a Bak

t beside me. I slid into the passenger seat, the world ou

Chloe demanded, her eyes bl

ation, the one where they discussed insider trading. Her jaw tightened with each word.

st as she saw Jacoby and Bridgette, through the club's pano

the door handle. "I'm going in there and I'm going to rip that conn

We wait." The cold resolve had returned, a steel band around my heart.

mug, victorious serpents. He was in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, she in a shimmering, floor-length gown tha

lding the door with impeccable deference. The car pu

kind of place where a single diamond could buy a small island. The entrance was cor

lped Bridgette out of the car. "Jacoby, Bridgette! You two look absolutely

e certainly knows how to treat a lady, doesn't he?" sh

tfit more extravagant than the last. Jacoby was all smiles, doting on Bridgette, whispering in her ear, ad

rdoned-off sidewalk, under the harsh glare of the pho

Tears welled in her eyes, though I suspected t

u understand me in a way no one ever has. You see my ambition, you share my vision. I want to spend the rest of my lif

mes yes!" She threw her arms around him, kissing him pa

cheers and applause. "Congratulations! What a ro

and's public betrayal and engagement. A cold, bitter laugh escaped my lips. This was m

rtment. No photographers, no crowds, just us. And a simple, elegant ring that now felt like a relic from

lie. And I was

d a path down my ch

soft, laced with concern. "

m," I commanded, my voice flat. "I want to see where

ide street. "Le Secret," the sign read, almost hidden by ivy. It was known for it

n a simple black dress, a discreet wig, and over

s a clear view of their every move. As we settled in, another couple joined Jacoby

family?" Chloe whispe

reet photos. Jacoby, beaming, was showing them what looked like a wad of cash, slipping it into Mr.

clenching under the table. "He's buying

"investing" in their small family business. My parents, ever the proud and principled ones, had politely but firmly refused, insisting I

Chloe," I whispered, my voic

left, stepping out in

home?" Chloe asked, her arm

No. I just... I ne

ingering on me. "Be safe, Eliana. Call m

ugh the deserted streets. The cold wind bit at my bare arms,

d. A message.

finger, their lips locked in a passionate kiss. And then, a close-up of a wed

appy ending. Hope you find yours, Eliana. Oh, and tha

hoto, every venomous word, to Callie. Then, I added a single instru

hts blurred into streaks of light. A sudden, jarrin

, seari

dark

septic and the soft hum of machines. I

ine concern, broke through the fog. He was sitting beside my bed, his face pale, h

his hand reaching for mine. Was it real? Or just another performan

my voice hoarse. "Wha