005

005

Brianna Pounds

“I'm coming over, Mom. I'll tell you all about it.” Nico hung up instantly and exhaled deeply.

“You're such a good actor; you should look into the profession,” Kariana cackled.

Nicodemo adjusted his shirt collar triumphantly. “I'm a made man, Kariana. Plus, I've always been a great actor. How is it that you're just noticing one of my many fortes?” he boasted.

The way their lips parted to guffaw angered me. I padded toward them. “How dare you!” I swung for his cheek, only to pass right through him.

My anger boiled over. How could he? As if noting my misery which I knew they couldn't, Nicodemo pulled his mistress in for a kiss, the smooching sound sending me into a silent rage.

“Remember everything?”

She giggled in response. He kissed her again as if proud before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a key. The beep of his car echoed through the air. “There,” he informed her, taking Kariana arm in arm and striding toward the vehicle. The luxury car I'd worked my ass off to ensure he secured.

Thinking of it now, it churned my soul to realize how naive I'd been. I'd been so easy to fool. “Baby, you don't have to work anymore. I've got this, okay?” he would whine.

“Brianna, please, could you do the numbers?” He’d head straight to bed, and in the morning, he would praise me when I told him I’d finished the paperwork. “You're so smart, wifey. It boosts my ego to call you my wife.”

I'd smiled, always available whenever he needed me. If he told me I had to appear at the company in an hour to move the numbers and impress investors, I'd work myself to the bone to make them skyrocket. I’d worked so freaking hard all to be just a brain behind this man, and what do I get? A fucking stab at the damn back.

They settled into the car, and only the roar of the engine brought my attention back to the moment. How the hell was I going to get to my father's mansion before them, or at the same time? I knew my mom would hear me. She’d be able to feel my presence.

I made the decision before they could drive off and hopped in, penetrating through the backseat door and seating myself, shoulders squared at full alert.

Someone at home would be able to see or hear me. I was certain of it. The drive was agonizing as the two nitwits wouldn't stop praising themselves and rubbing their hands over each other.

I heaved a sigh I'd been holding in when the headlights finally illuminated the exterior of my father's mansion. This was it.

Before he could even park the car, I sprinted through the door like air passing by, almost running myself over as I stumbled to the ground. With a grunt, I stood and recomposed myself. I glanced at Nicodemo, who was likely reciting his lies with that bitch, and then dashed toward the large wooden door of the mansion.

Droplets of rainwater that'd followed me in settled on the floor as I stood right inside the entrance. The bright lights were far too much for this hour; I struggled to adjust my sight. No one was in the spacious living area, and a glance at the island showed it was empty too.

It'd been so long since I'd been here that if I didn't still have my memory, I wouldn't remember my way around.

The sound of footsteps reminded me of my mission.

Get to Mom.

Before I could take a step, the front door creaked open. The two idiots were right behind me.

I wanted to find my mom before they did, but her panicked voice dragged my attention back to the stairs.

“I saw your lights!” She was descending the stairs in a rush, moving far too fast for her age.

“Mom!” I started toward her. She was looking straight at me. Into my eyes. I knew it. I fucking knew my mother would be able to see me. I was her daughter, and I'd never doubted our bond. My thoughts halted as I passed right through her.

It was normal. I'd been running through things all night. She would surely turn around, look at me, and ask me if what Nicodemo said was true. This was normal, right?

My breath hitched as I turned. Mom, still in a panicked stance, was nearing Nicodemo. “What did you say happened to Brianna?” she inquired.

“No, Mom, wait. I'm here. Brianna is right here!” I neared her and touched her arm, but she didn't flinch as if I'd truly touched her.

“Brianna... she...” Nicodemo broke into an act, a sob that squeezed my heart. “She ran off with another man and left me a letter.”

Kariana held out a paper toward my mom, who clutched her robe tie before taking it. Her hair was a mess, and her eyes were red and groggy, as if she'd just woken up from a crying spell.

“Mom, no, don't listen to them. Listen to me. I'm right here. Your Brianna is here!”

Nicodemo blazed a look into my eyes, and I almost suspected he could see me. I shook my head at him, only for him to look right above me.

I turned to see what he was focused on. Papi.

My father took his time descending the stairs, and I heard Nicodemo’s sobs increase in volume.

“Father, you won't believe what Brianna did to me,” Nicodemo cried out.

Father strode past me. He didn't see me either. I never truly expected him to; my father and I never got along. We only tolerated each other once I got involved with Nicodemo. He believed Nico was the only right decision I'd ever made.

Well, look, Papi. Nico is a cold-blooded monster just like you. No wonder you two got along so well.

My mom joined Nico in sobbing. “Jack, I can't believe this.” She was beginning to stain the paper with real tears. Real tears, unlike Nico’s fake ones.

“And who is this?” Father's deep voice deadpanned, his eyes narrowed at Kariana. He took the fabricated note from my mom's loose grasp.

“Kariana. I'm the fiancée of the man your daughter ran off with,” Kariana introduced herself in a low, sympathetic manner.

Fucking pieces of shit.