essive. Before I could protest, he guided me to his car, a sleek black luxury vehicle that seemed out of place o

ted emotions. Why was he here? Why did he care, after everything? My heart ached, c

re we' d shared so many stolen moments. It felt differe

ice flat, gesturing towards the gran

be fine," I replied, my voice steady, betraying none of the turmoil within. I chose a room on

of something I couldn't decipher in his tone. "Just... don't disappear again." H

gilded prison. The arranged marriage, once a distant threat, now felt like a despe

ing table, engrossed in his tablet. I picked at my food, the taste of betrayal still bitte

silence. My voice sounded forei

Reynolds," he stated, as if reciting from a fil

t the plate. "Saved your

A terrible accident. She shielded me. Took the brunt of the impact." His voice was low, a rare v

unning manipulator I' d glimpsed. But still, the heart emoji, his tender touches... "And

always has been. She needs me." His gaze sha

ze her?" I scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping. "So, I' m the villain

voice firm. "More than you could possib

t I've been through? What about the drama you' ve brought into

Elenor is delicate. She relies on me. She relies on my protection. You,

care of myself. He was justifying his neglect, his betrayal, by painting me as

rse. The strong one. The one who doesn't need protection." I walked away, leaving him a

, his touch, his whispered 'Starlight.' My body ached for him, a physical longing that defied reason. But my heart, battered and

t a temporary distraction, a convenient conquest. The realization was painful, but al

my door. "There's a party tonight," he s

prised. A party? Aft

any event. And you're sta

hought of being alone in this house, haunted by ghosts of a love that

bursting with flashing lights, pounding music, and a sea of unfamiliar faces.

tood at the center of the room, looking breathtakingly beautiful in a shimmering gown, surrounded by a

me completely. She threw her arms around his neck, pressing a soft

, the public display, it was a b

ah!" she chirped, feigning surprise. "How wonderful to see you here! Are you feeling better after

"Never better, Elenor. I hear you'

y on his chest. "Kristofer, you didn't tell me Adah was coming. I hope she won't be too bored. This party is

ny event. This was her party. And I was Kristofer's plus-one, an unwelcome guest. My b

ristofer's arm. "Adah, you look a little pale. Are you sure you're alright?" She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a theatrical

round us. Heads turned. Whispers started. My face burned with shame and fury. S

my voice dangerously low. "And my fa

Oh, Adah, you're so cruel! I was just trying to be sympathetic." She tu

, his voice a low warning. "That's enough." He stroked Elenor's hair, murmuring soft re

affection. And I was the unwanted outsider, the villain in their perfect story. The bitter taste of my own tears mixed with the champagne on my lips. I grabbed a glass from a passing waiter,