The Fictional Man Among Us

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 8

***** The Unveiling of Betrayal ******

DAMIEN RYDER

As I stepped into my room, the air felt charged with tension, a stark contrast to the calm facade I tried to maintain. Taking a seat at my desk, I needed a moment to collect my thoughts and contemplate the recent events. "If I hadn't arranged for Julianna's phone to be monitored, I might not have been able to rescue her," I mused aloud, the weight of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders. It was becoming increasingly clear that my father was behind the plot, but he couldn't have executed it alone. There had to be a spy among us, someone close, someone I trusted.

The realization sent a chill down my spine. Who could it be? Suspicion clouded my thoughts as I scrutinized everyone around me. Then, a sudden revelation struck me. Spider, my trusted left-hand man, had provided me with the girls' information almost instantly, suggesting he had it prepared beforehand. Without hesitation, I prepared myself and headed to the living room to meet Stella, the girl whose life I had just saved.

"Have you informed your friends about what happened?" I inquired, my tone cool and collected. Stella appeared startled by my sudden appearance, having been lost in the comfort of my home, sipping on pineapple juice. She seemed to have let her guard down, a fact that irked me. Instead of dismissing her, however, I decided to play along. "I... I..." she stammered, clearly flustered. "Just call them," I instructed, my voice firm. "Or better yet, let's go there together immediately." With a swift command to my maids, Stella was dressed appropriately, and we set off to her hostel.

Upon arriving, we found the girls outside, clearly worried and anxious. Their faces lit up with relief and joy upon seeing us approach. They seemed to share a strong bond, although their surprise at seeing Stella with me was palpable. As we entered their hostel, Stella recounted her harrowing experience, tears streaming down her face. She pleaded with Julianna, and the two embraced, their friendship evident. "Thank you, Mr. Ryder," they all chorused, expressing their gratitude. One of the girls whispered to Stella, "You're so lucky... I wish I could be in your position," revealing their envy.

I finally learned their names as they conversed among themselves. "A little attention, please," I interjected, capturing their focus. "You all need to come to my apartment. It's not safe here," I calmly stated. Eagerly, they all began to ask when they should pack, except for Julianna, who hesitated. "What about our parents?" she asked, concerned. "They must not know about this," she added There was a moment of guilt that swept over everyone, except for Stella.

"Here's another idea," I suggested. "I'll have my guards watch over you and stay around your hostel." Julianna objected, "No! It'll be safer in your house" trying to seize the enchanting opportunity. They all eventually agreed to stay in my house. I informed them that my driver would come to pick them up in the evening, and then I took my leave.

Returning home, I knew I needed to confront Spider, my left-hand man. "I have something important to discuss regarding a spy in our midst. I want you to find out who it is," I instructed over the phone. Minutes later, he was in my office. I had my special maids serve us tea, a gesture of normalcy that belied the gravity of our conversation. As we sipped our tea, I cut to the chase. "You're the spy," I declared, my voice icy and resolute. "No, I'm not," he protested, but I could see the fear in his eyes. With a swift motion, I revealed my gun, polishing it menacingly. "Lie one more time," I warned, the threat clear in my voice. Realizing the game was up, Spider attempted to flee, but he was swiftly incapacitated by the tea I had served him. Ordering my men to take him away, I left, my mind already racing with the next steps to ensure my safety and that of those around me.

**********************************

JULIANNA

Immediately after Ryder left, the room erupted into a flurry of activity as everyone, including myself, began packing their belongings. I was filled with a sense of exhilaration, no longer concerned about my parents' reaction. With my heart racing, I packed my belongings and joined my friends in preparing to leave. Before long, the sound of Ryder's driver honking outside signaled our departure. We eagerly rushed out to meet the grey Limousine waiting for us.

The car was a sight to behold, adorned with Ryder's surname "DAMIEN" crafted elegantly in gold with blue thorns accents on the plate. It exuded luxury, a stark contrast to our usual modes of transportation. Stella, having experienced the car the day before, seemed less enthralled, but the rest of us were buzzing with excitement. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I could sense everyone's anticipation, especially from Cooper and Stella.

As we embarked on our journey to Ryder's house, my mind was filled with questions and thoughts. I couldn't help but wonder about Ryder's feelings and intentions. Did he enjoy our intimate moment? Did he have a girlfriend? These thoughts swirled around me, adding to the already charged atmosphere in the car.

Nora and Maya began chatting excitedly, even placing bets on who would be the first to win Ryder's affections. Cooper, however, was less amused, accusing the girls of being too forward. This sparked a heated argument, with accusations flying back and forth. The tension escalated until Cooper and Stella exchanged slaps, leading to a full-blown fight among us.

The driver, perhaps sensing the escalating tension, pulled over as we arrived at Ryder's house. Stepping out of the car, I was awestruck by the sight before me. Ryder's home was more than just a house; it was a castle, surrounded by lush greenery, springs, and gardens. The air was filled with the sounds of nature, and I spotted adorable animals like horses, cats, and rabbits roaming freely.

The staircase leading to the entrance was a masterpiece, adorned with intricate floral designs on the steps. As we ascended, the grandeur of the surroundings left us all speechless, even Stella, who had been to Ryder's house before. I couldn't help but ask her about her reaction. "Haven't you been here before? Why does the environment surprise you again?" I inquired. "I... I... this is my first time. This is not the house I was at yesterday," she replied, her eyes wide with wonder.