Chapter 8 Killing Spree
1020 Words
I arrived at the dining room feeling refreshed. Cyrus and Fiona were already seated, but judging by the dark circles under their eyes, neither of them had slept well.
The marks on Cyrus' face from yesterday had faded, much to my regret. I would've preferred those reminders of his punishment to linger longer.
I greeted them cheerfully, and they both forced smiles in return.
They were distracted, so much so that Fiona didn't even notice I was wearing her clothes.
'Seriously? My chest is practically bursting through this shirt.'
I glanced at her again and noticed she was still wearing the outfit she'd changed into after last night's mishap.
So, Milly's claim about "ensuring everything was perfect" for me must've been a lie. Fiona would rather recycle yesterday's clothes than touch anything meant for me.
Typical. If my wardrobe had been better than hers, Fiona would've jumped at the chance to snatch it for herself, masking her entitlement with fake sweetness like, "I didn't have anything else to wear, so I borrowed yours. You don't mind, do you?"
Imagining her smug face, I decided to press her. "Are my clothes too small for you? I noticed you're still in yesterday's outfit," I said with feigned concern. Then, with exaggerated remorse, I added, "I'm so sorry. I didn't have anything to wear, so I had to borrow something from your closet. I hope you don't mind." I extended my arm to display the shirt and the sapphire cufflinks. "The shirt's a little tight in the chest—unlike your flat figure—but don't you think these cufflinks complement my eyes beautifully?"
Fiona's expression soured instantly, though she managed a strained smile. "It seems Dad has good taste. He bought that shirt for me. It matches Kris' cufflinks well."
Ah, she was trying to reinforce her position as part of the Anderson family—and imply she was a better match for Kris.
"Well, thank you for pointing that out," I said, resting my chin on my hand. I tilted the cufflinks toward the light, ensuring they caught her eye. "But I can't keep wearing a man's gift like this. I think I'll ask Kris to have them turned into earrings. That way, I can wear them every day." I added a lilting sweetness to my tone, ending with, "What do you think, dear sister?"
Fiona's face turned ashen. Her feigned innocence melted away, leaving her silent.
First Blood.
Cyrus, clearly upset at Fiona's defeat, scoffed, "You're so vulgar. No true lady would behave like this."
He refrained from calling me a "w***e", which meant Conrad's punishment had left an impression.
"I suppose I lack refinement after growing up without Dad and Mom's guidance," I said, a touch of sarcasm lacing my words. I gestured to Cyrus' face. "Your scars are proof of how thorough Dad's lessons are. I envy you."
Before he could respond, I turned back to Fiona. "Speaking of which, Fiona, why didn't you change into something else? Were you out all night?"
"You!" Cyrus glared at me, his jaw tightening. He couldn't defend Fiona without revealing just how suspiciously much he knew about her nightly activities.
He raised his hand slightly but thought better of it.
Double Kill.
Smiling, I picked up my butter knife and began spreading butter on my bread.
I had just taken a bite when the Anderson couple descended the stairs and joined us, completely unaware of the earlier tension between us.
Conrad drank a glass of water first while Eleanor handed him a piece of bread she had spread with jam.
They acted like the perfect couple.
After a few bites, Conrad turned to me. "What do you think of Kris?"
Here it was—the real agenda.
His question was more like a boss asking about a colleague's performance than a father asking about a potential match for his daughter.
"Well..." I hesitated, lowering my gaze in what I hoped appeared to be bashful modesty. I let my fingers fiddle with the sapphire cufflinks deliberately, ensuring everyone could see. "He's very handsome."
"Good," Conrad said, clearly pleased. "Our families have a marriage arrangement. Now that you're back, it's your responsibility to honor it."
"You mean... I'm supposed to marry him?" I asked, my voice rising in what I hoped sounded like disbelief.
"Darling," Eleanor interjected, her tone gentle. "They only just met yesterday. Don't pressure her." She offered me a kind look. "Helena, be honest about how you feel."
"I..." I lowered my head further, my voice barely audible. "I..."
"Don't be afraid," Eleanor urged. "Mom is here for you."
'Mom? You're not my mom. You're her mom.'
Taking a deep breath, I raised my head with renewed determination. "I... I fell for him at first sight!"
I clasped my hands over my face as if overwhelmed by the confession.
Conrad roared with laughter. "Well, let me tell you something. Kris himself suggested marrying you. He must like you, or he wouldn't have given you a gift the first time you met."
Through my fingers, I watched Eleanor's face twist in shock as if I'd just cursed her.
Killing Spree.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
'Kris, in our previous life, you used me. This time, I'll use you. Fair's fair.'
The Andersons care only about status and reputation, not blood ties.
They kept that impostor for her value as a match for Kris. They ignored my suffering for the sake of their pride.
But now I had value beyond my bloodline.
I would establish myself here, and when the time was right, I would destroy their alliances—and them.
"Dad," Cyrus interrupted, his voice tense. "No, this can't happen! She's nothing compared to Fiona."
"What did you say?" Conrad's sharp tone made Cyrus flinch.
Cyrus quickly bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Dad. I misspoke. What I meant was, Helena has lived away from us for years. Her education isn't up to par. Marrying her off with her current background would tarnish both families' reputations. A proper Anderson heir should embody elegance and sophistication."
Damn it. I'd been outmaneuvered.
- Writer
