Chapter 9: Are you out of your mind?

Louis's POV

Rachel's voice cutting through the expensive sound system like nails on glass.

"Louis! Over here!" She waved from our usual corner booth, flanked by Jennifer and Jessica like perfectly matched decorative pillows. All three wore variations of the same tight dress. My gift from last Christmas.

I nodded to Ryan as I passed the bar. He knew the drill – top shelf everything, no limits. Keeping Rachel happy was still part of the plan, even if every minute in her presence felt like sandpaper on my nerves lately.

"Baby, we need champagne," Rachel purred as I slid into the booth. Her hand found my thigh immediately, nails digging in slightly. Marking territory. "The good stuff. You know which one."

"The same as what you're drinking?" I gestured to the half-empty bottle already on the table.

"That?" She wrinkled her nose. "We had to pay for that one. Like common people."

Jennifer and Jessica tittered on cue. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

"This is a business, Rachel. We sell alcohol. That's the point."

"Since when do you care about a few bottles of champagne?" Her voice took on that dangerous edge I knew too well. "Is it because of her? That little gymnast you're—"

"Enough." I cut her off sharply. The music seemed to pulse louder in the sudden silence. "Let's go upstairs."

She brightened immediately, shooting a triumphant look at her friends. "Girls, don't wait up."

The private elevator ride to the top floor suite was mercifully silent. Rachel pressed against me, reeking of expensive perfume and desperation. I remembered when that scent used to drive me wild. Now it just gave me a headache.

The suite door had barely closed behind us when my phone buzzed. Daniel's name lit up the screen.

"I need to take this," I said, already stepping away.

Rachel's face darkened. "It's 2 AM."

"Business never sleeps." I moved toward the bedroom, ignoring her frustrated huff.

I had barely answered when Daniel's voice came through, tense and low. "We need to talk. Now."

Five minutes later, he was at the door.

"What do you want to say that couldn't wait? I thought you were supposed to go home today."

"I was, but I suddenly remembered something and wanted to come talk to you."

"What is it?"

"We had dinner together today, I mean with that girl."

I glanced toward the bathroom where Rachel was "freshening up." I thought I knew what Daniel wanted to say. "Daniel, we discussed this before. I don't care about that woman; she's just a pawn we've bought."

"Are you really sure that a wedding will solve the problem? Do you truly believe your plan will work?"

I clenched my jaw. "I think so. I know what I'm doing."

Daniel's gaze was sharp. "Do you? Because this plan of yours is going to get someone killed. Probably that poor girl who has no idea what she's walking into."

"That's just how it is."

Daniel ran a hand through his hair, showing rare frustration. "It's not too late to cancel. Find another way."

"There is no other way." I kept my voice steady, even as doubt gnawed at me. "Trust me, brother."

"I do trust you. It's everyone else I'm worried about." He moved toward the door, then paused. "Just... think about what you're risking. And who you're risking it for."

After he left, I stood at the window, staring at the city lights until they blurred together. My phone buzzed again – Father this time. I sent it to voicemail.

"Who was that?" Rachel emerged from the bathroom in one of her usual 'surprises' – black lace.

"No one important." I didn't turn around.

"Louis." Her voice cracked slightly. "Please don't marry her."

"We've discussed this."

"But—"

"Enough." I finally faced her. "It's happening. Soon it will be over. Just keep your mouth shut and play your part."

Tears welled in her eyes . "You're going to leave me for her, aren't you?"

"Go to sleep, Rachel."

She crawled into bed, sniffling. I stayed at the window, watching the sky lighten degree by degree, thinking about Daniel's words, and before I knew it, I lost consciousness.

Jasmine's POV

My body moves through the familiar stretches, muscles warm and limber in the morning air. These early hours are mine alone – no watchful eyes.

A slight movement catches my eye, and I spot Ruby approaching with a thermos. Unlike the other staff, her presence doesn't feel intrusive.

I finish my sequence and walk over to her, accepting the thermos with a grateful smile. The tea is perfect – honey lemon, just how I like it. Ruby pulls out her notepad, her writing quick but neat: "Mrs. Mitchell requests your presence at breakfast. 7:30."

I nod, taking another sip of tea. Ruby's expression holds a gentle concern that makes something in my chest ache.

"Thanks, Ruby." I mean it. In this house full of hidden agendas, her simple kindness feels real.

After she leaves, I allow myself another fifteen minutes of practice. The sun is climbing higher now, and I need time to shower before breakfast. As I gather my things, I savor the lingering peace of my morning routine. Whatever the day brings, at least I had this moment.

The calm shatters as soon as I open my bedroom door. Daisy Mitchell sits perched on the edge of my bed, elegant in a cream-colored pantsuit.

"Good morning, dear bride-to-be." Her voice is honey-sweet, "I trust you slept well?"