Category: English

My husband’s housekeeper killed his mother, and he made me kneel and apologize for it. The new housekeeper was a pretty little idiot. She poured drain cleaner into Dominic’s mother, Mrs. Beatrice’s washbasin. The acid hit instantly and Beatrice’s face went first, skin and flesh, and she screamed and went down. When Dominic rushed in, Melanie threw herself into his arms sobbing. “I saw it online. The formula was supposed to brighten skin and reduce wrinkles. I was just trying to help her, sir. This is all my fault…” He pulled her closer. “That’s just her bad luck. She couldn’t handle nice things. How is that your fault?” He swept a contemptuous look my way. “Get your mother cleaned up. Can’t you see you’re frightening Melanie?” “Take your grievances outside. Nobody wants to look at your face.” Melanie pulled herself up all fragile and trembling and pressed a slip of paper into my hand. A $10 funeral expense form. “The sir already said this had nothing to do with me,” she said softly. “But she was still your mother. The Bouchard household should cover a proper burial. Please, ma’am, just take it.” I laughed and threw the form in Dominic’s face. “That’s yours to keep.” His face went cold and he roared at me. “Your mom’s a nobody. A patch of dirt is more than enough for her. Melanie’s being generous. Seraphina, don’t push it.” He was already flushed with rage and then he saw the number on the form and his face twitched. Melanie scrambled to fix it. “I grabbed the wrong form. I’m so sorry, ma’am, let me get you another one. Please don’t fire me.” She rifled through her bag but I was done waiting. “You idiot. The woman still has a pulse and you’re handing me her funeral bill.” “Get out of my way. Both of you.” I called 911 with one hand and waved over Higgins, our driver, with the other to help carry Mrs. Beatrice to the car. Before I could get the door shut, Melanie grabbed the keys and dove into the driver’s seat. “I’ll drive.” She hit the gas and the car slammed into a utility pole. Mrs. Beatrice was thrown fifteen feet and the back of her head cracked against something sharp and blood came fast. The one who caused it sat crumpled on the ground crying like a lost child. “I only wanted to help. I’m so sorry, ma’am. I’m just so stupid…” I looked at Mrs. Beatrice covered in blood and my fists went tight. “No license. No permit. Melanie, that’s not stupidity. That’s attempted murder.” “Seraphina, shut your mouth.” Dominic shoved past me without a glance at his mother and crouched next to Melanie and cupped her hand where a small scratch had formed and blew on it gently, then looked back at me. “Melanie was trying to help and you’re going after her? Get over here and apologize. Now.” I stared at him. “Dominic, your mother is lying on the ground.” He didn’t hear me. His eyes were only on Melanie. The ambulance got there in time and Higgins and I waved the paramedics over. When they saw Mrs. Beatrice they rushed the stretcher out. Dominic grabbed them and stopped them cold. “Turn around.” He swept Melanie up in his arms and laid her on the stretcher meant for his mother. “Go. Now.” I threw myself in front of the ambulance doors. “Dominic, your mother is dying. How do you not see what matters here?” He stood beside Melanie and his voice didn’t waver. “You’re the one who can’t see clearly.” “Melanie is my personal housekeeper and she’s exceptional at what she does. Your mother was a nobody. She doesn’t get to take up resources meant for people who matter.” He waved his hand and two bodyguards dragged me back. Something bitter spread through my chest. That’s what she was to him. Nothing. I watched the ambulance pull away and fought against the grip on my arms and screamed. “Dominic, that is your mother.” “She drove hours to get here. Just to see you.” He went still and the look in his eyes went hollow. Dominic lost his father when he was young and it had always been just the two of them. Three years ago when the company finally took off, the first thing he did was bring Mrs. Beatrice to the city. She never fully settled in and preferred the life she knew back home and rarely stayed with us. A few days ago when the pressure at work got to him, Dominic called her just to talk and told her he missed her cooking, and the next morning she got in the car without telling anyone wanting to surprise him. What she got instead was Melanie mocking her clothes and telling her the drain cleaner would “get rid of that farmhouse smell.” Dominic’s mouth moved but before he could speak Melanie cut in, tears already forming. “It’s all my fault. I know that. But you can’t blame Dominic for something I did.”

Whatever hesitation had been in his eyes was gone. Replaced with fury. “Seraphina, are you out of your mind?” “Your mother raised a daughter like you? She deserved what she got.” The ambulance left and dust settled behind it. I drove alone and ran every red light and got Mrs. Beatrice into surgery. Then I went to pay and found the account empty, worse than empty, a million dollars in debt with my name flagged as a defaulter. The account was linked to Dominic’s. I already knew who had done it. I went straight to the top floor and found Melanie in the VIP suite. Dominic was sitting beside her hand-feeding her soup. I kept my voice level. “Melanie. Where is my money?” She shook like she’d been caught and her voice came out small. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I thought I could grow it for you so I took the savings and put them into investments but I lost everything…” “Investments. You have a nursing degree, Melanie. Not finance.” Dominic stepped in front of her. “It’s just money. I’ll transfer it right now. Leave her alone.” He sent fifty thousand on the spot. Before I could leave, Higgins stumbled into the room, face white, voice cracking. “Ma’am. Mrs. Beatrice’s organs failed. She’s gone.” My mind went blank and my legs nearly gave out. Dominic didn’t even look up. “Good. Now stop hovering and get out. You’re upsetting Melanie.” He turned to the bodyguards. “Get rid of the body before she wakes up. I don’t want her seeing that.” They moved for the door and I blocked them. “You’re not touching her.” Mrs. Beatrice wasn’t my mother by blood but she was a good woman and she treated me like a daughter from the start. I wasn’t going to let her be destroyed and do nothing. “Illegal chemicals. No license. Melanie, you are not stupid. You are a killer.” “You are going to answer for what you did.” Melanie buried herself in Dominic’s arms and wept. “That’s not true, sir. I didn’t want to hurt anyone…” He looked at me like I was something on the bottom of his shoe. “It was her time. Stop trying to drag Melanie into this.” A snap of his fingers and the bodyguards closed in and locked me in a basement with no windows. Hours later Dominic came down and stood in the doorway and looked down at me. “Melanie flew out to arrange a proper burial. She didn’t have to do that.” “The least you can do is thank her.” I looked up and he was holding his phone out, video call running. On screen Melanie was picking her way along a muddy path outside a church and pallbearers struggled behind her with the casket. Then she tripped and took two of them down with her. The casket hit the ground and caught the slope of the churchyard hill and rolled and didn’t stop until it dropped into the drainage ditch at the bottom. I had nothing left. “Dominic. You are worse than nothing.” He didn’t even look at me, just kept calling into the screen. “Melanie! Are you okay? Don’t be scared. I’m coming right now.” He turned and walked away. I let my eyes close. I wondered, when Dominic found out whose body had been desecrated, whether he’d still feel so easy about it. After they let me out I called the attending physician. “Doctor, I need a signed statement.”

I handed the documents straight to my lawyer. I was barely out of the office when something hit the back of my skull and everything went dark. When I came to my hands were bound and I was kneeling on the floor in front of Melanie. “You were going to have her arrested? Seraphina, when did you get so vicious?” Dominic glared down at me and threw a document in my face. A divorce agreement. He wanted me to walk away with nothing. The anger that rose in me was almost choking. “You’re the one who cheated, Dominic. What right do you have?” His voice came out flat and cold. “I told you to disappear. Instead you went after Melanie.” “Everything you own in this marriage goes to her. Call it damages.” He snapped his fingers and bodyguards materialized from every corner and grabbed my hands and forced them toward the signature line. I knelt on the cold floor, knees grinding against the tile. Melanie peeked out from behind him, voice soft. “She looks so pitiful, sir. I don’t need that much money…” Dominic cut her off. “Don’t. This is what she owes you. And the dowry from her family, that’s yours too.” Melanie blinked at him all wide eyes and innocence. “Thank you for standing up for me, sir.” I was gritting my teeth when the assistant walked in and said something close to Dominic’s ear. The TV clicked on. It was the attending physician. He stood in front of the camera, composed. “Seraphina’s mother-in-law died of natural illness. Seraphina is attempting to exploit that death to extort Ms. Melanie. As a physician, I will not be party to fraud.” Each word landed like something sharp. The fight went out of me and I sat on the floor. Dominic turned the TV off. “Seraphina. I told you. You can’t win against me.” The door burst open and a mob pushed in, phones out and recording. “That’s her. Cashing in on a dead woman.” Someone shoved a camera in my face and someone else threw a cup of soda and a carton of eggs came from the back. “Disgusting. She has no shame.” “Bet her mother-in-law died just to get away from her.” I got hit and went down and someone poured a drink over my head and the crowd kept filming. Dominic watched from across the room, Melanie under his arm. “This is what you get for what you did to Melanie.” He left and at the door Melanie glanced back at me, satisfied. In half a day I had become someone the whole city wanted to bury.

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I spent five years working day and night to pay off my boyfriend’s debt. He gave his mistress a million to buy a dress. I gritted my teeth and grabbed the last box of marked-down shrimp. Next to me, a girl dripping in designer labels was picking through the imported seafood. She glanced at me, then dropped a blue lobster straight into my cart. “It’s New Year’s Eve. Treat yourself.” She smiled like it was nothing. “Everything in your cart tonight, I’m paying.” I stared at the five-figure price tag. I waved my hands and tried to refuse. She pulled out a black card without blinking. “Don’t worry about it. My man gives me way too much to spend. He actually gets mad when I don’t use it.” I forced a laugh. “He sounds… really generous.” “That’s an understatement. I can’t spend it fast enough.” She tilted her head. “You know what’s funny though? His girlfriend’s been killing herself for years. Back-breaking temp jobs, double shifts, all to pay off some debt that doesn’t even exist.” “I told him I wanted a home-cooked New Year’s Eve dinner. He ditched her right then and there to come cook for me.” I froze. My boyfriend was in debt too. Before the coincidence could sink in, my phone buzzed. A text from Caleb: “Tessa, the company scheduled me for a holiday shift. Triple pay.” “Buy yourself something nice. Be good and wait for me. I’ll be home tomorrow.”

A sharp ringing filled my ears. Nothing else. The world tilted. Everything blurred. When I didn’t reply, Caleb called. His voice was patient. Gentle. “Tessa, why aren’t you saying anything?” That sweet, doting tone. I opened my mouth. “Can you come home today? Forget the money. We don’t need it.” He paused. Then he let out a low laugh. “Missing me already? Once we pay off the debt, we’ll be together every single day.” Someone on his end told him to get back to work. He hung up in a hurry. I stared at the hundred dollars he’d just transferred. Next to me, the girl let out a dramatic sigh. “He just sent me another million. Told me to buy something sexy to wear tonight.” “But even the most expensive piece wouldn’t cost more than a hundred grand. I’ll use the rest to get you a few outfits.” Before I could say a word, Seraphina grabbed my arm. She paid for everything at the supermarket, then dragged me into a luxury boutique. I looked at the price tags. A string of zeroes. Suddenly, it all felt like a joke. After college, Caleb’s startup had failed. He’d racked up millions in debt. Then came the severe depression. I worked multiple jobs every day. All I wanted was to see a little spark come back to his eyes. Five years. I scraped and saved. I couldn’t count how many meals were just bread and tap water. And now the coat draped over my shoulders cost more than two hundred thousand dollars. The sting hit the back of my nose. I couldn’t breathe. Seraphina chattered on, oblivious. “You know what? He made his girlfriend get three abortions. All for me.” Something exploded in my head. My hand went to my stomach without thinking. I’d lost three babies too. The first time, I was racing to make a delivery on time. I gunned the scooter through a yellow light. A luxury SUV clipped me and sent me skidding across the asphalt. The second time, I needed the seventy dollars from a sign-spinning shift. I stood in a thunderstorm for two hours, holding up an ad board on the side of the highway, soaked to the bone. The third time, Caleb held me and cried. He said we couldn’t afford to raise a child. He took me to some cheap clinic and bought the pills himself. For so many nights after, he’d jolt awake from nightmares. He’d hold me and whisper he was sorry. He said, “Tessa, when I get back on my feet, I’ll give you a real home. I promise.” Seraphina didn’t notice my face going white. She kept talking. “Oh, and when that idiot girlfriend rear-ended the SUV, she was so scared she couldn’t even speak.” “Babe was sitting in the back seat the whole time, video-calling me to watch.” “And that sign-spinning job? It was supposed to pay seven hundred. He pulled strings to cut it down to seventy.” I looked at the pride on her face. I asked her, “Doesn’t it bother you that he has a girlfriend?” Seraphina stared at me like I was the crazy one. “His love, his money, his bed. All mine.” “Sweetie, other than the word ‘girlfriend,’ what does she even have?”

I don’t know how I made it home. Our apartment was barely a hundred square feet. We’d made it cozy and warm, just the two of us. Back then, Caleb swore it would always be that way. Just us. Forever. I lived inside that beautiful lie for years. Happy. So happy I forgot how hard life actually was. Maybe it was fate. I stumbled across Seraphina’s social media account. She was livestreaming. The camera was pointed at a man’s back. I’d know that silhouette anywhere. Caleb pulled off the T-shirt he’d worn so many times it was practically falling apart. He changed into a silk loungewear set. The comments flooded in: “Does a man like this actually exist? Rich, gentle, AND faithful?” “He’s cooking for her! You can tell he adores her.” “You guys don’t know, Seraphina has a sensitive stomach, so he went and learned recipes from a private chef just for her.” Every word cut into me. Five years. I hadn’t had a proper meal in five years, all to help Caleb pay off his debt. Outside the window, the roar of the New Year’s countdown swelled louder and louder. Fireworks cracked open the sky. Cheering swallowed the whole neighborhood. On screen, Caleb set down the knife and walked toward the camera. The screen went black. The sound of kissing, loud and shameless. Seraphina ended the stream. But she didn’t forget to leave her followers a parting gift: “He wanted it. He got it.” The photo underneath showed a man’s hand gripping her, knuckles sharp, possessive. The whole city was celebrating. Every window glowed warm. I scrolled through every single post on Seraphina’s account. Like I was punishing myself. In all her showing off, the details I’d missed came into focus one by one, filling in every gap. The day Caleb gave me a pair of two-dollar crystal hair clips, he’d just bought Seraphina a diamond necklace worth millions. The day he brought home a bubble tea to celebrate paying off half the debt, he’d also wired Seraphina enough to buy herself a Chanel bag. Every time I needed him. Every time I worried about him. He was in the villa he’d bought for Seraphina, tangled up with her, getting off on the thrill of cheating. Even my lucky penny, the one I’d held onto since I was a little girl, the only thing my mother left me, ended up clipped to his mistress’s purse. My hands and feet went cold. I curled up on the wooden plank bed. … Caleb came back three days later. He’d changed back into his ragged clothes. He hugged me the way he always did. Warm. Eager. My stomach flipped. I shoved him off and threw up everywhere. The smile on his face collapsed into panic. His eyes went red. A second later, tears spilled over. “Tessa, what’s wrong? You’re scaring me…” There was nothing in my stomach. By the end I was heaving up bile. He looked at me, full of concern. “Have you been skipping meals again?” “A coworker hooked me up with extra shifts. That’s why I was gone a couple days. How did you let yourself get this bad?” I listened to the lies rolling off his tongue. I almost wanted to laugh. I did laugh. But halfway through, I couldn’t even see his face anymore.

I got sick. A hundred and two degrees. In and out of consciousness, all I could see was Caleb. From the day we started dating, he’d set his profile picture to a photo of me on every platform, just so I’d feel safe. He quit smoking after ten years because I couldn’t stand the smoke. He remembered everything I liked. He even tracked my period better than I did. This was the man who would always shield me first without thinking. How could he cheat? Why would he cheat? My body burned, then froze, then burned again. I could feel Caleb moving around me, never stopping. A fresh towel on my forehead every thirty minutes. A cotton swab on my lips every fifteen. When I finally opened my eyes, he looked the same as every other time I’d been sick. Red-rimmed eyes. Aching with worry. I lifted my hand and pressed it against his cheek. For the first time, he felt so far away. “Tessa, you’re finally awake. I was so worried.” “I made you some soup. Come on, let me help you sit up.” I opened my mouth. Tears pooled in my eyes. I swallowed it down. Forced a smile. “It’s good.” He smiled when he heard that. His eyes lit up. Just like when he was eighteen. I looked at the band-aids on his fingers. My heart softened again. Five years together. It’s not something you just walk away from. He held me, rambling about how scared he’d been these past three days. For the first time, I didn’t comfort him. I just asked quietly, “How much do we still owe?” Caleb blinked. Then answered like it was nothing. “A lot.” I looked at him. “Caleb, aren’t you tired?” He tucked the blanket around me and smiled. “Tired of what? I’ve been the one resting all these years, taking my meds, not doing any real work.” “It’s you I worry about. You barely get any sleep.” There was a moment, just a flash, where I wanted to ask him the real question. Your family is worth billions. Why are you pretending to be poor? Living in a lie every single day. Doesn’t that exhaust you? But I couldn’t say it. I realized, terrified, that I didn’t have the courage to face the truth either. “Tessa, I’ve been off work for days because of you. My boss isn’t happy.” “Tomorrow I need to go back. Just stay home and rest, okay? I’ll come straight back after my shift.” He said this while his fingers were still hovering over his phone screen. I gripped the edge of the blanket. My voice came out shaking. “Stay a few more days. Please. Just a few more days with me.” He sat there, tilting his head, watching me. Then he said, “Okay.” When everything slowed down, my mind got clearer. All the things I didn’t want to think about came crashing in at once. These past years, I was out the door before sunrise and home long after dark. Caleb had his own endless overtime and night shifts. When I added it up, we’d barely spent any time together at all. Caleb wrapped his arms around me. He kissed behind my ear. Down my neck. But once a heart cracks, nothing fills it back up. All I could think about was that girl. Bright-eyed, sheltered, spoiled by him. Did he hold her like this too? Was he this tender with her? The nausea hit me like a wall. I threw up all over the floor. Caleb didn’t notice anything was wrong. He just held my hair back, full of worry. But if he worried so much about me, why was he being tender with someone else?

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My wife biased with her lover and stole my work achievements, so I showed up at the celebration party with two gifts: a divorce agreement and a lawyer’s letter. Seven years. Seven years I spent developing this software from scratch, starting back in college. And just as I’m about to launch it, I get an anonymous email. That’s when I learn my program has already hit the market—with Liam’s name listed as the lead developer. Liam. My wife’s college sweetheart. Her golden boy. I confront Claire, my wife, the CEO of the tech company we built together. I show her the launch certificate, demand an explanation. She barely glances up from her phone. “Liam needs this for his grad school application overseas. It’ll look good on his portfolio.” “Besides, it’s all company IP anyway. Does it really matter whose name is on it?” I lose it. I demand she change the credit back to my name immediately. Her response? She suspends me on the spot. Tells me to cover the night shift at the security desk. That night, Liam posts on Instagram. The photo shows a woman asleep, her back to the camera. I recognize the mole on her shoulder blade instantly. Claire. The caption reads, “Still tosses and turns in her sleep. Just like the old days.” I like the post. I comment: “Congrats, you two. Hope you’re locked in forever. Maybe start working on that baby.” Later, Claire throws Liam a launch party for “his” software. I show up with two gifts: divorce papers and a lawyer’s letter. Then I walk out and slide into the Bentley waiting for me—sent by the rival company that’s been courting me for months. When they launch my real software internationally, Claire loses her goddamn mind. — I turn off my phone after posting that comment, staring at our wedding photo on the wall. The bitterness is almost funny. I lie down on the couch and pass out from exhaustion. 2 AM. Claire’s call jolts me awake. “Ethan, are you out of your fucking mind? I fell asleep at Liam’s place discussing work specs!” “Delete that comment right now. What will people think?” She’s bold enough to sleep over at another man’s house, but she’s worried about optics? My phone buzzes. It’s a check-in reminder for tomorrow morning’s flight to Hawaii. Oh, right. We were supposed to go on that trip. The one we’d planned to celebrate the software launch—the honeymoon we never had. Well, I already paid for it. And I haven’t taken a vacation in years. Might as well go alone. Clear my head. On the drive to the airport, my phone won’t stop vibrating. At a red light, I glance at it. The company Slack is exploding. Liam posted a three-minute video—red-rimmed eyes, voice breaking: “Ethan, I’m so sorry for the misunderstanding… Claire only fell asleep at my place because we were finalizing launch details late into the night… Nothing happened, I swear…” He’s wiping away tears like a kicked puppy. Then Claire chimes in on the thread: “@Ethan, happy now? You had to make a scene in front of the whole company. Liam apologized. What more do you want?” The sycophants immediately fall in line. “Ethan really crossed a line this time. Liam’s such a good guy.” “Seriously. Claire and Liam work their asses off for this company, and some people just nitpick everything.” “People with dirty minds see dirt everywhere.” I laugh—cold and sharp—and leave the group chat. Funny how these same people used to kiss my ass when I was indispensable. Now that Liam’s the golden boy, they’re all on their knees for him. I barely exit the Slack channel when my phone rings again. It’s Sarah from the tech team. She’s the only junior engineer I personally trained. The only one who hasn’t thrown me under the bus. I hesitate, then answer. “Ethan…” Her voice is strained. “Claire wants me to tell you… you need to come back to the office immediately. Liam’s keynote speech for the launch event needs your edits.” My hands tighten on the steering wheel. “She wants me to write Liam’s speech?”

I can’t believe they have the audacity. They steal my work, and now they want me to write the speech celebrating it. “Yeah…” Sarah stammers. “Claire said you’re the only one who really understands the system’s architecture… and if you don’t come back, she’s marking you as absent without leave. She’ll freeze your building access and your bank card.” “Why can’t they write it themselves?” I ask, my voice icy. Sarah hesitates. “Claire… Claire took Liam on a business trip to meet potential partners. They’ll be gone for three days.” I slam on the brakes. The car stops smoothly at the red light. “So the company doesn’t have a single person capable of writing a technical keynote, and I’m the only option?” Sarah sighs. “Ethan, do what you think is right. I’m putting in my resignation the second I hang up. Claire said if I don’t get you back, she’s firing me. But honestly? I’m done. The people in this company are disgusting. They’ve been targeting me ever since I didn’t join the group chat pile-on against you… Thanks for everything you taught me. See you around.” Sarah hangs up. My hands are shaking on the wheel. Impressive. Really impressive. Claire. Liam. What a power couple. Clear out everyone loyal to me, and suddenly there’s no dissent left in the company. I land in Hawaii and check into a boutique resort hotel. I booked it months ago, back when I thought Claire and I would finally take that trip we never had time for during the software grind. “Excuse me, sir,” the front desk clerk says politely, scanning my ID. “When will your wife be arriving? I’ll make a note for check-in.” I freeze. My throat tightens. “It’s just me.” The clerk glances up, confused. “You booked the couple’s suite—” She catches the look on my face and stops mid-sentence. “Right. Of course, sir. Let me get you checked in right away.” I swipe my keycard and step inside. Rose petals scattered across the king-size bed. Two towel swans twisted together in an embrace at the center. The weather outside is perfect. But for some reason, I have zero desire to go out. Next door, I hear the faint click of a lock. Then the sharp staccato of heels on tile. I frown. The walls here are thinner than I thought. “This trip was worth it, wasn’t it, Claire?” a male voice says. “We avoid prying eyes at the office, and we get to… relax properly.” I freeze. That voice. I’d recognize it anywhere. So their “business trip” was just a vacation to Hawaii. To screw around.

Liam murmurs something I can’t quite make out. “Oh, stop,” Claire’s voice drifts through, lazy and indulgent. Not stern. More like… permissive. “Am I wrong?” Liam’s tone sharpens, smug and triumphant. “Seven years of his life’s work, and it’s nothing but a stepping stone for me now. You’ve been so good to me, Claire. Come here—give me a kiss.” Rustling fabric. Then Claire’s breathy moan. And then sounds I really, really don’t want to hear. Something metallic and sour surges up my throat. I grab the phone and call the front desk. They pick up instantly. “Front desk, how can I assist you?” The noise next door continues. I take a deep breath. “Hi, this is the guest in Room 1808. The noise from Room 1807 is excessive. It’s disturbing my rest. Please send someone to handle it.” The clerk apologizes profusely and promises to send staff immediately. The wait feels endless. The obscene sounds keep bleeding through the wall, intermittent but persistent. Finally, I hear footsteps in the hallway. A polite knock. “Excuse me, guests in 1807. We’ve received a noise complaint. Your room is disturbing other guests. Could you please keep it down?” The noise stops abruptly. A few seconds of dead silence. Then the door is yanked open. “A complaint? Who complained? What kind of petty bullshit is this? We’re a couple in our own room—who are we bothering?” “Ma’am, please understand. This is a reasonable request from another guest, and it’s hotel policy to ensure all guests can rest comfortably—” The staff member is doing their best to stay professional, but clearly struggling. Then someone knocks on my door. I take a deep breath and yank it open. Standing there—hair tousled, wearing a silk robe—is Claire. Her expression of righteous fury freezes the instant she sees me. “Ethan… what are you doing here?”

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On the way to our holiday trip, I broke up with Rhys in the airport departure lounge. “You’re dumping me just because she got the seat next to mine instead of you?” He laughed. “Yes.” He smirked and tapped the voice memo app on his phone. “Fine. You chose it. Don’t regret it.” We’d known each other since we were seven, and started dating at eighteen. He thought this was another one of my dramatic episodes. He was so sure I’d never actually walk away from him. What he didn’t know was that the seat assignment was just the excuse. I’d already canceled the ticket he booked for me and changed my destination. And in a few hours, we’d be flying to different cities, starting different lives. ………………………. Rhys held the phone up between us. He was indicating to me that he was recording. I kept my voice flat. “May 1st, 2026. Day 2,591 together. Liora is breaking up with Rhys.” He paused for a second, then shook his head like I was being ridiculous. “Okay, how long are we breaking up for this time? What’s our record, three days? Four?” He scrolled through his phone and tapped on another recording. “Rhys, I miss you so much. I take it back, please don’t break up with me.” My own drunk, sobbing voice cut through. A few travelers turned to stare. He grinned. “That one’s from three months ago.” His finger kept scrolling, looking for more. I shoved the phone away from my face. “I mean it this time.” The smile dropped off his face. His eyes hardened. “You’re seriously breaking up with me over a seat assignment? Babe, come on. Aren’t you better than that?” “No. I’m not.” We’d planned this holiday trip to Miami with his friends months ago. Then his intern, Talia, decided she just had to come along. To make it work, Rhys canceled the original tickets and rebooked the whole group on a different flight. Somehow, he and all his friends ended up in Rows 3 and 4. I was the only one stuck back in Row 35. The seat next to him? Saved for Talia. He’d even posted a screenshot of the seat map on his Instagram Story. [Who’s coming on a spontaneous trip with you?] Their two seat numbers, side by side, were impossible to miss. “Liora, don’t be like this.” “I already explained. I forgot to add you when I booked the first time. By the next morning, the only seats left were in the back.” “It’s a four-hour flight. You’re really gonna get jealous over four hours?” He said it like forgetting to book his girlfriend’s seat was nothing. Like I was the crazy one. I took a deep breath. “You don’t get it. This isn’t about who’s sitting next to you for four hours.” “Okay, okay. I’ll buy us first-class tickets right now, just the two of us. Happy?” I just stared at him. I was so tired. “Are you guys upgrading? Rhysie, can I come too? I’ve never flown first class before.” Talia popped up out of nowhere. She slid an iced Americano into Rhys’s hand and started sipping from her own iced latte like she belonged there. She caught the tension and tilted her head at me. “Oh, sweetie, I didn’t know what you liked. I always grab them an Americano and a latte, total habit. I totally spaced on getting you one.” I turned to leave. Talia grabbed my arm. “Liora, please don’t get the wrong idea. Rhysie and I are just friends.” “I’m just an intern, you know? Graduation’s coming up and I’m honestly so stressed out. That’s the reason he lets me tag along when you guys do stuff.” “Don’t let little things mess up what you two have, please.” “Little things?” I laughed in her face. “Asking my boyfriend to a movie alone is a little thing? Sending him pics of you in dressing room outfits is a little thing? Crashing our couples’ trip is a little thing?” “You’re not stressed. You’re just blind. You don’t see a single line you shouldn’t cross.” “You want him so bad? Take him.” Talia’s eyes welled up instantly. She bit her lip and looked down at the floor. “Liora, that’s enough!” Rhys grabbed a napkin and handed it to her. “I get that you’re pissed, but take it out on me. Why are you screaming at her?” A tear rolled down Talia’s cheek. “Rhysie, please don’t fight. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have come.” She turned and hurried toward the exit. Rhys sighed and went after her. The crowded terminal felt thick and suffocating, like I couldn’t get a full breath.

I’d packed until past midnight the night before, and now my head was killing me. I went to grab a coffee, hoping the caffeine would clear it. That’s when I heard the familiar voices coming from the seating area outside the Starbucks. Rhys’s friends were posted up there, killing time before boarding. “Where’s Liora? She not coming with you?” “She’s threatening to break up again.” Someone snorted. “Seriously? You haven’t even taken off and she’s already starting? What is it this time?” “She’s mad I didn’t save her the seat next to mine.” “That’s it?” The guy shrugged. “Honestly, only you could put up with her.” Rhys ran his fingers through his hair, pushing it off his forehead. “Yeah, I need a break too. I’ll deal with her once we land in Miami.” Another one of his buddies jumped in. “Bro, you spoiled her rotten. This is what you get.” “Honestly though, give me a chill girl like Talia any day. Hey Tal, what’s your type? You into guys like me?” Talia covered her face and giggled. Looked like Rhys had already smoothed things over with her. Before she could answer, Rhys kicked his friend’s chair. “Back off, dude.” Then his voice softened. “Stay away from this guy. He’s a serial cheater. If he tries to add you on Instagram, do not accept.” They started cracking up. “Damn Rhys, why so protective of Tal?” “You bring her along but won’t let any of us talk to her? What’s that about?” “Trying to keep her for yourself, huh?” Talia’s cheeks went pink. “You guys, stop. Even if I was into someone like Rhys, he’d never go for me anyway.” Every head turned to Rhys. He just smiled. He didn’t say a word. Talia gave a small, self-deprecating laugh. “See? That’s a no. So please, if any of you know someone good, set me up.” Rhys finally spoke, slow and casual. “Didn’t say no.” I set my coffee cup down on the counter. They erupted in laughter. “Oh shoot.” Talia suddenly froze, counting heads on her fingers. She fumbled for her phone. “Oh my god. I screwed up the room reservations.” “I just looked at the headcount, four guys and three girls, so I only booked three rooms…” She kept scrolling. “The hotel is completely sold out now. What do I do?” Then she looked up and spotted me across the lounge. She got up and walked straight over. “Liora, I swear it was an honest mistake.” “There’s another hotel right next door but it’s like a thousand bucks more a night. I mean, you guys aren’t exactly hurting for money, right? Maybe you could just book it?” I stared at her, expressionless. “You really have it out for me, don’t you? Out of seven people, somehow I’m the one who has to pay extra?” “And you screwed up the booking. Why am I the one fixing it?” She made a pained face. “Liora, I’m just an intern, okay? I’m not even out of school yet, my paychecks are basically nothing…” I cut her off. “You’re the one who insisted on handling the bookings. We already Venmo’d you our share. If you couldn’t handle it, you shouldn’t have volunteered.” Talia dropped her head and started quietly crying. “Enough.” Rhys came up behind her. He said it like it was no big deal. “It’s not the end of the world. We just book another room.” “Liora, you’re an adult. You should be able to roll with stuff like this.” I laughed coldly. “Roll with your intern freezing me out, you mean?” Talia looked at Rhys with watery eyes. “I really didn’t mean to.” Rhys lowered his voice. “Liora, Talia’s a sweet girl. She doesn’t think like that. You’re being unfair to her.” “I’ll book us an ocean view suite. Drop it. Stop making a scene.” “I’m the one making a scene?” I let out a sharp laugh. My phone buzzed. I didn’t have the energy to keep arguing. I picked up the call and walked away from them.

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My bestie vanished the moment we landed in this godforsaken werewolf kingdom. I searched for years. No trace of her. Seven years later, I had become Luna Queen Artoria. Brutal. Feared. The kind of name mothers whispered to make their pups behave. Until a kid pounded on the locked palace gates, screaming that he was my pup. Ridiculous. I had never been pregnant. How the hell could he be mine? Just when I was ready to scold him, the kid lifted his little face and looked at me. That face — the mini version of my bestie. The words died in my throat. The kid tugged at my cloak, whispering cautiously: “My mother is Meryl. She said you’d believe me when you saw my face. She always says you share the same family origin from far, far away.” My eyes swelled with tears. I gritted my teeth. “Meryl, you good girl… How dare you hide when you knew exactly where I am?” “She’s dying… too sick to come herself.” No. That was impossible. Before we came here, Meryl had just won Gatorade State Player of the Year. She was way too healthy to die. “How the hell could it be…” “Father listened to his mistress. He didn’t call the Leech Priest for her. She’s just… lying there. She told me to find you. And… from now on… you’re my mom.” Fire ignited inside me. Back in our world, the law would have crushed that man. But here? I was the law. I was the Luna Queen who had fought her way through the bloody game of the throne. “Kid… let’s go bring Meryl back.” This time, it was the Queen’s kill to avenge.

The Silvermane Velvet tributed from Serravia was laid before me — moon-white or silver-blue. Too plain. Not my style. “Wait. Put them in the old place,” I said, walking into the side chamber. “Yes, Your Highness.” Meryl. You always loved these quiet colors. My hand brushed over the velvet, then drifted to the Sucre d’Orge, the diamond jewels, the piles of gold. I had gathered everything for her. A flashback: Meryl in modern clothes, ponytail bouncing. “I’ll be a super athlete and you’ll be a super scholar! When one of us gets filthy rich, she’ll buy Fifth Avenue for the other!” But seven years ago, everything had changed. Meryl and I fell into this werewolf world. She vanished. I landed in the royal palace — a stranger who crossed the Crown Prince. “Forty lashes!” Then Gwyn appeared. Moon-white robes, gentle eyes. He bent down and pulled me to my feet. “I’ll protect you.” Later, he knelt before the Alpha King. “Father, I wish to marry Artoria.” Those years were hard. The Crown Prince schemed against us. Gwyn was forced into the succession game for the Alpha’s throne. I had no family background here, but I had twenty-first-century knowledge. I learned to read people, to win powerful ladies and their mates to my side. We worked as one. He rose to become the Alpha King. And I became Luna Queen Artoria. Brutal. Feared. But through all of it — the battles, the blood, the throne — I never stopped searching for Meryl. Now I had gathered everything for her. But I still couldn’t find her trace. “Luna Queen, this child refuses to leave the palace gates. He claims to be your pup. How shall we punish him?” Ridiculous. I had never had a child. First, I was too busy helping Gwyn win the throne. And after that… we tried, but never succeeded. I pushed the thought aside and turned to the boy. “Who put you up to this? Lying at such a young age?” The boy’s face flushed red. “I’m not lying! I’m not lying!” He lifted his face and looked straight at me. I froze. That face — it was Meryl’s. “My mother is Meryl. She told me to find you.” My heart pounded. So this was Meryl’s child. I touched his soft cheek. “Where is she? Why did she send you instead of coming herself?” His lips trembled. His eyes turned red. “Mom is home in Serravia. Father listened to his mistress. He didn’t call the Leech Priest for her. She’s just… lying there. She told me to find you. And… from now on… you’re my mom.” “Pack my things. Prepare the carriage. We set off for Meryl now.” “His Majesty King Gwyn arrives!” “Artie, what are these about?” “Meryl is in the Serravia pack. I need to go bring her back.” Gwyn knew well where I came from, and he knew exactly what Meryl meant to me. After a frozen moment, he started stuffing coins and food into my packages. “Take coins — for emergencies. And your favorite marzipan. Take care of yourself. Write to me.” He followed me all the way to the palace gate. I took Corin’s hand and stepped over the threshold. Behind me, his voice cut through the cold: “Artie! My queen — be safe. And don’t keep me alone for long.” I waved. “I will.” I lifted Corin into the carriage. The horses charged forward, out of the palace gates. My gaze turned from warm to ice-cold. Meryl, I am coming for you. And those who hurt you… this time, it’s my kill.

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“When she goes into labor, she most likely won’t survive.” I stood outside the room, listening to the nurses discuss my case. I had two hearts inside my body. One was my baby. The other was a cloned heart that growing inside me for another woman. And my husband had approved this himself. ********** Nine months pregnant. My last ultrasound before delivery. “Both heartbeats sound are strong and healthy.” The doctor said. I was confused because every single prenatal checkup showed a single fetus. Outside the exam room, I grabbed my husband Alexander’s hand. “The doctor said there were two heartbeats. How could it be? The previous checkups showed it was one.” He paused for a split second, then laughed and patted my shoulder. “That’s impossible. You misheard. He meant your heartbeat and the baby’s are both healthy.” He smiled. “Don’t overthink it. Once the baby’s here, I’ll take you to see the Northern Lights. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?” I believed him. Just a mix-up. Until that night, when I got up to use the bathroom and passed the nurses’ station. Low voices drifted out. “Mrs. Sinclair’s organs are starting to fail. Carrying the baby and incubating the cloned heart at the same time—her body can’t handle both. ” “When she goes into labor, she most likely won’t survive.” “What about the cloned heart?” “It’s perfect. Mr. Sinclair’s investment in chimera organ technology paid off. His childhood sweetheart’s heart failure finally has a cure.” A nurse gasped. “So Mr. Sinclair knows the mother will probably die?” “Of course. He approved this protocol himself.” Ice flooded my veins. I didn’t storm in to confront them. I clamped my hand over my mouth and shuffled back to my room, step by step. Alexander was still asleep. Moonlight fell across his handsome face. That face had stayed by my side, eyes red from sleepless nights, when my parents died. That face had wept when I was so dehydrated from morning sickness I needed an IV. He’d said, “Natalie, you’re the only family I have in this world. I’d give my life to take care of you.” I’d believed his words for eight years. The next morning, Alexander brought me a glass of warm milk and a handful of colorful pills, same as always. “Natalie, sweetheart. Take your prenatal vitamins.” His eyes were gentle. He kissed my forehead. I looked at those pills. They weren’t prenatal vitamins. They were something to keep my body from rejecting the heart growing inside me. For the woman he actually loved. I reached out and took them. I looked him in the eye and tested him. “Alexander, I’ve been having chest pains lately. The doctor said I might have a difficult labor. If something happens—” He pressed his hand over my mouth and pulled me into his arms, his voice shaking. “Don’t say that.” “I hired the best medical team. They’ve assessed everything. The risk is less than one percent.” “You and the baby are going to be fine. Just take your medicine. After the birth, we’ll be a family of three. We’ll never be apart again.” He believed I wouldn’t die. So to save that woman, he’d put me on a one-percent gamble without a second thought. I lowered my eyes, swallowing the nausea rising in my throat. “Okay. I’ll take them.” I swallowed the pills in front of him. He smiled, satisfied, and tucked the blanket around me. “I need to run to the office. I’ll be back later to stay with you.” The door clicked shut. I rushed to the bathroom and shoved my fingers down my throat, purging every last pill. I stared at the bloody mess in the sink and pulled out my phone. I need to find a underground clinic.

Three days after I started secretly spitting out the pills, my body began to revolt. First came a low fever that wouldn’t break. Then my joints ached like someone was hammering them with a mallet. At its worst, I couldn’t even grip a glass of water. But I never let Alexander see any of it. He came to the hospital every day, bringing me chestnut cake from that bakery across town I loved. “Natalie, did the baby kick today?” He pressed his hand to my belly, feeling for movement. His palm rested right over the place where the extra heart was growing. I watched the smile crinkle at the corners of his eyes. It felt like a knife carving into my chest. “Alexander.” My voice came out soft as a breath. “If something goes wrong during the delivery, will you take care of our baby?” His hand froze mid-slice on the apple. The knife slipped and cut his finger. Blood welled up. “Natalie, what’s wrong? Why do you keep saying things like that?” He grabbed a tissue, pressed it carelessly to the wound, then came over and took my hand. His voice softened. “I told you, as long as I’m here, nothing will happen to you. I already booked the postnatal care center.” “Stop worrying. When this is all over, I’ll take you traveling. You’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, right?” What a cheap promise. I lowered my gaze to hide the storm inside me. He was so greedy. He wanted to use my body to save his precious first love, and he still wanted me safe and sound, bearing his children, playing the dutiful wife. Did he really think he was playing God, deciding who lives and who dies? Just then, his phone rang. A special ringtone. One I’d never heard for anyone else. Alexander glanced at the screen. His expression changed instantly. “Okay. I’ll be right there.” He hung up and grabbed his coat. “Natalie, something urgent came up at work. I need to handle it. Get some rest.” He didn’t even wait for my answer before he was out the door. I didn’t ask where he was going. I just walked to the window and looked down. His car didn’t leave the hospital grounds. It drove toward the VIP building at the back—the one with security so tight even senior doctors needed special clearance. I changed into regular clothes, put on a mask, and slipped past the nurses. I followed him. Sixth floor of the VIP wing. The door at the end of the hall was slightly ajar. A weak female voice drifted out. “Alex, don’t worry about me…” “I won’t live much longer anyway. If saving me hurts Natalie, I’ll never forgive myself.” Alexander’s voice came next. Nothing but tenderness. “Lily, don’t talk like that. You’re not going to die.” “The medical team is ready. The cloned heart is perfect.” “Just five more days, and you’ll be able to live like a normal person.” “But Natalie, she—” “She’ll be fine.” Alexander cut her off. His voice was certain. “I’m using the best medication. The risk is minimal. And even if, worst case scenario—” He paused. His voice dropped. “I owe you this. If you hadn’t saved me back then, you wouldn’t have ended up with heart failure.” “Lily, as long as you survive. I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to Natalie.” I stood outside that door, biting down on my lip until I tasted blood. Make it up to me? That’s pure bullshit. All this time, I thought he loved me. Clearly, Lily mattered more to him than me or our child ever would.

After I got back to my room, I started coughing up blood. The rejection was hitting full force. My body was fighting the heart that didn’t belong to me. Two forces tearing each other apart inside. Doctors and nurses rushed in. Chaos everywhere. By the time Alexander got back, I was already on oxygen. He thought I was asleep. He grabbed the doctor by the collar. “How did this happen? How the hell were you taking care of her?” For a split second, he looked terrified of losing me. The doctor stammered out an answer. “Mr. Sinclair, your wife’s immune system suddenly started attacking the cloned embryo. ” “Her liver and lungs are failing. We may need to terminate the incubation—” “No.” Alexander let go of him. Didn’t hesitate for a second. “The heart needs three more days to mature. If we take it out now, it won’t function properly. Lily won’t be able to use it.” Dead silence. I lay there with the oxygen mask on, watching him through the haze. The man who swore he loved me. When it came down to life or death, he didn’t waver for even half a second. The doctor tried again. “Mr. Sinclair, your wife really can’t take much more—” Alexander cut him off. “Keep the incubation going. Save the heart.” “Give her the strongest immunosuppressant injections. The best drugs. Whatever it costs, you keep her alive for three more days.” I closed my eyes and let the tears slide down. He’d just snuffed out the last flicker of hope I had left. The moment the needle pierced my skin, I made my decision. For the next two days, Alexander didn’t leave my side. He canceled all his work. Dark circles bruised his eyes. He wiped my face, held water to my lips, sat up holding my hand through the night. “Natalie, hang in there. It’s almost over.” “When this is done, you can hit me, curse me, whatever you want. Just please, hold on.” I looked at how worn down he was and felt nothing but pity. He didn’t even know I’d heard everything. He was still dreaming that he’d pull me back from the edge of death and we’d go on being the happy couple. “Alexander.” I struggled to pull off the oxygen mask. My voice was barely a whisper. “I want some of that honey walnut shrimp from the place downtown. Fresh out of the kitchen.”

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I am the illegitimate half-blood daughter of Hermes, god of trickery—forced to become my stepsister Victoria’s body double in bed. Every night I endured her husband, the war god Ares, taking me like a beast that knows no satiation. And every morning, I knelt before her and recited his pillow talk back to her, word for word. When our three-year agreement expired, she tried to marry me off to a violent, deranged guard. I begged Ares for some kind of status. He laughed and said: “You’re nothing but a gift with purchase.” So I turned around and knelt before Geneteira, the Mother Goddess—and volunteered to marry the dying god, Apollo. Everyone thought I was walking into my own grave. But in the end, it was Ares who dragged his broken, stripped body through the dirt, weeping. And my name was already carved at the very top of the divine register. …… …… Ares had come to Victoria’s bedchamber again. The two sat entwined in candlelight, temples brushing, murmuring sweet nothings only they could hear. Victoria rose with flushed cheeks to bathe. Before she left, she blew out every candle, as she always did. Half an hour later, I pushed open the door. The chamber was pitch black—only a thin wash of moonlight seeped through the latticed windows. Ares lifted his eyes lazily, amusement lacing his voice. “What took you so long?” He pulled me into his arms in one swift motion, then frowned. “Why are you so cold?” “I was outside watching the stars for a while,” I answered, keeping my voice low. The truth was, I’d been standing outside the chamber door in nothing but a thin handmaiden’s robe, waiting. I didn’t dare stray far—I had to be ready to take Victoria’s place at any moment. The whole night was relentless. Ares left countless marks across my body. He was a beast that never knew satiation, and I was prey thrown into his cage. Just before dawn broke, I slipped out of the bedchamber barefoot. Victoria was waiting for me in the side hall. I knelt before her despite the ache in every muscle, reciting every word Ares had spoken during the night—each one repeated exactly as he’d said it. That was her rule. Her gaze settled on the red marks along my neck, and her expression darkened instantly. Then she smoothed her gown and slipped silently into the bedchamber, easing herself into the bed beside Ares. Ares rolled over, half-opening his eyes, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her cheek. “Where’d you disappear to in the middle of the night? Sneaking off to meet some other man behind my back?” His tone was teasing. Victoria pouted and swatted his chest playfully, and the two dissolved into laughter. I withdrew from the chamber without a sound and pulled the door shut behind me. Victoria was Hermes’ legitimate daughter—pure-blooded divine, noble in every sense. But she’d been gravely injured before, leaving her body too frail to endure anything remotely intense in bed. Because of this, despite her unmatched beauty, no god had been willing to offer her a marriage contract when she came of age. Until a spring banquet, when Ares saw her. The war god was captivated at first sight. He proposed to Hermes on the spot, offering her the position of principal wife. Victoria was equally smitten. The two became inseparable—the most celebrated couple in all the divine realm. As her attendant, I’d once been genuinely happy for her. But on their wedding night, Victoria fainted dead away on the marriage bed. Ares was the god of war. Strength and dominance were etched into his very bones, and nowhere more so than between the sheets. Victoria’s body simply couldn’t withstand it. For three consecutive nights, the marriage went unconsummated. Word spread fast, and Victoria became the laughingstock of the entire realm. The war god’s bride can’t even survive the first night—everyone was waiting to see her cast aside, replaced. Desperate, Victoria devised a solution. Each night, she would extinguish every candle and have someone take her place in the dark. And I—as her father’s illegitimate daughter, our shared blood giving us similar builds and voices—was her perfect choice. I didn’t want to do it. But I had no choice. My mother was mortal. Her affair with my father had been nothing more than one of Hermes’ passing amusements in the human world—no one cared whether she lived or died. She was gravely ill, and only the divine realm’s spirit medicine could keep her alive. The supply of that medicine was entirely in Victoria’s hands. I was forced to become her handmaiden. I knelt and thanked her for the privilege. “Relax—three years at most. Father’s already looking for a healing god to restore my body. After that—” She glared at me with undisguised revulsion. “Even if you wanted to stay, I’d never let a half-breed mongrel like you remain.” Then, fearing exposure, Victoria used sorcery to seal my voice. She announced to everyone that I was a born mute. Only in Ares’ bed was I permitted to speak. And every night thereafter, when the candles died and the chamber doors closed, I ceased to be Nysa. I became Victoria’s shadow—bearing everything in the darkness that was never meant to be mine.

Half an hour later, Victoria and Ares finally rose. I returned to my small room for a quick wash, changed into clean clothes, and went to the main hall to set out breakfast. Ares sat behind the table, and his gaze landed on me. He paused. “Why are you dressed like that?” I instinctively tightened my collar, pressing my lips together nervously. Ares never knew restraint in bed. He always left marks on me—bite marks, bruises, finger-shaped imprints. My only option was high-collared garments to hide them, even when they clashed with what I’d normally wear. Victoria gave him a gentle push, her voice sweet and coy. “You forget? Nysa’s a mute. She can’t speak.” I nodded quickly. But Ares raised an eyebrow, studying me with open interest. “This little mute of yours is rather pretty, in that pitiful, waif-like way.” Victoria feigned jealousy, chiding him playfully. “And what’s that supposed to mean? Don’t tell me you’ve got your eye on her.” She shot me a glance—the warmth in her eyes plummeting to nothing, a blade’s edge hidden beneath. Ares laughed, unbothered. “I haven’t even accused you of anything, and you’re already accusing me.” He rolled up his sleeve, revealing a clear ring of teeth marks on his forearm, his expression somewhere between amused and challenging. “Come on. Tell me—is this your handiwork from last night?” Those marks hit me like a slap across the face. Last night he’d been too rough, pushing me past my limit. I’d clenched my jaw against the pain but couldn’t hold back a cry. In a frenzy of desperation and fury, I’d bitten him. I knelt on the floor, hands ice-cold, body rigid. Sure enough—the instant Ares’ footsteps carried him out of the hall, scalding tea came splashing toward me. I jerked my head up and met Victoria’s face, twisted with rage. The next second, her palm cracked across my cheek hard enough to fill my mouth with blood. “You worthless mongrel—how dare you leave marks on his body? Are you trying to provoke me?” Before I could utter a single word in my defense, the servants she’d summoned bound my hands and feet and dragged me into the confinement chamber. No water. No food. Nothing but darkness and myself. Ares had departed to inspect the war territories. He wouldn’t return for three to five days—which meant Victoria had no use for me, and I could be left to rot here just as long. Victoria also sent people in. Every night, they administered punishments. They were careful about it—nothing that would leave conspicuous scars. But they could make me wish I were dead. By the third day, I was barely clinging to life. A bowl of chicken broth was slid under the door—my sister Phoebe had been worried about me and found a way to send food in. My younger sister. Born to my mother and a mortal man. She was human too, scraping by at the border between the human and divine worlds, unable to even set foot inside the realm proper. She knew nothing about the body-double arrangement—only that I served as Victoria’s handmaiden. “Nysa, I heard you were punished. What did you do to upset her?” Phoebe had also sent word through a messenger. I couldn’t answer her. All I could do was ask the low-ranking servant who relayed the message: When would Ares return? The servant said, “He should be back tonight. He’ll go to the mistress’s bedchamber as usual.” I let out a breath of relief. Once he returned, Victoria would need me. I also asked about recent happenings in the divine realm. The servant sighed. “Nothing major. Only that Apollo’s condition has worsened. Thaniel says there’s nothing more he can do. Geneteira wants to find him a wife before he goes, so he might leave behind an heir—but no one’s willing.” Apollo. Above Ares, there was an elder brother—the one who should have been the most likely heir to Zeus’s power and position. But his life had been borrowed. If not for a forbidden art performed by a healing god named Thaniel, barely extending his life by thirty years, he would have been stillborn. Perhaps fate had shown him a sliver of mercy: in his youth, his brilliance was unmatched, his radiance blinding. He was hailed as the most extraordinary genius in ten thousand years. But at eighteen, an “accident” cast him into the abyss. Since then, he’d been confined to the Lake Heart Temple, waiting to die. And marrying a dying god meant a lifetime of confinement. Never mind noble goddesses—even the lowliest handmaiden would flee from such a fate. But it was precisely because of his decline that Ares had been able to seize control of the divine clan.

By the evening meal, Victoria had me released. She ordered food prepared and even arranged her features into something resembling remorse. “Nysa, I was too impulsive with that punishment. I got busy and forgot about you. Don’t hold it against me.” I kept my head down. “I wouldn’t dare.” After a moment of silence, I mustered the courage to bring up leaving. Victoria’s expression shifted instantly. “You want to leave?” I nodded carefully. The three years were up. She’d promised me. Her lips curved into a thin smile, but her tone was that of someone discussing something utterly trivial. “My body hasn’t recovered yet. Ares still needs you.” I froze. She’d given her word—three years, no more. Victoria lifted her teacup and blew on it idly. “If you absolutely insist on going, I’ll have someone fetch Phoebe to replace you. You’re blood sisters—your voices and builds are close enough.” Every drop of warmth drained from my body, as though I’d been plunged into an ice pit. After a long silence, I heard my own teeth chattering. “Then… could you at least ask Ares to give me some kind of status?” “Climbing the ladder now, are we?” Victoria’s smile went glacial. “If I wanted to find Ares a mistress, I’d have my pick of candidates—none of whom would be you. And don’t even think about going to Ares yourself. To him, you’re nothing but a plaything. Even if you became his personal attendant, I could make you and your decrepit mortal mother disappear with a snap of my fingers.” My throat felt as if someone had a hand around it. “I can’t stay unmarried forever.” “The gate guard’s son is willing to take you,” she said flatly. “He’s a bit rough-tempered, but he’s still a minor god. More than good enough for someone like you.” That guard’s son—I’d seen him. Intellectually impaired. Violent by nature. His favorite solution to everything was his fists. Especially in bed. I understood Victoria’s intent immediately: she wanted to weld me permanently into her grip. Married to someone like that, I’d never escape. I’d have no choice but to keep being her shadow—invisible, unspeakable, forever. Ares returned to find me still kneeling on the floor in a daze. Victoria rose with a smile to greet him. “You’re back. These past few days must have been exhausting. This handmaiden was clumsy—broke a crystal lamp. I’m having her kneel for a quarter hour.” Ares stepped past me without a second glance, hair slightly disheveled, fatigue written across his face. “What’s the status on the Apollo situation?” Victoria sighed. “Marrying a god who’s practically dead? Everyone thinks it’s bad luck. No young goddess will agree.” Ares frowned. “Find someone low-born. Get leverage over her family. Offer enough incentives or apply enough pressure—it’ll get done. Geneteira’s never approved of you. Handle this well, and her opinion will change.” Geneteira—the Guardian of Progeny, mother of both Apollo and Ares, and the most revered mother goddess of the entire divine realm. In all matters of bloodline succession and marriage contracts, her verdict was final law. Perhaps out of a mother’s guilt and tenderness, she cared about Apollo’s situation above all else. She’d even put out word across the entire realm: anyone willing to be Apollo’s companion could name one wish, no conditions attached. Clearly, Victoria also craved the approval of the divine mother. She agreed obediently. And I remained rooted where I knelt. Both knees had long since gone numb and swollen, but my mind had drifted far away. A bold idea was taking shape in the depths of my heart.

That night, Ares naturally stayed in Victoria’s bedchamber. Every time he returned from inspecting the war territories, he’d go at it all night long. It was how he released his energy—whatever he couldn’t kill enough of on the battlefield, he made up for in bed. That night, I gave everything I had to match him. Ares lost control several times, gripping my waist, laughing. “What’s gotten into you tonight? Did you miss me?” I said nothing. With great effort, I propped myself up and pressed a trembling kiss to the side of his face. Near dawn, I came back to my senses and tried to push away, to leave. His arms clamped down like iron, locking me against him. “What—still thinking about leaving the realm?” My entire body went rigid. Ares nuzzled the tip of his nose against my cheek, his voice lazy and unhurried. “Don’t bother hiding it. I’m extremely sensitive to scent. You and Victoria pulling your little switch—I knew from the very first night.” “Besides—” He paused, bringing his breath close to the back of my neck. “Vic doesn’t have a mole here.” My body turned to stone. No wonder he’d grown more brazen each time, more reckless without limit—he’d known from the very beginning that the woman beneath him wasn’t his wife. I was silent for a moment. Then, carrying a hope I couldn’t quite name, I spoke softly. “Then… when are you going to give me a proper status?” “Proper status?” Ares laughed—as if he’d just heard the funniest joke. “You’re Victoria’s handmaiden. Only she gets to decide your status. If I said something, wouldn’t that be an insult to her?” “Tell you what—give me your name. I’ll have someone send you some dresses and jewelry. Once Victoria’s body recovers and she conceives, I’ll promote you to my personal attendant.” I closed my eyes, bitterness flooding my chest. Victoria had been right. In his eyes, I was nothing but a toy. Why would Ares go out of his way to publicize a scandal and invite trouble upon himself? When I didn’t respond, his tone hardened. “Just because I’ve bedded you for a few years, you think you’re the lady of the house now? Personal attendant isn’t enough? What else do you want?” He’d always despised greedy women. There was open anger in his words now. I knew perfectly well: with my birth, I didn’t even qualify to be his mistress. And Ares would never turn against Victoria for my sake. Hermes valued this daughter, and had helped Ares in countless ways, openly and covertly. He would never create conflict with Victoria over a woman who meant nothing to him. Finally, I spoke quietly. “My station is too low to hope for anything. I only wish you and Victoria a thousand years of happiness together.” I knew now. My way out—I’d have to find it myself.

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After my husband’s childhood friend committed suicide, he forced wolfsbane potion down my throat. The Southern Border had always been our kingdom’s shield against the Rogue Fang Syndicate. This day, the Alpha himself presided over the inspection—a rare honor that proved how crucial our position was. Gamma Silas marched proudly leading the way among all warriors. Every warrior’s eyes blazed with anticipation, waiting for the Alpha’s praise. But Silas didn’t know that before the inspection, his spoiled little “childhood friend” had already swapped out his silver bullet gun with a prop replica handgun. The moment he pulled that trigger, a plastic rose would pop out from the barrel, ending his brilliant career right there and then! *** In my past life, I was an elite pack warrior who also participated in this very inspection. During backstage preparations, Gamma Silas ignored all protocols and forcibly brought his cousin and childhood friend Mia to observe. I caught Mia acting suspiciously—she’d switched out Silas’s silver bullet gun with a toy replica. I reported it immediately. Fortunately, we caught it in time. The inspection proceeded flawlessly to thunderous applause. We stood on stage receiving praise from alpha, while Mia—who’d acted suspiciously and switched out the Gamma’s gun—faced public censure and punishment. Mia’s relatives and friends, mortified by the disgrace, disowned her. Her university, convinced she was connected to the Rogue Fang Syndicate, expelled her after issuing a formal notice. Unable to show her face anywhere, Mia ended her own life with a silver dagger. But Silas blamed everything on me! He bound me tight and rammed wolfsbane potion down my throat. The toxin seeped into my veins, burning my lungs. I was consumed by crippling pain, my breath ragged and failing. “Nora, she was just trying to joke around with me, help me relieve the pressure—but you were so vicious you drove her to suicide!” “In your heart, is an inspection more important than a human life? I think you’re just pathologically jealous, looking for any excuse to cause trouble. Die, you vicious bitch!” I gasped for air, desperately begging for help, yet he only sneered and kicked me to the ground, as if revelling in my agony. “Might as well tell you—I’ve already forged letters in your handwriting implicating your parents in treason with the Rogue Fang Syndicate. This time, not only will you pay with your life, your entire family will pay the blood price!” I died full of regret, struggling until my last breath. When I opened my eyes again, I’d somehow returned to the day before the inspection! “Mia sweetie, you came all this way to see me in this blazing sun—come inside, sit down, don’t be shy.” Hearing that familiar voice, my heart clenched. I accidentally knocked over the cup in my hand. Mia, pressed up against my husband Silas, heard the noise and glanced at me with contempt. “Gamma Silas, maybe I should wait outside. With me here, certain people will get upset.” Silas’s expression immediately darkened. He grabbed Mia’s hand and, under everyone’s astonished stares, led her into the backstage area and sat her down front and center. “Nora, don’t go too far. Mia’s just curious and wanted to take a look.” “I’m warning you—this inspection was specifically requested by the Alpha himself. If you dare cause a scene at such a serious event because of your jealousy, I won’t let you off!” Mia blushed as she pulled out a bag of candy and distributed pieces to Silas’s teammates one by one. “Sorry, my sister-in-law tends to be petty. She’s probably offended all of you before, so I’m apologizing on behalf of Silas.” As she spoke, she stuck out her tongue playfully. Her adorable manner prompted everyone to speak up for her. “Ma’am, Mia’s so sweet—don’t make things difficult for her.” I looked at Silas. He was nodding approvingly. After Mia finished handing out candy, she nestled happily against Silas’s side. Compared to me, they looked like the real mates! I took a deep breath and quietly clenched my fists. I’d love to see if you’ll still defend Mia when this grand inspection turns into a circus act!

Seeing I hadn’t exploded, Mia lazily lifted her eyelids. “Nora’s in such a good mood today. If this were any other time, she’d be all over me like a hawk, not letting me anywhere near Silas.” Laughter rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs. “If you ask me, Mia’s the one who’s actually the perfect mate—gentle, considerate, beautiful, fun-loving. You’d be proud to take her anywhere!” “You must not have tasted Mia’s homemade pizza. Last time she came to visit Gamma Silas, she made extra for us. Absolutely divine!” Mia giggled and bantered with them. Only now did I realize that in this place where I’d never been allowed to visit, this so-called childhood friend had been countless times! While I stayed home being the good wife and good daughter-in-law, managing the household and caring for his paralyzed mother, he was flirting with a woman he claimed not to be close to, letting her bond with all his men. All these years—I was such a blind fool! The group seemed deliberate in their actions, crowding around Mia and Silas until I was squeezed outside the circle. Mia glanced at me smugly through the crowd, then actually took out a bottle of wine! “Everyone’s so bored waiting around—why don’t we have a quick drink to settle our nerves?” “Nora, I’m only thinking of everyone’s benefit, helping them unwind. You wouldn’t stop me, would you?” By my usual standards, I would never allow warriors about to be inspected to drink. But I’d been reborn once already. Whether they lived or died—what did it have to do with me? Seeing my cold expression, Silas frowned deeply. “Nora, don’t stir up trouble. Mia’s doing this for everyone’s sake. What’s with that sour face!” I rolled my eyes and walked out. You’re all looking for death yourselves—don’t drag me down with you! Just as I stepped out, a camera crew documenting the inspection walked over with their equipment. An idea struck me. “You’re here to film backstage at the inspection, right? I’m a warrior. I’d like to borrow a camera to document our team’s preparation. Could you help me film?” In our pack, warriors were revered as heroes. So they agreed immediately, not only lending me the camera but thoughtfully teaching me how to record video! I thanked them, turned on recording mode, and positioned the camera on the side of Silas and his men. Just as I finished setting everything up, Mia’s loud complaint rang out. “Who gave you permission to come in here? Was it that bitch Nora!” “What gives you the right to film here? I suspect you’re trying to leak secrets. Get out, all of you!” The moment I approached, I saw Silas with a furious expression, his arm around Mia. Seeing me return, Silas’s face turned completely cold. “Nora, how impressive!” “Acting all virtuous and magnanimous on the surface, but scheming behind everyone’s back—sending people to film us drinking. What exactly are you trying to do!” The group chimed in, accusing me of being malicious. I actually laughed at the absurdity. “Seems you all know drinking is wrong, since you’re so afraid.” “If that’s the case, why insist on doing it anyway!” Mia’s eyes reddened with anger. “Silas, look at her—she’s just jealous that everyone likes me…” Silas glared at me viciously, declaring he’d deal with me after the inspection ended. Just then, the assembly whistle sounded. Everyone forgot the argument and quickly grabbed their equipment to form ranks! Stirring music filled the venue. With the blast of military horns, Silas held his head high, secured his silver bullet gun, and led the warriors in precise marching steps! Silas cut an impressive figure—broad shoulders, narrow waist, one in ten thousand. Applause thundered from both sides of the route. At the command to “fire salute,” Silas raised his gun proudly. Everyone held their breath in excitement, covering their ears, staring at Silas with anticipation. Silas took a deep breath and pulled the trigger. After the bang of the gunshot, before the watching crowd, an inferior plastic rose slowly emerged from the gun barrel.

The Alpha’s face turned green, his mouth hanging open, unable to make a sound for what felt like an eternity. It was the civilian spectators who reacted first, erupting in mocking laughter and angry shouts. “What kind of joke is this? At such a solemn occasion, are you messing with us?” “This is the Alpha inspecting the troops—what’s with the rose? Are you celebrating your love life?” “This is insane! What’s going on? We came to see a military inspection, not a magic show!” Silas stood frozen, his mind completely blank, still holding the same pose. It wasn’t until the warriors behind him kept jabbing him that he finally snapped out of it, and crushing the gun. The smiles on the elders’ faces in the viewing stand faded inch by inch, their gazes toward Silas growing progressively darker. Silas panicked so badly he didn’t know what to do with his hands and feet. He was completely stunned, walking stiffly through the entire route with his limbs moving in awkward synchronization! As his formation exited, our female warrior unit received the signal to enter. I walked at the front, specifically instructing everyone that no matter what mistakes others made, don’t lose focus—we cannot disappoint the watching crowd. With Silas’s formation as contrast, we garnered countless applause and cheers the moment we appeared. Wherever we marched, applause followed, and even after the inspection concluded flawlessly, the applause beside us continued unabated. When everything ended, I sprinted into my parents’ waiting arms. My parents affectionately helped me remove my cap and wiped the sweat from my forehead, praising me nonstop. “Nora, you were amazing! You’ll always be our pride!” After saying this, they thought of Silas, their voices dropping with slight concern. “What’s going on with that Silas? How did he end up with a toy gun instead of his silver bullet gun? Has he lost his mind?” The memory of my brutal death in my past life flashed before my eyes. I sneered coldly. “Who knows? Maybe his wolf’s gone feral and scrambled his brain.” I didn’t want Silas to ruin the mood. I pulled my parents along, asking them to throw me a celebration banquet. Our family was just about to leave cheerfully when someone with a dark expression suddenly blocked our path. “Nora, after doing something so vicious to frame Silas, you still dare to leave?!”

My parents’ expressions hardened as they immediately stepped in front of me. “Who are you people to make baseless accusations against our daughter?” Seeing the gleaming honor medals covering my parents’ chests, the accusers slunk away, though their voices still drifted back. “What baseless accusations? Gamma Silas crossed her, and his gun was immediately switched. Now he’s been taken in for investigation—bet she’s thrilled!” “I’m telling you, it has to be her. Backstage was all our own people. Who else would be vicious enough to frame our Gamma?” My parents’ faces flushed with anger, but they stood firm in defending me. Silas’s supporters glared at me viciously before turning to leave. My mind stirred, and I grabbed my parents who were about to argue on my behalf. “Don’t bother with them now. I need to sever the bond first.” My parents had long heard the gossip about Mia and had been critical of Silas for ages. But because I’d been devoted to Silas, they’d held their tongues. Now that I was initiating the bond severance, they naturally agreed and immediately took me to see the elders. The High Elder was my parents’ close friend. Learning I’d been wronged, he immediately dispatched someone to process the paperwork. While waiting for the severance documentation, my parents and I went to the restaurant we’d reserved. For this inspection, we female warriors had prepared for three full months, forging deep bonds of camaraderie. For this celebration banquet, my parents had reserved three large tables of fine food and drink. Everyone took their seats, celebrating not only the applause and praise our formation had received, but also toasting repeatedly to celebrate my finally having the resolve to sever my bond with Silas. “Nora, I’ve had my eye on that Silas for a while now. Out of respect for you, I didn’t want to say anything, but I once saw him and that ‘cousin’ embracing on the street!” “I saw it too! Last time I went to the supply store, I saw Silas buying Mia a whole outfit of designer clothes!” “Thank the Moon Goddess you finally came to your senses, or those bastards would’ve completely walked all over you!” My hand on the table clenched slightly, nails digging into my palm. In the past, Silas always said Mia was his cousin, orphaned young and forced to rely on him. I’d pitied Mia, treating her like a sister and helping her in every way. Who knew that in the end, I’d helped myself right into being betrayed! Fortunately, the topic quickly shifted as everyone began celebrating my new beginning. But just as we were raising our glasses in harmony, a crying voice suddenly came from the restaurant entrance. “Nora, you’ve destroyed your own husband like this—how can you still have the face to throw a celebration banquet!”

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My fiancé, Marco Bellini, tried to marry me ninety-nine times. But every single time, it was ruthlessly interrupted. On the day of our 99th wedding, Marco’s first love, Sophia, called again. This time, she claimed she’d been kidnapped. The ransom was thirty million dollars. In the video, Sophia was flawless, as perfect as a porcelain doll. But Marco—the future Godfather of the Bellini family—lost his composure once again. Fighting back tears, I grabbed his arm as he spun around to bolt from the church. “Do you have to go right now? Marco, this is the 99th time! All the families are watching!” Marco viciously shook my hand off, leaving me alone at the altar, exposed to the stares of every mafia family in New York. Once again, I was the laughingstock of the entire underworld. A week later, I was the one who got kidnapped. The ransom was just one dollar. But my fiancé’s voice on the phone was impatient. “Ella, stop messing around. All the guests are waiting for you.” My defenses crumbled completely. My voice was so hoarse it didn’t sound like my own. “I’ve really been kidnapped. They only want a one-dollar ransom… Marco, save me…” His tone remained ice-cold. “I’ll give you half an hour. If you don’t get your ass over here, I’ll find a new bride!” Marco Bellini really did find a new bride. And because of that one-dollar ransom, my fingers were chopped off on a dark web livestream. That day, two stories blew up New York’s underworld: The Bellini family heir’s wedding of the century featured a last-minute bride swap. And a dark web livestream from an abandoned warehouse showed a kidnapper torturing a hostage, the victim suspected to be the Bellini family’s bride-to-be. … I was kidnapped on my wedding day. And Marco, my groom, was in the chapel’s dressing room, comforting his crying childhood sweetheart. I called him forty-nine times, but he never picked up. “Is this the guy you said would pay up? Fuck! He’s not even picking up your calls!” The kidnapper yanked my hair, the searing pain making my scalp feel like it was ripping from my skull. My face contorted in agony. Then came a storm of kicks and punches. The sharp pain of broken ribs made every breath feel like swallowing razor blades. The world spun around me. But the pain in my body was nothing compared to the agony in my heart. A week ago, Sophia was “kidnapped.” Thirty million dollars. He didn’t even blink. For Sophia, he abandoned me at the altar for the ninety-ninth time. I had begged him, holding onto him, only for him to shove me away without a second thought. He always said they had a bond from growing up together, that he couldn’t just stand by. It was his responsibility. So, time and time again, he canceled our wedding—a wedding meant to unite our two powerful families—all for Sophia. Now, I, his rightful fiancée, the daughter of the Marino family, was the one who was kidnapped, and I couldn’t even get him on the phone. The irony was crushing. Suddenly, my phone lit up. It was a video from Sophia. “Marco is helping me with a blister on my heel, Ella. He’s too busy to take your call.” “It’s your wedding day, but you’re still not here. Marco said I should try on your dress, to see if it fits.” In the video, Marco was on one knee, gently placing a crystal heel on Sophia’s foot. And Sophia was wearing my mother’s only heirloom—the wedding dress she had sewn for me with her own hands. A sharp, stabbing pain shot through my heart. My eyes turned bloodshot red. That was my mother’s wedding dress. How dare he let another woman wear it! I lunged for the phone, desperate to confront Marco, but the kidnapper was faster. He kicked my wrist hard, sending the phone flying. The pain was so intense my body curled into a ball.

The kidnapper walked over, grabbed a fistful of my hair, and forced my head up. “No one’s even answering your calls. And you were telling me you’d get me ten million?” I gasped for air, struggling to speak. “Let… let me try again… He’ll… he’ll definitely give you the money…” “You think I’m gonna fall for that again?” The kidnapper swore, but then he seemed to change his mind, a cruel grin spreading across his face. “Fine. You can call again. One finger for every call.” He pinned my hand to the filthy concrete floor and pulled a dagger from his belt, slamming it into the ground next to my fingers. I trembled in terror, begging him, even offering more money. “No… please… I’ll give you anything you want, I have money, my fiancé is…” He slapped me across the face, cutting me off. “Shut up! All I want now is a one-dollar ransom. Remember, not a penny more.” I wanted to ask why, but he gave me no chance. He threw the phone in front of me. “You have ten seconds. When time’s up, I’m chopping off your finger.” I didn’t dare waste a second. I scrambled to pick up the phone and dialed Marco’s number again. I prayed desperately, Please, Marco, pick up. Please. One dollar. All it would take is one dollar to save my life. The kidnapper counted down beside my ear, each number a sledgehammer pounding on my nerves. “Three.” “Two.” Just as he was about to say “one,” the call connected! “Marco!” I screamed his name, a tangled mess of terror and elation. Tears streamed down my face. But the voice that answered wasn’t his. “Ella? Are you looking for Marco?” It was Sophia. “I scraped my heel, he went to get me a band-aid.” I choked back a sob. “Let me talk to Marco. It’s an emergency.” The kidnapper loomed over me, the cold glint of his dagger reflecting in my tear-filled eyes. Just then, I heard Marco’s voice in the background. Hope surged through me again, and I screamed with all my might. “Marco, save me! I’ve been kidnapped!” He finally took the phone. His tone was as cold as a Siberian winter. “Ella Marino, there’s a limit to your games. It’s our wedding day. Are you trying to make a point by disappearing?” “You have half an hour to get your ass over here. Don’t expect me to come and get you.” I shook my head frantically, hot tears rolling down my cheeks. “No, that’s not it… Marco, I’ve really been kidnapped, you have to come save me…” Marco cut me off, his voice filled with rage. “Enough! Sophia was just kidnapped last week, and now you’re pulling the same stunt? Ella, this is not how you play your jealous games!” “If you have any sense of decency left, you’ll get over here and finish this wedding!” With that, he hung up without a shred of mercy. My tears froze on my face. When Sophia was kidnapped, it was real. It was worth him abandoning the honor of our families to save her. When I was kidnapped, I was just being dramatic. He wouldn’t even listen to a full sentence. The kidnapper stood up with a cold sneer, raising the dagger in his hand.

I scrambled backward in terror, but my feet were tied together. There was nowhere to run. “What a pathetic waste. Bragging about giving me ten million.” The kidnapper spat at me, then grabbed my right hand and pinned it down. “No… let me call one more time… AHH!” The dagger came down with cold, brutal finality, severing my pinky finger. The agonizing pain made my body twist into a knot. The only sound in the empty warehouse was my piercing scream. A pool of blood spread quickly on the floor around the small, severed piece of my finger. The kidnapper tossed the phone in front of me again. “Keep calling.” Tears and cold sweat soaked my face. I had no choice but to endure the excruciating pain and dial the video call with my trembling left hand. A few seconds later, the call connected. Marco’s handsome but cold face appeared on the screen. He was looking down, carefully applying a band-aid to the scrape on Sophia’s heel. I remembered how he used to be like that with me. If I got a tiny paper cut, he’d rush to disinfect and bandage it. If I complained my feet hurt, he would immediately carry me on his back to see the family’s private doctor. But everything changed after we announced our engagement. The camera shifted, and Sophia’s face, smiling in triumph, filled the screen. “Ella, are you calling to apologize to Marco?” “It’s getting late. You should hurry over. All the family elders are getting impatient.” Marco snorted and took the phone from her. “I’ll let it slide since it’s our wedding day. Get over here now.” My face was streaked with tears as I asked in a hoarse voice: “Marco, why is it real when Sophia gets kidnapped, but when it happens to me, I’m just faking it?” Marco’s expression instantly darkened. “Ella Marino, are you ever going to let this go?” “Just because I had to leave to save Sophia last time, you’re going to retaliate like this?” “Have you no conscience? That was a life-or-death situation! And you have to hold a grudge and stage your own kidnapping on our wedding day?” “I don’t know how you became so cold and selfish. Does it make you happy to keep all our families waiting?” His words made me tremble with rage. I screamed, completely breaking down. “Why won’t you just believe me! If you don’t save me, I’m going to die!” I pushed my unrecognizable face closer to the camera, my vision blurred by blood and tears. Marco glanced at me and frowned in disgust. “What happened to your face?” The kidnapper was right beside me. I could only cry, making one last, desperate plea. “Come and save me. The ransom is only one dollar…” The moment the words left my mouth, Marco laughed coldly. “A one-dollar ransom?” “Ella, you can’t even tell a convincing lie!” I completely lost it. I held up my bloody right hand, aiming the stump of my finger right at the camera. “He already chopped off one of my fingers! What will it take for you to believe me? Do I have to die right in front of you?” The severed joint was still oozing blood. Beneath the mangled flesh, I could see the white of the bone. Marco froze. He frowned, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. Just then, I heard Sophia let out a soft laugh. “Ella, that special effects makeup looks a little fake. A real wound wouldn’t look like that.”

“Besides, what kind of kidnapper would only ask for one dollar to release someone from the Bellini family? You might as well have said a hundred million. That would at least sound more believable.” Then she sighed, her voice soft with feigned guilt. “I’m so sorry, Marco. This is all my fault. Ella must still be upset that you left her to come and save me.” “But Ella, you really shouldn’t have resorted to such extreme measures.” Marco’s face turned livid. I shook my head desperately, ignoring the pain racking my body. “That’s not it! Marco, believe me, you’re the only one who can—” “Enough!” Marco’s sharp voice cut me off, colder than I had ever heard it. “I’ve told you countless times, Sophia is like a sister to me. But you always get jealous over her.” “You either deliberately embarrass her at parties or find ways to bully her. Now you’re staging this elaborate kidnapping drama!” “Ella, you have disappointed me more than I can say.” With the bloody dagger right beside me, I screamed in despair. “Marco, why can’t you just believe me this one time!” He accused me of embarrassing her, but it was just because we wore dresses from the same designer to a family gala. I had ordered mine first. He accused me of bullying her, but that was after she’d ruined dozens of my weddings, and my friends had said a few things to her in my defense. He twisted it into me putting them up to it. Her kidnapping was the one that was staged. In the video she sent, she was perfectly unharmed, her makeup still flawless. But Marco was blind to all of it. Here I was, battered and kidnapped, and he saw it as me throwing a tantrum. An icy blade seemed to pierce my heart, the pain so sharp my insides clenched. I no longer cared if he believed me. I just wanted him to pay the ransom and save me. “Marco, whether it’s real or fake, all you have to do is pay one dollar and you’ll know the truth! Just one dollar…” Marco frowned, seeming to consider it. But then Sophia started crying. Her voice was thick with sobs. “I’m sorry… It’s all because of me that your big day has been ruined like this. If I had known this would happen, I would have rather died at the hands of those kidnappers than call you for help.” With that, Sophia turned and ran off, crying. Marco’s brow furrowed, and he immediately moved to follow her. I screamed his name. “Marco—” He looked back, his face filled with anxiety, but his next words were my final sentence. “This is our 100th wedding. If you still want to marry into the Bellini family, get your ass over here now.” “I’ll give you one last half hour. If you don’t show up, I don’t mind finding a new bride!” Before I could say another word, the video call was mercilessly disconnected. It felt like my heart stopped beating. I stared at the dark screen, the light in my eyes completely extinguished. The kidnapper stomped on my head, grinding his boot into my temple. “Pathetic. Not even worth a single dollar.” He mocked me, then raised his dagger again and chopped off my ring finger. “AHHH—” The agony was unbearable. I thrashed on the ground, screaming. But no physical pain could ever compare to the gaping wound in my soul. Tears slid from the corners of my eyes. My heart was broken, a hole that could never be repaired.

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The night before the Family gala, my husband’s so-called sister, Ravenna Volkov, put my eighteen-year-old niece’s first night up on the Labyrinth, and a circle of old made men crowdfunded the bid. By morning, Lily was dead. A whole bottle of pills. The body under the sheet doesn’t look like a person anymore. Lucas catches me before I drop. In front of every man in the room, he swears it. “On my father’s name, Vivian. I find who did this, I bury him myself.” I let him hold me. I let the tears fall. I let my knees go weak against his chest. Say it louder, Lucas. The earring picks up everything past forty decibels. Then Ravenna walks in. Heels clicking. Whiskey in her hand. She drops onto the couch and throws her legs over the armrest. “Babe. That was me.” Lucas’s face changes. Just like that. “Ren runs her mouth. She’s joking.” She shrugs. “What. No guy gives a shit about some virgin. That’s a chick thing.” I pull out my phone. My thumb hovers over a contact saved as a single letter—A. Lucas grabs my wrist. Snaps the phone in half. “You wanna take this outside the Family? You out of your mind?” He thinks I’m calling the cops. Five years married, and he still thinks I’m the kind of girl who calls the cops. He pulls a check from his jacket. Slides it across the coffee table. “One niece. A mil. We square?” “Ren’s one of us. The crew backs her. You’re just a wife. Stay in your lane.” Ravenna’s lip curls. “A million? For that broke little bitch? Trash always thinks they’re worth more than they are.” I tear the check in half. Then in quarters. I drop the pieces on Lucas’s shoes. A million dollars. For the only blood niece of the Mercer Dynasty. The oldest crime family in Europe. The ones who hold his father by the throat in three different markets. You stupid boy. You have no idea what you just bought. The whiskey glass hits the floor. Crystal everywhere. “Lucas. Lucas. Is this bitch trying to put me down?” Sal Romano steps up first. Sicilian. Runs the laundering through the Boston galleries. He looks at me the way you look at a dog about to get put down. “Vivian. She didn’t mean it. Let it go.” The rest of the crew falls in behind him. Ravenna’s chin lifts. “You know what? Throw me on the Labyrinth too. Let the old guys have a turn. That what you want, sweetheart?” Lucas’s eyes go black. “Shut the fuck up.” Then he turns to me. Stone face. “That’s just how Ren is. She doesn’t think before she talks. She’ll say sorry. End of story.” I drop to my knees next to Lily. Her cheek is ice under my hand. She used to slip Hershey’s Kisses into my coat pocket and pretend she didn’t. She was eighteen. I told Adrian she was ready. I told him. My tears land on her bruised throat. These ones aren’t for the recording. I shake my head. “She killed her. Sorry doesn’t cover it. She pays. In blood.” Lucas laughs. Tired. “She typed a few words on a website. The buyers killed your niece. Quit aiming at the wrong person.” My nails go through my skin. “Wrong person? She posted her. She’s got five million in her account. She is the killer.” Crack. His slap whips my head sideways. Copper floods my mouth. I run my tongue along my back molar. Still there. “I said shut your mouth. Nobody talks about Ren like that. Nobody.” Ravenna laughs. Loops her arm through his. “Aw, babe. She just wants a bigger cut. Right, Vivian? Daddy here’s loaded. We can toss extra on the dead kid too.” She crouches. Lifts my chin with one finger. “Honestly? Bet your niece was a climber. The men who had her last night? Way out of her league.” Lucas sighs like I’m exhausting him. Crouches in front of me. “Vivian. Stop. Two million. We done?” I look at his face. The face I crossed an ocean for. The face I buried the Mercer name to marry. Five years ago I walked into this house with a fake last name and one job: figure out if the Langston Syndicate had rotted enough to take. The answer came in a long time ago. But Lily. Lily was never on the board. I pull off my wedding ring. Throw it. It bounces off his lapel. “We’re done, Lucas. You’ll be hearing from my family.”

I turn for the door. Lucas’s voice locks me in place. “Walk out that door, Vivian. They bury Lily in three different states.” I turn back. He’s already pulled the sheet off her. He’s holding a paring knife. He drives it into her chest. Right through the sternum. I scream. I throw myself at her. He kicks me off like a stray. Ravenna loops her arms around his neck. Presses up against his back. “That’s my man. You know how to play.” My hands shake. I make my voice small. “Lucas. Just let me take her. Don’t touch her again.” He smiles. Like he’s brought me to heel. “Vivian. We’re not getting divorced. And you don’t open your mouth outside this house. Not to anyone. Not your brother, not a priest, nobody. This stays in the Family.” The first half lands wrong with Ravenna. Her face twists. She rips the knife out of his hand. Drags the tip across Lily’s cheek, slow. “Such a pretty face. Needs a little something extra, doesn’t it?” “Please.” My voice tears open. “Lucas. For what we had. Don’t let her touch my niece.” He looks away from me. Ravenna giggles. “Relax, sweetheart. We’re burning her after this. Ash doesn’t care what’s carved into it.” She thinks for a beat. Her face lights up. She presses the blade in. W-H-O-R-E. One letter at a time. Across Lily’s cheek. Sal Romano slow-claps. “Damn, Ren. You got a real artist’s hand.” Ravenna grins. Tosses the knife back to Lucas. “Your turn, babe. Show us what Don Langston’s golden boy can do. Use this little piece of trash as your canvas.” “NO—” I lunge for Lily. The lunge isn’t a performance. The lunge is the only honest thing I’ve done tonight. Lucas stomps down on my shoulder. The bone goes. He pulls his belt out of the loops and lashes my wrists to the iron rack above me. “Lucas. Please. Please don’t—” He doesn’t look at me. He walks to Lily. The crew starts cheering. Whistling. Lucas glances at the bruises blooming across Lily’s chest. His mouth curls in disgust—at her, like she’s the dirty thing in this room—and he flips her over. Then he starts cutting. Long, sure strokes. He’s done this before. I scream until my throat shreds. I beg him to stop. Ravenna grabs a dirty napkin off the table and shoves it in my mouth. When he’s finished, the whole room claps. Whatever was left of me—whatever still loved this man, whatever still believed his lies—dies in that second. He swaggers over. Cuts the belt off my wrists. “Vivian. Ren and the crew forgave you. Don’t pull a stunt like that again. You hear me?” He leans in to kiss me. I slap him so hard his head whips sideways. “You’re not a man.” His jaw locks. For a second I think he’s going to hit me back. Then he sees my face—white, dead-white—and stops himself. He presses his lips to my forehead instead. Whispers, low, only for me: “Vivian. I’m protecting you.” My mouth pulls into a cold smile. Say it again. Say it on tape. Five years I’ve eaten this. The first time Ravenna met me, she “accidentally” hit me with her Maserati. Broke my leg in two places. I spent three months in a cast. He spent three months with her in the south of France. I let it happen. She needed to think I was harmless. Wedding night, she called him. He picked up. I sat in the bridal suite till sunrise. I let it happen. He needed to think he was the smart one. Same line every time: Ren’s a hothead. Keep her happy. I’m protecting you. Every time, I smiled and forgave. Every time, I sent the recording. But Lily. I didn’t plan for Lily. “I don’t need your protection anymore, Lucas. We’re done. You’ll be hearing from my family.”

Lucas sways. His voice cracks at the edges. “Vivian. We’re not splitting. I told you I’d protect you for life.” I move for the door. He locks me against his chest. I claw at him. I bite. Then—a sharp pinch at my neck. The room tilts. My knees give. Lucas’s lips at my ear, soft, almost tender. “Sleep it off, baby. Tomorrow nothing’s changed.” I come back slow. Something pulls me out of the dark. Voices. Two of them. Right outside the bedroom door. “Lucas. Vivian’s still in there.” “That’s the point, Ren.” “Mmm. Fucking your wife’s sister with her three feet away? That’s what gets you off?” I keep my eyes closed. The drug slowed me down. It didn’t shut me off. The door slams open. Lucas walks in with Ravenna in his arms. Her dress already shoved up. His shirt half-open. I don’t move. I don’t breathe wrong. I don’t twitch. Lucas glances at me. Sees a corpse on the bed. Smirks. “Out cold. Good.” He drops Ravenna on the foot of the bed. My bed. Our bed. She laughs, climbs onto her knees, reaches for his belt. “Mmm. Don Langston’s golden boy. Show me what you got.” He grabs her by the throat. Not hard. Lazy. Like he owns the air she breathes. “Shut up and turn around.” “Yes, papi.” The mattress dips. The buckle of his belt hits the floor. I count my breaths. One. Two. Then his voice—low, mean, not for her, for me: “You think I don’t know you’re awake, Vivian?” My lungs stop. Keep talking, Lucas. “Yeah. Thought so. Keep pretending, baby. Watch how a real woman takes it.” Ravenna giggles. “Oh, you’re cruel. Tell her again.” “Tell her yourself, Ren.” “Vivian. Vivian, honey. He’s never fucked you like this, has he?” Lucas grabs a fistful of her hair. Yanks her head back hard. “Now don’t talk to her. Talk to me.” “Mmm—yes—” The bed slams against the wall. Once. Twice. I press my palm flat against the mattress under the sheet. My nails go through my own skin. Blood smears under me. Five years of marriage. I’m protecting you. This is what he was protecting. When he finishes, he doesn’t pull out gentle. He shoves her off and lights a cigarette right there on the bed. Ravenna stretches. Bare feet pad to my side of the mattress. She leans down. So close her breath hits my eyelashes. “Sweet dreams, Mrs. Langston.” Lucas exhales smoke at the ceiling. “Let’s go. She’s seen enough.” The door clicks shut. I open my eyes. I roll off the bed and throw up on the floor until there’s nothing left but acid. I sit on the floor in the puddle of my own vomit and shake. The recording was clean. My body doesn’t care. I crawl to the door. Locked from the outside. Then—a knock. Soft. Careful. “Mrs. Langston? Are you awake? It’s Marta. Let me get you out.” The housekeeper. Old Italian woman. She’s been with the Langstons since Lucas was a boy. Which means she answers to Don Langston. Not to me. I get up anyway. If they want to set me up, let them. “Marta. Yes.” The lock clicks. The door cracks open. She’s pale. Her hands shake worse than mine. “Quickly, ma’am. He smashed your phone. Take mine. Call your family. Now.” I take the phone. I follow her through three corridors, past the gun room, past the kitchen. I let my thumb hover over the screen. Slow. Stupid. The way a panicked wife would. “Funny. Ren said you’d run.” Lucas. Behind us. Cold as a grave. Marta drops to her knees so fast her bones crack on the marble. “Mr. Langston—I’m sorry, she made me, she said she was going to put Miss Volkov on the Labyrinth, she begged me for my phone to post the listing—I tried to stop her—” Lucas’s eyes go black. He grabs my jaw. Hard. Fingernails breaking skin. “You were going to put Ren on the Labyrinth? Over a joke?” “You think I’d do that. I’m not her, Lucas. I don’t sell people.” He snatches the phone from my hand. Scrolls. Then he flips the screen at me and backhands me at the same time. Crack. My head snaps. Copper floods my mouth again. “Stop lying. What the fuck is THIS.” I look at the screen. A live listing on the Labyrinth. Item: female, mid-twenties, blonde, Eastern European. Photo: Ravenna Volkov. Starting bid: five hundred thousand. Posted twenty minutes ago. From this phone.

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