Chapter 2

Daphne’s POV

This has to be a terrible nightmare.

It has to be.

My gaze shifts from Bella… to Stefan… back to Bella again. My throat tightens. They’re standing there—getting engaged?

No. No, this can’t be real.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me this?” I demand, my voice rising before I can stop it. Anger claws its way up my chest, burning through every word. “You’re getting engaged, and I’m just supposed to find out like this?”

“Why are you acting like this, darling?” my mom asks as she walks toward me, that calm, practiced tone of hers only making it worse. “I told you about this last night. You even responded.”

I stare at her, completely lost. “Mom, I was probably asleep,” I say, my voice trembling. “Why is this even happening? They don’t even get along— they can barely stand each other. So why are they getting married?”

Her sigh is sharp and full of irritation. “Okay, that’s enough. You’re being overly dramatic now,” she says, her smile tightening as her eyes flick to the guests. “You shouldn’t act like this in front of people.”

I let out a bitter scoff. Of course. The guests. Always appearances first.

I turn and walk away before she can say another word. She calls my name, her voice echoing down the hall, but I don’t stop. I can’t.

As soon as I reach my room, I slam the door shut, pressing my back against it as the tears finally fall. My chest heaves as I slide to the floor. A broken sob escapes me, and the room spins.

How could they do this to me?

Of all the men in the world, why him?

Why Stefan—the only person I’ve ever truly loved?

A sudden knock jolts me.

“Daphne, come on, open up. It’s Bella,” her voice calls from behind the door.

I scrub the tears from my cheeks, forcing my breathing to steady. When I finally open the door, I glare at her with everything I have left.

“If looks could kill, I’d be dead,” she says, half amused, half smug.

“What do you want?” I snap, stepping aside to let her in before collapsing onto the bed.

“First of all, Daphne, you’re being a little crazy right now,” she starts, folding her arms. “And second, I didn’t know you weren’t aware of my engagement.”

I let out a harsh laugh. “Why, Bella? Why Stefan? You’ve said a hundred times how disgusting he is to you. You don’t even like him, so why marry him?”

She hesitates, then lifts her chin, her tone almost defiant.

“Okay, fine. I’ll tell you. Stefan and I… we’ve been together for four years now.”

The air leaves my lungs. My eyes widen as the words sink in—every beat of my heart echoing louder, harder, until it feels like the room is collapsing around me.

“I didn’t tell you because of our family relationship,” Bella begins, her tone careful, almost rehearsed. “I mean… we were supposed to act like siblings since we grew up together, so we kept it a secret. It went on for years. Then his parents and Mom thought it would be best if we got engaged—so the families could stay close. You know, since his father and Dad were best friends before he passed away.”

Her voice softens, eyes bright with something I can’t bear to look at. “So to them, it’s an arranged marriage. But to Stefan and me… our love will finally blossom.”

Her words twist like knives in my chest. I blink fast, but the tears spill anyway, burning down my cheeks.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she says gently, stepping closer. “Please don’t cry. I know you’re crying because I’ll be leaving soon, but don’t worry—we’ll never be apart.”

She wraps her arms around me, holding me tightly.

If only she knew.

If only she knew these tears aren’t for her leaving. They’re for everything she’s taking from me—the only thing I’ve ever truly loved.

If only she knew how much I hate her right now. She wouldn’t dare touch me.

“Mom’s upset about the way you reacted,” she continues, pulling back just enough to look at me. “You don’t want to ruin everyone’s mood, right? So come with me.”

I force my lips into a trembling smile. “You’re right. I mean… what can I even do now? You two are getting engaged, so the least I can do is be happy for you, right?”

“That’s why I love you, sissy.” She beams, taking my hand. “Come on, this engagement won’t happen without you.”

My legs feel numb as I follow her downstairs. The chatter fades the moment everyone sees me. Their worried faces blur together under the light.

“I’m sorry for how I acted earlier,” I say, forcing out the words with a small, polite smile. “It was just… impulse.”

“You don’t have to worry, Daphne,” Bianca cuts in, smiling as she walks over to me. “That’s exactly what I told them. Our siblings are getting married, which means we’re all bonded for life!” she squeaks, excitement glowing in her eyes.

I return her smile, though mine barely reaches my cheeks.

“Now that everyone’s here,” my mom says brightly, “let’s get it started!”

Applause. Laughter. Flashing lights.

But all I can do is stand there and watch.

Watch Stefan’s eyes as they lock on Bella. That soft gaze—the one I thought was mine—now belongs to her.

My teeth sink into my lip to stop the trembling.

I watch him slip the ring onto her finger, and in that single moment, something inside me shatters so completely I can almost hear it.

When the engagement ends, Bianca claps her hands. “Let’s go out! Just the four of us. No adults!”

Every part of me wants to say no. To run upstairs, crawl under the covers, and never face them again.

But Bianca begs, her voice slurred with excitement, and I can’t say no. Not without drawing attention.

We end up at a club—loud music, flashing lights, laughter echoing around me. I sit quietly, the sound drowning out my thoughts. I don’t drink, not tonight. Just water. My heart already feels heavy enough.

“This is good, Daphne,” Bianca giggles, her words tumbling together. “You don’t get drunk, so you can take us home.” Her head drops to the table, completely wasted.

“I’ll get us all a room,” Stefan says, steadying Bella beside him. “Daphne can’t drive.”

My jaw tightens. “I’m not ten anymore, Stefan. I have my driver’s license. I’ll take us home.”

“No chance. I’ll get us a room,” Stefan says, pushing himself up from the couch.

I watch him walk off toward the counter, shoulders slightly hunched, his movements unsteady. Bella and Bianca lean into each other, whispering between fits of giggles. I don’t even bother trying to listen. My chest already feels too tight.

A few minutes later, Stefan returns, the key card in his hand—and Bella in his arms.

My heart twists painfully at the sight. He carries her like she’s something precious, and for a second, I forget how to breathe.

I turn away quickly and move to help Bianca, who can barely stand. “Come on,” I whisper, wrapping an arm around her waist. She stumbles every few steps, laughing under her breath as I half-drag her toward the room Stefan booked.

By the time we get there, my arms ache, and my head feels heavy. We lay both Bella and Bianca on the bed; they fall asleep almost instantly.

“I should head to my room,” Stefan mutters, swaying slightly as he turns toward the door.

“Do you need help with that?” I ask before I can stop myself, concern slipping through despite everything.

“No, I—” He doesn’t finish. His knees buckle, and he hits the floor with a dull thud.

I sigh. “You definitely need my help,” I murmur, bending down to lift him up. His arm falls around my shoulders, heavy and warm. “Come on. I’ll take you to your room.”

It takes effort, but we finally make it down the hall. I set him gently on the bed, brushing the hair off my face as I exhale. “There. You’re good now.”

I turn to leave—

But his fingers wrap around my wrist, stopping me cold.

My pulse stutters.

I look back. His eyes are closed, breathing slow and heavy. “Stefan?” I whisper, trying to free my hand. But instead, he tugs—hard—and I lose my balance, falling right onto the bed beside him.

My heart pounds so fast it feels like it’s about to burst out of my chest. We’re inches apart, his breath warm against my face.

I can’t look away from his lips—soft, parted slightly as he breathes.

Every thought in my head disappears.

Before I can stop myself, I lean closer… drawn to him like gravity itself.

But just as my lips are about to touch his, his eyes flick open.

“I—” I start to speak, but the words vanish—

Because his lips are already on mine.

My eyes widen in shock, my body frozen between resistance and the rush of everything I’ve ever wanted.