Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 69: Interesting Things

Chapter 69: Interesting Things

Joanne’s POV:

Laughter spilled out of me as I gripped the wheel, each chuckle sending a surge of exhilaration through my veins. "What a fool," I muttered, shaking my head as I replayed Ella’s stunned expression when I’d offered that insincere apology. Oh, the look on her face, wide-eyed, a mix of confusion and vulnerability. That naïve little deer never saw it coming.

I bit back another laugh, savoring the image of her bewildered gaze, and glanced at my reflection in the rearview mirror. My own eyes gleamed with a satisfaction I’d been missing for far too long. Now that Ella had agreed to be my friend, the pieces were finally falling into place. The sweetness of her trust would make the sting of betrayal so much sharper when the time came. And I would be there to watch every second of her downfall.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I’d been reckless in the past, impatience had always been my enemy. That was why so many of my plans had unraveled before they had even taken off. But this time was different. I’d learned my lesson. This time, I would take things slow, no matter how much the itch of anticipation gnawed at me. I would gain her trust, be her "friend," until she had no idea what was coming.

As I drove through the city streets, my mind drifted to the phone call from Arec’s grandmother earlier that day, and a flicker of rage ignited in my chest. Ella’s pregnancy. Just the thought of it made me grip the wheel tighter. That little leech was already securing herself further in Arec’s life, tying him to her with a child.

A bitter taste rose in my throat. All those years Arec and I spent as best friends, all the doors he’d kept closed to me... and yet he was giving everything, everything, to her.

But it didn’t matter. Not really. She may be carrying his child, but it wouldn’t make her untouchable. If anything, it would only make her more vulnerable. I could wait. I could be patient this time. I forced myself to relax, loosening my grip on the wheel. I would have to keep smiling, keep up the act, and bide my time. The thought of finally getting her out of Arec’s life and taking what was rightfully mine soothed me, my anger melting into anticipation.

A smirk played on my lips as I thought about Ella’s friend, Kate. She had been... difficult, to say the least. Her wary, piercing gaze had seen right through my carefully crafted smile. She’d be a problem, no doubt. But if I was going to get close enough to Ella to destroy her, I’d need to find a way to keep that pesky little friend off my back.

Kate would have to be handled carefully. Either I’d win her over, or I’d find a way to remove her as an obstacle. One way or another, she wouldn’t stand in my way. I’d make sure of that.

I was still lost in thought as I pulled into my driveway, but the sight of an unfamiliar car snapped me back to reality. My eyebrows knit together as I slowed to a stop, eyeing the sleek black vehicle parked in my garage. I wasn’t expecting anyone. Who would just show up like this?

Switching off the engine, I stepped out of my car, my heels clicking against the pavement as I approached the mysterious vehicle. Just as I got close, the car door swung open, and out stepped Mira Michael, her polished heels hitting the ground with a precision that matched her poised expression.

Mira Michael, the niece of Reginald Michael, the wealthiest man in the world. What on earth was she doing here?

Her dark hair, meticulously styled, framed a face that was both beautiful and calculating. She held herself with a confidence that rivaled my own, her every move exuding an effortless grace. I forced a polite smile, masking my confusion with a cool facade. "Mira. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Mira’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes as she approached me. "Joanne," she said, her voice as smooth as silk. "I thought it was time we had a little chat."

The way she said it, like she had been planning this visit for some time, made my stomach twist with unease. But I kept my expression neutral, gesturing toward the door. "Of course. Let’s go inside."

I led her into the living room, my mind racing as I tried to piece together why she’d come. Mira wasn’t someone who wasted her time. She only involved herself in matters that held value, or, more accurately, in situations she could manipulate to her advantage.

I offered her a seat, watching as she crossed one leg elegantly over the other, her gaze scanning the room with mild disinterest. I knew she was assessing, analyzing. Mira always did. Finally, she looked back at me, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"So," I began, my tone light, "what brings you here, Mira?"

She tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "I’ve been hearing some interesting things," she said, drawing out the words, "about you... and Ella, Arec fiancee."

I felt a prickle of tension creep up my spine. "Interesting things? I’m not sure what you mean."

Mira chuckled softly, a knowing look flashing in her eyes. "Oh, come on, Joanne. You can be honest with me. We both know you’re not the... supportive best friend when it comes to Arec’s fiancée." She paused, letting the words hang in the air. "I think you and I have more in common than you realize."

I forced a laugh, feigning innocence. "I don’t know where you’re getting this idea, Mira. I only want what’s best for Arec."

"Do you?" Her smile widened, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Or do you want what’s best for yourself?"

Her words sliced through the air, cutting straight to the heart of it. My mind raced, and I searched her face for any hint of her true intentions. Was she here to help... or to interfere?

Finally, I gave her a careful nod, deciding to test the waters. "Let’s say you’re right," I said cautiously. "What is it to you?"