The moment the door shut, I paused and used my heightened hearing to make sure no one was eavesdropping. I even sniffed the air to be sure no one was around before bursting into laughter. Oh my goodness, I was damn good! So good that I never knew I could put on such a display! The trembling of my hands… the fear in the triplets' eyes… the things I scattered around and how I acted with Gabriel—it was all perfect.
Just thinking about Gabriel's performance almost made me laugh again. He sounded so confused, poor Alpha. He had no idea he was being played like a perfectly tuned violin.
A soft knock tapped on the door in a pattern only two people knew.
The door creaked open, and two ladies walked in—Nora and Lolita, my two loyal handmaids and the only ones in this cursed place who knew the truth. Nora balanced a tray with steaming food—roasted lamb, seasoned vegetables, and fresh bread—while Lolita carried a jug of fruit-infused water and a goblet, as if we were about to toast to my latest performance.
"You should've seen yourself, Luna," Lolita whispered, barely suppressing a giggle as she set the goblet down. "The way your voice cracked when you said, 'I want to go home!'"
Nora snorted. "I almost started crying just to give it more effect. You're scary when you act like that."
I flopped onto the bed, dramatically throwing one arm over my face. "Ugh, I'm exhausted from all the fake trembling. My hands were actually starting to cramp. Do you think I overdid it?"
"Not even close," Nora said as she placed the food on the table and began uncovering the dishes. "You were brilliant. If I didn't know better if you hadn't told us, I'd say you really had a memory reset."
Lolita sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes gleaming. "They totally believed you. You've got the Alphas wrapped around your finger, Luna Olivia."
"Perfect," I muttered, sitting up to grab a slice of bread. "Let them all believe I'm sick, scared, traumatized. The more they believe me, the more I'm able to achieve my plans."
Nora turned to me with curiosity. "Luna, what are your plans?"
"To leave this place," I responded without hesitation.
They both had doubtful looks on their faces. "I don't think the Alphas will let you leave," Lolita said. And I knew she was right. It would be hard for them to let me go, and that's why I have to level up my game. My plan was very simple—but tricky. I'll keep acting like I think Gabriel is my mate.
"I'll throw things. Cry. Scream. Beg them to let me go to Gabriel," I said, eating slowly. "I'll act like I'm losing my mind without him."
Lolita's eyes widened. "You're really going to pretend like you're in love with him?"
"Oh, I'm not just going to pretend," I said with a grin. "I'm going to live it. Every time one of those triplet Alphas comes near me, I'll panic. I'll scream his name in my sleep. I'll tell them they're keeping me away from my fated mate. I'll fight them like a wild animal if I have to."
Nora chuckled nervously. "That sounds… intense."
"That's the point," I said, turning back to face them. "They need to believe I'm mentally stuck on Gabriel. That they're making things worse by keeping me here. Maybe even start to feel guilty for it."
I thought of another plan and smiled. "I will pretend to fall really sick."
Lolita tilted her head. "And what if they try to heal you instead? What if they bring in someone to 'heal' your memory?"
"Then I'll make it worse," I said firmly. "More breakdowns. More screaming fits. I'll make them believe I'm traumatized beyond repair—unless they let me go."
I flopped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. It was not easy, but I knew I would have to achieve it. Once they let me go to Gabriel, I could travel out of the country, and they would never find me!
Shit! I remembered my father. I haven't even started on his case yet, and I have to clear his name. I have to prove to the whole pack that Anita's father framed him! Damn, I need to get to work.
I turned to Nora and Lolita. "I need your help," I said softly, listening for any movement outside my door, but it was clear. "I need an investigator for my father's case. Do you know any good ones?"
Nora and Lolita were silent for a moment before Lolita nodded. "My uncle is an investigator, and he isn't from this pack."
I smiled. "Good. Connect me with him. We'll talk on the phone, and I'll give him all the details he needs to know," I said.
Suddenly, I caught a scent and froze. Jasmine, amber, and a hint of lilac—unmistakably her. The triplets' mother.
I shot up from the bed and hissed, "Everyone, act… someone is coming."
Nora and Lolita instantly sprang into position like clockwork. Nora dashed toward the food tray, pretending to adjust it, while Lolita helped me sit up straighter on the bed, brushing imaginary strands of hair away from my face like a concerned attendant. My expression shifted into one of confusion and tiredness, and I let my body tremble ever so slightly, just like earlier.
A soft knock echoed at the door. I didn't answer.
It creaked open anyway, and she stepped in. Her eyes found me instantly, but I widened mine with confusion and a dash of fear.
"Olivia, dear," she said softly, taking a cautious step forward. "How are you feeling?"
I blinked at her, frowning. "I'm sorry… do I know you?"
Her perfectly shaped eyebrows twitched, just for a second. "I'm… I'm their mother. The Alphas'. My name is Lady Fiona."
I turned to Lolita, panic lacing my voice. "Why is she here? I don't know her. Please don't let her take me."
Lolita immediately held my hand and whispered reassuring words, playing into the scene with practiced grace. "She's just visiting. You're safe, remember?"
Fiona stepped closer, her voice gentle. "Olivia, I know things are confusing right now. You've been through a lot. But I promise, no one here wants to hurt you."
I frowned, giving her a glare. "I want Gabriel."
Her eyes filled with pity, but also unease.
"I understand you're confused," she said cautiously, glancing at my maids as if searching for answers from them. "But Gabriel… he's not your mate, dear." ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ noⅴelfire.net
My frown deepened. "Stop saying that! Are you all trying to brainwash me?"
Fiona stiffened. "Perhaps I should come back later."
"Please, go," I whispered.
Nora stepped in like a shield. "Maybe give her time, ma'am. Her memories are still unstable."
She hesitated… then nodded and quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.
The moment the door clicked shut, I sat up and wiped away the fake tears. "She's definitely suspicious, but I was able to act well."
Lolita exhaled and started laughing. "Oh my goddess, you should win an award."
Nora grinned. "That flinch? Masterful."
I smirked. "Let's keep the performance going. The more they believe I'm mentally sick, the easier it will be to leave this place."
Then I turned to Lolita, my voice turning serious. "Set up that call with your uncle. We don't have time to waste. It's time to bring down Anita's father."
Lolita nodded. "Yes, Luna."