Three days had passed, and the air between Thalia and Vicious was thick with hostility. He avoided her completely, not so much as a glance in her direction. Thalia felt the sting of neglect in every silent moment, every sidelong look he gave others.
Vicious sat in the living room with Mario, Fernandez, and Martinez, their conversation low and casual or at least pretending to be. The door swung open, and Jill appeared, dressed in high-waist shorts that cut halfway down her thighs, a cropped top layered with a jacket, heels clicking against the floor, her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail and light makeup highlighting her features. She was about to step in when the guards blocked her path.
"Thalia," Jill replied sharply.
Before anyone could react, Samaria came out, a sneer curling her lips. "Oh, the boss isn't paying any attention to you because your charm has worn off. And now you've decided to dress… like that, trying to seduce him?"
Jill smirked, her voice mimicking Thalia's perfectly. "Well, at least I can try. You never know unless you try. He'll be mine soon. Out of the way, stupid." With that, she strode past, meeting Vicious and his friends. They all froze, staring in awe. Mario muttered under his breath, "Hot… as always."
Jill tilted her head, still speaking in Thalia's voice. "Umm… good day to all of you, sirs. Who's the boss here?"
Vicious didn't look up. "Are you trying to stir trouble?" he asked flatly.
"Oh, what a rude jerk," she scoffed. "Can I talk to Thalia?"
"And what do you mean by that?" Martinez asked, confused.
"It means someone should get me my sister," Jill replied coolly. "I need to talk to her. Oh, no worries, Thalia!!"
Thalia appeared, startled. "Jill! What are you doing here? How do you even know where to find me?"
"Come on, let's go outside and talk," Jill said, leading the way. Other maids emerged, gawking at the striking resemblance between the two sisters.
"Oh no, cuz," Jill continued, "how about we talk here, in your room?"
"She has work to do," Vicious interrupted sharply.
"Just five minutes, I won't take long," Jill insisted. "Also… I have a nice smoking guy waiting for me. Don't think I came to seduce any of you." She pulled Thalia gently forward.
In Thalia's room, Jill finally spoke normally, her voice dropping the mimicry. "So… what's going on?"
"Terrible," Thalia admitted, letting herself slump against the wall. "I thought he liked me. Ever since he found out about the pregnancy, he's been… unbearable. He thinks I'm seeing someone else."
Jill coughed lightly. "Faking my voice for too long, huh?" Thalia teased. Jill replied " Oh yes look at you Thalia. It's alright. Soon you'll be out of here. I was so worried the last time we spoke that I had to trace your location since you wouldn't tell me. Ally, you are a beautiful woman, any man would be lucky to have you. It's just a matter of time."
"He's a jerk," Thalia muttered.
Jill said "Time for a little check up. I always carry a tool," Jill replied matter-of-factly. She checked Thalia's vitals and gave her instructions, her tone both professional and protective.
"I love your whole look," Thalia remarked. "You ditched the tomboy attitude."
"Wanted to try something new," Jill smiled. "I have to go now. Take care of yourself you're looking older."
Thalia playfully hit her as they left the room. Approaching the living room, Jill spoke loudly intentionally "Thalia… you know we are very identical, and whatever we do is between us." Her voice carried as others listened in curiosity.
"Thank you for letting me use your name for the pregnancy test. I wouldn't want anyone finding out. Look at me, Thalia—I have plans. Please keep the results with you; I don't want any suspicion. You deserve to be happy. Feel free to mingle; you're very young. Thank you for spending that day with me. I have to go now."
Before Thalia could respond, Vicious spoke, his voice cold and sharp. "So… you're not pregnant?"
"Yes," Jill confirmed. "Oh, and she spent that day with me. Forget about my hoarse voice we're close, and sometimes I use hers, like today, to get in."
Mario leaned forward, a grin on his face. "Can we go out sometime for a drink?"
"No," Jill said bluntly. "I don't go out with losers," and walked away.
Thalia turned to leave. Vicious called after her, his voice softer this time. "Can we talk?"
"There's nothing to talk about. I've got work," she snapped, hurrying away, leaving him watching her retreating figure.