Chapter 256: Evidence
Lily arrived at Alex’s house later in the evening, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and plans. She had spent the day steeling herself for what she needed to do. She knew this could be dangerous, but it was a necessary step to secure her future with Cage and to bring Alex’s shady activities to light.
As she approached the front door, she took a deep breath and forced a bright smile onto her face. Alex opened the door, his usual charming smile in place. "Lily, I’m so glad you could come," he said, pulling her into a hug.
Lily hugged him back, suppressing the shiver of revulsion that ran down her spine. "Of course, Alex. I missed you."
They made their way inside, and Alex led her to the living room where he had already set up a cozy scene: a fire crackling in the fireplace, soft music playing in the background, and a bottle of wine chilling on the table.
"Let’s have a drink," Alex suggested, pouring two glasses of wine and handing one to Lily. She took it, careful to appear enthusiastic.
"To us," Alex said, raising his glass. Lily clinked her glass against his and took a sip, the bitterness of her plan mixing with the sweetness of the wine.
They spent the next hour chatting and laughing, Alex completely unaware of the turmoil brewing beneath Lily’s composed exterior. She played the part of the loving fiancée, laughing at his jokes and leaning into his touches. They even played a playful game of hide and seek around the house, their laughter echoing through the halls.
When they finally settled back in the living room, Alex poured them another round of drinks. Lily knew this was her chance. She excused herself to the bathroom, taking the opportunity to slip a crushed sleeping pill into his drink from a small vial she had hidden in her purse.
Returning to the living room, she handed Alex his glass, her heart pounding in her chest. "Here you go," she said, her voice steady despite the nerves jangling inside her.
Alex took the glass with a smile. "Thanks, Lily. You’re the best."
They continued to talk, and as Alex drank more, Lily could see the effects of the pill beginning to take hold. His eyelids grew heavy, and his speech started to slur.