Chapter 5 The Set-up

• In the following weeks, I decided to keep a low profile, focus on my grades, and spend time with Mr. Hunt, who had become a dear friend. I wanted to be respectful of his space and privacy, especially after the recent intensity of events. However, I came to realize my mere presence made him happy, something Roselyn probably hated to admit.
• One evening, as I sat by his side, I noticed he looked a little under the weather. He had just endured a long session with the doctors, and he wasn’t feeling so well. I offered to read to him, and he accepted, seeming comforted by the idea. I selected a book from his shelf, a classic novel that I knew he loved, and settled into the armchair by his bed. As I read, the evening sun cast a warm glow through the window, creating a peaceful ambiance. Mr. Hunt listened intently, occasionally closing his eyes as if the familiar story lulled him into a calm state. I found solace in the words too, my voice steady and soft as I became engrossed in the narrative once again.
• As I reached a particularly captivating part of the story, Mr. Hunt stirred, his eyes brightening momentarily. He seemed to have forgotten his ailments, momentarily transported by the power of my voice. I felt a sense of warmth witnessing this, realizing the impact stories could have, even in the simplest of moments.
• That day was very special to me. Unfortunately, it wasn't supposed to end in bliss after all. I said goodbye to Mr. Hunt after we were done sharing our thoughts, and I headed to the entrance to leave. To my surprise, Roselyn was standing by the doorway; her pretty face was twisted with anger and satisfaction.
• "I believe you have something that belongs to us, Lisa," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Or should I say, something you took without permission?"
• My stare went black, as confusion took over me. "What? What are you talking about?"
• As I stood there, Roselyn signaled to one of the staff members, who promptly pulled my backpack, revealing a strange, small bag hiding inside. My heart sank as I recognized the contents: a piece of jewelry that belonged to Mr. Hunt, a family heirloom I had admired on previous occasions.
• "Well, well, I fucking knew it! You're a thief, Lisa Hernandez! I saw you rubbing your filthy fingers all across my father's shelves today. Did you really think you could fool us?" She growled, making my cheeks burn with indignation.
• I started stuttering, knowing I had been set-up. "No... I didn't touch a thing, I swear! I just searched for some books he asked for." I explained, my voice steady despite the turmoil I felt inside. "I have no interest in stealing, especially not from your father, who has shown me nothing but kindness."
• Tears streamed down my face as Roselyn's guards pinned me down against the wall. Her evil laugh echoed through the room then, revealing her true intentions.
• "Shut up, prison pants. Let's see what Daddy and the police station have to say about this mess..."
• I stood still, stunned and humiliated, and Roselyn's false accusations rang in my ears. Her satisfaction with my distress was evident, and I felt a deep sense of helplessness as her guards restrained me. I tried to protest, to explain that I had no knowledge of the jewelry in my bag, but my words fell on deaf ears. Roselyn was determined to paint me as a thief, and there was nothing I could do about it.
• Suddenly, another imposing presence filled the room. Mr. Hunt was now approaching the scandalous scene, probably drawn by all the fuss. He stood firm, cane in hand, and his voice boomed through the entrance, cutting through his daughter's malicious threats. "That's enough, Roselyn. Let her go"
• The guards hesitated, glancing at Roselyn for further instruction. Mr. Hunt continued, his voice steady and commanding, "I said, let her go. I will not have Lisa treated this way, regardless of the circumstances."
• I felt a surge of relief as the thugs released me, though my heart still pounded in my chest. Roselyn, her face now a mask of feigned concern, turned to her father.
• "But Daddy, she stole from you. We caught her red-handed. She belongs in jail."
• Mr. Hunt, his eyes fixed on me, took a step forward. "I am aware of the situation, Roselyn. However, I choose to believe that Lisa had her reasons."
• I wanted to protest, to tell him the truth, but I was still reeling from the shock of it all. Mr. Hunt continued, his voice softening, "I forgive you, Lisa. I will not press charges. Please, just return the heirloom, and we shall put this unfortunate incident behind us."
• I nodded, my eyes filling with tears of gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Hunt. I promise, I never intended to steal from you. I am truly sorry for any distress I may have caused." With that, I returned the jewelry to its rightful owner and made my way out of the mansion, my heart heavy with emotions.
• As I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that Roselyn's accusations had been too convenient, too well-timed. Had she planned this from the start? Was I just a pawn in her game of revenge? These questions lingered in my mind, leaving me with a sense of unease that would linger long into the night.
• As soon as I got home, I kicked off my shoes and wiped my face. My reflection stared back at me from the hallway mirror: a lost little girl with red-rimmed eyes and a smudged mascara, Roselyn's hopeless victim.
• As I walked in, Mom's concerned gaze met mine, and I knew I couldn't hide what had happened. I recounted the whole ordeal, my voice shaking as I described the humiliating scene that took place. Her eyes widened with each detail, and when I finished, she pulled me into a tight embrace.
• "Oh, Lisa, I'm so sorry. I know Tyler is trying to change his old ways, and he may be honest about this new connection with you; that's why he decided to help you. But his family has always been toxic, manipulative, and dangerous. Roselyn crossed the line, and she certainly won't stop there. You should stay away from them from now on. It's not safe for you there."
• I knew she was right, and a part of me wanted to heed her warning and disappear from their lives. But another part of me refused to let Roselyn win. I realized I couldn't just walk away and let her succeed in her malicious plans. I had to fight back, to beat her at her own game.
• So, with a determined glance, I wiped away my last tears and said, "I won't let Roselyn get away with this. I'm not going to disappear; I'm going to uncover the truth and expose her for who she really is."