Chapter 7
Kael shook off Serena’s grasp and Sed away, his heart hammering with urgency. He needed to find Isadora, to learn the truth
about Elara. Each step toward the villa felt heavy, as if he were walking into the unknown.
Inside, he found Isadora sitting on the edge of the couch, her phone clutched tightly in her hands, eyes red and swollen from crying.
Seeing her like that softened him slightly, and he approached carefully.
“Isadora, is Elara here? Has she replied to your messages?“he asked, trying to steady his voice.
She shook her head. “Kael… there’s something you should know,“she said, her voice trembling.
His stomach twisted. “What is it?”
“Elara… she isn’t coming. She told me three days ago she wanted to leave. She left this morning, and then… the shootout
happened, “Isadora’s voice cracked, and she broke down completely.
Kael’s chest tightened. “She left?“Panic surged.
Isadora reached for a small box on the coffee table, her hands shaking. “She left this for me last night.“Inside lay a ring, faintly
sparkling in the dim light, a symbol of her connection to the Victor family..
Dread washed over Kael as a memory of Elara standing alone on the street flashed through his mind. She had always seemed
composed, as if she had already accepted her fate. She had run errands for her mother, acknowledged Serena as his fiancée, and
even tried to make peace with his decisions.
He realized she had been saying goodbye. Her love for children, her gentle laughter, and her quiet hope had made the thought of
leaving unbearable. The procedure she had gone through–it was a final, painful choice.
Isadora’s sobs brought him back. He wanted to deny the truth, but he couldn’t. Elara couldn’t simply disappear. His revenge, his
plans–they were unfinished. He clenched his fists and stared at the news report on Isadora’s phone. “I will find her, “he declared.
Isadora hesitated, concern etching her face. “Kael… didn’t you always dislike Elara?”
“The engagement is important, “he said, his voice tight. “You shouldn’t delay your ceremony. I’ll search for Elara myself.”
As Isadora turned to leave, he gripped her arm. “Did she act differently before leaving? When did she go? Did she say anything?”
“It was the night you brought Serena home, “Isadora replied. “She said she wanted to move out. It felt suffocating. I didn’t ask much.
She seemed scared Don would blame her. I never expected this,”
She pressed the ring into his palm. “Take this back. It’s a family heirloom, Elara cherished it.”
“The ceremony is about to start,” she added gently. “Don’t keep Serena waiting.”
Her words struck a chord. “At first, I worried you’d bully Elara, “Isadora continued. “She lost her father young, so she kept to herself.
But you cared for her. You were the only brother she ever had.”
“She would want you to be happy,“Isadora added softly. Her words shattered the remnants of his composure,
The phrase “only brother“echoed in his mind. He remembered the first day Elara arrived at the Victor estate, shyly calling him
“brother. “He remembered her when she was sick, clutching his hand, insisting he stay. Did he deserve that trust? If he had been
better, would things have turned out differently? Would she have chosen differently for their child?
His mind raced, but there were no second chances. Serena appeared again, urging him to proceed with the ceremony, but he was lost in regret and pain. He had to find Elara, no matter where she was.
Chapter 7
Stepping into the grand hall, he saw the vibrant flowers, heard the murmurs of the waiting guests. Determination surged as he took
the microphone in hand.
“The engagement is canceled, “he announced, his voice ringing out over the silent room.
