" I stated, my voice cutting through the si

f to a slow, dawning comprehension. He saw the ice in my eyes, the uns

ire empire. "Very well, Jocelyn. If this is truly your decision." He paus

Stein. Publicly disgraced, stripped of everything. Exiled from Cruz Holdings an

done. And it will be announced at the gala

ak, settled in my chest. It wasn't happiness,

Jake. He stood in the hallway, looking concerned,

asked, his hand reaching for

una still clung to him, a phantom limb of his betraya

e," I snapped,

expression. "Jocelyn, what's wrong? You're acting so unlike yourself."

n-command, stepped forward. "Is everything alright,

eyes, wide and seemingly innocent, met mine with a flicker of triumph I was

e arm around her waist. He sent me a look of feigned disappointment. Joc

choed in my mind, a familiar psychologica

lder, his back to me. They walked as if I were

treamed down my face, but it couldn't wash away the bitter taste in my mouth.

s from their inner circle. They were laughing. Djuna lean

ning," she cooed, her voic

oor Djuna, you should rest. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything." He st

n the rhythmic thud of my fists ag

ey called out, a sneer in his voice. "Don't wa

"Oh, Jake, please don't let her hurt hers

them. He tightened his grip on Djuna. And then, he lowered himself t

My ankle had twisted painfully. I had cried out, my face pale. Jake had been there. He h

t up. His voice, in my m

rder him to help. Jake, as

d supported me to the medical bay, but his attention had been elsewhere. He hadn't asked

ction a testament to his adoration for her

ved me. Not

cared.

ere nothing but carefully constructed illusions. I was just the

right. It was absolutel