Chapter 1_The Return
The boat moved steadily across the water ,the soft splash of the waves brushing against its sides under the hot afternoon sun. She stood quietly,her eyes fixed ahead watching as the distant outline of the city came slowly into view ,the breeze passed gently ,but she didn't react ,her expression was calm and unreadable .
Her phone buzzed slightly in her hands ,she answered without hesitation
"Camila"
Her voice was calm and steady , almost indifferent,she listened for a moment,her gaze never leaving the water
"I'm on my way "she said simply " make sure everything is in place ".
There was a brief pause
"Also Camila don't disappoint me".
She ended the call and lowered the phone,her attention returning to the horizon as the boat continued forward
After many years of deception she is brought back to the city unknowningly to get betrothed .
The boat slows down as it reaches the dock,the gentle movement of water fading away beneath it. Without waiting for assistance she steps out of the boat onto the wooden platform her heels landing softly but firmly .
For a moment , she stood still as the city stretched out before her-tall buildings rising into the bright sky ,streets already alive with movement, distant sounds blending a familiar rhythm nothing about it seemed different, nothing about it seemed new. Her heels met the road with a soft deliberate sound , steady against the quiet hum of the city . Each step was measured, unhurried, as if she had already owned the ground beneath her feet . She didn't look down,she didn't hesitate -her gaze remained steady and focus .
She meets the driver with full confidence and entered the car , the car ran past many buildings which makes her remember she was here on a secret mission few years ago.
The car arrives in front of a massive gate with opened almost instantly,the car moved forward and stopped a butcher helped her in opening the door,she steps out with great dominance,full confidence and determinated eyes ready to play alongs to her family deception.
"She's here " someone whispered
"Mom are you sure she's coming from country side look at the way she's dressed"Tracy ,her step sister said
"Don't worry she won't last a week"Aunt mayor her step mom said
She watched as her stepmom stood firmly and beside her was Tracy her step sister with her dad lingering beside her .
For a brief second she said nothing
Then she smiled ,it appeared slowly -carefully shaped, gentle enough to pass, distant enough to nothing
"Good afternoon"
Her voice was calm, smooth and respectful the way it should be
Her step mom lips barely moved "you're back
"I am "she replied the smile never leaving her face ,her father stepped forward but not too close "the trip was fine ........ right
A pause
His eyes lingered on her a moment longer than necessary ,as searching for something beneath it
She held his gaze, unblinking,calm
Unaffected, silence stretched in between them,thin but noticeable ,they headed inside and sat down,she was offered a cup of water which she didn't drink
"So you didn't think it was necessary to bring any gifts"Tracy said and scoffed
"I wasn't aware that was a requirement"she replied
By now Aunt mayor expression had changed "weren't you taught any manners "
The word landed lightly but had great effects , silence followed ,thin sharp
She held her posture,her gaze steady ,her smile still in place -refined now almost faint
"I was taught many things"she replied smoothly "selective application is one of them"
Her father shifted slightly at that,his eyes flicking between them ,but he said nothing
The room settled into a quiet tension ,controlled but unmistakable .
And she stood in the middle of it
Perfectly composed
A staff member appeared not long after , summoned with out words
"This way "she followed with out questions ,her step measured as they moved through the quiet halls ,the house hadn't changed ,same turns,same silence ,same carefully maintained in every corner
Until they reached the far end .
The door opened with a faint hint of resistance
"This will be your room"
The air was undisturbed as she stepped inside ,a thin layer of neglect rested over everything, barely visible but impossible to miss, the curtains was drawn halfway muting the light
Preserved or forgotten
"Let me know if you need anything"the staff member said already moving back
"That won't be necessary"she replied,she continued examining her former room when her brushed a the surface of a dusty frame,she held it forward and dusted it carefully it was the picture of she her mom and her dad running around in a garden the picture had cracked,her emotions became cloudy as tears stung her eyes
"Mom I will help take back wats yours ",she cleaned the room a little and settled down ,she picked up her phone and daily Camila number
The call connected instantly.
“Lira"
Camila didn’t waste time with greetings.
Trixie stood by the window, city lights reflecting faintly in her eyes. Her voice was calm—too calm.
“Report.”
A slight pause on the other end.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Paper shuffled quickly.
“The eastern channels have shifted control twice in the last three years. Smaller factions are rising, but none are stable. The old network you built…” Camila hesitated briefly, “…it’s been divided and resold.”
Trixie’s expression didn’t change.
“I expected that.”
Camila continued, more carefully now.
“There’s also been movement in the underground exchanges. New suppliers. Unknown backers. They’re operating aggressively, almost like they’re trying to replace—”
“They are replacing it,” Trixie cut in smoothly.
Silence.
Then—
“What about loyalty?” Trixie asked.
Camila exhaled softly.
“…Unstable. Most of your former allies have either gone independent or pledged to whoever pays more.”
A faint smile touched Trixie’s lips — cold, unreadable.
“So they’ve forgotten.”
“No, ma’am,” Camila replied quickly. “They’re just… testing the waters.”
“Good.”
That single word carried weight.
Camila straightened instinctively, even though she wasn’t in the same room.
“Prepare a full list,” Trixie continued. “Names. Movements. Weak points. I want to know who’s pretending to be untouchable.”
“Yes, Lira
“And the central market?”
“It’s still the strongest hub, but security has tightened. Any direct move would trigger attention.”
Trixie turned slightly, her voice lowering.
“Then we don’t move directly.”
Camila paused.
“…You’re planning a silent reclamation.”
“Not silent,” Trixie corrected softly.
“Precise.”
A chill ran through the line.
Camila swallowed.
“What’s the first step, ma’am?”
Trixie’s gaze hardened.
“We dismantle their confidence.”
“…How?”
“Cut supply without being seen. Turn partners against each other. Let them weaken themselves.”
Camila’s fingers tightened around her pen.
“And when they realize?”
Trixie’s voice dropped to a near whisper—
“They won’t. Not until it’s too late.”
A beat of silence.
Then Camila spoke, quieter now.
“…And after that?”
Trixie smiled — sharp, dangerous.
“We take everything back.”
