Guess Who's Not Coming Back

Saintvelle, Lurevia.

"Reine, call Elyna. Now!"

That line hit like a jolt. I was reborn.

I grabbed my phone and dialed without blinking.

Cedric was flushed, eyes hazy and burning.

That look had wrecked me last time.

Not again.

I avoided his gaze and dipped out fast.

"She'll be here in ten," I said, already halfway out the door.

Behind me, he growled something—sounded like my name.

I pretended not to hear and closed the door hard, planting myself outside like a wall.

Ten minutes later, Elyna showed up, all flustered.

She gave me a look—half relief, half something else—when she saw my clothes were still in place.

Right before stepping in, she said, "You can go. You're not needed."

Cool.

I turned and headed upstairs to my room.

Downstairs didn't go quiet till way past midnight.

I let out a slow breath. Last time, I loved Cedric too much. Like a moth to a flame, I gave myself to him—and ended up pregnant.

He married me because he had to. Then on our wedding day, Elyna died out of nowhere. He lost the one he actually loved.

After that, he went silent—until I was about to give birth.

Then he locked me in the basement.

I begged him to save our baby, even said he could take my life instead.

It was his kid too. But he just stood there, watched us both die like that made things right.

This time? I did what he wanted. Brought Elyna to patch him up.

And soon, I'd be out of this place for good.

***

Next morning, Elyna showed up at the Gramont mansion's dining hall.

Cedric took a bite of brioche bread and potage soup, then dropped it casual: "Elyna's my girlfriend now. I'm marrying her. Be nice."

Then he pointed his fork straight at me. "Especially you. Don't cause problems for my fiancée."

I just nodded. Elyna flashed a smug little smile.

I pretended not to notice, pushed my plate aside, and stood to leave. That’s when I heard Elyna start to sob.

"Cedric," she sniffled, "does Reine not want me here? I know she's important to you. If she hates me, maybe I should just go..."

Tears, soft voice, full pity mode.

Cedric's jaw tightened. "Reine, sit down and finish your breakfast."

"I'm done."

His tone snapped. "Reine Rouvroy, I told you to sit down! Don't you understand plain language? Have you forgotten basic manners? I raised you—is this what I taught you?"

I didn't want anything to do with either of them. But they just couldn't take a hint.

I turned and gave them both a polite, fake smile.

"Uncle Cedric. Miss Elyna. I've eaten. Enjoy your breakfast. I'm out."

Half an hour later—there's a knock at my door.

I opened it and found Cedric standing there, eyes stormy.