ire

cor of the recovery suite I found myself in. A gilded cage, perhaps. My head throbbed, a dull ach

frown etched between his perfectly groomed brows. "Blaire, you're awake," he said, his voice a soft murmur, the k

aved, now felt like a brand. His eyes flickered, a momentary flash of something unreadable before the mask of worry se

ook, Alessandra is really upset about what happened. She feels terrible," he began, the s

he tried to kill me, Cade. That's not impulse, that's a

ers... they've finally accepted me. This engagement to Alessandra, it's crucial. It solidifies my place." He reached for my hand again, hi

anonymously reported my art scholarship application for plagiarism, nearly ruining my academic career. "It's just a temporary setback, darling," he'd said, cradl

n my soul. I looked at him, truly looked at him, and saw a stranger. The

e. Don't you remember all our plans?" He sounded genuinely bewildered, as if my sudden clarity was an anomaly, not a consequence of his act

nt, unpaid nursemaid and punching bag while you clawed your way up the social ladder?" My voice rose, a bitter tide. "You sacrificed me,

e pale, rushed in. "Mr. Dyer, Miss Guerra is inj

me, now filled with genuine alarm for Alessandra. He stood up abruptly, without a glance back at me. "I'm coming!" he yelle

re. This was just another shard, falling away into the abyss. I closed my eyes, a si

hed through it, my body still weak, but my resolve iron-hard. I had to see it. I had to witness

. Alessandra, draped in a flimsy hospital gown, was dramatically clutching her bandaged arm, her eyes wide and tearful as s

," he soothed, his voice dripping with affection. "You're safe now. I won't let her touch you again." His gaze

esting." He took my arm, his grip surprisingly firm. "Let's go back to your room. You're exhausted." He

your engagement to her, and called me a 'disposable stepping stone'?" My voice was low, but every word was a poisoned dart. "You w

're emotional. Alessandra is my fiancée, yes, but you know that's for show, for the Dyers." He leaned in, his voice dropp

ove, Cade. You never were. You were a parasite, feeding on my kindness, my talent, my unwavering devotion

e. And you're accusing Alessandra unjustly." He turned to her, his voice softening

t, Cade. I understand she's upset. But I do wish she wouldn't

ize, Blaire. Apologize to Alessandra now." His voice was low, but

was a predator, cunning and ruthless, cloaked in a false charm. My vision blurred, not with tears, but with a sudden,

d, my voice chillingly calm. "I hope you and yo

step also a liberation. I walked out of that room, out of t