The Enemy Beside Me + The Liar Beside Me (Book 1 and 2)

B2 Chapter 6

THREE soft raps disturb his tranquillity. There is only one person who knocks like that because, for her, acting delicately will win his affection.

'Come in,' he simply says, ready to dismiss her if she'll not meet his curiosity.

As the door slowly opens, Alasdair ponders what if he grabbed the bottle of whiskey and smashed it to the doorway? Would that make her more obedient? But he has to push down that desire. He may not like her, but he doesn't have to be violent. Although there are times it becomes challenging every time he sees her.

The door is ajar, sparkling his displeasure.

'Alasdair? I'm sorry to disturb you, but may I go out tonight? Ayame called and I was wondering—'

'Open the door. Speak to me where I can see you.'

There's an audible sharp intake of breath.

When the door is fully open, Carmina is exposed, dressed in her black midi dress. Her smooth shoulders and neck are bare thanks to the strapless neckline. The high fitted waist compliments her slender body.

He frowns. Shallow people care so much about their appearance.

Alasdair scans her from head to toe. So she's finally wearing them, he thinks, referring to the shoes he had bought for her. He hates her but chose them to demonstrate to Kaito that he's finally accepted her as his new mother. Lie. Too many lies.

They are pointed-toe but with padded insoles to give her comfort for long hours. He wishes he had purchased something more uncomfortable.

'Carmina, may I know where are the earrings I've chosen meticulously for you? Or the necklace that you and Father have both agreed would go with your black dress? Do you not value our choices for you?'

Carmina stays on her spot, showing her resistance like a good woman, but her pale blue eyes betray her. She's looking straight, but not directly at him.

His piercing, cold grey eyes stare back, letting her know he's waiting for an answer.

'Son...'

'Don't call me that.'

'Right. Sorry.' She flattens her dress with her long fingers. 'This dress and shoes are already perfect. I didn't want to overdo everything.' Her thin, small painted lips compress, like she's caging a scream.

This has always been their system, yet it seems she never learns. Alasdair lets seconds pass by before clapping his hands once, making her wince.

'Very well. I hope you'll enjoy the night. Please do not forget to call...'

'...every hour. Yes, will do,' she finishes.

Better safe than sorry. He knows she married his father for money. And his father married her for her beauty alone. She's not clever; she's not even from an influential family. After a month or so, she'll be replaced, just like the other women. Because whether Kaito admits it or not, no one can ever supersede his first wife.

'You are dismissed,' he says with a flick of his fingers. It doesn't skip his observation as she slightly trembles. Carmina turns her back, ready to leave. 'See? I can be nice too,' he coos and almost laughs when her back goes stiff.

As the door closes with a click, Alasdair wishes he could see her crying face. He'd argue if somebody regarded him as a cruel person. He's simply disciplined her. If she's going to leech off his father's money—not that she can spend all of them—she must know by now that he's watching. She can be banished if Alasdair says so.