Chapter 5

Seraphina’s POV

After finishing the packing—visa, documents, even the formal renouncement of my U.S. citizenship—there was only one thing left on my list: Lila’s birthday party.

Kael and his new bride would be there. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.

Before I left my apartment, I stood in front of the mirror one last time.

My makeup today was bolder than usual—sharper eyeliner, smoky shadow, and a scarlet-red lip.

The dress was a black, mermaid-cut gown that clung in all the right places.

This version of myself was the one I had always buried when Kael was around—because somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that he only liked the softer version. The quieter girl who knew how to disappear in a room full of power.

Well, not anymore.

…

Lila’s party was held at the grandest hotel in the city. The ballroom could easily fit a thousand people.

I figured I could slip in unnoticed.

But of course, the second I stepped through the doors, the spotlight just so happened to sweep across the entrance.

All heads turned.

Including Kael’s.

He stood near the front, beside Vivienne, half-turned in conversation with a senator’s son or someone equally well-connected.

His gaze snapped to me instantly, dragging over my outfit, head to toe.

No expression. But there was a flicker—something unreadable.

Displeasure? Discomfort?

I couldn’t care less.

Vivienne spotted me next. She smiled. “Seraphina!” Her voice rang loud. Friendly, almost too much.

We didn’t know each other well.

To me, Vivienne had always been just a name—something whispered on other people’s lips. She’d only returned to the States this year.

“Hey, Vivienne.” I nodded, meeting her gaze.

Laughter bubbled somewhere behind us. I could already hear the low murmurs.

“Isn’t that Kael’s ex?”

“Ex? Please, they were never a couple. She was only following Kael like some kind of groupie…”

“No drama behind those three? Damn, I was hoping for a fight.”

“She looks stunning though. Does any heartbroken girl look that good?”

Vivienne raised her glass with a polished smile. “I heard Kael and I accidentally scheduled the wedding on your birthday. Think you’ll join us later that night?”

There was no way to miss the edge beneath her words. A challenge, perfectly wrapped in civility.

I picked up a glass from a passing tray and clinked it gently against hers.

“Congratulations,” I said, my voice light. “But I won’t be available that night.”

The murmurs flared again.

“She didn’t even blink.”

“Is she faking it?”

“Probably.”

A girl in a curve-hugging cocktail dress strutted up to me. “Seraphina, right?” she said, flipping her hair off her shoulder, “I’m Vivienne’s best friend. Maid of honor, too.”

Good for her.

She leaned in slightly, voice dipping just enough to signal this wasn’t a friendly chat.

“My advice? If you really wish Kael and Vivienne the best—which I hope you do—then maybe don’t go knocking on Kael’s door again. Don’t walk around acting like the two of you were ever a thing. And definitely don’t act like he liked you back.”

I looked right past her shoulder—straight into Kael’s eyes.

I thought even if we weren’t together—he’d at least stop them from turning this into a circus.

Especially tonight. Especially at Lila’s party.

But he looked like he had no intention of getting involved. He was simply watching the scene unfold—detached, almost indifferent—like just another spectator in the room.

I shifted my gaze back to the maid of honor and gave her a smile.

“Don’t worry,” I said sweetly. “There’s nothing going on between Kael and me. To me, he’s only family. Right, Uncle Kael?”

That did it.

Kael’s face went taut—jaw tight, eyes sharp, the flicker of something just beneath the surface.

Uncle.

Apparently, that was offensive now.

Funny. I thought he wanted me to call him like that.

After all, I was just family to you, right, Kael?

I turned without waiting for a response and made my way toward Lila, handing her the gift.

I told myself I was fine. That I was over it. But my heart still pulled—tight and aching—as I watched Kael move through the room, introducing Vivienne to everyone, lifting her hand like she was royalty as they stepped onto the dance floor, kissing her under the chandelier as the crowd burst into cheers.

After a few drinks, I stepped outside into the garden, toward the fountain, trying to have some fresh air, when a voice followed me out.

“Seraphina. Why are you out here all alone?”

I turned and found Vivienne behind me.

She stepped closer, stopping just short of me. “Are you upset with Kael?” she asked. “That he’s marrying me... and not you?”

“Why would I be upset?” I threw the question back.

Vivienne tilted her head, eyes narrowing just slightly. “Come on, Seraphina. I already knew about you two. Kael told me… about your confession. That six years ago, you said you loved him. That you were willing to wait for him—years—to prove it.”

I cleared my throat, “It was immature. The old me, thinking I could love someone like Kael. But I’ve grown up since then.”

I straightened my shoulders. “Kael and I—we’re practically two different species. We never would’ve worked. So yes, Vivienne. My congratulations on your marriage… they’re real.”

My congratulations had been real— As real as the ache still lodged in my chest.

Vivienne smiled at that. She adjusted her dress, stepped closer, and gently reached for my hands.

“I’m so glad you see it that way,” she said softly. “But just in case…”

A sudden push—hard and fast—shoved me backward.

She stumbled forward too, catching onto me as if by accident.

“Just to be sure,” I heard her whisper, voice steady even as the world tilted, “I have to know where Kael’s emotions really lie.”

The fountain was deeper than I expected. The cold hit first, followed by panic as water rushed into my nose and mouth.

I kicked upward, arms flailing, lungs burning.

And for a second, I thought I saw Kael.

I thought he’d dive for me, reaching for my hand, saving me like before.

But he didn’t even bother to glance in my direction.

His arms cut through the water—straight to Vivienne. Like I wasn’t even there.

Then everything went dark.