episode 2 fake smile

Part 3: The Changing Face

His name was Aryan.

Aryan entered Jijah’s life like the wind—sudden, soft, and you didn't realize he was already in the room until he was there.

Jammy sent him with one instruction: “Keep her busy. Make her forget about her father.”

Aryan followed orders. He took Jijah out for midnight snacks, he memorized the coffee she never drank, and he laughed at Jijah’s jokes even when they weren't funny.

The problem was… Jijah was only human.

Gradually, she began to feel safe with Aryan. She felt like someone finally saw her as more than just the “lazy daughter.” Someone who asked, “Are you okay today?” and actually wanted to hear the answer.

Until that night.

Jijah did it on purpose. She whispered to Aryan as they sat on a park bench under the dim glow of the streetlights:

“Aryan… I found the traitor’s child. But they don’t have long left. Their end is near.”

She watched him.

Aryan’s face, which had been smiling just three seconds ago, drained of all color. His hand, which was holding hers, turned cold and began to tremble. He gave a nervous laugh. “Hey… you really like dark jokes, Jijah.”

But his eyes weren't laughing. His eyes were terrified.

Jijah nodded. She pulled her hand back. “Yeah. Just a joke.”

She stood up, leaving Aryan alone there with a heart that felt like it was about to burst.

Jijah didn't sleep that night. She knew one thing for sure: Aryan was connected.

But she didn't know yet… if Aryan was scared because he was guilty, or because he knew who was about to get hit.

Part 4: Threats and Manic Laughter

A week later, Aryan changed.

He wasn't sweet anymore. He called Jijah at 2 AM. His voice was harsh.

“What game are you playing, Jijah? Do you know what you said that night?”

Jijah played dumb. “What did I say? I’m tired, Aryan. Go to sleep.”

“I know you’re lying! You’re trying to force a confession out of me!”

He threatened her.

“If you open your mouth to the police, I’ll kill you. I know you’re alone in that house. No one is coming to look for you.”

Jijah heard it all. She didn't cry. She didn't scream.

She laughed.

It started as a small giggle. Then it turned into a roar. A laugh like a madwoman who had just escaped her cage.

“Aryan… do you really think I’m afraid to die?”

She got up and walked out of the house. She walked into the dark, toward the place where they always met.

She arrived in front of Aryan in a white dress, hair disheveled, eyes bloodshot. But she was smiling.

Aryan raised his hand to push her away.

But he couldn't. Because Jijah was too close. Way too close. And in Jijah’s eyes, there was no fear. There was only satisfaction.

“You want to kill me? Go ahead. But before you do… listen to this.”

Jijah whispered. “I’ve already sent my father’s video to five people. If I die tonight, those five people will post it at 6 AM tomorrow.”

Aryan’s face crumbled.

He slumped to the ground.

“Jijah… please don't.”

“Too late, Aryan.” Jijah sat down in front of him. “Now, make your choice. You turn yourself in, or I make sure you die before I do.”

And Aryan… he wept.

He surrendered.

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