CHAPTER 8: When Everything Breaks

Selene had woken up with eyes swollen from tears and a throbbing headache pressing behind her temples.

The morning sun poured gently through the windows. She had cried herself to sleep, and now the evidence was clear on her face. No makeup could mask the puffiness. She washed her face with cold water, looked into the mirror, and saw a reflection marked by pain.

The penthouse was still and silent. Avalon had gone out for his usual morning run—Mrs. Liu had said it was a routine he never skipped. Selene moved slowly through the spacious rooms, feeling out of place, as if she didn’t belong.

She found herself drawn to his study, the one room she’d been avoiding. Dark wood shelves lined with books. A desk that probably cost more than her car. Everything is precise and organised.

And then, tucked away on the lowest shelf, nearly out of sight—a photo album.

Her hands quivered as she reached for it. The leather cover was soft from years of use and care. She knew she probably shouldn’t open it. Yet, her fingers were already flipping through the pages.

There she was. Younger. Smiling brightly. Avalon’s arm was resting gently on her shoulders at graduation. Another picture from that little coffee shop near campus. She could still recall that day clearly. He had brought her corny jokes along with a warm cup of coffee.

Page after page of a life she’d abandoned.

A slip of paper drifted out from between the pages. Not a photo, but a letter. The handwriting was shaky, yet unmistakably hers.

My dearest Avalon,

If you’re reading this, it means I’m no longer here, and you’re probably upset about the will. I understand how your mind works, dear boy. You might believe I’ve interfered, steered things, forced your hand. Maybe I have.

But I saw the way you looked at her on my eightieth birthday. Yes, she came. She stayed at the back, only for ten minutes, and left before you noticed. But I saw you both. Her eyes never left you. And yours... There was a pain there that I hadn’t seen before.

I don’t know what happened between you two. You never spoke of it, and she never would. But I recognise love when I see it. And I see when two people are too stubborn or too hurt to fight for what they truly want.

So I’m fighting for you—both of you.

Give her a chance, Avalon. Give yourself a chance. Whatever tore you apart, ask yourself if it’s worth spending your life wondering “what if.”

All my love, Nene

Selene’s hands trembled so much she almost dropped the letter. Nene had found her. Five years ago. She had driven up from LA for the party, stayed in the shadows, and watched Avalon laugh with people who were a part of his world. She watched him and believed she had made the right choice.

But Nene hadn’t felt that way.

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

Selene whirled around. Avalon stood in the doorway, still damp with sweat from his run, his face unreadable.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s okay.” He stepped past her and grabbed a towel. “We need to leave in an hour for board brunch.”

Right. The show went on without pause. Selene gently put the letter back and returned the album to the shelf. When she looked up, Avalon was studying her intently.

“Did you read it?” he asked quietly.

“Nene’s letter? Yes.”

“And?”

“And she was a romantic. She saw what she wanted to see.”

Avalon’s jaw clenched. “Perhaps she noticed things we’re too blind to see.”

Before Selene could say anything, her phone buzzed. Once. Twice. Then three times quickly. It was Maya. Her heart sank.

“I have to answer this.”

She barely reached her room before picking up. “Maya?”

“Lena.” Her sister’s voice was fragile, filled with pain. “The treatment isn’t working.”

Everything seemed to shift. Selene gripped the dresser, feeling her knees weaken.

“What do you mean?”

Dr Mueller ordered fresh scans. The tumours haven’t gotten smaller—they’re actually getting bigger. Maya’s breath caught. He wants to try a new approach, something more intense, but it’s still experimental.

The insurance won’t pay for it. That much was clear.

“No. And Lena...” Maya’s tears were falling now. The full treatment would cost $300,000. I can’t ask you for that. You’ve already given up so much.

Selene pressed her hand to her mouth, choking back a sob. Maya was twenty-eight. She was supposed to beat this; she is supposed to live.

“How much time do we have?” she asked.

“Dr Mueller wants to start in two weeks if I’m a good candidate. But without the money…” Maya trailed off. They both knew what that meant.

I saw the wedding announcement. Avalon Pierce. Maya’s voice was barely above a whisper. Lena, what have you done?

What I needed to do.

You married him because of me…the money?

I married him because of my love for you and would do it all over again. Selene’s voice faltered. You’re the only thing I have left, Maya. So you’re going to keep fighting, I’m going to get you that money, and you’re going to survive. Do you understand?

I love you.

I love you too. More than you know..”

The call ended. Selene stared at her reflection—mascara streaking, hands shaking. Three hundred thousand dollars on top of the two hundred thousand she’d already spent. She’d have to ask Avalon for more. She would grovel and beg and admit why she’d really married him, if she had to.

The bathroom door was closed, but not locked. She heard it open, felt his presence before she saw him.

“Selene.”

She couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze. She couldn’t bear for him to see her in this vulnerable state. Yet, when his hand rested softly on her shoulder, the gentle touch carried a warmth that overwhelmed her defences.

“My sister,” she whispered, voice trembling. “My sister is slipping away.”

Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her, and she crumbled against him, the sobs tearing through her so fiercely she struggled to catch her breath. He offered no questions, no words of comfort—just a steady embrace, one hand threading through her hair, the other resting firmly against her back.

After a decade, Selene finally allowed herself to rely on him.

And for the first time since she had returned to his life, Avalon held her as if she were something valuable, not something shattered.