Tara's Room: Room 306

Tara: I wasn't expecting visitors this early... especially you, Selene.

Me: Sorry to interrupt... Tara.

Noa: No time for fighting.

Tara welcomed us into her room and we sat on the couch, surrounding the coffee table, which was full of papers, pictures, and a laptop full of video and audio recordings.

Me: Just how did you even get all this?

Tara: I didn't want to.

I looked at her puzzled.

Tara: Aunt Raella asked me.

She then looked at me.

Tara: And I was interested because you were the one initiating it... what's with the sudden change of heart Selene? Did you finally get burnt that you started seeing things more openly now?

Me: I can't deny that fact, you are right. They were not who I thought they were. Until some years ago.

Tara: Though I am still interested Sel... who founded your company?

Me: What do you mean?

Tara: I know you built the company from scratch but... in such a short time? Come on. 

Me: Are you implying something Tara?

Tara: Hey. I am just saying.

Flashback

Ray: What do you want? Money? A house?

Me: I want my money - all the money I have worked for since I was 7. I have taken care of the whole family since the beginning. I need my share of the money.

Ray: I will send it to you by today.

Me: Thank you.

End of Flashback

Noa: Maybe there is something you are hiding from us.

Damiano: We need every information beforehand in case they might use it against us.

Me: (to Tara) Ray huh? (looking at the others) Ray asked me what I wanted to leave the family. He paid me my work since I was 7, which makes Tara words accurate. I managed to open my company. Don't get me started on how much was sent to me.

Tara: Isn't it almost betrayal if you expose him?

Me: That's the thing. I am not exposing him. I am exposing his partner, her family. 

Tara: Okay, let's make it interesting. Firstly, let's gather everything we know. I repeat everything.

Me: Oh I see your thinking T. If I must be honest, we all stories that we know regarding the family, no?

Noa: But we need more. Beckham needs to be here.

Damiano: We need to hear from every side of the story for it to make sense.

* * *

Soon enough, everyone else was in Tara's room and we were all sharing each others' stories. This had to be recorded and kept safely with someone who wouldn't notice - someone like Lyla. Noa and Damiano left before us, saying they had someone to deal with. Noa - true, she's my cousin, but I just can't put my finger to it. I don't trust her but simply doing it for the sake of the mission.

Noa's POV

Damiano and I were on our way to see his Dad. After sorting out Wayne Linkser, we finally found another doctor and made sure that Wayne's license gets banned indefinitely. I looked at Damiano briefly before looking away.

Damiano: You are thinking of something.

Me: This whole 'revenge' thing. I don't feel the hype anymore.

Damiano: Why?

Me: I have a feeling that Selene doesn't trust me. She rather pinpoint me than her siblings. Beckham? The guy hates my guts. Threats are what he does. It's like I will do something to his sister or something. 

Damiano: So, what's the plan love?

Me: I am deciding to get out of this revenge plan. My mom got involved and I would hate if anything happens to her.

Damiano: Then, what about our marriage?

Me: You have helped me up until now. It's now your turn to use me.

Damiano: (smirk) You make it sound tempting. Though, who said I want to break our marriage off?

I looked at him, puzzled.

Me: I am confused?

Damiano: 'Till death do us part'. (Looking at me) You understand what that means no?

Me: You want to grow old with stubborn me?

Damiano: Makes us two. Besides, the entire family wants to meet you back in the North.

Me: (shocked) What?

* * *

Selene's POV

Me: You know, Ramiro, this plan is bound to work.

Just then, a message from Noa came through.

Noa
Hi Selene. I know it's short notice, but I am signing out of this revenge game.
I won't be part of the documentary or anything for that matter.
And I won't share anything for that matter - that's if you trust me.
Good luck.

Me: Noa is... backing out?

Ramiro: I think she caught up.

Me: To what?

Ramiro: Your distrust. Sel, nothing works without trust. Noa caught up to it too.

Me: This is bad. Without Noa-

Ramiro: And you only realize her help now?

Me: I would think you have feelings for her. 

Ramiro: For a married woman, don't make me sound shallow Sel.

He leaned close, his breath close to my ears.

Ramiro: Tell me, do you want this?

Me: Want what?

Ramiro: This whole retribution game. Exposing game. We are practically playing with fire here. We could either burn or get burned. Do you really want to continue with this game?

Me: I want to move on with this plan. I want to get burned after exposing them.

Ramiro: Then let's do it together.

Me: Without the others? That's risky-

Ramiro: Says who? You?

Me: Yes, me.

I moved back, fixing his tie that was loose.

Me: I need to take matters into my hands. I am going to expose them slowly, using a video. (Looking at him) I want them to feel what the put me through - pain, betrayal. I want to give them a taste of bittersweet betrayal. Are you in?

Ramiro pulled me closer, locking eyes with me.

Ramiro: I'm always in Sel, even if you don't realize it.