L̸͟͞o̸͟͞c̸͟͞k̸͟͞e̸͟͞d̸͟͞ A̸͟͞w̸͟͞a̸͟͞y̸͟͞❀

Chapter 26

                   ༺R̆̈ĭ̈c̆̈h̆̈ă̈r̆̈d̆̈?༻

Once Angelina slipped into the abyss of unconsciousness, Richard knew he had to ensure she’d never obstruct his path again. The weight of his decision pressed heavily on his chest, but the clarity of his purpose cut through the fog of doubt. He had come too far, sacrificed too much, to let her stand in the way of his ambitions.

What other solution could there be but to snuff out her life, right? The thought echoed in his mind, a chilling mantra that drowned out any lingering sense of morality. He had always been pragmatic, a man who understood that in the ruthless game of power, sentimentality was a luxury he could not afford.

"Ah, Aunt Ang," he murmured, a twisted smile creeping across his lips as he gazed down at her still form. "You look so beautiful right now. I should have done this to you ages ago." The irony of his words hung in the air, a cruel jest that only he could appreciate. He had always admired her strength, her unwavering resolve, but now it was her very essence that he sought to extinguish.

After relishing his handiwork, Richard departed to tidy himself up for his precious little angel. He moved through the dimly lit corridors of the old mansion, each step echoing with the weight of his actions. The ornate mirrors lining the walls reflected a man transformed, a predator shedding the last remnants of his former self.

He couldn’t allow her to witness his disheveled state, not when he was about to present himself to the world as a grieving nephew, a man burdened by loss. He needed to play the part perfectly, to weave a narrative that would shield him from suspicion. The world outside would see him as a victim of fate, a man robbed of his beloved aunt, while he plotted his ascent to power in the shadows.

As he splashed cold water on his face, he caught a glimpse of the man he had become—a figure cloaked in darkness, driven by ambition and a chilling resolve.

With one last glance at the mirror, Richard stepped out of the bathroom, ready to embrace the role he had crafted for himself. The game was afoot, and he was determined to play it to perfection.

Two hours later

*Knock Knock*

"Hm?" Amy looked over at the door.

"Who could that be?" She frowned as she made her way to the door, annoyed that her favorite show was interrupted just as it was getting thrilling.

Imitating her Aunt's way of welcoming guests, she called out, "Who's there?"

"A big surprise for Ms. Amy," came a deep voice from the other side.

"Ooh~ a surprise for me?" Amy bounced on her toes, her excitement overflowing.

When she opened the door, she saw a man taller than her, wearing a baseball cap and a mask that covered his nose and mouth, his head tilted down.

"Uh... Sir?"

He laughed, "Sir?"
Gradually pulling down his mask, he said, "I don't think I'm that old yet, Amy."

"Richard?"