za

aylee. She is my fia

ntegrating into a million tiny fragments around me. The carefully constructed facade of my con

reaking, echoing in the quiet street. The tears burned, but I wouldn't let them fal

you think this was?" My voice was light, dismissive, a cruel parody of my usual charming self. "Love? Between us?

ame?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Then tell me, Miss Cabrera. Why did you ask me t

t had sparked this entire, agonizing pursuit. My carefully constructed composure faltere

e I wore when I first stitched your hand. The one you commented on.

erable truth. "Oh, that old thing?" I forced another laugh. "I just... I thought it looked v

is eyes. "No. You looked at it differently. You

d about its significance, a gift from his dying mother. A rare, unguarded moment of vulnerability. I, a master of observation, had seen it, and fel

him the satisfaction

h everyone. It's my 'brand,' darling. You're just... not very

me cold. "That necklace you kept wearing. The simple silver one. The one I gave

my hand during a particularly dangerous stunt. "For good luck," he'd said, his voice flat. "Might prevent further unnecessary injuries." I ha

aylee actually picked it out for me. She said it was 'simple enough for

watching with wide, innocent eyes, a faint, satisfied smile playing on her lips. He then looked back at me, his eyes devoid of any emotion. He turne

e blood in my veins had turned to ice. That simple silver necklace, my symbol of hope, a piece of him I had cherished

ie. A game orchestrated by my stepsister. And I was the fool who played along, thinking I was winning. My heart felt hollowed out, replaced by a gaping

rough the dust of my broken dreams. I wouldn't shatter. Not here. N

ming urge to collapse. I got in, my hands trembling as I started the engine.

areer and found a suitable husband. We've arranged a meeting next week with the Beaumonts. Their son, Richard, is quite a catch. Stable, wealthy. Perfect for you. You'll be set for life. We've already started tr

rophies, not partners. And "family assets"? The same assets my grandfather had intended for my future, before Kaylee's manip

. This was about survival. About reclaiming what was mine. They wanted to mar

a known philanderer. I'll consider the Beaumont proposal on one condition. Half of

Aliza! Are you insane? You expect us to just hand

he's marrying into. And I promise you, I can be very persuasive." I paused, then added, "And I'll make sure the media kn

rained voice, barely a whisp

y lips. "Consider it my inheritance. The one y

wait. Then, a si

elt heavy in my hand. I tossed it onto the p

a blur. Clothes, jewelry, shoes-anything to fill the gaping void in my c

?" my best friend, Sophia, asked, eyein

g for myself. My dear family decided to play hardball. I played harder." I expl

liza, Richard Beaumont? He's a nightmare. And your

I'm not actually marrying him." My smile widened, cold and predatory. "I'm using him to escap

gape. "You're going to... run awa

to make sure they know exactly what they lost." A new fire ignited within me,