Chapter 44 44

Chapter 44 44
Nora’s POV

“Why am I here?” I asked when she kept looking me over.

“You know, for someone who is in a hard marriage, you look really good. You’re not going to fool me by dressing this way,” she said.

“I am not trying to fool you or anyone. Can you please tell me why you asked me to come here?”

“Shut up, don’t try to act all smart,” she snapped. “Hell, your boobs look fuller and your hips even rounder. Why the hell do you keep getting all curvy when I have to undergo procedures for it?” she whined.

This.

She always talked about my body. First, it was by body shaming me and calling me fat and ugly. Then, when puberty hit and I began developing really fast, even faster than her, she got mad. She said I envied her so much I got a better body.

It didn’t end there. Her insults only got worse by the day and soon, she made me feel insecure. Most days, I went about the house hanging my head low and cowering in shame because I hated my body.

And now, this?

“Aria, please I didn’t do anything to my body. Why am I here?”

“Whatever. Your so-called husband is not going to like you still, even if you decide to have all the curves in the world,” she spat. I didn’t say a word, I only kept staring at her.

“Okay, fine. Let’s get back to business,” she finally said when I kept looking at her.

“How did you make that video because that ain’t me,” I said.

“Come on, don’t be shy. Well, I must admit you were a show killer and I had to do a lot of editing to set the whole thing in motion but yes, that’s you right there.”

“But why?”

“Because I hate you! Now, I need some money.”

“I already told you that I don’t have any money,” I repeated.

“Well, that’s too bad because I really need some. Now, here’s what you’re going to do for me. You’re going to get money from your husband and give it to me.”

“Julian would rather die than give me any money,” I said.

“I know honey, but I’ve got you covered. You’re going to have to steal for me.”

“What?” I yelled, stunned. How the hell does she expect me to steal from Julian?

“Shout all you want, you’re going to do what I’ve asked at the end of the day.”

“I can’t, sorry. Julian will have my head when he finds out,” I quickly said.

“Who cares, you’re not useful anyways so why not sacrifice your life for me?” I hoped she was joking as I looked into her eyes but sadly, just like any other day, she was dead serious.

Sometimes, I really wondered if Aria hated me so much. Because the things she said to me always came from deep in her heart.

“I can’t, sorry,” I breathed.

“You’ll be sorry for yourself when people find out the kind of sister you are. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?” she spat, venom dripping from her tone.

“But why? I’ve never done anything wrong to you, why are you hell-bent on seeing me suffer?” I tried not to sound emotional but it was really hard.

Watching her sit pretty and treat me like I was a curse really hurt me real bad. And to think she’s my stepsister? A stranger won’t even treat me this shitty.

“You offended me by barely staying alive. Now, let’s get back to work. You’re going to steal for me because you’ve got no choice. Do you know the best part? I already got things ready for you to make your whole plan a bit easier. I am so sweet, aren’t I?” she said, excitement filling her tone.

“What have you planned?”

“Now, I know you don’t know this because you’re so hell-bent on trying to prove you’re a saint but your husband is a billionaire,” she said as she watched my expression closely, probably waiting for a reaction.

I only continued looking at her.

“What does that have to do with me?” I asked.

“Well, I got some information about him and I got to find out that he has a little safe in his room. You’re going to help me break it.”

My eyes widened.

“Aria, how do you have this kind of information? What have you been doing?” I asked.

“I am trying to make this a whole lot easier for you, you should thank me.”

“Look. I don’t know what plans you have laid out but I am not going to be a part of it. Please, delete that video and I’ll be on my way,” I said.

“Shut your mouth, you little whore! Can you listen to yourself, you sound like you’re going to break down in tears at the slightest poke. So silly,” she said with a small laugh. “Now, back to what I was saying. You’re going to break into his safe and get me some money.”

“I can’t, I’m really sorry to disappoint you,” I said.

Her eyes filled with anger at my words and her lips pursed.

“So you think I’m going to let you go, just like that? Do you think I am that good?” she mocked.

“Aria, you’re insane. I am going to leave right now and I don’t want you to ever come back for me. Leave me alone, you’ve put me through so much torture already,” I said. I got up and was about to leave but the guard stood in my way. Only then did I realize his main purpose here.

Panic filled me.

“Aria, let me go, this very minute. You cannot force me to do things for you. Not anymore,” I said, trying to sound confident but deep inside, I was a mess.

“Sit your fat ass down,” she snapped.

“No. You’re going to let me leave and then never contact me again for something like this. You should be ashamed of yourself for asking me to do this. Where are your morals?” I spat, fury filling me. “What would father and mother do when they get to know that their perfect daughter is trying to ruin my life even more.”

Her eyes flashed with anger at my words and before I could say more, she got on her feet and gave me a very hard slap that got my face snapping to the side.

“Aria…” I said, stunned. Tears filled my eyes as my cheeks burned.

“If you ever think you can tell me what to do, then I suggest you think twice. Sit your silly ass down and listen to every one of my instructions. I am not letting you leave here until I have what I want.”