LARISSA

Chapter 6

RAFAELA LAURENT

Damn. I still can't believe this is happening to our family. I've been extremely stressed out for the last few days. Larissa isn't to be found. The police and detectives are doing everything they can to find her. I don't recall the last time I smoked. But right now, I'm craving a cigarette. That might be the only one who can help me relax.

I entered my walk-in closet. I looked around to make sure my husband, Clint, wasn't there. Clint hates me when I smoke. And I don't want us to argue over this.

I stowed my cigarettes in my safety box. When I saw my favorite stick and my platinum lighter, I sighed and opened it.

"Damn, you look so delicious," I murmured.

I took out one cigarette and lit it. I exited the walk-in closet and made my way to the patio.

It's supposed to be a lovely evening. But I can't even appreciate the beauty of the night right now because of what's going on in our family.

I take a deep breath in and a deep breath out. As I peered at the vast sky, memories of the past began to flood back into my head...

Decades ago

"I heard Franco Laurent had returned to the country! He completed the job successfully after years of maneuvering their company's international operations. Not only that, but I've heard he won a slew of honors for his work as a young CEO and entrepreneur. He was even interviewed on a talk show and featured in a magazine."

I was walking around our hometown when I overheard this news from ladies my age.

Franco Laurent is quite popular here, especially among women. Many women desired his attention and to be his girlfriend.

And I'm not any different.

I've always admired Franco from afar. I've known since I was a child that I like Franco. When I'm in my twenties, my infatuation transforms into love. I am continuously following him. Love and support him silently. I even cut out his images from magazines and the internet and hung them on my room wall alongside my own.

To be able to follow him, I studied at the same university he did. And I hoped that one day he would notice me. He'd notice my feelings for him.

I used to write him love letter notes to his locker. I also threw origami airplane love letters through his bedroom window at night.

And it makes me so happy whenever I see him reading my love notes.

I don't know. Something about Franco Laurent makes me like him even more.

He's not simply attractive. He's intelligent, astute, and considerate of others.

I'm madly in love with him. And I'm hoping that one day he'll be my husband.

I was composing another love letter for Franco when I noticed my best friend, Alice, approaching me.

I was shocked, so I instantly returned all the letters to my handbag.

“A-Alice! W-why are you here?" Stutteringly, I asked.

She had a sly grin on her face. “Hmmm. "What is that, Rafaela?"

Alice has been a classmate and neighbor of mine since we were children. As fresh graduates, we took the same course and even applied to the same firm. Alice is almost like a sister to me. We shared everything, including our deepest secrets.

But there was one thing I couldn't tell her.

My feelings for Franco.

I'm not sure why I can't tell her about it.

Maybe I'm terrified deep down.

Alice is a beautiful young lady. She was born into a wealthy family. She is gorgeous, rich, intelligent, and caring. I'm confident that no male will dislike her.

I had heard that many men were swooning over her. And I'm not bothered by it. What I'm afraid of is that once Franco meets Alice, I'm sure he'll find her attractive and court her.

Alice is like a living princess. And the fact that I'm poor doesn't stop Alice from befriending me. She never looks down on me and treats me as if I were a sister.

She never made me feel as if I wasn't on her level.

She's nice and everything. Her entire family treats me as if I were their own child.

And I never envied or felt envious of Alice. But I'm afraid Franco won't notice me once he sees how stunning Alice is.

I nodded and tried to smile at her. "Oh, Alice, it's nothing."

"Hmmm, but your expression indicates differently. You're blushing, sweetheart," she said, laughing.

I bite my lower lips. "Ugh... am I?"

“Yes! I'm sure it's a love letter to your dream man. Am I correct?"

I inhaled deeply. I can never lie to Alice. She can read people's minds.

I decided to nod in agreement, but I'm not going to say who the guy is.

“Yes,”

She held me tightly and appeared so ecstatic, much to my astonishment. “Whew! Finally, you've found a man you like! I'm happy for you, Alice. I hope he reads these love letters and falls in love with you,"

My concerns were quickly alleviated by what she said.

I gave her a real smile. "I'm hoping so, too, Alice. Thank you so much for supporting me,"

“Hmm. How about if I transform you?"

I drew my brows furrowed. “Transform?”

“Makeover. Hair, make-up, and outfit, like that. In order for him to notice you,"

“E-Errr…”

She gave me a friendly smile. "No buts, Rafaela! Let's get started!"

I couldn't say no to her any longer. We arrived at her bedroom after she dragged my arms.

She summoned her hairdresser, who trimmed and colored my hair politely. They trimmed my brows and applied eyelash extensions to me. They applied make-up to my face, and Alice presented me with her new outfit and stilettos.

Alice allowed me to view myself in the mirror after hours of the makeover.

When I saw my reflection, I gasped.

"Is it...? R-Really...?" I tapped my face.

Alice and the hairdresser both gave me a friendly smile. "Rafaela, it's you. You're so lovely," Alice exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with delight. And I had a feeling she was telling the truth.

"T-Thank you, Alice," I hugged her tightly.

"I'll do anything for you, Rafa,"

My fresh appearance increased my confidence that Franco would notice me.

In the days that followed, I received a message from Alice inviting me to a special dinner occasion with her family.

This is nothing new to me. Alice and her family constantly make an effort to invite me.

Okay, I replied. And, since I now have a new look, I tried on Alice's makeup that she had given me. I need to start dressing nicely.

I showed up to their dinner. I was sitting directly behind Alice.

When I saw Franco Laurent and his parents, I gasped. In a state of confusion, my hands trembled.

But then I regretted I attended this dinner.

Because I've heard that both parties are planning to arrange the two a marriage!

I expected Alice to say no. However, Alice never speaks, and Franco appears to agree on everything. Before the conclusion of the day, a wedding for two has already been planned.

I returned home depressed and heartbroken.

After only one week, the two got married.

I never got the opportunity to express my actual feelings for Franco. I cut my ties with Alice. Years later, Alice gave birth to a lovely daughter named Larissa.

I had intended to murder Alice and Larissa. Clint, Franco's brother, discovered my scheme and blackmailed me.

He promised to keep his lips shut as long as I married him.

Clint, like his brother, is attractive, and he is extremely wealthy. I decided to marry him to become a Laurent so that I could also gain power and wealth.

But it's all a matter of convenience. I will never love Clint.

Franco will be my lone love until the day I die.

But, as of now, my niece has gone missing. And after hearing about Larissa... I can't help but be concerned about her.

And the huge question that's on my mind right now is... where is Larissa?