Chapter 2
On the drive back, Kael mention it casually, as if it were nothing important.
“My father wants the alliance, “he said. “I asked a friend to cooperate for appearances.”
“Don’t worry. You’re the only one who matters. She’s just for show. After the engagement, nothing changes between us.”
I watched the neon lights blur past the window and gave a silent nod. My tears fell without a sound.
After we returned, I went into his study to grab a book. His laptop sat open on the desk. A pinned chat caught my eye. The name read Serena T.
I clicked into the conversation.
The screen was flooded with emojis and video files. Scrolling down, my chest tightened.
“I’ve told you before. This is only revenge to me.”
“These videos will be shown at the engagement.”
“After that night, Elara Sterling will cease to exist in the Victor family.”
“From then on, you’ll be the only woman standing beside me.”
Every word felt like it was slicing into my skin.
I tapped on one of the videos.
My bedroom filled the screen. Footage of me changing. Of me curled up, crying. Of moments I believed were private. Of nights I shared with him, all recorded in cruel clarity.
Nothing had ever been private.
A voice message played.
“This is much more satisfying than killing her outright.”
“At tomorrow’s meeting, I’ll suggest speeding up the port deal.”
“But what if she loses control at the engagement?”
Kael’s reply followed,
“She won’t. She’s too attached to me.”
“If she dares cause trouble, I’ll make sure her mother pays the price with her.”
I set the phone down.
A sudden pain twisted through my lower stomach, stealing my breath. I bent forward, clutching myself, wondering if the baby felt it
too.
On my dresser sat the antique music box he’d given me years ago. In the dim light, a small red dot pulsed.
That was when I understood.
It was a camera.
He had been watching me from the beginning.
Chapter 2
I forced myself to glance at it casually. “This thing’s old, “I muttered. “Maybe I should replace it.”
I sat at his desk and pretended to open a game. Instead, my fingers moved through hidden folders.
They were filled with records of Serena. Trips. Holidays. Years of intimacy. Detailed reports on port acquisitions. The Whitlock family’s smuggling routes. Plans to revive the declining Victor empire.
Even the engagement party had been planned down to the smallest detail.
Including my seat.
Footsteps sounded upstairs. I closed the laptop and erased every trace.
At dinner, Don Victor spoke.
“The engagement will be held in three days.”
“The alliance cannot wait any longer.”
Kael looked surprised. “So soon?”
“Time doesn’t wait, “Don replied.
The glass slipped from my fingers. It shattered at my feet. Blood welled on my fingertip, but I barely felt it.
Kael rushed over, concern written all over his face. “Elara, you should be more careful.”
His tenderness made my resolve settle.
After dinner, my mother came to my room.
“Why do you want to leave?“she asked softly. “Have you told Kael?”
“No,“I said. “Please say nothing.”
“When I’m gone, live well. Don’t listen to what others say.”
Late at night, Kael came in, cold air following him. He pressed me against the wall, his breath warm against my neck.
“You scared me today,“he murmured,
“If you knew the truth, “I thought, “you wouldn’t say that.”
“The engagement is only for appearances, “he said. “Bear with it. Things will return to how they were.”
In the dark, my pillow grew damp beneath my face.
“I know you’re awake, “he whispered. “You’re the only one in my heart.”
I nodded.
He pulled me closer, relieved.
As he drifted to sleep, I stared into the darkness.
In my heart, I had already let him go.
