Chapter 8

“And,” Orion picked up a set of blueprints from his desk, “I’m having your old study redecorated.”

My heart hammered against my ribs.

That study was my life’s work for the past five years. It held all my intelligence files, every smuggling route I designed.

And that antique Italian desk—it was the first gift Orion ever gave me.

“To Sienna’s taste,” he added, his voice casual. “She likes pink and white. Says it’s more feminine.”

Sienna slid off his lap, smoothing her skirt. “Thank you, darling. I never liked that dreary, dark decor anyway.”

She looked at me, her eyes glinting with triumph. “I hope you don’t mind. After all, it’s going to be my studio now.”

My nails dug into my palms, nearly breaking the skin.

I knew I would be replaced. I just didn’t think it would be this fast.

I stood there, frozen, my hands clenched into fists, a bitter smile on my lips.

It didn’t matter.

None of it mattered anymore.

I wasn’t going to make the same mistake again.

A passport can be replaced. A love that’s been tainted… can be thrown away.

“Do whatever you want.”

I turned and walked out.

Before heading back to the penthouse, I used my family’s channels to get an expedited replacement for my passport.

For the next few days, Orion didn't come back.

It was our first cold war.

The next time I saw him was at a massive charity gala.

Tomorrow was the day I would leave.

The gala was packed with the elite of Chicago and beyond.

I wore a simple, elegant black Valentino gown.

The moment I walked in, I saw Orion and Sienna.

She was in a fire-engine red, backless dress, clinging to his arm, her smile radiant.

It was the first time we’d seen each other since our fight. I said nothing. I wanted no more drama.

After the dinner, the ball began. Sienna immediately stood and offered her hand to Orion. “Orion, may I have the honor of the first dance?”

I saw Orion look at me. I knew why. On important occasions like this, we had always danced together.

But I was leaving tomorrow. I wasn’t going to get involved in whatever he had with Sienna.

I just sat there quietly, saying nothing.

Orion’s face darkened. He looked angry. He put his arm around Sienna and led her to the dance floor. “Of course. I’ll dance with you for as long as you want.”

As I forced myself not to watch them, a smooth voice spoke from behind me.

I turned to see a handsome man with blond hair and blue eyes.

“Miss Evangeline, I’m William Harrison, a reporter for the New York Times.” He offered his hand. “It’s an honor.”

“Hello.” I shook his hand politely.

“May I have this dance?”

I hesitated for a second, then nodded. “Of course.”

This time, I didn’t refuse another man’s invitation.

William was a wonderful dancer. As we moved across the floor, his witty conversation made me forget my troubles for a moment.

“You have a beautiful smile,” he whispered in my ear.

Just then, a powerful hand clamped down on my wrist.

“Excuse me.”

Orion stood before us, his face a dark storm cloud.

“Mr. Corvo—” William started to say, but Orion’s glare silenced him.

“We need to talk.”

He dragged me off the dance floor without another word, pulling me through the crowd to a deserted balcony.

The moonlight washed over us as he slammed me into his arms.

He gritted his teeth, his voice a vicious whisper in my ear. “Dancing with another man right in front of me? You’ve gotten bold.”

His grip on my waist was crushing, as if he wanted to merge my body with his.

“So what?” I broke free from his hold. “My private life is none of your business.”

“None of my business?” He sneered. “Evangeline, you are my—”

“I’m not!” I cut him off. “You’re getting married! I’m not anything of yours!”

He froze, then stalked toward me.

“Is that so? Let’s put that to the test.”

The next second, he pinned me against the balcony railing and kissed me, his mouth savage and demanding.

His kiss was full of possession and rage, as if he wanted to devour me whole.

All my recent pain and heartbreak boiled over. I shoved him away, my voice cold. “I told you, there’s nothing between us anymore.”

I turned and walked back to my dance partner, ignoring the burning gaze on my back.

The first dance ended.

A spotlight hit the stage, and Orion walked up with Sienna.

He stood in the center of the dance floor, his eyes locked on me.

“Tonight, I have some good news to share.”

“Next week, I will be marrying Miss Sienna Rossi. This is not just the union of two people, but an alliance between two great families.”

Sienna beamed, the massive pink diamond on her finger flashing under the lights.

The hall erupted in cheers and applause.

I watched calmly, even clapping along.

But my heart ached with a pain so sharp I could barely breathe.

No. He’s getting married next week, and I’m leaving tomorrow. This is a good thing.

I downed a glass of champagne and turned to leave.

As I passed the hotel garden’s fountain, Sienna blocked my path. “Miss De Luca. You’ve been with Orion for five years. It must hurt to see him marry me.”

I laughed, a cold, sharp sound. “You two deserve each other. One a gold-digger, the other a liar. A perfect match.”

“You can talk all you want. You’re just jealous Orion is marrying me,” she said with a raised eyebrow.

As she spoke, she took a few steps back, closer to the fountain’s edge. The moonlight reflecting on the water was eerie.

“I’ve always been curious,” Sienna said suddenly. “What are you and Orion like in bed?”

My face flushed.

“Did he ever tell you how boring you are?”

“You—”

“Because that’s what he told me.” Her smile turned wild. “He said you’re like a wooden doll. No challenge at all.”

My breathing grew ragged.

“And me? He can’t get enough of me.” She licked her lips. “Let’s see if you’re really as unfazed as you claim.”

Before I could react, Sienna screamed, stumbling backward. She grabbed my hand, pulling me with her. As she hit the water, her hand flew to her stomach. “The baby! Orion, save our baby!”

The next thing I knew, I was being dragged into the freezing water.

Water flooded my nose and mouth. I struggled, finally breaking the surface.

I saw Orion dive in. I instinctively reached for him, screaming for help. “Orion! I can’t swim! Help me…”

But I watched, horrified, as he swam right past me and pulled Sienna out of the water.

I started to sink again. Orion was already on the edge, holding Sienna.

For a split second, our eyes met across the water. His were cold. Empty. Like he was looking at a stranger already dead.

Then he turned his back on me and strode away.