PARALYZED BY DECEIT

Chapter 2: A Command Performance

Keira's POV

My father's serious face had barely registered on me when he launched into his announcement. "I have a business dinner party tomorrow night, and I want both of you to attend with me," he said, his voice firm but with a hint of nervousness.

Kae's face fell, and her eyes slit. "Why do you want Kaira to come, Dad?" she asked, full of disdain in her voice. "She knows nothing about the company or how one carries herself like a lady, and she's going to be an embarrassment to us amongst your business associates."

My father's face turned stern, his voice firm. "Enough, Kae. I have made my decision. And if you cannot stand Kaira going with us, then you can just stay home."

Kae's face reddened, her hands went to her hips as she took a step forward. "But Dad, why are you doing this? You know Kaira is not suited for these things. She'll just end up making a fool of herself."

My father's eyes blazed with anger, and his raised hand silenced Kae. "I said that's enough, Kae. I won't discuss it anymore."

Kae's face screwed up in anger as she stormed out of the room, slamming her bedroom door behind her.

I tried thanking my father, but he cut me off. "I'm only doing this because it's what your mother would have wanted," he said gruffly. "Just be on your best behavior tomorrow night and don't embarrass me."

I felt a surge of anger at his words. How could he still be pretending to care about what my mother would have wanted after what he'd done to her?

"Thanks, Dad," I said, heavy on the sarcasm. "It really means a lot that you would still respect Mom's memory, considering you cheated on her and probably had a part in killing her."

My father's face whitened with anger, and before I could react, he slapped me hard across the face. "I may have cheated, but I am no murderer," he hissed, his eyes ablaze with anger.

I felt the sting of tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I tumbled backward, my cheek hot from the slap. "You're not even sorry, are you?" I spat, my voice trembling with anger. "You're not sorry for what you did to Mom, or for how you've treated me."

My father's face contorted in anger, and for a moment, I thought he might hit me again. But then his face seemed to crumple, and he turned away, defeated, his shoulders slumped.

I turned and ran back to the kitchen, tears streaming down my face as I continued cooking, my heart heavy with sorrow and anger.

I was still sobbing when my phone starting ringing, breaking the silence in the kitchen. I wiped my hands on the towel and answered. Officer James flashed on the screen.

"Hey, Kaira. How are you doing?" Officer James asked, sounding so warm and friendly.

I stammered for a second, not knowing how to answer him. Still raw from my argument with my father, I definitely didn't want to burden Officer James with my personal problems. "I'm doing okay, thanks. Just cooking dinner."

"Great, great, I've been meaning to reach out to you anyway. I saw your latest movie, and I have to say, you were fantastic. Your performance is making waves in the local community. I've even seen a few fan edits on TikTok."

I smiled, feeling a surge of pride. "Thanks, Officer James. That means a lot coming from you."

Officer James chuckled. "Please, call me James. We're not in a formal setting here. Anyway, I was wondering if you're free later tonight?"

I hesitated, unsure what James wanted to discuss. "I'm free, but what's going on? Did something happen?"

James' tone turned serious. "We've found someone who's related to the car used in the hit-and-run case that killed your mother. I think it's best if we discuss this in person."

My heart raced as I felt a surge of excitement mixed with fear. "Who is it? Tell me!"

James sighed. "Kaira, I need to see you in person. Can you meet me later tonight?"

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Yeah, yeah. Give me a few hours. I need to finish dinner with my family."

James agreed, and we settled on meeting later that night at a coffee shop. As I hung up, I turned around to see Nadia standing behind me, a curious look on her face.

"Who was that?" Nadia asked, narrowing her eyes.

I dodged the question and turned back to the stove, stirring the food inside the pot. "Dinner's almost ready. Let's eat."

We sat down to dinner and as expected th angry Kae is not eating with us.

Nadia immediately launched into gossip. "Beckett, you won't believe who Kaira was talking to on the phone just now."

My father looked up from his plate, his eyes narrowing. "Who was it?"

Nadia's voice was dripping with malice. "Some man. I don't know who he was, but Kaira was giggling and chatting away like they were old friends."

My father's face went cold then, his eyes regarding me in disgust. "Well, that's good. Maybe she'll be some other person's headache soon."

I felt a sudden surge of my anger rise after he said this, but I kept quiet, refusing to engage in an argument with him. So, I just decided to eat in silence, stopping the conversation here.

As soon as dinner was finished, I jumped up to take the plates out. My father and Nadia moved to the sitting room and continued talking.

I had just finished loading the dishwasher and was about to make a quick exit when Nadia seemed to appear from nowhere, her eyes narrowing as she blocked my path.

"How do you think you can leave, Kaira?" she asked, firm and commanding.

I tried to think of a good enough excuse, but before words could come out of my mouth, Nadia cut me off.

"You are not going anywhere. You are staying right here in this house."

I felt a surge of frustration and confusion. "But why? What's going on?"

Nadia's expression didn't change, her eyes glinting with a hard, unyielding light. "I don't have to explain anything to you, Kaira. You'll just do as you're told and stay in the house."

I pleaded with her, trying to reason with her, but she refused to budge.

“What are you hiding?”