CHAPTER 9_ How To Rule

~Arya~

“The first thing you need to know is that you owe no one any explanation, Arya.”

I watched Karl pace slowly before me as he spoke. I couldn’t deny the fact that I needed him to get to Simon and Alicia even though I hate the thought of staying under the same roof with a relative of the person who betrayed me.

“Don’t let them see your weak side. You hold as much power and authority as I do in my family and with time, they’ll learn to obey you.”

“I don’t want to face them ever again–”

“I’m afraid that’s not an option.” Karl interrupted, pausing his movement.

There was a gentle flicker in his eyes, that same look that always confuse me about what his true motives were.

I inhaled sharply when he began approaching me where I sat on the couch. He stopped before me, pinning his gaze on me and then reaching his hand to grab my chin.

“I didn’t marry a weak woman. You’ve been through hell and it’s time for you to rain hell on those who hurt you and the first step is getting rid of any fear and replace it with hate and resentment.”

“What do you stand to gain?”

Of all the questions that I could ask him at that moment, this was the only question that slipped out of my lips.

“You can easily get your hands on your nephew but you’re stalling. Why do you need me to help you get revenge?”

“I want to make sure this is fun for you as it is for me. Go freshen up and let’s begin our first lesson for today.”

My brows furrowed slightly, I took a quick look at the stairs and then back to him feeling super confused. I had no time for all these.

I just wanted my hands around Simon and Alicia’s necks as soon as possible.

“What lesson are you talking about?”

“How to rule.”

*****

Step one.

Always put on red to intimidate your enemies. That bright color makes people look at you in admiration and as for those who wronged you one way or another, they shiver at your sight.

Step two.

Never let them know your next move.

“We are here, ma’am.”

My chauffeur’s voice brought me out of my reverie. I gave a nod, reaching for the gold colored cat mask sitting next to me.

I brought it over my face and securely tied the thin strap behind my head.

Let’s get the night started.

Starry Valley hall. Tonight is all about the elites of the society gathering to celebrate the seventieth birthday party of Eric Anders. Simon’s grandfather.

Karl’s instructions were simple.

‘Make a wave before I get there’

I smiled and stepped out of the opened car with the help of my chauffeur.

My graceful red satin gown flowed behind me, blending in with the red carpet. I felt the cold breeze hitting my slightly exposed back.

The media were present, flashing and clicking their cameras at whatever fancy cars and couples that showed up.

The bright lights from the camera rained on my face immediately. At a point, the clicking sounds of the cameras stopped.

Silent whispers started brewing around me. Some were wondering who I was and others wondering who I came with.

I pressed on, my head held high as I walked into the big hall elaborately decorated in fine colors. The theme for tonight was champagne gold and silver but here I am putting on the brightest red gown anyone has ever seen.

The stares lingered as I walked in. They whispered, pointed and trailed my movement. I spared no one a glance.

There was only one destination in mind. The table facing that of the celebrant and his entire family.

Karl wasn’t present there but the rest of his family were seated there. Just when I raised my head, I caught them all staring at me curiously.

“A glass of champagne, please.” I politely stopped the waiter passing by my table. “Thank you.”

I twirled my glass gently, my gaze fell on my phone sitting on the table. I’ve been waiting for a text message from Karl for a long while.

He promised to make it before the commencement of the event because he had urgent work to do. But from the look of things in here, it seems the party was about to begin.

Now I wonder what my husband meant when he said that I should make a wave before he reaches the venue.

My gaze fell back on the table where the evil family occupied. My jaw tightened at the sight of them laughing happily.

“I’ll start from them.” I whispered, rising to my feet.

I purposely made my chair make a noise across the marbled floor and almost immediately, all eyes fell back on mine.

I moved my feet swiftly and slowly across the floor, making my way to their table. Just like Karl told me about the color I was putting on, their gazes were unsettled.

Although they were all putting on gold colored masks of different designs, I was still able to decipher the fear and curiosity behind those masks.

It brought a smile to my face knowing that even the most powerful family in L.A can be put to fear.

“What a fine evening, Anders and Adams.” I greeted, a sultry smile on my lips.

“Fine evening it is. I hope you feel comfortable in that color knowing that you’re the only one looking out of place in here.” Simon’s ever sharp tongued mother ridiculed in between an annoying chuckle.

“Out of place is not what I’d call it. Red can be interpreted in different meaning and I can assure you that my reason for putting it on tonight is not anything close to love or affection.” I flashed them a warm smile and lifted my glass slightly.

“Who are you?”

I heard the birthday boy grumble.

“You’ll find out right after the big toast tonight. That’s if you’ll live longer enough till that moment”

I noticed he was about to raise another question but I turned away and walked back to my seat feeling their gazes at the back of my head.

Not too long, I spotted about four men on black standing behind the old man and all five men were now staring in my direction.

He nodded and the four men began approaching where I sat. I reached for my gold colored purse searching for the card Karl gave me earlier today.

“Ma’am we are here to escort you outside.”

I slid the invitation card over the table and tapped my finger gently on it.

“I’ll like to see who the first person to lay a finger on me is.”