Chapter 4

It wasn't until the party really got underway that I realized how attentive Daniel was to Serena.

He pulled out her chair and blew on the hot toasts for her. When her strap slipped, he set it back in place with a light touch on her shoulder.

None of that was ever for me. In the two years I'd been with Daniel, he never once did those things for me of his own accord.

I used to think that was simply his nature—cool, controlled, above such small courtesies. But it wasn't. He just wouldn't do them for me.

In ten days, Belcaster would be behind me. And with it, any chance of him treating me that way.

I held my glass of champagne, listening as Serena laughed softly and chatted with the other guests.

She spoke about recuperating in Norvane and how she'd missed Belcaster—every line polished, graceful, perfectly right.

Beside me, a woman whispered, "Rena's such a lovely young woman. With Daniel doting on her like that, the two of them are bound to end up together."

My grip tightened on the glass stem.

The host bounded up to lift the mood. "Alright, everybody, game time! We'll do a this-or-that round!"

As the big screen flared on, the host explained the rules. "Two photos will appear on the screen, and you pick the one you prefer. Mr. Falkner, since you're the guest of honor tonight, you're up first!"

First up was a pair of red wines. Without the slightest hesitation, Daniel chose the one on the left—the lower-alcohol one.

"Rena can't drink anything too strong," he explained.

The room whooped.

Next came two bouquets—roses and lilies.

Daniel picked the lilies. "Rena prefers white flowers."

The third pair showed two getaway spots—Maravea and Veylund.

"Veylund. Rena needs fresh air to recuperate," he said.

Every pick he made was about Serena.

I watched Daniel on stage and thought about our two years together. He never asked what I liked. He never remembered what I loved to eat or where I loved to go.

The host's voice rang out, brimming with excitement. "And now, the final round! This one's a little special—two beautiful ladies!"

The big screen lit with two photos.

On the left was Serena, in a white dress. She was smiling softly in a garden, looking as pure as an angel. On the right was a photo of me, in a red evening dress at a party, my gaze bold and blazing.

The room went quiet.

All eyes turned to Daniel. He stood on stage, staring at the screen, saying nothing for a few seconds.

Those seconds felt like centuries to me. I knew he'd choose Serena. Still, I clung to one last, fragile hope that he might pick me, even if it was just for show, or out of pity.

Daniel's voice came over the microphone. "I choose… Rena."

The room erupted in loud applause and good-natured jeers. I set my champagne down, turned on my heel, and bolted out of the private room.

In the restroom, I faced the mirror and drew deep breaths, trying to calm myself. I shouldn't have expected anything from the start.

Once I'd pulled myself together, I headed back out, ready to return to the private room.

The hallway was dim, shadows pooling in the corners. I had just turned the corner when a few drunk men blocked my way.

One of them staggered closer, reeking of liquor. "Hey, pretty thing. All alone? How about a drink with us?"

I stepped back. "Move."

Another reached for me. "Don't be so cold. We just wanna get to know you."

I kept backing up and, out of the corner of my eye, caught sight of Daniel standing in the doorway of the private room. He was talking to a guest.

I shot him a pleading look.

Daniel saw me. His expression darkened, and he made his way toward me.

Just then, a cry of pain rang out from inside the room. "Ouch! My foot…"

Daniel spun around to find Serena clinging to a chair, her face white as a sheet.

He hurried to her. "What happened?"

With tears gathering in her eyes, she looked heartbreakingly delicate. "I think I twisted my ankle."

Daniel crouched at once to check her ankle, forgetting I was there in the hallway.

Serena whispered something to him, and without even looking back, he said, "Don't worry about her. She'll handle it herself."

Right then, something in me died.

I snatched a bottle of red wine from the table beside me and smashed it against the wall. With a bang, shards flew, and the drunk men were startled.

I raised the broken bottle, its jagged mouth aimed at them. "Get lost!"

They saw the menace in my eyes and slunk off at once.

Shards dug into my palm, blood pattering onto the floor. I stared at the gash, felt the sharp burn, and told myself it was nothing.

…

After the party, I stood alone at the club entrance, waiting for a ride.

Daniel came out, guiding Serena forward at a slow pace. She spotted me and came over.

"Freya, I'm really sorry about earlier. I suddenly twisted my ankle. That's why Danny couldn't be there for you. But it looks like you handled it well."

Her gaze dropped to my injured hand, smugness flickering in her eyes.

I let out a cold laugh. "Yeah. I've always been good at handling things on my own."

Serena's smile was all sugar. "That's good. Honestly, I worried a little when Danny brought you here tonight. After all, you two…"

"What?"

She leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't actually think Danny has any special feelings for you, do you? Freya, he only pities you. You're homeless now, and he's letting you stay out of kindness. That's all."

"Is that so?"

A flicker of malice showed in her eyes. "Of course. You saw the game tonight. Danny's heart has room for only me. He's been that way since high school and will never change."

Just then, a black sedan veered out of control, hurtling straight at us.

Daniel reacted instantly, lunging forward to pull Serena into his arms and shielding her. The car plowed into me, slamming me to the ground.