All the air leaves my lungs. “Sign it,” he says. “Give me back my freedom.” My voice cracks. “Jason… please don’t do this us. I can change. I can be better. I’ll never manipulate you again. Just give me another chance—” “No.” The word is quiet. Absolute. “I’ve given you more chances than you d
NICOLE. (Back in midnight) I’ve spent three hours in front of the mirror today. Three hours fixing my hair into perfect soft waves, and applying the kind of natural makeup that makes it look like I woke up flawless. I tried on six different dresses before settling on the deep red one — Jason a
“Good morning father?” Clara walks into the courtyard, elegant and smiling as ever. “What did I miss?” “Nothing important,” he says. The second the words leave his mouth, her smile tightens—just slightly. Not enough for anyone else to notice… but enough for me. Her eyes flick from him to me, c
STACY (In the capital, the next morning) I barely slept last night. Not because the bed wasn’t comfortable — if anything, it was too comfortable. Too large, too soft, and too… royal. The room they gave me is twice the size of my parent's house in Blue Moon, all velvet drapes and carved walnut f
DANIEL. (Meanwhile in Blue Moon) The door to my office shuts behind me, but the disappointment follows me inside like an unwanted shadow. For the first time in years, I thought I could… help her. Even if it was nothing more than driving her and Liam back to the capital. Keep her safe. Let her
JASON (Meanwhile near midnight) The engine roars beneath me, but I don’t hear it. All I can hear is her voice. “You are dead to both of us. Move your car.” I swallow hard and grip the steering wheel until my knuckles go bone-white. There’s a burn behind my eyes that I refuse to acknowledge