Mag-log inHis eyes were tired in a way sleep had never fixed. Whatever had broken him had done its work carefully, over time, until it had become structural. Kain moved closer until his breath fogged the glass. “You’re dead,” he said to his reflection, low and certain. His fist slammed into the wall. “You’re dead.” Again. “You’re dead.” The words weren’t for the man dripping water onto the floor. They were for the boy who had believed he could be clean. For the father who had taught him it was leverage. For every version of himself that had mistaken sacrifice for virtue. His fist flew again. This time it met glass. The mirror shattered with a violent crack, his reflection splintering into jagged fragments. Blood bloomed instantly across his knuckles, red against white, dripping onto the tile. And then it happened. A tear slid down from his left eye. Just one. It startled him more than the pain. Left eye. The same one that always ached when the memories came too close. His chest
Preview X Recap❤️ ───────────────────────── Hi, lovely readers! This is not an official chapter, but a special little treat for those who can’t wait for the next update, plus a short recap to refresh your memory and keep the story vivid. I hope it excites you and gives you something fresh to enjoy in the meantime. Drop your thoughts. This is a safe space. Happy reading ✨✨✨❤️ ❤️PREVIEW: ───────────────────────── Chapter 67: His eyes were tired in a way sleep had never fixed. Whatever had broken him had done its work carefully, over time, until it had become structural. Kain moved closer until his breath fogged the glass. “You’re dead,” he said to his reflection, low and certain. His fist slammed into the wall. “You’re dead.” Again. “You’re dead.” The words weren’t for the man dripping water onto the floor. They were for the boy who had believed he could be clean. For the father who had taught him it was leverage. For every version of himself that had m
Something burned behind Kain’s eyes. “I’m going to find my mom.” His father’s voice cracked through the room like a whip. “Step out that door and you’re no longer my son.” Kain stopped. Slowly turned back. “Then I’ll go with Connor.” That did it. “Connor Baudin?” his father sneered. “That boy. You should cut ties with him instantly.” “I don't follow your commands anymore—Dad. Connor’s the only one who’s ever there for me. He's my best friend!” “No,” his father said calmly. “He’s not. One day you’ll see it.” Kain shook his head. “You’re lying.” His father exhaled, tired and bitter. “You’re grown up enough so you should hear the truth. Your beloved mother knew from the beginning that I wasn’t hers. Even before this goddamned marriage. I’ve always been Madeline’s—her friend.” The name landed wrong. Like something poisonous said too casually. “She forced this marriage out of envy,” his father went on. “Promised loyalty was all I could give. You think I didn’t try? You’re stil
Bubbles ripped from Jade’s mouth. Lungs burned. Vision blurred. Her body began to fail her. Darkness nipped at the edges of her mind, soft and terrifying. Then—a violent splash. Arms like iron wrapped around her torso, yanking her up with impossible strength. Air exploded into her lungs, a stolen gift she hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath for. She coughed violently, water streaming down her face, collapsing against solid warmth. Her legs gave out entirely. She clung without thinking, fingers clutching at fabric as though that alone could anchor her to the world. Scarlett surfaced a second later, fury twisting her face. Water slicked through her hair as she hauled herself out of the pool. Her hand closed around the wine bottle. Jade barely had time to register the motion. A sudden, brutal grip caught Scarlett’s wrist mid-swing. The bottle slipped, crashing into the pool with a violent shatter. Candles hissed and drowned as water splashed over the edge, flames dyin
Jade’s voice cracked. “We’re sisters!” Scarlett folded her arms. “Don’t call yourself that.” “Scarlett, please—” Jade stepped closer, desperate. “This… this is bigger than all of us. A baby ties you to him…and his family…and it’s dangerous. You can’t—” “Leave.” Scarlett’s words were a whip, snapping across Jade’s skin. “I didn’t invite you. I have plans tonight… with my future husband.” “No,” Jade said, stepping forward. Her chest ached, lungs burning. “I won’t let that happen.” Scarlett’s eyes narrowed. Something ugly, feral, sparking there. “No… Why? Why are you here, really?” Scarlett’s voice fell to a whisper. “Do you… do you still love him?” The question lodged itself in her chest, sharp and cold. She shook her head too fast. “It’s not… not about love.” “It’s about being in danger,” she said, voice trembling. “A baby… it makes you a target. His stepmother… she’ll—” Scarlett’s laughter cracked the air, brittle and high. “So this is it?” she hissed. “Pretend w
The message was short. ‘Just arrived at the Oswald Guest House. See you soon, Auntie bestie.’ Jade’s chest clenched so hard it almost stole her breath. Another buzz followed. This time, Liz picked up her phone, attention fully captured. That was Jade’s opening. She straightened. “It’s fine,” she said gently. “I won’t bother you anymore… Aunt Liz.” Liz waved her off without looking. Jade walked out. The door shut behind her with a hollow thud. Outside, the cold air hit her face, sharp and bracing, forcing her lungs to work again. Her heartbeat roared in her ears as realization slammed into place. Oswald Guest House. Madeline’s voice surfaced in her mind, smooth and merciless. ‘A baby is the fastest chain’. Jade’s fingers curled into fists. “This is bad,” she whispered, fierce and steady. “Not today.” She turned sharply and ran toward the street, already searching for a cab, for time, for something that could still be saved. For a way to stop everything







