INICIAR SESIÓNElena Ariana leaned closer to Landon with a soft, practiced smile. “We don’t want to overshadow Christian and Elena’s wedding,” she said gently, though her eyes flicked toward me with unmistakable challenge. “So we thought tonight would be the perfect moment to share the news, but we will get married soon.” Landon nodded in response and slid one hand into his pocket, lifting his chin slightly—his voice calm and composed as he spoke. “Ariana and I are in love,” he said, as if that single statement should explain everything. His tone held no hesitation or embarrassment, but certainty, as if he were telling the truth.“Yes,” Phaedra was the first to respond as she clasped her hands together with immediate excitement. “Well, if the children are in love, then we should let them be together,” she said warmly, her gaze sweeping the table as if daring anyone to challenge her. “We should let them be, right?” she nudged my father on the shoulder.My father said nothing and just nodded in resp
Elena“We are getting married soon,” Ariana announced, showing off her diamond ring to everyone seated.The entire table fell into stunned silence the moment Ariana announced the news. For a breathless second, no one moved or spoke, and the atmosphere tightened around us like an invisible cord.Then, unexpectedly, Christian let out a low amused laugh, as if he had just witnessed something mildly entertaining rather than shocking.Meanwhile, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the diamond ring Ariana proudly lifted in our direction. It caught the chandelier’s light with almost aggressive brilliance, and the sharp glint of it reflected her need to command attention.It was exactly the kind of ring Ariana would choose. It was extravagant, loud, and bold. I studied it calmly, letting its flash wash over me without giving her the reaction she wanted.I had seen the news about them and thought they were all fake, but that was far from the truth. In reality, I knew why Ariana was doing this. I
Elena I heaved a deep sigh as I exited the car with my grandfather and headed toward the Royal’s luxurious restaurant. Christian’s grandfather had sent out the invitations days before the wedding. Yes, that was right. Christian and I were getting married in just a few days. There was no need for this dinner, but Christian’s grandfather insisted it was a good way for both families to bond before the wedding. We were led to the private dining hall, where a long table was dressed in crisp white linens and sparkling crystal glasses. I rubbed my hands together as I approached the table set for the family. Since it was a private family event, no reporters were lurking around. Aside from the family members, the only people present were the chefs and restaurant staff. “Nervous?” my grandfather asked, standing beside me. I nodded but said nothing because my heart was racing about what to expect during the dinner. There were people I wished I did not have to see until the wedding, but th
~Ariana~Today was the day I was supposed to meet Landon, ever since we texted after Elena’s engagement.He had been postponing the meeting until we all got the marriage invitations last night.I had not expected it would come that fast, since the engagement happened a week ago.They were moving fast, and I detested it because that should have been me. My marriage, and Elena decided to steal it away from me, but as long as I had the backing that I needed, the marriage was never going to happen.I would make sure of that.The restaurant we had picked was at the center of the city to draw attention to us because it was part of the plan.Ever since Elena announced the wedding dates, it had been the talk of the town and had been trending for days on all social platforms, and what made it more memorable was her little stunt days ago.“Brain tumor?” That was my reaction when I had seen it trending on the news.I knew that it was her trying to gain attention from the public and shine because
~Christian~ When I returned, Elena wasn’t on the couch. Instead, she was admiring a piece of artwork on the wall. It was a portrait of a blue rose set against a dark background.“Hey,” I said, announcing my presence.She turned to look at me and smiled. “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t stop staring at it, and my curiosity drew me closer. I hope this doesn’t offend you in any way.”“No,” I shook my head. “I’m glad you’re admiring the art because it was painted by my mother.”Her eyes widened, and she turned back to stare at the blue rose. “This is so beautiful.”I nodded as I stood behind her. “This isn’t the only painting she made. A few were sold, and I’ve been trying to find them for years, but they’re still nowhere in sight.”“Did you ever ask your grandfather?” she asked.“I did, but my grandfather had no idea where her remaining artworks were, and I haven’t been able to find them since.”“I’m sure you’ll find them one day.”“Yes, I hope so because that’s my plan before her death anni
~Christian~ “Who did this to you?” Those were not the words I expected from her when I showed her the room.I had anticipated that she would sympathize with me because, after all, everything that had happened was caused by an unknown enemy I was still trying to identify. However, I didn’t want her pity.I showed her the room to reveal the other side of my life, the side that could either put her in danger or make her regret getting involved with me.There was no escaping my enemy, and the sooner she understood that, the better.“This is my world,” I told her, picking up one of the eyeless teddy bears. “I’ve been receiving these ever since I returned, and I still haven’t figured out who’s sending them.” Elena let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through her hair. Then she turned to me with a questioning look, her eyes settling on the teddy in my hand. “May I see it?”I was shocked that she wasn’t frightened by the sight of the teddy.“Here,” I said, handing it to her.Elena took the t







