chapter three

CHAPTER THREE

THE SCENT OF ALMOND

A nurse walked into her ward carrying a tray of injections and medication.

“Mr. Chairman, the young miss would need to take her injections and drugs, then rest,” she said, small beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

“Okay, my little gem. You heard what the nurse said. I may not be able to visit again. Remember to behave, okay?”

He kissed her forehead and pinched her cheeks.

“I love my little gemstone.”

“I love you more, Daddy,” she replied with a sweet smile.

As the chairman walked out of the hospital room, the room fell into a deep silence.

Amelia was no longer smiling like the sweet little girl from moments ago.

“Hey, darling, could you sit up straight so you can take your drugs?” the nurse asked gently.

She sat upright, not giving the nurse any attention.

“Here’s your medication, dear.”

Amelia looked at the nurse for the first time since she entered.

“Do I scare you?”

The nurse froze on the spot, her voice turning shaky.

“No, dear. Why do you ask?”

Amelia pointed her finger toward the door.

“I’m a hundred percent sure you’ve been trembling since you walked through that door.”

Her voice was calm—too calm. Like the calm before a storm.

“You’re overthinking it, dear,” the nurse hurriedly said.

Amelia stared at her, her eyes devoid of emotion. She stretched out her hand.

The nurse gave her a cup of water with some pills.

Amelia smiled slightly.

“Thanks.”

As she was about to swallow the drugs, the scent of almond filled her nose.

Her eyes darkened.

In a lazy voice, she asked,

“Do you think poison of this level can kill me?”

Her signature sinister smile formed on her lips.

“I… I don’t understand,” the nurse’s voice shook.

“You know, ever since I heard your voice, you’ve been sounding suspicious.”

Amelia rose gently from her bed.

“I’m not a fan of liars.”

The nurse fell to her knees, trembling violently.

“I didn’t poison it—”

“Shhh. Tch, tch, tch. You don’t have to say much.”

Amelia used her finger to raise the nurse’s face to hers, her smile never faltering.

“I smelled almond faintly. My instincts never lie. I’m not saying everything with almond scent is poison… but yours is. Am I correct?”

She left no room for argument.

Tears spilled down the nurse’s face like rainfall.

“I’m so sorry, young miss! My family is in danger! They said if I don’t do it, they’ll kill them!”

She coughed violently.

“Good.”

Amelia stood straight and cleaned her hands with a tissue.

Snap.

Two guards appeared instantly.

“Take her out.”

“Wait—young miss, please don’t do this to me!”

She tilted her head slightly, revealing her face fully.

“Don’t worry. You won’t die. You’ll just learn a simple lesson.”

Her tone turned cold.

“It’s getting loud. Get her out.”

In her domain, words did not need to be repeated.

The door closed, blocking the screams from outside.

Amelia walked to the window and stared out.

“Guess I did good, Daddy.”

ELSEWHERE

Loud music blasted in a dimly lit room.

A young boy sat lazily on a couch, surrounded by girls, each trying to please him better. He twirled his glass, sipping alcohol with a bored expression.

“I didn’t bring you here to stand there staring at me.”

Two boys his age stood in front of him, heads lowered.

“Cyrus,” one of the boys sitting down called his name in a low voice.

“Ahhh, shit. This guy always finds ways to make me mad.”

“Don’t let them get to you. Heard your dad is out of town.”

“Yeah. Old man going on trips and stuff.”

“What about your mom?”

“Pass. Both of them aren’t worth the attention.”

“So when are you going to visit Tracy?”

A playful smile formed on Cyrus’s lips.

“She’s been angry with me for some time. We don’t hang out like we did when we were kids.”

“Hey, Cyrus, how about you link us up?”

“In your dreams, bro. I’m not letting my friend hook up with a player like you. Even myself—nah. She’s too good for trash like us.”

Laughter echoed in the bar.

“Damn, I didn’t notice it’s gotten this late. We better head home. School is tomorrow.”

“Damn, I hate school,” one of the boys grumbled.

“You’re the only child, Cyrus,” another laughed. “Better work hard. You got a company to handle.”

They all laughed.

Cyrus’s expression darkened.

“Hey, you two. This will be the last time I grant mercy. You already know what I’m capable of. I don’t need to remind you.”

“We’re sorry, Cyrus. We won’t make any mistake again.”

He waved them off.

“Ladies, we’re leaving. Use this cash as your tip. Your service was nice.”

He gave them his charming smile.

“Aren’t you a heartbreaker—buying your way out with money?”

“Alright, but remember to ask for us next time.”

They walked out of the bar, the loud music still playing behind them.

“Alright, guys. See you in school.”

“I’ll take a jog home.”

THE ENCOUNTER

Cyrus adjusted his backpack while jogging to sober up. He was a little out of his mind when a hand dragged him off the road.

He was about to shout when a car sped past where he had been standing.

“Watch where you’re going, pretty boy.”

He turned to see a girl in a hospital gown.

“Thank you for saving me. Can I at least have your contact? I’ll take you to lunch as appreciation.”

She looked at him with disgust, her eyes cold.

“How dare you, peasant, think about inviting me to lunch? The only decent thing about you is your face—and I’ve seen better. You’re not worth my time.”

She released his shirt and walked away, her hospital gown flowing with the wind.

Cyrus stood still.

Time froze.

“Me? Poor?”

He looked up, but she was already gone—like a ghost.

“That fucking bitch. How dare she talk down on me. I swear by my name, I will kill her the next time I see her.”

He called his driver.