Her eyes scanned her living room and landed on a photo of her and Lila. Lila. Her sister. A wave of unease washed over Clara. Lila's recent behavior seemed odd. She wanted to give Lila the benefit of the doubt but all the evidence is starting to point towards her. Clara shook her head, dismissing the thought. Lila would not do that. Would she? As she stood there deep in thought, Lila entered the house. Her footsteps alerting Clara.
She turns around to see Lila, looking at her and observing her. Lila looked at Clara, her face displaying her confusion.
"Clara!" Lila exclaimed, her voice a little too bright, a little too forced. "Is everything alright? Why are you staring at me like I am some ghost or something?"
"Oh nothing, I was just deep in thought. Pardon me." Clara said, her voice casual, her eyes studying Lila.
"So where are you coming from?" Clara asked eyeing the shopping bags Lila held.
"Oh, you know," Lila said, shrugging, her eyes avoiding Clara's. "From a store. Retail Therapy."
"ou know we have not sat down to talk in a while. Yunno have a girl's night." Clara said, her voice gentle. "What do you think?" Clara asked.
"Yes, I did not want to bother you because you would be busy with work and wedding preparations." Lila said.
"Oh dear, you talking to me is never a bother. Tell you what, let us have a girl's night before I get married finally. Just two of us." Clara proposed. Lila eyed her suspiciously. "Are you sure you will have the time?" She asked Clara.
"Yes I would have the time, my schedule is freeing up slowly." Clara said. "So what do you say?" Clara asked Lila, breaking the silence. Lila slowly nodded. "It is a date then," Clara said, a warm smile playing on her lips, masking the calculating glint in her eyes.
"Why don't we do it tonight? We can order in, watch a movie, the whole shebang." Lila hesitated, her eyes flickering with a hint of suspicion.
"Tonight? That is rather sudden."
"Nonsense." Clara insisted, her voice light. "We deserve a break, don't we? Besides, it will be fun. Just like old times."
Lila, after a moment's pause, relented. "Alright, fine. A movie night it is." A forced smile touched her lips. "I will just go upstairs and change into something more comfortable."
"Perfect." Clara said, her smile widening. "I will get the maids to set up the movie room. Think pillows, blankets and the rest." As Lila ascended the grand staircase, Clara turned to the maids, her voice crisp and efficient.
"Prepare the movie room. Dim the lights, bring in all the comfortable cushions and blankets, and set out a variety of snacks and drinks. Make it cozy." Clara then went to her room, took a quick shower before changing into her own set of plush pajamas. She descended to the movie room, a large, luxurious space with a state-of-the-art projector and sound system, now transformed into a cozy haven.
The maids had arranged an array of exquisite cushions and blankets, and a table overflowed with snacks and drinks. Lila arrived shortly after, dressed in her own silk pajamas, her hair loosely cascading over her shoulders. "This looks extravagant," she remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Only the best for my sister," Clara replied, her tone light. "Now, what movie shall we watch?"
"I am fine with whatever you pick Clara." Lila answered. Clara shuffled through the box before settling on a classic romantic comedy, the lighthearted plot playing out on the large screen. As the movie progressed, Clara casually steered the conversation, her questions seemingly innocent.
"So, Lila," she began, her voice soft, "how have you been lately? You seem different." Lila paused, her eyes flickering towards Clara before returning to the screen. "Different? I am just fine. Been busy, you know?"
"Busy with what, exactly?" Clara asked, her tone gently probing.
"Oh, you know, this and that," Lila replied vaguely, taking a handful of popcorn. "Shopping, meeting friends, the usual."
"Any new friends?" Clara asked, a subtle edge to her voice.
"Anyone special?" Lila laughed, a light, airy sound.
"Don't be ridiculous, Clara. I am not interested in anyone. Relationships, new friendships, nah, don't have the time for all that."
"Just curious," Clara said, her eyes fixed on Lila's face.
"You have been spending a lot lately. New clothes, a new car, it is quite a change."
"I just guessed maybe you met someone new." Clara added shrugging.
Lila stiffened slightly. "I like to treat myself," she said, her voice defensive. "Is that a crime?"
"No. Of course not," Clara replied smoothly. "But you are rarely around and you spend a lot more. It only made sense to think there was a man in your life." Lila shifted uncomfortably. "Mum and dad have the money Clara, I do not see anything wrong in spending it. "You only live once," she said, her tone clipped. "You do not need to pry into my finances, Clara." Clara let the silence hang for a moment, then changed the subject.
"Remember that trip I took to the Maldives and how I asked you to help me get information on a certain lady?" Clara asked juggling Lila's memory.
"Yes I did." Lila said her body tense. "Well what's up?" She asked after Clara remained silent for a while studying her.
"Well she was the one who fabricated those pictures in the tabloids a while back." Clara told her. Lila opened her mouth in mock shock, "Oh my God I never knew that. How could she be so terrible?"
"Yea, rightttt." Clara said studying Lila's reaction.
"You know, we managed to get in contact with the other man who was photoshopped with Elliot. His name is Jonah, and he has been having a rough time lately." She said, her voice laced with concern. Lila's brow furrowed slightly.
"Jonah? I do not think I know him." "Oh, he has become a mutual acquaintance," Clara said, her eyes watching Lila's reaction. "He has been dealing with some personal issues. And someone has been making things worse for him." Lila shrugged, her expression indifferent.
"That is unfortunate. But I do not see how it concerns me."
"I am trying to find out who is behind it," Clara said, her voice low. "And I won't stop until I do." Lila shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting away. "Well, I hope you find whoever it is," she said, her voice strained.
"But I would not know anything about that." The movie continued to play, the lighthearted scenes a complete opposite to the tense atmosphere between the sisters. Clara continued to ask small questions, but Lila was on edge, and gave vague answers.