Gray Areas | Englot | GirlxGirl

29. New York Part III

POV CHARLOTTE

This is bad.

I can practically feel the tension between them thickening the air, even though they’re just standing there, staring at each other without saying a word. Their auras clash like a storm, and neither is backing down.

It’s a full-on silent war.

“I thought you’d never come back to New York. How long has it been?” Mrs. Waraha says with a polite smile, but her eyes tell a different story.

Somehow, this smile feels different from the one she gave us back on senior bonding night, nine years ago. It’s less sharp, almost genuine. Still, the words out of her mouth are anything but sweet.

“It’s been a while. Last time I came here was to pay my respects to my father,” Engfa replies after a beat. Then she turns to me with a warm smile and says, “Let’s go, baby.” She holds out her hand.

Wait. Baby?

I reach for her hand automatically, my heart racing. I know exactly what she’s doing—stirring the pot, playing this little game to provoke her mother.

It’s drama we can’t avoid, but I don’t mind being right in the middle of it.

In fact, this is what I’ve wanted since I found out recently that, years ago, her mother had made me the wedge between them.

Back then, I’d hoped she’d pull me into the storm with her, because if she had, I would’ve stood by her no matter what. And now, finally, I’m here, clutching her hand tightly, standing beside her just like I always wanted—ready for whatever’s coming.

“A questionable choice, once again?” Mrs. Waraha remarks, her eyes landing on our joined hands with a mocking smile. “After years with that heiress, Alycia, I thought you’d learned what it means to be with someone of equal status. Yet here you are again, embracing naivety,” she says, not even sparing me a glance.

Engfa lets out a laugh, but it’s a humorless sound.

Oh no. This is turning worse.

I can feel her tension building through the grip of her hand, her nails digging slightly into my skin. I gently stroke her arm, trying to ground her, and she stops laughing.

“I’m honestly surprised. Why do you still follow my life so closely?” Engfa says, voice icy. “Looking for a chance to sabotage it again?” She shakes her head with a mocking smile. “Oh, talking about ‘equals,’ are we? Charlotte is my perfect match. She always has been.”

Her gaze softens as she turns to me. “A famous model, a talented actress, beautiful, incredible personality, independent…” She finishes by lifting my hand to her lips and pressing a kiss to it, and my heart skips a beat.

Mrs. Waraha only watches us, a bemused expression flickering across her face. After a moment, Engfa shifts her gaze back to her mother. “So, tell me—what doesn’t match? We’ll live happily together in my mansion, travel the world on luxurious vacations when we need a break, and for our quick getaways, there’s always my new house in Meadow Lane, Southampton… which I bought with my own hard-earned money. And if you ever want to visit, I’d be happy to send you the address.” Her smile gleams like a weapon as she delivers the words.

“You may have built a name for yourself, wealth and reputation, but you’ll never be able to elevate a nobody into a true somebody. Not enough to stand at your side. That’s the difference, Engfa, between her and that girl, Alycia. It’s still a shame, really,” Mrs. Waraha says, finally letting her gaze drift over me, a judgmental sweep from head to toe.