phin

hands flying

and the steady, unbroken rhythm of my heart. I was standing in my suite at the Marino Estate on Long I

rned from

sleek black cars bearing the Valenti crest parked in the courtyard. Angelo Val

d to be. Instead, I slipped out of my room and stood in the shadow

h false nobility. "It is Carissa who holds my heart, Sophia. The original contract between our families never spe

with feigned distress. "This is highly irregular. B

his own selfish desires or some twisted foresight, completely unaware that I knew every filthy secret he

my footsteps silent. "Then you shoul

pitying smile, stepping forward for a fake embrace. "Sera, darling... you were

nk. "A dream I am happy to wake up from. If Angelo

al tears he clearly expected. "Don't play games, Sera. I know thi

rimming with practiced tears. "Sera! Please, I would never figh

augh that cut through her pa

arrogant face. "If you want her, take her. Why must you brand me

gelo's smug superiority faltered, replaced by a flicker of genuine uncertainty.

venomous attack, the sharp, rhythmic clack of