Chapter 9
Kael stepped back into the empty house, the silence pressing down like a shroud. He made his way to Elara’s bedroom, dread
tightening around his chest.
The sight that met him was a cruel reminder of what he had lost. The dresser was half–empty, the closet doors left open, revealing
only shadows. It was as if Elara had never lived there, a ghost erased from the space she had once filled.
For six years, they had shared this house, building memories that now haunted him. Kael sank onto the edge of the bed, the comfort it
once offered now a source of pain. He lit cigarette after cigarette, trying in vain to quiet the chaos in his mind, until the floor was
littered with their remnants.
The shrill ring of his phone cut through the silence. He answered.
“Kael Victor! What in the hell do you think you’re doing?“Don Victor’s voice thundered, furious. “Our port operations are frozen! The
smuggling routes are cut! Do you understand the disaster you’ve caused? Years of planning, gone! How did I end up with a son like
you? You’re a disgrace to this family! You ruined everything for a woman!”
Kael felt panic clawing at him. Three hundred million dollars, the port routes, the alliance with the Whitlocks–all crumbling. He
ended the call, heart racing, unable to explain the depth of his feelings for Elara or undo the damage.
After a long moment, a grim resolution took hold. If the alliance was broken, he would fight. He called Matteo.
“Use every means necessary to crush the Whitlocks‘ businesses, “he commanded, voice cold.
“What? Kael, are you insane? We can’t afford a war, “Matteo protested.
“I don’t care. Make them pay. Especially Serena.”
Not long after, Don and Isadora appeared, their faces reflecting the turmoil inside him. Don’s was pale, Isadora’s streaked with tears.
Overcome with guilt, Kael slapped himself across the face, the sting anchoring him.
“I’m sorry,“he managed, voice thick with regret. “I blamed Isadora. I thought she caused Mom’s death. I never meant this to happen.”
Don’s anger flared. He kicked Kael in the chest. “You fool! Your mother left because she was tired of this life! She left to protect you
when you were a boy. There was no betrayal.”
“She chose her life in the time she had left. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t stay. She feared you couldn’t handle the truth, so I kept
it from you,“Don explained,
The revelation hit Kael like lightning. Isadora had been helping a friend, Elara had done nothing wrong. Don pulled out a worn
envelope. “Your mother left this. I never had the courage to give it to you. If you ever hated her, this was for you.”
Trembling, Kael unfolded it. Her handwriting, familiar and tender, brought memories flooding back.
My dearest son, by the time you read this, I will be gone. Don’t hate me or anyone. I went to live the life I always wanted. Grow into a
kind man, find love, live happily. Mommy will always love you.
The letter slipped from his hands, and with it, the foundation of his world crumbled. Guilt and regret weighed on him like a physical
burden.
Don and Isadora signed documents, choosing to leave quietly. Kael understood it was for Elara. They departed, leaving a void he
couldn’t fill. He knelt at the front door for a day and a night, the weight of his choices crushing him.
A year passed. Kael dedicated himself to finding her. He pursued every lead until, in a small European town, he spotted her. Elara
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My Fiancé and Best Friend Tre…
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Chapter 9
was alive, laughing with a friend, radiant and free.
le resisted the urge to run to her, staying in the shadows, listening to her speak.
“I’m happy,“she said. “A clean break. A new beginning. Nothing is more precious than freedom.”
Kael turned quietly to leave. At the back of the café, he prepaid a year’s worth of her coffee, leaving a note:
For the girl with the sunshine hair. May you always be free. From a brother who loves you.
He watched her receive it, puzzled, then walked away without a backward glance.
At the airport, he called Matteo.
“Book a flight. I’m coming back to New York.”
“Kael? Did you find her? Is she-“Matteo asked, concern in his voice.
“She’s fine, “Kael said, voice steady, free of desperation. “She’s happy. And free.”
“So what now?“Matteo asked.
Kael watched a plane soar into the clouds. “Now I come home. The Victors have a war to win. My father is getting old. I’ve been away long enough.”
He was no longer consumed by revenge. He was the heir, returning to reclaim his place. Elara’s freedom had a cost, and he would
spend the rest of his life honoring it.
