Chapter 30

Selena's POV

I stared at my reflection, my eyes sunken, my skin pale. When did my love for alpha Gaston become an all-consuming fire? I couldn't remember a time when I didn't adore him.

Growing up, I watched Gaston from afar, admiring his strength, his power. As I grew older, my admiration turned to obsession. Every waking moment was filled with thoughts of him.

"alphaGaston will be mine, no matter what it takes," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible.

But Alpha Gaston's disinterest was a constant reminder of my inadequacy. Tara, the prostitute, had captured his heart, and I couldn't bear it.

When she came into our house for the first time, I knew for sure that she would cause trouble for me. When Gaston announced her as the nanny, I knew that it wouldn't end well, although alpha Gaston assured his mom that there won't be any further relationship between the nanny and him except that she is his baby's caretaker. I was happy to hear that from him.

Now these past few weeks... things have changed between those two. It seems Tara is charming alpha Gaston to fall in love with her. They are closer than ever; it doesn't look like she's the nanny but the mother of his child. Tara's using that bastard baby as bait to make Gaston fall for her, and I can't deny the fact that it's true. Gaston is always smiling when Tara is around.

I am the one that's supposed to be Gaston's happiness, not that mere nanny. No!

"Tara thinks she can replace me? I'll show her what it means to cross Selena."

My phone buzzed, breaking my trance. Chad.

"Meet me at the old warehouse," he texted. "We have a plan."

I hesitated, knowing Chad's manipulation, but my desperation to claim Gaston outweighed my doubts.

At the warehouse, Chad's eyes gleamed with calculation. "Selena, we need to separate those two, Tara and Gaston."

My heart skipped a beat. This was my chance. Having Chad as an ally, I can win the love of my life, Gaston, and Tara can leave.

"Whatever it takes," I agreed, my voice barely above a whisper.

As we wove our plan, I felt a thrill of excitement. Gaston would soon be mine.

But in the shadows, a voice whispered, "Is this love or obsession?"

I pushed the doubt aside. I knew what I wanted.

Gaston.

I recalled the moments we shared, the fleeting glances, the whispered words. It was enough to fuel my fixation.

Chad's voice brought me back to reality. "Selena, focus. We need to—"

"I'm focused," I snapped, my eyes locking onto his.

Our plan was set in motion, a deadly trap for Tara and Gaston's unfortunate relationship. I felt no remorse.

As I left the warehouse, the night air wrapped around me like a shroud. I knew what I was becoming.

A monster.

Driven by obsession.

For Gaston.

...

That evening, I found Gaston in his study, his eyes fixed on papers scattered across his desk.

"Gaston, we need to talk," I said, my voice low and urgent.

He looked up, his expression guarded. "As you can see, I'm busy; we can discuss later, Selena."

He thinks I'm here to tell him we should get married. It used to be a habit before, but after Nora told me not to worry about it, I stopped asking Gaston for a marriage.

"It's about Tara," I said, and his eyes met mine. I was a bit scared because I will have to lie to Gaston, one of the biggest mistakes a sane person will make, but right now I'm losing my mind for Gaston's attention.

He tilted his head and eyed me suspiciously. "Selena, if you're here to make jokes, then you're making a foolish move, so think thoroughly before you speak."

I took a deep breath, launching into my fabricated tale.

"Tara's been meeting with a man. I think his name is Chad... They've been meeting in secret. I've seen them together, whispering and laughing."

Gaston's eyes narrowed. "What makes you think it's suspicious?"

I hesitated, feigning uncertainty. "I don't know, but it felt wrong. And today, I saw Tara arguing with Chad. It looked intense."

Gaston's expression remained sceptical, yet he looked at me with all seriousness. "Are you fully aware of your words, Selena?"

"I won't be foolish enough to lie to you, Gaston; I'd be darned if I did," I said with a straight face.

"I'll talk to Tara, but I need proof."

I expected this. Gaston's loyalty to Tara was still strong.

"I understand you don't trust me, but I only told you this for the safety of everyone around her, especially Lucian," I said, my voice measured. "But please, Gaston, be cautious. Tara's not what she seems."

Gaston's eyes searched mine, seeking truth. I maintained my innocent facade.

"I'll investigate this matter myself then," he said finally. "But Selena, if you're wrong..."

He left the warning unspoken, but I understood. Gaston wouldn't tolerate deceit. If he ever finds out I'm lying, I'm as good as dead, but I won't ever allow that to happen.

I smiled inwardly. The seed of doubt was planted, but Gaston's trust in Tara remained strong.

For now.

...

The next day, I found Tara in the garden, her eyes closed, soaking up the sun. I approached her, a sweet smile plastered on my face.

"Tara, can I talk to you?"

She opened her eyes, a hint of wariness in her gaze. "What's up, Selena?"

I sat beside her, adopting a conspiratorial tone. "I need to tell you something. While I was on my way to my room last night, Gaston approached me and gave me a dirty look. I noticed those looks a week ago, but I didn't take it seriously... I think Gaston's losing interest in you."

I said the last part softly.

Tara raised an eyebrow, scepticism etched on her face. "Really? That's news to me."

I leaned in, my voice barely above a whisper. "He's tired of your games, Tara. He wants you out, but he doesn't know how to end it, so he'll rather cause a scene that will make it look like you are the problem."

Tara's expression didn't waver. "I don't believe you."

I feigned surprise. "You don't? I'm just trying to help."

Tara's eyes narrowed. "Help? You've never been friendly, Selena, especially to me, so tell me why you would suddenly care about me."

I shrugged, maintaining my innocent facade. "Maybe I've changed. Maybe I want to see you happy."

Tara stood, her voice firm. "I appreciate the act, Selena, but I'm not buying it. Gaston and I are fine, and your weak lies bore me out.

I smiled inwardly. Tara's defiance was expected. The seed of doubt would take time to sprout.

As Tara walked away, I watched her, confident. The plan was still on track.

Chad, who I was video calling on my phone, saw everything, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Well done, Selena. You've planted the seed."

I nodded. "It's just the beginning."