The Killer Secret

16.

Staring at my reflexion in the mirror, I made sure my lipstick wasn't smudged before slipping into my heels.

The dress Taylor had gotten me hugged my cleavage and then the black fabric fanned out just below my waist. My hair was curled and swept over my left shoulder to expose my diamond studded ear crawler on my right earlobe.

The doorbell rang and my eyes darted to the clock on my night stand. Travis was punctual but I'd expected him to be a few minutes late since tonight was such a big night for him and his family.

Grabbing my purse, I headed down the stairs to the foyer, where I could hear Travis chatting with my sister. As I descended, they both looked at me. Taylor had a smile of satisfaction across her features, whereas Travis looked at me like I was the only girl in the room.

"You look amazing," he complimented, kissing me on the cheek.

I smiled but it wasn't genuine. Not after everything I had just found out.

Taylor had on the same exact dress as I did, the only difference was the colour inversion. Her dress was all red with black stitched roses on her bust area and her hair was similarly done like mine.

We were twins after all.

A car horn sounded outside and Taylor opened the front door. "My ride's here. See you guys at the fundraiser."

She walked off towards Jasmine's car and I waved hello at her before they drove off.

"Ready to go?" Travis asked, holding my hand and I nodded. His touch sent sparks up my arm but I ignored them. I couldn't let myself get off track again. Not before I got some answers.

As he drove, my mind kept going over everything I knew about Travis.  For the past year, I didn't recognize the person he'd become. Granted, I did break his heart but did he hold a much bigger grudge towards me?

"You're quiet tonight."

I peeled my eyes from the window to face him. We had stopped at a red light and Travis was looking at me intensely.

"Where were you when Axel died?"

His faced paled and I could see his pulse quicken under his shirt collar. "What?"

The light had turned green and a chorus of impatient drivers yelled, pressing their horns in frustration.

It all made sense to me now. Liam had his suspicions about Travis, the day of Axel's funeral, but I had shut him down. I couldn't believe that Travis would be capable of something so horrid, but after reading his file, I wasn't sure if I knew who Travis was anymore.

When we pulled up to the party, Travis handed his keys to the valet and I walked off. His reaction confirmed he was hiding something. I just needed to know what.

"Kayla," he called after me, jogging to my side. He pulled me aside, away from the light and ran his hand through his hair. "It's not what you think, okay?"

"You lied to me, Travis. All your talk about me breaking your trust and you went behind my back." I was angry. Beyond furious at the man standing in front of me. "Where were you?"

Travis sighed, running his hands over his face. He loosened his tie and looked around us before bringing me to the side of his house. He caged me against the wall, his breathing rugged.

"Where were you Travis?" I asked again. This time, my patience waring thinner every second he remained unspoken.

"Do you trust me?"

I scoffed, looking away from him but he held my chin, forcing me to look him in the eye.

"No."

The light drained from his brown eyes and he stepped away from me. He was hurt. It was all over his face. He punched the brick wall, near my face and walked off, leaving me stunned in place.

That was not the reaction I was hoping for.

- - - - - - - -

When I walked into the ball room of the Oscar's home, it was full of guests in formal attire. There was a lone violinist and single pianist playing the acoustic version of The Scientist as I searched for my date. Even though I wanted to know everything, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was too harsh in him. Looking around my surroundings, I scanned the crowd but didn't see the blond I was looking for. Instead, my eyes landed on the brunette that started this whole thing, between Travis and I, and my blood started to boil as I gingerly approached him. He smiled when he saw me and fixed his tux.

"Kayla, you look beautiful this evening." His words were formal yet endearing. "Care to dance?" He asked, stretching out his hand. Couples got together to dance to the music and before I could answer, we got swept in with the multitude.

Liam swayed slowly, placing my hand in his and gently adjusting his other hand around my waist, pulling me closer to him. As we danced together, I began to calm down. The unspoken lyrics to the song drawing me in. At the start of the chorus, Liam twirled me around and pulled me back into his arms.

"Surprised to see you without your lover boy," he said softly in my ear before twirling me around again. "I'm guessing you read the file I gave you?"

"Was that your plan all along?"

Liam looked me in the eye and smirked. "He doesn't deserve you, Kayla."

"Yeah? Who does?" I challenged and he smirked again, pulling me into him once more.

He twirled me again and dipped me at the climax of song, bringing his lips closer and closer. My breath became shallow as I watch him close his eyes and brushed his lips against my ear. The contact was enough to make me shiver and I could feel him smile against my skin. He had felt it.

When the song was over, Liam pulled me back onto my feet and kissed my hand. "Thanks for the dance."

Liam disappeared between the crowd as I struggled to steady my breathing. My head was foggy and I needed a drink. Grabbing a flute from the waiter that passed by, I gulped the golden liquid. It was sweet and cool against my palette, giving a tiny buzz at the end.

In the far corner of the room, I spotted Travis looking at me with pain behind his eyes. He was leaning against the wall, hands in both his pockets and I sighed, holding my dress as I made my way to him. He looked away from me and I sighed heavily. I was tired and drained from everything that has happened tonight and I couldn't take anymore surprises. But, like everything else that has happened in this town, surprises was part of the package.

A collective gasp echoed over the musicians as Tammy appeared at the entrance of the hall, dressed to impress. She smiled widely and I'm pretty sure I saw Mrs. Oscar collapse in her husband's arms from the corner of my eye.

Travis looked unimpressed but I was. Tammy sure knew how to make an entrance.

* * * * * * * * * *

Soundtrack 29 = Never Gonna Change by Broods

Soundtrack 30 = The Scientist (Violin and Piano Cover) by Alison Sparrow