MasukA chill crawls up my spine despite the heat, and my legs feel weak, forcing me to grip the edge of the glass partition to steady myself.“I’ve faced death, betrayal, heartbreak, my name tarnished — but this? This somehow feels different. Because I will be doing it, exposed to the world.” I think to
“Maybe I should just come clean to the press and tell my story first, so they’ll stop looking for Ivy. I can reclaim everything once and for all—publicly.”The words hang in the air for a moment before I feel him move behind me, his arms slipping around my waist, his breath warm against my neck.“Th
VICTORIAThe bathroom smells like lavender and rain, but I can still taste the smoke of gunfire in the back of my throat.I’m seated on the edge of the bathtub, knees drawn close, my reflection trembling against the white marble tiles.I watch as the city hums faintly beyond the glass, but my mind i
“I don’t know if I’m happy he’s alive,” she says softly, her voice barely there. “And that makes me feel… anxious.”I turn to her, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “He won’t get near you again,” I promise. “Once he’s out of the hospital, he’s going straight to prison. He won’t even breathe
CHASEThe sound of the gunshot still hums in my ears like a ghost that refuses to leave.I’m standing over Harry, my chest rising and falling too fast, Vivienne still in my grip, thrashing, screaming so loud I can barely hear my own thoughts.She’s a storm of hysteria and grief, but her voice feels
Vivienne’s head jerks toward me, confusion and anger battling in her eyes. “Shut up, Ivy.”“He married me because I was young and stupid and inherited millions,” I continue, ignoring the gun aimed at my head. “But you—” I pause, my tone softening into a cruel smile. “You were the one who handed him







