Chapter 3

Daniel drove me back to Falkner Estate in North Belcaster.

I sat in the passenger seat, watching neon streaking past the window. I felt hollow inside.

"We're here," Daniel said.

After parking the car, he came around to open my door.

Why did he always do this? He didn't love me, but he wanted me in his bed and treated me with such gentleness.

My nose prickled as I climbed out, suitcase trailing behind. The house was too familiar, every corner steeped in memories of when we couldn't keep our hands off each other.

Daniel reached for my suitcase, intending to take it to the room that was mine.

"No, it's fine," I said, moving toward the guest room. "I'm only here for a few days. The guest room will do."

He stopped mid-step. "You can stay as long as you want."

I set my suitcase in the guest room and closed the door.

Perched on the bed's edge, I stared at my phone. 12 more days, and I'd leave Belcaster, the city I'd grown up in, for good.

…

The next morning, I went downstairs to find Daniel already having breakfast in the dining room. He looked up and gestured to the seat across from him.

A maid brought milk and toast as soon as I sat.

"Daniel," I said.

He glanced up, eyes calm behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

"Did you know Serena is Rowena's daughter?"

"I only learned yesterday," he answered evenly, without the faintest flicker of guilt.

I let out a bitter laugh. "What is Serena to you?"

Daniel set his coffee down. "A high school classmate. She once took a knife for me and saved my life. She's been recovering in Norvane ever since."

"Really? Just a classmate? The one who saved your life? That's all?"

His brow tightened. "Freya, I don't want you targeting her just because she's moved into the Seymour residence."

I laughed, bitterness edging my voice. "Is that a warning?"

His tone cut like ice. "It's a reminder. Rena's not well. She can't take any strain."

I simply nodded.

His blunt defense of her was more than I'd expected. What else was there to ask?

"I understand," I said finally, standing. "I'm going upstairs."

I spent the whole day in the guest room. The maids brought lunch and dinner up, and I didn't go downstairs.

That night, I lay in bed, unable to sleep. This was usually when Daniel would push the door open and pin me beneath him without a word. He'd grip my waist and call me "princess".

But tonight, the hallway stayed quiet.

Of course, Serena was back at his side. Why would he think of me now?

…

The next day fell on the weekend, so Daniel didn't go to the office.

At around 10:00 am, he knocked on my door. "Freya, there's a gathering tonight. Come with me."

I opened the door to find he had already changed into a black suit.

"What kind of gathering?"

"A gathering with our circle."

I really didn't want to be alone in this house full of memories, so I nodded.

…

At 7:00 pm, Daniel's car pulled up outside a private club.

I followed him in and found the place warmly decorated, with flowers and ribbons everywhere. It was nothing like the business-circle gatherings I'd been to before.

Before I could ask, a familiar voice rang out. "Danny! You finally made it!"

Serena glided over in a white evening gown, light as a butterfly. When she saw me, her expression froze for a beat, then she lit up with a sweet smile.

"Freya, you're here too! That's wonderful!"

I glanced around and spotted a banner that read, "Welcome back, Serena."

So this was what Daniel had brought me to—a party to celebrate her return to the country.

I turned to leave, but Serena stepped in front of me. She looked at me with concern.

"Freya, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well? I heard you moved out of the house. Was it because of me? I'm so sorry. I didn't know Mr. Seymour would put me in your room."

Her voice was soft and gentle, yet loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. A few guests looked over at me with a hint of curiosity.

"It's fine. It's just a room," I said.

Serena's eyes filled with tears. "But Mr. Seymour said you'd even severed ties with him. It's all because of me. If I hadn't come back—"

"Serena," I cut her off. "Whatever happened between Alfred and me has nothing to do with you. You're an outsider."

Her tears spilled over, and she looked up at Daniel, tearful and fragile.

He came over, shot me a warning glance, then said gently to her, "Don't cry. Your eyes will puff up."

Then he took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her tears.

She broke into a small, tearful laugh. "You're so sweet to me, Danny."

I stood there watching the cozy little scene, my chest aching like it was sitting in an ice bath.

I turned for the drinks table, picked up a glass of champagne, and downed half in one go.