"Let The Game Begins"

THERE IS ONLY ONE WINNER IN A GAME;

The next morning, Aya calls me to inform me about Marcus's plan.

“Blackwood is moving” Aya said calmly over the phone. “His mother will sermon you.”

My fingers pause around my tea cup. “Sermon?”

“Yes,” Aya reply. “She believes obedience is a virtue.”

I smile faintly. “Then she'll be disappointed.”

Aya studies my voice. “You remember what happened before.”

“I do,” I said. “Very clearly.”

“Do you intend to protect yourself?”

I look up. “No.”

Aya gaze, not loud but sharp enough. She didn't expect my answer.

“I intend to use it,” I continue, smiling faintly. “The memory. The humiliation. The rules.”

“Then go” Aya said slowly and approving.

I nod.

A message from Marcus arrive that evening.

MARCUS: My parents would like to see you. Dinner is Saturday.

I read it once then again. I type slowly.

ME: Ok.

Marcus replies almost immediately.

MARCUS: Please be on time. My mother values respect.

My lips curves, I didn't answer. I turn to the mirror and stare at my face and a faint smile spreads. I touch my face , then my lips.

“Let the game begins.”

…..

The next day, the first obstacle appears. A car follows my vehicle from Carter Holdings.

Evan notice instantly. “Black sedan,” he said quietly. “Too consistent.”

I didn't turn. “Lose it.”

Evan change routes smoothly - left, right, narrow streets, wider roads. The car stays with us.

“Deliberate,” Evan said. “Not random.”

He slow suddenly - then sped up. The black sedan hesitate, the hesitation is enough.

Evan turn sharply into a private service road, then cut through a security gate using an access code I didn't ask about. We emerge on the main road alone.

I exhale slowly. “Judy.”

“Or someone testing your guard,” Evan reply.

I look at him. “You passed.”

Evan gives a brief nod.

*****

The Amapiano bar smells of cocktail's and champagne, it is unusually quite.

Judy walks to the restroom when she receives a call. The receivers voice is sharp and cold.

“Any news” .

“They didn't break, the bodyguard rerouted.” the voice speaks firmly.

Judy's jaw tightens. “ I told you not to be obvious, idiot.”

“We wanted to see how he moved.”

“And?” Judy ask curiously.

“Clean. Controlled. Trained.” 

Judy ends the call, her smile fades. “He's a problem,” she murmurs.

…

I prepare quietly for the dinner. Not with gowns, not with jewelry, but with strategy. 

I study the Blackwood household rules. Religious schedules, meal structure, conversation etiquette, dress codes.

I memorize everyone of them. Not to follow them, but to bend them politely.

Marcus visits me a day before the dinner.

“You've changed, Amanda,” he said.

“You think so.” 

“ You don't explain anymore,” he said.

“No,” I agree.

Marcus hesitate. “ My mother is not kind to women who challenge her.”

I smile innocently. “Then she and I will finally understand each other.”

Marcus freeze.

 “I mean ….Your mother has been a role model to me and it will be good to see her again. I promise to be in my best behavior.”

My smile widens because that was the same words I used in my first life.

He hold my hand and he kiss them tenderly. I feel irritated then I stand up sharply.

“I think I should be on my way now, it's getting late.”

“Oh, ok. I'll drive you home.” he stands, taking my bag.

“No need. Evan is waiting at the car,” I smile taking my bag from him.

His reaction looks irritated. “Your being dramatic,” Marcus scoff.

I tilt my head sightly. “You're being observant.”

Marcus steps closer, lowering his voice. “You don't need him. This isn't that kind of environment.”

I touch his face smiling . “This is exactly that kind of environment,” 

Marcus clench his jaw. “You're attracting attention.”

“Yes,” I said calmly. “See you tomorrow - goodnight.”

I walk past him.

Evan wait's by the door of the black Audi A4. “Are you ready for tomorrow?” he ask.

“Yes,” I reply. “And no.”

He studies me. “Which matters more?”

“Yes,” I step into the car.

Tomorrow, I will walk back into a house that once made me small.

Not to beg. Not to prove myself but to leave an impression so sharp…

…Mrs Blackwood will never forget it.

…

The Blackwood estate rise from the hillside like a monument to rules.

Tall gates. Stone walls. Carefully trimmed hedges that looks less like beauty and more like discipline. Even the lights lining the driveway are space with military precision.

I watch it all through the car window.

In my past life, this place had made me small. This time I feel only calculation.

“Ten more minutes,” I said quietly.

Evan glance at the clock. “You're already late.”

“I know,” I reply.

The car slows.

I adjust my gloves slowly, deliberately as though time belongs to me.

I twist the tube of the red lipstick slowly, I apply it with steady hands and smile faintly at my reflection. 

Someone at the dinner is about to become my next target. 

When we finally drive through the gates, the clock shows I am twenty minutes late.

Perfect.