For Better, For Worse: The Serpent's Contract Wife

Chapter 123: The Day Before The Performance [2]

I was in the dressing room to pack up my things. I loosened the ribbon holding my hair up and allowed it to fall over my shoulder.

"Ana!"

I turned toward the company. Girls from the rehearsal.

"You gotta introduce me to your brother-in-law."

"He’s so hot!"

"Is he single?"

"Hey, I was here first."

"No, I was!"

"I asked first!"

"No, I asked first."

"Will you stop that?"

Great.

It’s like I’m back in high school. Ignoring their tantrums, I grabbed my bag and left them to their meat struggle.

I used the back entrance to get to the stage, pausing when Luca was nowhere to be seen. Passing a quick look around, I found him at a spot talking with Chris.

I came closer, but Chris was already leaving, and Luca didn’t take his eyes off him for a while.

"What was that about?" I asked, crossing my arms

"Nothing."

Yeah right.

"Ahem! So, apparently, Chris is your partner."

"Yes, he is."

"Then you’re in good hands. So tell me, nervous about the big performance? This is your first lead role, right?"

"Don’t ask," I said, walking down the aisle.

Luca hurried to walk next to me. "Why?"

"So many people have talked about this performance so much, and apparently so many want to watch me fail."

Luca shrugged. "Just a normal day in the academy, right? I mean, it counts for rivalry."

Nope.

Especially when dreading what comes after the performance. This function Clara talked about, I don’t know what it was, but I have an idea it would be something like the Night Chamber.

"Okay, then let’s not talk about it, and talk about something else. Got any plans for the day?"

"No, I’m done with everything, even the custom fitting. All that’s left is to wait for tomorrow, and honestly, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with myself."

The thing I do know is... being alone was equivalent to sitting next to a bomb.

I rubbed my forehead as we stepped out of the academy.

"Key."

I tossed the key fob at Luca, which he caught with ease.

"How much do you know about Dr. Keller?" I asked as we got into the car.

"Dr. Keller?"

"The family doctor," I clarified.

"Oh, right. What about him?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Well, you said nothing when I asked you about Chris." I slapped his arm.

"Ow! What does this have to do with Chris?"

"Whatever, just tell me. Is there a way to reach him?"

"Geez! You should have just said so. Phone."

I gave him my cell, and he quickly punched the number.

"There."

I took my phone and saved it. I don’t really know if I should call him, but I was planning on it.

I had questions for him, just to make sure that I wasn’t losing my mind.

~☆~

I couldn’t sleep.

I should probably get one so that I wouldn’t be cranky tomorrow, but I was just paralyzed where I was. My brain was on speed, but my body was just heavy.

I mindlessly stroke Boba’s fur; he was on my lap, purring softly. I don’t know how long I have been like this, just staring blankly at the TV, unable to follow whatever was happening.

I was watching one of my favorite classics. Charmed. But I couldn’t even enjoy it as much as I wanted. I smiled, recalling how my sister and I used to have a crush over the character ’Cole Turner’ and had all the fantasies about him.

As quickly as my smile came, it dropped as a feeling swallowed me.

I can’t even think of her without being conflicted with myself. I’m in a position where I was afraid to feel anything at all because I don’t know how to justify it.

I can’t stop thinking about Zade, either. I know I shouldn’t but I don’t know how to stop.

Boba jumped off my lap and I pulled my knees to my chest, looking out the window. With a soft sigh, I finally found the will to move.

I grabbed a push blanket from the sofa and used it to wrap around my frame as I made my way out of my room.

A few walks on the lonely hallways and I got to the glass doors and unlocked them, going outside.

The air was chilly and I was thankful I came out prepared. Seeing the lights from inside the greenhouse doesn’t look as scary as it did this morning.

I opened the door and walked into the space that felt as if I had been teleported to a whole new world.

My breath shuddered as my eyes took in every grown calla lily. I walked the aisle slowly, my attention driven by this display that peeled the layers of my discomfort and replaced it with a soothing feeling.

I caught sight of a swinging bench, so I walked to it and sat down. I bet this is what you call the best view in the house.

The sea of calla lilies was one thing but when I looked up, I could see the sky covered with stars.

This place... it silenced the loud clamors in my head and gave me peace.

I pulled my knees to my chest and wrapped my arms around myself as I sniffled, the tears stinging my eyes.

I cried but not out of pain. I cried because it was something I wanna do right now.

Darkness took over me, not forced but welcomed. It got uncomfortable so I sank into the bench more, curling like a ball.

When I opened my eyes again, it was morning, my alarm clock hadn’t gone off either.

Alarm clock?

There is no way I would hear it because I didn’t fall asleep in my room. I sat up with a start.

Does this mean I’m late?!

I swung my legs off the bed but I paused midway taking a good look around.

I’m in my room. How did I get back here?

I drew in a sharp breath when the lingering smell of smoke filled my nose.

Hearing the munching noises, I looked toward my babies having breakfast, their bowls filled.

Speaking of breakfast, mine was on the table already waiting for me.