Episode 3 – Whisper of Hatred
Neesha's eyelids fluttered open. The scent of medicine stung her nose, a drip attached to her fragile hand. She blinked around the white hospital room, confusion clouding her mind.
"Elira, my poor child!"
Her stepmother, Neelm, rushed forward, dabbing fake tears from her eyes. Yet behind the veil of sorrow gleamed pride—an ugly satisfaction only Neesha could see.
The doctor checked her vitals and smiled kindly. "Don't worry, Madam. Miss Albert is recovering faster than expected. At this rate, she will be discharged soon."
Neelm gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Oh, Doctor… what mistake did I make in my love that she tried such a step? My heart nearly stopped when I heard—"
But Neesha only stared at her, silent. She could see the mask. She could taste the lie.
When the doctor left, Neelm leaned closer. "Rest well, Elira. Nurse Naras is outside. Don't cause more trouble." Her lips curved into a cruel smile before she turned to leave.
Alesa stayed behind. She bent near Neesha's ear, her voice a dagger wrapped in honey.
"If only you had died, Elira. It would have been perfect. You should have gone to your mother already. Even God doesn't want you—why else would He keep you alive after so much torment?"
Her laugh was soft, venomous, as she straightened and walked out.
Neesha's blood boiled. Her fists clenched until her nails dug into her palms. But instead of fear, a strange calm spread across her lips—a creepy smile.
"Mama," she whispered to the empty room, her voice cold and steady, "don't worry. I'm here now. I'll remove all your complaints. I won't give you a chance to be disappointed again. Deed must be worried, right? But I'll fix everything… even the media. Deed won't have to worry about his chair anymore."
Unknowingly, Neelm, standing outside the half-open door, froze. Shock flashed across her face. This wasn't Elira's usual trembling voice. This was something else. Something dangerous.
Before she could step back inside, the bodyguard approached hurriedly.
"Madam!" he whispered. "The media is outside… they are making noise. Reporters are demanding to see Miss Elira. They're shouting that she was bullied at school and that the family forced her. They want her to speak!"
Neelm's eyes widened, then narrowed. So the world already knows?
She looked back toward the door where Neesha sat smiling faintly to herself, her shadow long and cold across the hospital bed.
For the first time, Neelm felt uneasy.
And Neesha thought silently: Perfect. Let them come. The mask will break soon… and when it does, the real game begins.
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🔥 To be continued