Chapter 1: A Vow of Shadows

Adeline's POV

The soft snaps of the camera shutter filled the room, mingling with the patter of rain that gently stroked the studio windows. At the core of it all I stood, in a flying white dress that clung to my figure. He fixed the lens, cocked his head in admiration.

"Miss, you look outstanding. Who's the fortunate fellow?" He said in all genuine curiosity.

I managed a weak smile, rolling the diamond ring on my finger—a habit I’d developed over the years. “My husband. His name is Blake.”

The words tasted bitter, carrying memories that felt like a distant dream.

“Your husband’s a lucky man,” the photographer replied, focusing his lens again. “These pictures are perfect for renewing your vows.”

I forced a laugh. “Oh, no, they’re for my funeral.”

His brow furrowed in confusion, but before he could respond, the studio door swung open with a loud thud. Blake stood there, his presence as commanding as ever, his dark eyes narrowing as they fell on me.

“A photo shoot? Are you kidding me?” he snapped. “I’ve been calling you! Rebecca needs blood—now.”

The warmth drained from the room as his words cut through the air.

"Blake," I began, my voice shaking, "Rebecca's not my sister. She's my half-sister, and I—"

"Ungrateful," he spat, his fingers wrapping around my wrist.

"She'd trade places with you in a heartbeat," he said. "The least you can do is keep her alive."

The photographer just stood and watched as Blake dragged me toward the door, his grip on my wrist unyielding. My heart ached as I whispered to myself, Am I nothing to you, Blake? Have I always been nothing?

Three years ago, things had been different.

"I love it, Blake," I said, playing with the ring on my finger, the sparkle of tears in my eyes. "Thank you."

He had just smirked. "It's just a ring, Adeline."

I'd kissed him then, uncaring of the fissures beneath the surface. "It's everything to me."

Now, on the ride to the hospital, no sound existed inside the car other than the rhythmic drumming of the rain. I stared out the window, clutching my chest as the weight of exhaustion weighed heavy on me.

"Blake," I said softly, "please don't make me give her more blood. I don't feel well."

"You say that every time," he replied coldly. "We're going. End of discussion."

I bit my lip to suppress a scream. The truth scorched my throat. It's me who's dying, Blake. Not Rebecca.

The hospital was antiseptic and unkind. The fluorescent lights overhead cut into my brain like razor-sharp knives. The nurses hovering over me were speaking, their hushed tones joining the cacophony of the beeping equipment.

"Begin the transfusion," Blake ordered.

One of the nurses stepped forward, stalling as her eyes found me. "Mr. Rhodes, your wife seems weak-

"She's fine," Blake cut in, his voice sharp. "Rebecca's life depends on it."

Tears brimmed my eyes as they extracted blood from my arm. My heart bucked wildly against my ribcage. Blake, did you ever love me?

I remembered Three years ago; he'd seemed so desperate, asking for my help to save Rebecca.

"Adeline, you have to help Rebecca," he'd begged. "Only you can."

I'd hedged, weighing the decision that would alter my life forever. "It's my body, Blake. I don't know if I can-"

"Rebecca needs your kidney," he'd interrupted, his voice cracking. "She's going to die. Please, Adeline. Only you can save her."

His desperation had pulled at my heartstrings. "I'll do it, but on one condition."

"Anything," he'd promised.

"Marry me," I'd said, my voice shaking. "I'll give her my kidney if you marry me."

He hesitated; his face was impassive. “All right. I'll marry you. Just save her."

For a while, he grew to love me. Now, as I lay in this hospital bed, my blood being siphoned out into a bag for Rebecca, I knew better.

Two days later, I woke to find Blake sitting beside me. My heart skipped a beat with a hint of hope.

"Waiting for me to wake up?" My voice was hoarse.

He didn't say anything, his eyes scanning me as if I were a piece of machinery. "Good. You're back. Rebecca needs more blood."

My words cut me. "I can't give her more, Blake," I said weakly. "Can't you see? I'm not well-

Blake's hands found my throat; his grip was so tight enough to leave a mark. "Listen to me, Adeline. You chose this when you forced my last name onto yourself. Don't ever forget that."

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I whispered, "When are you going to let me go, Blake? Have I not been a good enough wife?

He let me go, sneering. "I will let you go when you're dead."

I could almost hear his words still ringing in my head as he stormed out of the room.

Later that night, the rain intensified. It rumbled through a sky filled with dark clouds. I sat by the hospital room window, my phone clutched in my shaking hands. I called Blake over and over again, but he did not answer.

A flash of lightning illuminated the room, and instinctively I curled into myself, the fear of storms returning from my childhood. My chest ached, and I started coughing violently, blood staining my hand.

The last thing I remembered before collapsing was the sound of thunder drowning out my cries for help.

The first person I saw upon waking was my mother, her face a mask of indifference.

"Mother," I rasped, "you came to check on me?"

She scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. I need money."

"Money?" I repeated this weakly.

"Yes, Adeline. Get it from your husband," she ordered sharply.

"Promise me you'll use it to start a business like you said," I pleaded.

Her hand cracked across my face before I could react. "Are you calling me a liar?"

Tears blurred my vision as she stormed out, leaving me to my own once more.

As I lay there staring at the hospital ceiling, I thought of the life I'd dreamed of with Blake—the love I'd craved for over a decade. I had given him everything.

But no matter how much I gave, it would never be enough.