The night began with a lie so well rehearsed it almost felt real.The penthouse glowed with the warm shimmer of candlelight and quiet jazz, the kind that tried too hard to sound casual. Jason had set the table himself — wine glasses polished, silverware aligned, everything in perfect order. But underneath the perfect setting, the air was tense enough to snap.Bella stood by the window, staring out over the city lights. Her reflection looked calm, but her fingers twisted around her bracelet, her nerves betraying her.“They’ll be here any minute,” she murmured.Jason adjusted his collar in the mirror. “Good. The sooner they come, the sooner we end this.”He poured the wine — a deep red that looked almost like blood under the soft light.When the doorbell rang, Bella forced a smile so smooth it almost fooled her. Almost.Lila stepped in first, bright-eyed, dressed in a light pink blouse that made her look younger, gentler. Her laughter filled the space like she’d walked into a safe place
Last Updated : 2025-10-30 Read more