Olivia’s POV
The moment the door shut, I paused, using my heightened hearing to ensure no one was eavesdropping. I even sniffed the air, confirming my solitude before bursting into laughter. Oh my goodness, I was damn good! So good, I never knew I could put on such a display! The trembling of my hands… the fear in the triplets’ eyes… the scattered items… my interaction 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 manipulated.
A soft knock tapped on the door, in a pattern only two people knew. I smirked. “Enter.”
The door creaked open, and Nora and Lolita entered—my loyal handmaids, the only ones in this cursed place who knew the truth. Nora balanced a tray of steaming food—roasted lamb, seasoned vegetables, and fresh bread—while Lolita carried fruit-infused water and a goblet, as if we were toasting my success.
“You should’ve seen yourself, Luna,” Lolita whispered, barely suppressing a giggle as she set down the goblet. “The way your voice cracked when you said, ‘I want to go home!’”
Nora snorted. “I almost cried to add to the effect. You’re scary when you act like that.”
I flopped onto the bed, dramatically throwing an arm over my face. “Ugh, I’m exhausted from all the fake trembling. My hands are actually cramping. Do you think I overdid it?”
“Not even close,” Nora said, placing the food on the table and uncovering the dishes. “You were brilliant. If we didn’t know better, we’d say you really had a memory reset.”
Lolita sat on the bed’s edge, 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 believe I’m sick, scared, traumatized. The more they believe me, the more I achieve my plans.”
Nora turned to me with curiosity. “Luna, what are your plans?”
“To leave this place,” I responded without hesitation.
They both looked doubtful. “I don’t think the Alphas will let you leave,” Lolita said. And she was right. It would be difficult, so I have to elevate my game. My plan is simple, but tricky. I’ll continue acting as if I believe 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 to be in love with him?”
“Oh, I’m not just pretending,” I said with a grin. “I’m going to live it. Every time one of those triplet Alphas comes near, I’ll panic. I’ll scream his name in my sleep. I’ll tell them they’re keeping me from my fated mate. I’ll fight them like a wild animal if necessary.”
Nora chuckled nervously. “That sounds… intense.”
“That’s the point,” I said, turning to face them. “They need to believe I’m obsessed with Gabriel. That they’re worsening things by keeping me here. Maybe even feel guilty.”
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? 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 wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to succeed. Once they let me go to Gabriel, I could leave the country, and they’d never find me!
Shit! I remembered my father. I haven’t even started his case, and I must 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 outside movement, but it was quiet. “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 the details.”
“Sure, Luna.”
Suddenly, I caught a scent and froze. Jasmine, amber, and lilac—unmistakably her. The triplets’ mother.
I shot up from the bed and hissed, “Everyone, act… someone is coming.”
Nora and Lolita sprang into action. Nora dashed to the food tray, pretending to adjust it, while Lolita helped me sit straighter, brushing imaginary hair from my face. My expression shifted to confusion and tiredness, and I let my body tremble 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 touch 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. “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. “She’s just visiting. You’re safe, remember?”
Fiona stepped closer, her voice gentle. “Olivia, I know things are confusing. You’ve been through a lot. But I promise, no one here wants to hurt you.”
I frowned, glaring at her. “I want Gabriel.”
Her eyes filled with pity, but also unease.
“I understand you’re confused,” she said cautiously, glancing at my maids. “But Gabriel… he’s not your mate, dear.”
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. “Maybe give her time, ma’am. Her memories are still unstable.”
She hesitated, then nodded and quietly left, closing the door.
The moment the door clicked shut, I sat up and wiped away the fake tears. “She’s definitely suspicious, but I acted 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 ill, 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.”