Frame Me Twice? No Way, Ma'am

Jessica quickly softened her tone and said, "Sorry, honey. I was being too sensitive. I thought you were ignoring me on purpose because you were upset about Stan becoming fire captain. To make it up to you, I'll bring the chicken soup to the station for you later."

My expression was stone cold, but I replied in an exceptionally gentle voice, "I wouldn't want you to go through all that trouble for me, babe. You can have the soup instead and rest early tonight."

"It's no trouble at all, honey. I haven't seen you all day. I'm starting to miss you!" Jessica declared. "Besides, I prepared the chicken soup for you. Are you really going to let my effort go to waste like that?"

Hearing this, I couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Even though I knew everything she said was a lie, I still agreed to it. "Alright. You might as well come and join Stanley's celebration party, too."

If she didn't come, she and Stanley wouldn't be able to carry on with the performance they'd carefully prepared.

Upon arriving at the fire station, the first thing Jessica did was congratulate Stanley. "I knew you'd become the fire captain, Stan!"

Even though they were right in front of me, Stanley showed no qualms about putting his arm around Jessica's waist.

"It's all thanks to your support and encouragement, Jessica. Without it, I wouldn't have had the confidence to beat Craig for the position," he said while shooting me a gloating grin.

I just smiled without saying anything.

I'd told the fire chief, Ezra Higgins, in advance that I wasn't interested in becoming the captain. If not for that, Stanley would've received zero votes, just like he had in my first life.

But now, I wanted them to be as giddy with self-satisfaction as possible. The more smug they were, the more they'd lower their guard around me, and the better it was for me to carry out the rest of my plans.

After flirting with Stanley for a bit, Jessica finally remembered the chicken soup she'd brought. She quickly took the cap off the thermal flask and handed the flask to me.

"Come on, honey. Drink the soup while it's still warm."

As I stared at the soup, the smell wafting in the air, my hands clenched beneath the table. In the previous two lives, it was this very soup that had ruined my reputation, destroyed my future, and ultimately cost me my life.

When Jessica saw me eye the soup without showing any intention of drinking it, she asked in confusion, "Why aren't you drinking, honey? Haven't you always loved the chicken soup I make for you?"

"Doesn't the captain also love the soup you make?" I said. "Since it's his first day as captain today, he should get the first spoonful as well."

I pushed the soup toward Stanley, but he didn't even hesitate before pushing it back toward me. "I appreciate the thought, Craig, but Jessica made this soup specifically for you. How could I take it? You should drink up. Don't let Jessica's efforts go to waste."

He even shot Jessica a meaningful look. She got the hint and immediately acted as if I'd angered her, exclaiming, "Craig! I spent all the time and effort preparing this soup just for you! How can you offer it to someone else?

"How many times must I tell you that Stanley and I are just friends? Can you stop being so jealous all the time?"

I stared straight into Jessica's eyes, my tone a mix of hurt and confusion as I said, "Why are you getting so worked up, honey? All I did was stare at the soup for a little longer and made the offer out of politeness. Don't tell me you added something extra to the soup that only I'm supposed to drink."

Jessica's expression stiffened, her eyes flickering evasively. Forcing a dry laugh, she retorted, "Don't be ridiculous! What could I have possibly added to the soup?"

Stanley quickly chimed in teasingly, "If Jessica did add anything, it would definitely be some kind of aphrodisiac. Be honest with me, Craig. Have you been having a hard time keeping Jessica satisfied? I know what she likes. Want me to share some tips with you in private?"

Though he appeared to be joking, his tone was taunting and full of ridicule.

Jessica glared at Stanley. "Hush, Stan!"

Then she pushed the soup toward me again.