BEYOND THE MASK OF DECEPTION

Chapter Five

The morning sunrise flooded the driveway with its golden light as the Louis gate swung open. Despite the cool air, Raphael palm was sweating as he sat at the back seat of Franklin's car. Everything screamed of a world that was not his league — polished marble, well trimmed hedges and uniformed guards.

This was now his new reality.

He reminded himself countless times he had practiced Franklin's tone — confident, calm, cold. He adjusted the luxurious wristwatch on his hand as he silently murmured to himself. “For now, you are Franklin and this is where you belong.”

As the car stopped, the staff lined up in a neat uniform. The dignified gray-haired butler stepped up and bowed. "Welcome back home, sir."

“It feels good to be home. Thank you, James. Raphael nodded gently. He responded with his heart almost pulling out from his chest.

He nearly shuddered at his own voice, it was strange to his ears — colder, deeper, he mimicked Franklin perfectly

As he made his way to the mansion, he couldn't stop gazing at the crystal chandelier glittering like falling stars, gleaming staircase, air infused with jasmine and wealth.

And there she was.

Juanita.

She was putting on a soft cream dress, flowing around her like sunlight. Her hair cascaded as she stood at the top of the staircase, her face softened into a mixture of relief and doubt when she saw him.

“Franklin.” She called his name quietly.

Raphael froze for a while, then, composure snapped back. "Juanita," he responded.

She slowly descended from the stairs, her eyes searched his face as though disbelieving he was there. When she got closer to him, she stopped barely a step away. “I thought something had happened to you. You were gone for days. “No messages, no calls. She said softly.

Raphael swallowed hard. The warmth in her eyes had erased the rehearsed lines — the kind he'd not seen in years.

"I needed some time to think," he responded carefully. "I was overwhelmed with business.”

Her eyes became softened. "You could have said something.”

How could he lie to someone who looked at him with so much love in her eyes? Guilt tightened his chest as he looked at her. But he had to compose himself. “I’m really sorry,” he said finally. “I promise to make amends, and things will never remain the same again.”

Juanita's brow furrowed, curious. “Different?”

“Yes,” he said, forcing a gentle smile. “We've become distant for too long, and I want to bridge that gap between us.”

For a moment, silence lingered between them. Then her lips hinted at a smile. "I hope you mean it."

Her fingers wrapped Raphael's — and he froze. Her touch was soft, warm, too real. He wanted to pull back but he couldn't.

Just as Franklin would do, he held her hand instead. And gently whispered to her “I do mean every word I say.”

********

.The day whirled in a blur of introductions and rehearsals. He toured Franklin's office, crunched his documents and attended a quick board video call meeting. His responses were brief and firm, backed by the coaching Franklin had drilled him into.

But behind his composed mask, chaos brewed his mind. Every corner of the mansion whispered mysteries he didn't know. Every gaze from the staff carried unspoken questions.

Juanita joined him in the dining room during lunch. She chose the chair closest to him, even though the table was long enough to seat fifteen people.

"I cooked your favourite.” She said shyly as the maid served mashed potatoes and grilled lamb chops.

Raphael felt a sharp twist in his stomach — he had no clue about Franklin's favourite food. He forced a smile. “Thank you. It looks good.”

Juanita beamed. "You've never said that before. I'll take it as a win."

Her words were playful, but sorrow lingered in her eyes. Raphael's fork hovered. He yearned to explain everything to her— that he wasn't the man who had caused her pain and ignored her love. But he stayed silent. He knew one word of truth could ruin everything.

He took a deep breath and played along. “Maybe I'm learning to value what I took for granted."

She reached for his hand on the table, and his heart raced again. She is not yours, Raphael, stop it, he warned himself.

*******

That night, he stared at the city light as he stood by the balcony of Franklin's bedroom. The weight of the deception began to settle in.

His conscience was yelling at him. He pretended to be someone he wasn't, deceived a house full of people and lied to an innocent woman who thought he was her man.

He heard some footsteps behind him. "You okay?" Her voice pulled him.

He turned around slowly and his eyes caught her standing in her nightgown, the moonlight made her glow, painting her skin silver. Her eyes were gentle, but her hesitation was obvious. She wanted to bridge the distance Franklin had created between them — she wanted love.

“Yes I'm okay,” he said quietly. “I just needed some time alone to think.”

She gave a gentle nod and turned to leave, but stopped at the door. “Franklin… whatever made you change, I’m happy it did.”

He clenched the balcony railing when she left, white-knuckled. He never expected to feel this ache and conflict. He wasn't supposed to care but pretend.

How could he not care? Her kindness broke his guard in a way his brother's money could not. She doesn't deserve what he was doing to her.

His whisper faded into the night, what have I done to myself?" His heart raced so hard as he thought about how everything would turn out.

******

The next morning, Franklin Louis's world continues flowing without a hitch. He was swamped with meetings, signing of documents and smiled at staff who bowed to greet him.

But as the hours dragged by, he caught Juanita glancing at him across the hallway. Hope flickered in her curious eyes.

Maybe she suspected something. Maybe she read the hidden thread.