The Billionaire's Forced Bride

Timed Bomb

Chapter 14

Timed Bomb

Sisi’s POV

Liliana’s laughter came vibrating through the dimly lit lounge, her manicured fingers tapping against the rim of her martini glass. “Sisi, you’re over thinking this,” she said, leaning forward conspiratorially. “If you want Amara out of the picture, you don’t need to fight her outright. You need to be smart. Strategic.”

I rolled my eyes, swirling the wine in my glass. “Strategic? Amara’s practically draped in luxury, living in Damian’s penthouse like some pampered queen. Meanwhile, I’m stuck here plotting like a villain in some cheap movie. It’s exhausting. My mother would soon run out of resources to provide for my needs if the election doesn't go well.”

Liliana smirked. “You sound so bitter, darling.” Her tone was teasing, but her eyes sparkled with something darker...something calculating. “Look, if you want Damian and everything that comes with him, you have to play the long game. Fighting Amara openly is messy and predictable. You need to get inside her head, make her doubt herself, and then…”

I raised an eyebrow. “And then what?”

She leaned back, her smirk widening. “Let’s just say, if you chip away at someone’s foundation long enough, the whole thing collapses. You don’t need to push her out, Sisi. She’ll walk out on her own.”

I frowned, her words lingering in my mind. “And how do I even start? She barely trusts me as it is. I can’t exactly waltz into Damian’s penthouse and call for a truce without looking suspicious.”

Liliana’s laughter was low and sharp. “That’s exactly what you do, my dear. You go in there, all smiles and apologies, and offer her friendship. Make her think you’re tired of the daily drama. Amara’s the type to fall for that...she’s too soft. And once you’re close…”

She trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid, but I understood perfectly. A slow smile spread across my face as I imagined Amara’s downfall. Liliana has been such a darling, always supportive and giving me all the ideas I ever needed. Friends like her are very rare, and I wasn't ready to trade our friendship with anything.

The next morning, I stood outside Damian’s penthouse, smoothing down my dress and rehearsing my lines in my head. The doorman had already called up to announce my great arrival, and now there was no turning back. I wouldn't want to disappoint Liliana, so I came prepared. I would meet Amara, and with a sorry face, I would creep into her already organized life and mess everything up.

When the door finally opened, Amara stood there, her expression a mix of confusion and wariness. She looked annoyingly radiant, even in a simple sundress.

“Sisi?” she asked, her tone obviously cautious. “What are you doing here?”

I forced a bright smile, stepping inside before she could stop me. “I came to talk,” I said breezily, glancing around the lavish living room. The sight still made my stomach churn greatly with envy, but I pushed it aside. “I figured it’s time we put all this nonsense behind us.”

Amara folded her arms, her eyes narrowing. “What nonsense exactly are you talking about?”

“The fighting,” I said, my voice dripping with faux sincerity. “Look, I know I haven’t exactly been… supportive. I let jealousy get the better of me, and I said some things I shouldn’t have. But I want to make things right.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “You want to make things right?”

“Yes,” I said, stepping closer and lowering my voice as if I were sharing some deep, heartfelt secret. “I’ve realized how petty I’ve been. You’re my sister, Amara. Family. And I hate how we’ve been tearing each other apart. I would do everything to get mom involved too, she should be available for you every step of this journey as a mother, and not neglect you to focus on her political career.”

She didn’t say anything, her gaze searching my face for any sign of deceit. I made sure to keep my expression soft and earnest, even as my stomach churned with the effort.

“I know it’s hard to believe,” I continued, “but I really do want to be there for you. This whole thing with Damian… it’s complicated, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Let me help.”

Amara hesitated, biting her lip. For a moment, I thought she might actually throw me out, but then her shoulders relaxed, and she gave a small nod.

“Okay,” she said slowly. “I’m willing to try. But if you’re lying to me, Sisi...”

“I’m not,” I interrupted, holding up my hands in mock surrender. “I promise. No more drama. Just sisters supporting each other.”

She didn’t look entirely convinced, but she stepped aside, gesturing for me to sit. I wasn't even expecting her to let me in on a single visit. She seemed softer than I ever imagined. I was more than prepared to strip her off everything.

As I sank into the plush sofa, I fought the urge to smirk. She was buying it. Hook, line, and sinker.

Later that evening, I met Liliana at our usual spot, a quiet rooftop bar with a stunning view of the city. She raised an eyebrow as I approached, her expression curious.

“Well?” she asked as I slid into the seat across from her.

I picked up the cocktail she had ordered for me, taking a sip before answering. “She believed me. I’m officially her new best friend.”

Liliana’s grin was wicked. “Good. Now the real fun begins. I trust your acting skills. You've got this! Go girl!”

I didn’t respond, my mind racing with possibilities. Amara had no idea what was coming, and I intended to keep it that way. For now, I’d play the doting sister, the supportive ally she thought she needed.

But soon enough, she’d learn the truth. And by then, it would be too late. I would keep pretending to be by her side while getting all the information I would ever need to strike.

Time to perform best friend duties!