"But you always collect packages on my behalf." She retorts. "Yes I usually do. But the courier insists." The maid replied.
"Okay." Lila said. Opening the door wider and limping out wincing in pain. She held the wall for support as she hobbled down the stairs. On the first landing the maid called out, "Miss is everything alright? I could insist on getting the package on your behalf."
"It's fine, I will get it myself." Lila said already halfway there, seeing no reason to return to her room. Lila got to the door peering through the glass and then peephole to try and get a look of the person who desperately wanted to see her. She opened the door and stepped out. The courier looked up, "You are Miss Lila right?"
"Yes." She replied nodding slowly. "Alright then, here is your package." He says handing her a medium sized cardboard box. She collects the box and eyes it suspiciously, shaking it to see its content.
"Okay miss I will have you sign right here." The man said. She takes the clipboard and signs, then turns back limping into the house. Stumbling back to her room, she sets the box on her desk. Prying it open with her hands. Inside the box was a blue teddy bear encased in a transparent plastic box. Tied with a bow.
She brought it out, turning it around against the light. 'Who would send me a teddy bear.' she thought to herself. Placing it on the table she checked the bottom of the box for any card or note. But there was none, she stood confused staring at the boxes on her desk.
Suddenly her phone vibrated on her bed as it rang. She rushed to her bed pulling back the duvet searching for her phone. She found it and the the name Victor flashed boldly on the screen. She rolled her eyes, refusing to pick letting it ring out. Silence filled the room only briefly as Victor called again. She walked away from her bed still refusing to answer the call.
The call ends and a notification sound was heard. She picked up the phone to see a text.
Victor:
Since you have refused to answer my call. I believe you'll read this. By now I'm sure you've gotten my package.
Lila's fingers danced across her screen as she typed a quick reply to Victor.
Lila:
So it was you! Why are you sending me a teddy bear? If it's an apology gift, I won't accept it. I clearly told you that I no longer want to have any to do with you remember?
Lila dropped the phone pacing back and forth in anger. The notification sound quickly sounded again. Lila stopped staring at her phone. She didn't want to continue her conversation with Victor but curiosity got the best of her and she reluctantly picked it up.
Victor:
Can you relax? I see no need to apologize to you. I mean you wanted it way more than I did. The teddy bear isn't for you. It's for Elliot.
Lila:
Huh? Since when did you start giving Elliot gifts, I thought you didn't like him.
Victor:
Let me break it down for you since you don't understand yet. That teddy is the tool I'll use to expose Elliot. The teddy bear has been rigged with a livestream camera, a microphone and a tracking device. Your job is to gift Elliot that's all.
Lila:
And why should I do anything you say. You Bastard.
Victor:
It'll be in your best interest to start doing as I say, from now on. We wouldn't want the whole world to know that you fuck other guys and moan out your brother-in-law's to be name.
A hazy and steamy video pops up right under Victor's last message. Lila plays the video, she saw herself in a car riding Victor as she continued to moan Elliot's name.
Lila's eyes widened and she dropped her phone like it was a pot handle. With her hands trembling she backed away from her phone. Walking backwards until she hit the wall and slid to the floor. Wrapping her arms round her knees she rocked herself in shock.
Tears streaming down her face. All she wanted to do was to reveal Elliot as a fraud now she was wrapped up into a bigger mess.
***
Sunday, the house buzzed with people dressed all white. They came to attend the Sunday barbecue sit out organized by Clara's parents. Servants moved through people supplying them refreshing drinks.
Lila pushed through the sea of people exchanging pleasantries with a tight smile on her face. She didn't want to come down, but Mom and Dad had insisted she be there for the party. She stepped out onto the backyard patio, fresh air hitting her face as she took a deep breath. She looked out for her parents. She sighted them at the end of the lawn their arms wrapped around each other as they spoke into a camera laughing.
She approached them, wanting to speak with them before going back to her room. As she got closer, her mum turned to her. "Oh Lila you're here." "Yes mum I am" she said with a tight smile. "You're right on time too, we just finished an interview for your sisters wedding. We're making a compilation video to gift them for memory sake." Her father added. "Wow, that's so nice of you mum and dad. "
She told them. "Well you are up next." Her mum said as they walked away.
The videographer tapped her and showed her the box marked by tape in the grass. She stepped into the box. Looking into the camera, she her most fake smile plastered on her face. "Okay you can go ahead and start." The videographer told her. "Well what am I supposed to say?" She asked. "I'll help you start by running you through some questions. Are you ready?" The videographer asked. She nodded,
"Okay, lights, camera, action." The videographer said. "What's your name and who are you to the couple?" The videographer asked. "Well, my name is Lila and I'm the bride's sister and the grooms sister-in-law." She replied. "How long have you known the groom?" The videographer asked again.