ding the shared spaces where I might run into David and Seraphina. Their laughter sometimes drifted up from the gardens, a sound that felt like sharp glass in my ears. The weigh

vel hum of anxiety, a fea

ichael. He wanted to storm the castle, to confront David, to ex

stood by the window of my suite, watching the gardeners trim the o

e about you! He's holding you hostage!" Hi

g and tracing a cold path down my cheek. "Please, Michael. Just... just let me h

asked, his journalist

ar sting of failure. "But I will. For now, just lay lo

protective instincts against his journalistic principles. Finally, he sighed in defeat. "Okay, Ev

ying goodbye felt like severing my only lifeline. As soon as the cal

ss. The sound of his mother's wails echoed in my ears. I woke up with a jolt, my own scream caught in my throat. My heart hammered against my ribs, and the feel of David' s cold sapphire against my skin was a horrifying anchor to my present reality. It felt like hi

tivity, a stark contrast to my silent, isolated existence. I could hear snatches of conversation from the staff as they passed my door, their voices hushed but curious. "The doctor is back...

hoping they would go away. The knock came again

r, Eleanor, stood there, her face a mask of

," she said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. She

ou, but I have my own

. She unzipped the bag to reveal a gown of deep sapphire blue chiffon. The color was an exact match

e soft. "He still cares for you a great in his ow

was beginning to know well. David's "care" was a form of control. This dr

said, my voice flat. "I'

s. "Evelyn, I know this is difficult. I am so, so sorry it

happen?" I asked, the question

y husband... he believes this alliance with the Thorne family through Seraphina is what's best for the company." She looked awa

s empire. I felt a cold, hard anger solidifying in my

voice devoid of emotion.

, a new resolve began to form. They wanted me to be a broken, tragic figure. They wanted me to play the part of the jilted lover, gracefully bowing out. Fine. I would play their game. I would wear the dress and the necklace. I would smile. But I