The Luna Queen - Chapter 53: Chapter 53

_Leah's POV_
I held my breath. My was stomach twisting as I watched the security footage on the small monitor. Every second felt like an hour, and I tried to keep calm. Just as the footage reached the moment I dreaded, the fitting room, another customer appeared, blocking the camera’s view. I couldn’t believe my luck. For a few precious seconds, the necklace was hidden from sight, tucked safely in my hand.
Susan sighed heavily and crossed her arms. “I really thought we would find it here. I don't know where to look for it.”
Tariq’s gaze stayed on the screen. “We’ll figure it out, Mother. Someone must have taken it,” he said slowly while casting a sharp glance at me.
I met his eyes, trying to look calm, as if I had nothing to hide. “It’s strange that it’s just…gone,” I said, pretending to be confused.
Susan shook her head. She was frustrated. “That necklace is precious. If we don’t find it, I don’t know what I’ll do. It’s like a part of the family is lost.”
Tariq nodded, his eyes still on me. “We’ll check a few other stores. Maybe someone saw something.”
I tried to stay calm as we left the store, but I could feel Tariq’s gaze on me, watching my every move. My heart pounded as we moved from store to store, each time met with the same answer: no one had seen the necklace.
As we walked, a new plan formed in my mind. The necklace was too risky to keep now; if they found it with me, they would know I took it and I had found out their secret. But if I “found” it somewhere, they wouldn’t suspect me. All I needed was a chance to get rid of it when they weren’t watching.
In the next store, while Tariq and Susan were distracted by a sales associate, I slipped the necklace from my pocket and dropped it in a corner, letting it slide under a clothing rack. I glanced around and kept my expression casual, as if nothing happened.
A few minutes later, Tariq’s eyes lit up. “Mother, look! Here it is!”
Susan’s face brightened with relief as she grabbed the necklace and pressed it to her chest. “Oh, thank goodness! I thought I had lost it for good.” She quickly fastened it around her neck, her shoulders relaxing as if a weight had been lifted.
I feigned curiosity and tilted my head. “What’s so special about that necklace? It looks like it has a key on it.”
Susan’s smile faded, and a hint of nervousness crossed her face. “It’s… it’s a family heirloom,” she said, her voice wavering. “It belonged to Tariq’s grandmother, and one day, I hope to pass it on to you.”
Tariq nodded, avoiding my eyes. “Yes, it’s been in the family for years. It’s very important to us.”
I nodded, pretending to be impressed. “It must be,” I said softly. But inside, I held back a smile, amused by how serious they were.
Just as we were about to leave, Tariq paused and turned to me. “Wait here for a second,” he said, his voice warm.
I watched him slip into a nearby jewelry store, puzzled. What was he up to? Moments later, he returned, holding a small box in his hand.
“Close your eyes,” he said, excitement in his voice.
I hesitated but obeyed and closed my eyes. I felt something cool and delicate slip onto my wrist. When I opened my eyes, I saw a beautiful diamond bracelet sparkling against my skin.
“Do you like it?” Tariq asked, his face filled with hope.
I forced a smile, even though I felt nothing but bitterness. “It’s lovely. Thank you, Tariq.”
I knew this was just a show, a way for Tariq to make me believe that he cared for me. But deep down, I knew the truth, he was only trying to control me, to keep me close with sweet words and gifts.
“You didn’t have to spend so much on me,” I said, trying to sound modest, though my heart was heavy.
Tariq’s expression softened. “Money isn’t a problem, Leah. I want you to have the best. I love you.” His voice was gentle, but I felt the emptiness in his words.
We all got into the car for the ride home. Susan and Tariq chatted excitedly about wedding plans. They were talking about venues, flowers and and guest lists. I stared out the window, my mind racing with thoughts of escape. I knew that I couldn’t stay forever. I had to find a way out before they tightened their grip on my life.
Tariq kept one hand on the wheel and held my hand with the other. Now and then, he kissed my fingers, glancing at me with a warm smile. “We’ll have the most beautiful wedding,” he said. “You’ll have the perfect dress, the perfect flowers…anything you want.”
I nodded, pretending to be excited, but I felt empty inside.
“I can’t wait to see you in your wedding dress,” he continued. “I know you’ll look like a queen. And when we’re together, I’ll take care of you. You’ll never have to worry about anything.”
I managed a small smile. “That sounds wonderful,” I replied, my voice flat.
As Susan rambled on about flower arrangements, I glanced at my own reflection in the window. I barely recognized the woman staring back. It was a woman trapped, a woman pretending, a woman who felt like a stranger in her own life.
When we finally arrived home, I slipped out of the car, muttering a quick “goodnight” before heading to my room. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it as I took a deep and steadying breath. My fingers brushed over the diamond bracelet on my wrist, and anger surged through me.
“What a hypocrite,” I whispered. Tariq thought he could keep me with gifts and empty promises, but I wasn’t so easily fooled. I had to stay focused and keep my mind clear.
I sat on the bed, my thoughts swirling as I planned my next move. I couldn’t keep up this charade much longer; the walls were closing in, and I felt trapped in the lies and manipulation surrounding me.
I clenched my fists, my resolve hardening. I would find a way to break free from Tariq and his family. I would escape their trap, no matter what it took.