Chapter 6

I didn't get a chance to explain.

The sudden violent storm made the entire ship rock and sway.

The captain announced that all passengers should return to their rooms.

Watching Kieran disappear farther and farther away with the crowd, I closed my mouth weakly and smiled bitterly.

Forget it.

Back in my room, I curled up in the corner, listening to the chaos of the world outside, but feeling only deathly silence within.

My phone screen lit up abruptly in the darkness with a chime - a picture message from Scarlett.

My ice-cold fingertips tapped it open, and a new photo popped up.

The background seemed to be the luxury suite on the ship's top deck. Kieran was wearing a bathrobe, his figure lazily leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window, while she smiled sweetly at the camera.

I bit my lip hard, the taste of blood spreading in my mouth.

My chest felt like it had been struck by a blunt weapon, aching dully.

Like a masochistic fool, my fingers scrolled upward uncontrollably, the screen's light illuminating my pale face.

One after another, photo after photo - from the day they confirmed their relationship, these pictures hinting at their intimacy had never stopped coming.

Looking at the occasional gentle expressions on his face that I'd never seen before, tears still rolled down pathetically.

With trembling fingers, I typed out that question I'd asked countless times but never received an answer to.

"Why?"

We used to be so close. I told her all my girlish secrets. Why did she turn around and betray me?

This time, she replied lightning fast, with a tone of triumphant satisfaction.

"Why? Aria, do you still not understand? Because I'm jealous of you! I've been jealous of you since we were kids! Why do you get to take for granted all his attention and affection? Such a wonderful man - why should his eyes only see you, his thoughtless niece? Do you know how disgusting you look every time you throw tantrums relying on his indulgence? Coveting your own uncle - you're shameless beyond belief!"

"I'm clearly the one more suited to stand beside him! But his gaze always followed you! Even in the deepest drawer of his study, he keeps your baby fangs from when you first shifted and your childish cub drawings! What gives you the right?"

"But now it's good - he personally told me he finds you suffocating, that your feelings disgust him! He's mine now, completely and utterly mine! Aria, I'm warning you - give up that hopeless dream and stay away from my fiancé! Stop using that pitiful expression to get his attention - he'll only find it more annoying!"

Each word fell on me like snowflakes, light and airy, but piling up until they caused an avalanche, completely destroying my rationality.

Rage mixed with long-suppressed resentment, I furiously typed on my phone.

"No matter how shameless I am, I can't compare to you! Stealing the person your best friend has secretly loved for so long - Scarlett, you're the most shameless and disgusting one!"

After viciously hitting send, I blocked and deleted all her contact information.

The world was finally quiet. I collapsed into the sofa, completely drained.

A sleepless night. Just as I drowsily closed my eyes at dawn, violent knocking exploded like thunder.