Chapter 4

Kael’s POV

“What does she mean by congratulations?” I frowned, rereading the text on my screen. “She didn’t even sound upset.”

Eric, my friend, lounging on the sofa with a wine glass in hand, gave me a look. “Maybe she’s not. Or maybe she already figured out the wedding’s fake. Would that even matter?”

He shrugged. “If she’s upset, she knows it won’t change anything. If she’s not… then congrats, you did your job. She won’t come clawing for you anymore. Maybe she’s finally accepted that it was never going to work out between you two.”

I should’ve felt relieved. Maybe even triumphant.

Wasn’t this what I wanted?

Over the years, I played my part. Smiled when Seraphina brought me coffee. Let her plan birthday surprises and drag me out in the rain and stitch herself into the seams of my life.

And then this year—Vivienne, my secret crush for years. She finally said the words I’d been dying to hear. That she wanted to get married.

I knew I couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer. I had to cut Seraphina loose.

The only thing I hadn’t expected was how quiet her exit would be.

One word.

Congratulations.

I stared at it, but my mind kept drifting.

Back to Seraphina’s laugh when she burned my birthday cake. Back to the time we ran through a thunderstorm and ended up huddled in one blanket, soaked and shivering and stupidly happy.

If she hadn’t been so young… If she hadn’t been Lucien’s daughter…

No. I shook my head.

Kael, you love Vivienne. Remember?

Seraphina was never more than family. Someone I looked after. Nothing else.

Eric stood and smoothed his shirt. “My advice? Play it cool. If she’s pretending to be happy, the cracks will show soon enough. It’s not like she can fake her way through your wedding. Especially not when it’s on her birthday.”

Before I could respond, the door opened.

Lila stepped in.

Seraphina’s best friend. And judging by the tight line of her mouth, she wasn’t here to say hi.

“Kael,” she said, sharp and clipped. “A word.”

I stood, buttoned my jacket, and followed her out into the hallway.

The second we were alone, she whirled on me.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

“You couldn’t even have the basic decency to respect Seraphina—or her birthday?”

Before I could open my mouth, a third voice cut in.

“What are we talking about here?”

Vivienne.

She strolled toward us, all elegance and sharp perfume, sliding her arm around mine without missing a beat.

We’d agreed on this—act like a couple, especially in front of anyone from Seraphina’s circle.

Still, I flinched as Lila’s eyes cut to where Vivienne held me.

It felt like being caught.

“I’m sorry,” Vivienne said smoothly, tilting her head with practiced sweetness. “What exactly do you mean by not respecting Seraphina’s birthday?”

She smiled up at me, leaning in closer.

Lila stared at us. Then smiled. “Nothing,” she said flatly. “Just wanted to say congratulations.”

And then she turned on her heel and walked away.

But something in her tone—too calm, too clean—twisted in my gut.

Unease curled in my chest. Was Lila’s appearance tonight one of Seraphina’s ideas? Was this her way of showing me that she was upset about the wedding?

“Kael, did I do okay?” Vivienne’s voice softened the second the door clicked shut behind Lila. She unhooked her arm from mine and looked up at me. “You said to act affectionate—especially around her people. I hope I didn’t overdo it.”

I smiled. Took her hand. “You did great.”

And with that, we headed back into the party.