Chapter 64 The Trap is Set
LIZZY
I woke before sunrise, slipping into the bathroom with a small bag of clothes I had prepared the night before. My reflection in the mirror was tired but determined. I adjusted my scarf, ensuring every strand of hair was hidden, before glancing at the clock. It was time.
The house was quiet as I descended the stairs. My eyes caught a glimpse of Bella and David in the garden. They were laughing, their hands brushing against each other as they leaned toward a blooming rosebush.
A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. Enjoy it while it lasts, Bella.
“Good morning,” I greeted, my voice syrupy sweet as I stepped closer to them. Their laughter faltered, replaced by awkward silence.
Bella straightened, her eyes narrowing slightly, but David barely glanced at me. “I’ll be heading out for a walk,” I announced, my tone casual, though my pulse quickened.
“Fine,” David replied, not even lifting his gaze from Bella.
I turned on my heel, my smirk returning. You’ll regret ignoring me, David. Soon enough, you’ll wish you’d never let me stay.
The air outside was crisp as I hailed a taxi, pulling the scarf tighter around my face. The driver eyed me curiously in the rearview mirror, but I ignored him. “Take the long route,” I instructed.
Through the side mirror, I spotted the black SUV trailing us. Right on cue. I leaned back in my seat, casually pulling a second outfit from my bag. “Pick up a passenger at the next stop,” I told the driver, keeping my voice low.
Minutes later, the taxi slowed, and a young man climbed in, looking confused at the sight of me half-dressed. “Drive,” I ordered, shrugging into a plain black hoodie. By the time we reached the next intersection, I’d completed the transformation. The scarf was gone, and my face was hidden under the hood.
Stepping out of the taxi, I smirked at the SUV as it cruised past, its driver clearly searching for me. Good luck keeping up now.
The restaurant was nearly empty when I arrived, the early hour ensuring privacy. Michael was already seated by the window, nervously tapping the table.
“Hello, Michael,” I said, sliding into the chair across from him.
His head snapped up, his eyes widening in recognition. “Lizzy? What’s this about?”
I leaned forward, letting the corner of my mouth curl into a sly smile. “Relax. I’m here to make you an offer.”
“What kind of offer?” His tone was cautious, but curiosity flickered in his eyes.
I leaned back, casually resting a hand on my stomach. “I’m pregnant—with Eden’s child.”
His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. I continued, my voice dropping lower. “David doesn’t know yet. But when the time is right, Bella will catch me in bed with him. That’s your window.”
Michael’s brows furrowed. “And how does that help me?”
I tilted my head, feigning surprise. “Isn’t it obvious? When Bella’s world falls apart, you’ll be there to pick up the pieces. Her knight in shining armor.”
He hesitated, his fingers drumming against the table. “And when will this... happen?”
I leaned forward, my voice laced with menace. “Leave that to me. Trust me, Michael this game is about to get very interesting.”
Before he could respond, my phone buzzed on the table. I glanced at the screen, and my smirk faltered. A single message blinked back at me:
“You think I don’t know what you’re up to?”