Chapter 4
Pain meant nothing. My mind raceu to the baby, praying it was unharmed. He ignored me, crouching to aid Serena instead.
“Don’t you ever lay a hand on her again, Elara.”
“Say you’re sorry.”
He didn’t notice my bleeding face, his gaze icy.
“I said it again–apologize to Serena. Now.”
I bit back a scream, digging my nails into my palms until they bled.
“I did nothing wrong. Why should I say sorry?”
“They should be the ones apologizing!”
His expression shifted to disappointment.
“When did you get so defiant? Truly a disappointment.”
Don Victor intervened, pulling Kael aside.
“Carry Serena to the doctor. I’ll settle things here.”
Kael left with Serena in his arms; my mother trailed, murmuring apologies. As the door shut, the last trace of warmth in my heart
vanished.
Don departed too, leaving a sharp warning:
“Apologize tomorrow, or leave.”
Fine. Exactly what they wanted. I would be gone tomorrow.
Late that night, after everyone slept, I moved. I retrieved the suitcase I had prepared weeks ago. Inside: passport, cash, ID, and a
pre–booked plane ticket. Before leaving, I extracted the camera from the music box, boxed it, and sent it to Kael. It would reach him
the moment the engagement began,
That night, his message came:
“Elara, the apology was for my father’s sake. The alliance is crucial. Serena’s feelings matter. Rest. I’ve prepared a special gown for
you. I’ll always be your brother.”
Leaving was the only way to end it. The gown he promised never arrived.
Engagement morning, I called him.
“Are the recordings ready? Start the moment they enter. Make sure the audience sees everything.”
“Once it begins, there’s no going back. Follow my instructions. I’ve prepared this for six years. Keep an eye on Isadora. She mustn’t
interfere.”
Only once the men left did he realize I was still connected.
“Elara, the ceremony starts soon. I’m coming for you. Wait at home.”
“See? It’s almost like I’m marrying you as well. Don’t worry. You’ll receive what’s yours.”
Chapter 4
Holding the ticket, I gave a faint smile.
“Congratulations on your engagement… brother.”
After hanging up, I stepped toward the fire I had set in motion.
Something about the call didn’t sit right with him. Her response was too composed, unlike the girl who always clung to him.
Kael raced from the hall. Matteo appeared, panting.
“This is serious! She discovered the cameras!”
Kael’s face paled; the key slipped from his fingers.
“Also… “Matteo faltered, holding a wrinkled sheet grimly.
Kael seized it. His heart sank. The note read: ‘Surgical Procedure.‘
His world shifted violently. Pregnant. His face turned ghostly white.
“Where is she? Where has she gone?”
Matteo hesitated repeatedly before answering.
“We just received news. The Rossi family ambushed our territory. A car exploded immediately, completely destroyed. The vehicle
held the driver… and Elara herself.”
