Chapter 4

Seraphina’s POV

I almost didn’t go to the party.

The moment I opened the shopping bag and saw the expensive designer dress inside, I wanted to throw it away.

But in the end, I wore it. After all, I only had two days left before leaving. There was no point creating unnecessary trouble now.

The black dress fit perfectly. Silas always knew my measurements.

That thought made me laugh bitterly. For ten years, I mistook familiarity for love.

Now I know better.

An hour later, Silas and I arrived at the party.

The moment we entered the luxurious villa, countless eyes landed on us. Or more specifically, me. The woman everyone knew Silas was preparing to abandon.

I ignored the stares and followed him inside. His friends were already gathered around a table near the swimming pool.

Laughter filled the air. Expensive liquor bottles covered every surface and seated at the center of it all was Evelyn Hart.

She looked beautiful. The moment she saw us, her face lit up.

“Seraphina!”

She immediately stood and walked toward me. Before I could react, she grabbed my hand affectionately.

“I love your dress.”

Her eyes swept over my body then her smile widened.

“It looks much better on you than it did on me.”

I froze.

Around us, several people exchanged amused looks.

Evelyn continued innocently. “Silas bought it for me last week.”

She laughed softly. “I didn’t really like the color, so I never wore it.”

Her gaze slowly traveled over my dress again. “But it suits you perfectly.”

The meaning behind her words couldn’t have been more obvious.

The dress wasn’t originally mine. Just like everything else. Just like my marriage. Just like my life.

Everything had belonged to Evelyn first.

For a brief moment, I saw Silas’s expression stiffen. Then he smiled awkwardly.

“Enough.”

He wrapped an arm around Evelyn’s shoulder. “Let’s just enjoy the party.”

Evelyn giggled. “Okay.”

The group soon returned to drinking and chatting.

I sat quietly in my seat as usual.

An hour later, one of Silas’s friends suddenly stood.

“This is boring.” He picked up an empty bottle, “Let’s play something.”

Immediately everyone cheered.

“What game?”

“Spin the bottle!”

The bottle was placed on the table. Laughter erupted and soon the game began.

The bottle spun twice. Several rounds passed quickly.

Then suddenly the bottle stopped pointing directly at Silas.

The group exploded.

“OHHHH!”

Silas rolled his eyes. “What now?”

The friend who spun the bottle grinned mischievously. “The dare is simple.”

He pointed toward the crowd. “Kiss the woman you love.”

The entire table immediately fell silent. Then everyone started laughing because everyone already knew the answer.

My fingers tightened around my glass.

Across from me, Evelyn lowered her gaze shyly. Silas didn’t even hesitate.

Not for a second. Not for a heartbeat. He stood up, walked straight toward Evelyn and kissed her.

The crowd erupted with cheers, whistles, and applause.

I stared quietly at the scene.

Six years of marriage. Ten years of devotion. And somehow that single kiss hurt less than I expected.

Maybe because my heart had already broken yesterday. Or maybe because I finally stopped expecting anything from him.

When they finally pulled apart, everyone was still laughing.

I quietly stood. “Excuse me.”

Nobody tried to stop me. I walked away from the party and headed toward the swimming pool.

The night air felt cool against my skin. For several minutes, I simply stood there staring at the water.

Then footsteps sounded behind me. I didn’t need to turn around. I already knew who it was.

Silas. He stopped beside me.

Neither of us spoke immediately. Finally he sighed.

“You’re not angry, are you?”

I looked at him. He actually seemed concerned.

The sight almost made me laugh. Concerned now? After publicly kissing another woman?

“It was only a game.” His voice softened, “You know how those idiots are.”

I remained silent.

Silas frowned slightly. “Seraphina. It’s just fun. You shouldn’t pay attention to things like that.”

In the past, I would’ve cried, or argued, or begged him to explain.

Tonight I simply nodded.

“Okay.”

Silas blinked. Probably surprised by how easily I accepted it.

“You’re not upset?”

“No.”

For some reason, my answer seemed to relax him.

A smile appeared on his face. The familiar smile he always wore whenever I chose obedience over conflict.

“Good.” He reached out and squeezed my shoulder, “I knew you’d understand.”

Of course. Seraphina always understands.

The thought almost made me laugh.

A few moments later, Silas’s phone rang.

Evelyn’s name flashed across the screen. His entire expression softened immediately.

“I’ll be right back.”

Then he left without another glance.

I stared at his retreating back and felt absolutely nothing.

A few minutes later, another pair of footsteps approached.

This time, I did turn around. Evelyn stood there smiling.

The moment we were alone, the sweetness disappeared from her face.

“What do you want?” I asked calmly.

Evelyn laughed. “I came to congratulate you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Congratulations?”

“Yes.” She stepped closer, “Your time is finally over. You’ve been a good placeholder all these years.”

The words didn’t hurt anymore.

Evelyn tilted her head. “You can leave now. Silas doesn’t need you anymore.”

I looked at her quietly then shrugged. “If that’s what you want.”

Her smile faltered.

I continued, “I don’t care anymore. You can have him.”

For the first time, genuine surprise flashed across her face.

“What?”

“You heard me.”

I looked toward the party, “He’s all yours.”

Something dark flashed through her eyes. For a few seconds, neither of us spoke, then Evelyn suddenly laughed.

“You know…” She stepped closer, “I’ve always wondered something. If both of us were in danger, who do you think Silas would save?”

Before I could answer she grabbed my wrist.

My eyes widened. “Evelyn—”

The next second, she pulled me forward and threw herself into the pool with me.

Cold water exploded around us.

A loud splash echoed through the night then Evelyn’s terrified scream pierced the air.

“Silas, help me!”