Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

The night was eerily quiet as Jane lay on the sofa, her gaze fixed on her phone screen. The online uproar had only intensified since morning, with people hurling insults and threats at her. Some trolls went as far as wishing the same fate upon her as she allegedly did to Monica.

The anticipation for tomorrow’s live broadcast was palpable. People were eager to hear the victim’s testimony, armed with virtual stones, ready to attack Jane once her alleged wickedness was confirmed.

Jane pursed her lips and muttered, “Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.”

Her phone rang, and she saw that it was Anthony calling.

“Ada, I’ve completed the assignment you gave me. Check your email; I’ve sent it already,” Anthony reported over the phone.

Jane nodded with satisfaction. “Thank you.”

“No problem. Monica is playing with fire. She won’t be prepared for what’s coming!” Anthony sneered.

“Ada, don’t let them go!”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Jane chuckled and responded, “Do I look like a pushover to you?”

Though her voice was calm, the underlying resolve sent shivers down even the bravest of spines.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Anthony exclaimed. “It’s a piece of cake for Ada to slay her enemies!”

“Don’t flatter me, boy,” Jane quipped.

After ending the call, Jane was about to check her email when she heard a voice from the door.

“Who was that on the phone?”

Jane looked up and saw Patrick leaning against the doorframe, wearing a faint smile.

Jane was taken aback. She distinctly remembered locking that door. How had he entered without making a sound? How much of her conversation with Anthony had he overheard? It didn’t matter, though. She hadn’t said anything inappropriate.

Jane sat up and inquired, “Why are you here? I remember locking that door.”

Patrick stepped into the room with a smirk, saying, “This is my house, remember?”

Jane sighed in defeat. “Fine…”

Patrick walked to her and sat down with his legs crossed.

“Have you seen the latest viral post? I heard that Monica will have a live interview tomorrow.”

Jane confirmed, “Yeah, everyone is talking about it online.”

“Aren’t you afraid?” Patrick inquired.

“Why should I be? I’m innocent!” Jane sneered. “A clear conscience fears no accusation. The liars are the ones who should be afraid, isn’t that right?”

“You have a point,” Patrick agreed.

Jane continued to maintain her composure. Patrick couldn’t help but be amazed by her unwavering strength. He commented, “Women are known to be very emotional people, prone to bursting into tears if someone frames or wrongs them. But here you are, so calm as if you’re not in the middle of a storm. Your strong psyche bedazzles me.”

“Anything else? I want to go to bed,” Jane said, pretending to yawn. She was eager to check the information Anthony had sent her and wanted to dismiss Patrick.

Patrick had initially come to reassure Jane and tell her not to worry about the upcoming live broadcast regarding Monica. Now, it appeared that reassurance wasn’t necessary.

Seeing that Jane was dismissing him, Patrick stood up. “Sleep well.”

Once the door was shut, Jane immediately checked her email. She opened the file that Anthony had sent her, and a smile curved her lips. Monica had played right into her hands, and Jane was going to expose her villainous deeds during the live interview tomorrow.

At dawn the following morning, journalists from various media outlets gathered at the hospital gate, determined not to miss out on the first-hand information. They stormed the building like a herd of cattle released into a lush field as soon as visiting hours began.

Monica lay in her hospital bed, looking unwell, with Melissa by her side.

“Dear journalists, thank you for coming today,” Monica said, feigning weakness as she struggled to sit up.

The cameras were already rolling, and Melissa helped her maintain the appearance of vulnerability. The lead reporter initiated the interview, setting the stage for the day’s revelations.

“Hello, everyone. I’m sure you’re all eager to learn what transpired between Monica and Jane. There have been numerous speculations, but what is the truth? Today, we’re in Monica’s hospital room to hear from the people involved about what happened that day.”

A reporter inquired of Melissa, “Miss Pansy, there have been rumors that Jane is your cousin Patrick Pansy’s fiancée. What’s your stance on this?”

Melissa swiftly clarified, “That’s just a baseless rumor. Do you know who my cousin is? A virtuous and upright man like Patrick would never be engaged to a heartless woman. The Pansy family is no place for criminals like Jane. We welcome only those who are virtuous.”

The reporters collectively breathed a sigh of relief. They had been wary of offending Patrick, so Melissa’s statement put their fears to rest.

With the spotlight now on Monica, another journalist asked, “Miss Betsy, I understand this might be difficult, but can you tell us what happened at Lover Lake on that fateful day? Many people are eager to know the truth.”

Monica, with her pale face, began to recount the events. “First of all, I want to thank you all for your concern.”

She clutched her chest and continued, “On that day, my friend had canceled our plans to have fun at Lover Lake, leaving me to wander alone. I crossed paths with Jane near the lake, and she started hurling insults and death wishes at me. I tried to walk away, but she pulled me back and pushed me into the lake. As I struggled to stay afloat, Jane taunted me, telling me to die.”

Monica wiped away her tears as she concluded her account.

Another reporter inquired, “Why do you think Jane pushed you into the lake?”

Monica’s tears flowed as she replied, “I’m not sure, but it might be related to a grudge she holds against me. During my time at Pansy Group, Jane was envious of me, and I thought it was just a simple dislike. I never expected she harbored such hatred that she wanted me dead. I’m not a good swimmer, and I fought with all my might to stay alive. I cried out for help, but Jane just stood on the shore, yelling at me to die faster.”

Melissa chimed in, “Yes, that’s true. My classmate and I witnessed how Jane pushed Monica into the lake.”

The lead reporter said to the camera, “And there you have it, viewers! It turns out the speculations and tidbits of news were indeed accurate. Jane intentionally pushed Monica into the lake. Criminals like Jane shouldn’t be allowed to roam freely. We believe that the long arm of the law will catch up with her soon.”

The audience applauded these words, showering Jane with harsh criticism.

At that moment, Jane entered the ward and overheard the reporters’ comments. Holding her head high, she walked into the room, looking at Monica calmly.

Monica’s statement had just given Jane the perfect opportunity for a counterattack.