CHASING MY SISTER'S HUSBAND

Chapter 2

CYNTHIA'S POV

I parked my bike outside and quickly hid it behind the bushes, making sure it was out of sight. With a swift glance around, I sprinted into the hotel, heading straight for the room where I had left my clothes.

The adrenaline coursed through my veins as I pulled out my rope shooter, aimed, and shot the rope up to the wall.

My hands moved deftly as I climbed to the window, my heart pounding with each step. Within minutes, I was back inside, slipping into my long pink gown, shiny heels, and glasses—the perfect disguise for the nerd they all thought I was. If only they knew the truth.

I tossed the bag containing my special outfit into a corner and paused for a moment, letting the transition from assassin to “Cynthia” sink in. The sharp edges of my alter ego softened as I donned my disguise. Taking a deep breath, I made my way outside to where everyone had gathered. The buzz of anticipation in the air hit me instantly. The ladies stood firm, eyes bright with excitement as they chanted, “Throw it… Throw it!” I realized it was time for Tasha to throw the bouquet.

Rolling my eyes, I turned to leave, but just then, as if fate were mocking me, the bouquet landed squarely in my hand. The cheers erupted around me, but all I felt was a wave of irritation as their eyes locked onto me.

Mrs. Alderson, who I could never bring myself to call "Mom" beamed as she approached, her arms open wide. “Oh dear, I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle, just like your sister did today. I’d be the happiest mother on earth" Her words, sweet as they were, twisted like a knife in my chest. My arms wrapped around her in a hollow embrace, the bitterness festering beneath my forced smile.

"Thanks, Mom" I murmured, the words bitter in my tongue. I flashed her a smile that I knew didn’t reach my eyes. She placed a peck on my cheek, her happiness radiating in a way that only deepened my resolve.

“Thia!!!" Tasha’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I reluctantly turned to face her. She was standing right next to me, her smile soft, genuine, and utterly infuriating.

“Can you come home with me, please?” she asked, her tone pleading, her eyes wide with the innocence that had always made her so easy to manipulate. Poor Tasha, unknowingly drawing me into her husband’s house, made my job so much easier.

“N-no, Tasha. It’s your wedding today; I can’t go to your matrimonial home with you" I stuttered, letting my voice quiver with hesitation.

“I know, Thia, but I need you. I need help with choosing what to wear and how to impress Demetrius on our first night alone. You’ve always been smarter than me. I trust you, and you're the only one I can turn to" Her desperation was almost pathetic, and it took all my strength not to slap her across the face right then and there.

Instead, I forced myself to maintain an innocent expression, letting the doubt flicker in my eyes.

“Your sister is right, Cynthia. Go with her; she needs you" Mrs. Alderson chimed in, her voice carrying the same authority it always had. And when had she ever been wrong?

Tasha pouted, her lips forming that annoying little expression that I had to resist the urge to punch.

"I…I… Okay, Tasha" I finally sighed, letting the reluctance show just enough. She pulled me into a hug immediately, oblivious to the disdain simmering beneath my skin. "Thanks, sis!" she chirped, and I rolled my eyes inwardly as I slowly disentangled myself from her grip.

“Remember, Natasha, I need to see my grandchildren soon, so don’t fail to make me one tonight," Mrs. Alderson joked, her words causing Tasha to blush as red as a tomato.

"Mom…" Tasha’s cheeks flamed, but Mrs. Alderson only laughed, tapping her arm playfully.

The saccharine display was almost too much to bear. My fists clenched tightly at my sides as I forced a smile. “Tasha, can we go now?” I said, my irritation slipping through before I could stop it.

Both Mrs. Alderson and Tasha stared at me as if I had grown two heads. Realizing my mistake, I let out a fake chuckle. “I mean, the way Demetrius is staring at you from that car, it’s obvious he can’t wait to have you all to himself" I batted my lashes at her, injecting sweetness into my tone. Tasha blushed even harder, completely unaware of my underlying contempt.

"Stop, you two…You’re something else" She waved us off before running towards the car. She halted suddenly, spun around, and grabbed my hand, pulling me along with her.

We stopped right in front of the car, the banner at the back boldly declaring "Newlyweds" Demetrius flashed me a smile, which I forced myself to return. Tasha climbed into the back seat, snuggling up next to him, while I settled into the front seat beside the driver.

If only I had been bold enough back then, Tasha wouldn’t have had a chance to snatch him. It would have been me sitting there, basking in the happiness of a bride. The thought made my chest tighten with a familiar ache.

Demetrius’s phone buzzed repeatedly, drawing his attention. He glanced at the screen before setting it aside, a slight frown creasing his brow. Tasha noticed too, urging him to pick up. “Honey, maybe you should answer it"

With a heavy sigh, he slid his finger across the screen, placing the phone to his ear. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be called about anything concerning work. I took days off for my wedding, and…What?!” His exclamation was loud enough to make the driver flinch enough to step on the brakes and sway all of us sideways.

“Okay…In 20 minutes" he muttered, ending the call abruptly.

“What’s wrong, honey?” Tasha asked, her voice laced with concern. My ears perked up, eager to catch every word uttered.

“The minister was assassinated" he replied softly, the shock still evident in his tone.

The corners of my mouth twitched, a flash of satisfaction warming my chest. He wasn’t assassinated; a nerd simply avenged someone dear.

“I’m sorry, babe, but…I have to report to work" he said, his voice low, almost as if he were waiting for her to argue.

“It’s fine. I understand. Go" Tasha urged, though the disappointment in her voice was clear.

“I’m sorry…I promise I’ll be back as fast as I can", He pecked her forehead before stepping out of the car and hailing a cab.

Tasha watched him go, her gaze heavy with unspoken fear. I turned my face away just in time to hide the smile that broke free.

“Don’t look so sad. He’s serving the nation; you should be proud of him" I said, my voice smooth, as if I hadn’t just silently rejoiced in her distress.

"I know, it’s just that…it’s our wedding, and I can’t shake this feeling of…I don’t know…I…” She trailed off, her voice faltering.

“It’s going to be fine, Tasha. Like you said, it’s your wedding, so brighten up" I smiled at her, and she returned it weakly.

"Thanks, Thia, you’re the best!" she praised, oblivious to the truth behind my smile.

Of course, I’m the best. The best at everything I do, even deceiving the entire Alderson family and faking love. “Anytime", I replied, giving her one of my cutest smiles.

"Let’s move, driver" I instructed, eager to get this charade over with, and we hit the road once more.

______

The car pulled up in front of the Shipp mansion, and we both stepped out. Almost immediately, four maids rushed out, fussing over Tasha's dress and guiding her inside as if she were royalty. I stood there, feeling invisible, completely ignored by them.

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. I slipped away from the bustling scene, making sure no one noticed, and answered the call.

“What is it, Draco? You can’t just call me whenever you please" I groaned, trying to keep my voice low.

“Cut the crap, Dawn. Your next target just landed. He’s currently waiting for his driver. This is your chance to finish him." Draco’s voice was cold, efficient.

A smirk tugged at my lips. “Next time, don’t wait until the last minute to inform me" I muttered before hanging up.

I pulled out my notepad, the one where I kept the names of my targets. Number two on the list is Kingsley Shawn. I scanned the area, making sure no one was around, then headed swiftly toward the entrance.

Just as I was about to step inside, I collided with someone, and my notepad slipped from my grasp, falling to the ground. Anger flared up inside me, ready to lash out at whoever it was, but my breath caught in my throat when I saw who it was—Demetri.

His eyes narrowed as they looked onto the notepad lying open on the ground. My heart pounded as I followed his gaze, realizing with horror that it was open right to my list of targets.

Demetri bent down slowly, picking it up, his expression darkening as he scanned the names. When his eyes met mine again, they were filled with a cold fury that made my blood run cold.

I froze, every muscle in my body tense as I watched him. The charade was over before it even began. But why did it have to be him?