LOGINSophie’s last message had been sitting in Eva’s inbox for three days.For three full days, she had stared at the glowing screen, locked in a painful cycle of typing a reply and deleting it. She knew she shouldn't feel responsible. Sophie had brought all of this on herself.Yet, looking around her quiet, comfortable life, a heavy wave of guilt settled deep in her chest anyway.Why did you help me with my debt, Sophie's message had read, when you were the same person willing to leave me to rot in that horrible place?Eva’s fingers hovered over the keyboard. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She needed to end this. She needed to say something that would close the gap, or at least ease the burning weight in her own conscience.Because I love you, she typed out rapidly, before she could lose her nerve. Even when I’m furious with you. That doesn't mean I regret making you face the reality of what you did. But I never wanted you to rot.She hit send.Sophie’s reply came back almost instan
Beatrice sat at her vanity, slowly pulling her earrings free after a long day of smiling, giving instructions, and making sure everything went exactly the way she wanted. She placed one earring on the table and reached for the other while Victor stood behind her, loosening his tie as he watched her through the mirror.“He finally got the wedding he wanted,” she said, her voice carrying the tired satisfaction of a mother who had spent weeks making sure her son had the wedding she thought he deserved.“He got the woman he wanted,” Victor replied. “That’s what actually matters.”Beatrice gave a small huff, although something softer passed through her expression. “The florist nearly ruined the centerpieces. I had to fix three things myself, in heels, in front of half the city’s elite.”“You handled it.”“I always handle it.” She placed the second earring beside the first and finally leaned back in her chair. “I’m exhausted, Victor.”Victor crossed the room and pressed a gentle kiss to the
The music was still playing when Eva slipped back inside, meaning to retrieve the small clutch she had left in the bridal suite.She pushed the door open and stopped.Clara sat alone in the dark, a glass of Beatrice’s chilled champagne in her hand. The room was lit only by the string lights filtering in through the balcony doors.“Clara?” Eva’s chest tightened. “You’re here.”Clara did not look up. She simply stared at her glass. “I’m here. Adrian insisted. He said I couldn’t hide from family functions forever.”She took a slow breath before continuing. “We aren’t staying here tonight. Adrian booked us a room at the hotel by the pier.”“He just wants you to be safe,” Eva replied, walking closer.“I know.” Clara finally raised her head. She looked tired, and her skin was very pale. “It’s been four months today, Eva. Four months sober.”“That’s incredible,” Eva said.“It’s hard,” Clara admitted, her voice dropping. “Every single day is hard. But I’m still here.”Eva’s eyes dropped brief
“Let me,” a voice said.Julian stepped into the light, his tall frame cutting a sharp, imposing silhouette in his tailored tuxedo. He didn't say anything at first. He simply reached down, his movements calm and precise, and threaded the cufflink into place. Then he moved to the other wrist, fixing it with practiced ease.Damien let out a long, ragged breath. “I feel like I can’t breathe, Jules. What if I mess up the words? What if I’m not what she needs?”.Julian looked up, meeting his anxious gaze. “You won't mess it up,” he said said, his voice dropping into a low, “And you are exactly what she needs. You loved her and that's what matters, Damien.Damien looked at Julian, a wave of relief washing over his face. He nodded, his posture finally relaxing. “Thanks, Jules.”Julian gave his shoulder a brief squeeze.“Go marry her.”The church was already full by the time they arrived.The ceremony itself was simple. There were no unnecessary speeches or long performances, just family, fri
The Castellan estate had been awake long before sunrise.It felt more like a military operation than a wedding, with staff moving in every direction and people calling out instructions as they carried flowers, boxes, trays, and last-minute decorations through the house. Beatrice stood in the middle of the grand foyer, completely in her element as she directed two different teams of florists at once.“No, not the white lilies near the archway,” she said, pointing toward the arrangement as the head planner hurried past. “We discussed this yesterday. It looks like a funeral. Replace them with the cream roses.”The planner nodded quickly.“And tell the kitchen that the champagne needs to be properly chilled before noon. I don't want anyone serving warm champagne to my guests.”“Yes, Mrs. Castellan.”Beatrice turned to another member of the staff before the woman had even finished walking away.“And the flowers for the head table should be checked again. I don't care if they were already a
“Do you remember our little secret, Julian darling?”Julian looked at her without saying anything for a moment. He knew exactly what she was referring to, and he also knew that showing her how much the words had affected him would only give her more confidence.“What do you want?” he asked.“I don't need anything yet.”“Then why are you here?”She moved closer to his desk, watching his face carefully. “Because I want you to remember that I can destroy that marriage of yours with my sister whenever I decide I've had enough of being patient.”“Be careful, Sophie.” His voice stayed controlled, made more dangerous by the lack of heat in it. “Having leverage isn't the same as having control. Don't confuse the two.”Sophie's smile faltered slightly. “Do I?”She stepped closer anyway, reaching for his tie again, her fingers grazing the fabric.Julian caught her wrist before she could make contact.“Don't touch me.” His voice didn't rise, but the warning was enough to make her stop.“And what







