re the real Calista, I suggest you just admit it to me now so we could work together on finding the real mastermind of your parents’ death.”

Her hands started to tremble and she hurriedly crossed her arms to hide them. She then leaned back on her seat to make herself comfortable, as she willed her fast-beating heart to calm down.

They’re talking about her parents’ assassination like it’s just some regular topic that students gossip about. He’s too direct speaking about it – he really trusts her, huh?

“Let’s say, I am the real Calista… do you think those mere words would convince me to trust you? If I were her, to be honest, I would’ve loathed you.” Well, I did hate him the first time I met him. But then I realized I should keep my friends close and my enemies closer.

“You won’t… you’re smarter than that,” he leaned back in his seat too, and looked straight into her eyes. “I told you, my Alice would’ve been the manipulative type, and she won’t loathe me that much. She’s going to give me the benefit of the doubt.” He then smiled cheekily, using her words against her this time. “Everything I expect Alice to do and to be... you did and you’ve been.”

“Maybe you expect too much of her. Didn’t you ever think that she'd be just another naïve, spoiled brat? Especially if she has been sheltered by her family all her life, that’s more plausible.”

“The Songs don’t raise their heirs like that. I know, because I was raised the same way.”

She didn’t know what to say next so she just looked away and settled her gaze outside the window a couple of meters away. There are no other students outside but them because classes are still ongoing. Though there are a few teachers who would pass by, but would automatically ignore their presence once they’ve realized who it was.

Teachers are so powerless in this institution and it bothers her the most. This should be added on her list of things she wanted to change in Xian.

To summarize their entire conversation, this guy believes that she’s the real Calista because she basically reached all his expectations – that’s it. And she could’ve avoided this from happening if she acted dumb and gullible right from the start… which, she can’t even imagine doing.

Whatever, she doesn’t have the time to dwell on God knows what this guy is planning to do. Besides, he’s rather conscious of how he acts around her, and she could use that to her advantage.

“Why are you and Maddox together? I didn’t know you two were close…” Arcane suddenly said, a bit of irritation evident in his tone.

She ignored it and nonchalantly replied. “We’re not close, just acquainted… though we might be friends starting today. He helped me find someone.”

“Why didn’t you ask me instead?” he frowned.

“Why would I even ask you?”

“I have more resources than him. I could just snap my fingers and everything you’re looking for would be right in front of you. It’s more practical if you ask me.”

She couldn’t deny that he was right and, to be honest, she also considered asking for his help, but immediately realized what could happen if she did. Arcane is very straightforward when dealing with things. He had nothing to fear of, so he’s free to openly do anything he wants to do. She can’t let anyone know about what she’s doing and who she is trying to find, because it could put the girl in danger. Danger, meaning William Li.

“Well, it’s not a big deal, so there’s no need to use your… resources.”

“Up to you,” he shrugged. “But remember, once someone defies the rules of Penta, Masquerades won’t show any mercy.”

“Are you saying I’m planning to defy those rules?” she asked in disbelief.

Arcane stood up and smirked, “no. I’m saying someone might be too desperate to retaliate against you, to the point that they can go against those rules. Stay safe.” The moment he whirled around and began walking away, the lunch bell also started to ring.