บททั้งหมดของ The Night Before I Knew Him: บทที่ 211 - บทที่ 220

♡Leila♡My fingers traced the cold marble walls as I walked slowly down the hallway, my eyes lifting to take in the towering paintings and gold-rimmed decorations.This place was insane.After eating, I’d planned to go look for Cain and demand answers. Actual answers. The kind he kept dodging like a professional liar. But the moment I stepped out of the bedroom, I got distracted by how unreal everything looked.The ceiling alone could’ve housed my entire apartment.If June were here, she’d be losing her mind. She had a thing for home décor. Would’ve taken a hundred pictures already, zooming in on every vase and chandelier.Thinking about June made my chest tighten.After the call with Lia—after lying through my teeth that I was fine and that I’d be back soon—I’d texted June that I went on a little vacation.A vacation.The word almost made me laugh.More like I’d been kidnapped into the unknown. Dropped into a world I didn’t understand… a world I now, disturbingly enough, wanted to un

Cain’s POVHer slap was still burning on my cheek.Not physically, but emotionally.It felt like a warning shot straight to my soul.Like she’d been sent to caution me for daring to jinx my own twin’s fate— for lying to her, for dragging her into my world, and pretending that I had any real control over what was unfolding.Her bravery was insane.She slapped me in front of my men. My soldiers.My crew.Even, in front of the housekeeper.No one had touched me like that in years and lived to breathe about it, and instead of snapping her neck.Instead of lashing out and asserting my authority as the kingpin of this city…I felt something else. Something far more dangerous.I was amused. And aroused.Wrong fucking time.What the fuck was wrong with me?I shouldn’t be aroused.That was twisted. That was wrong.It was crossing a line I didn’t even know I was standing near, but my body didn’t care about logic.My eyes betrayed me.They dropped to her chest while she was furious, trembling, l

♡Leila♡My eyes flutter open slowly as the door creaks.I mumble something incoherent, my head heavy, hearing footsteps approach.“Ma’am.”Mia’s voice comes softly at my side.I turn my face the other way, still dizzy, and then—“Tobias…” I whisper weakly as a familiar face leans closer.Then my eyes drift downward.The tattoos.It isn’t Tobias.It’s Cain.“Cain…” I correct quickly, turning my face away again.“Mia, leave us,” Cain’s voice comes out rough behind me.“But Master—” Mia tries politely, but he cuts her off.“Go. Prepare a bath for her.”Mia bows and leaves.The door shuts.I stay facing the wall, refusing to turn back.What was I even supposed to say to him? I literally stabbed him… and then fainted at the sight of blood. But it was his fault. It was literally—“Tobias, right?” Cain says after a moment. “You still miss him. No wonder you almost killed me back in that room.”I turn sharply.“I didn’t try to kill you. It was a mistake.”He laughs lightly, and I catch the di

♡Leila♡“Oh my God, ma’am. You look exquisite. Absolutely stunning.”I smile at my reflection, barely recognizing myself. The dress fits perfectly—soft, elegant, dangerous in a quiet way. My baby bump isn’t visible at all. Not even a hint. For a second, a strange thought slips in.Are you really there, little one?I turn sideways, studying myself from every angle.“Oh, ma,” Mia gushes, pulling a lipstick from her makeup kit. “Your belly isn’t protruding at all. You’re one of the lucky ones.”“Lucky,” I murmur, as she carefully lines my lips. My makeup is already done—subtle but sharp. “Mia,” I say quietly, watching her in the mirror, “what are their parties like?”Her hands pause.She bites her lower lip before answering. “I… I don’t really know, ma. I’ve never been to one.”That alone should have reassured me. It didn’t.“But,” she adds in a lower voice, leaning closer, “I once overheard the men talking. Someone was shot dead by a sniper at one of those parties.”A silent gasp escap

♡Leila♡The car door opens, and cool night air rushes in, brushing against my skin. I inhale it deeply. Cain’s warning had made me hot—ridiculously hot—even with the Bentley’s air-conditioning blasting earlier. This helps. A little.I don’t know why he’s been acting weird. Maybe it’s because I kept pushing him away back at the house.Maybe this is his version of revenge.Ugh. So petty for a strong, tall, overly masculine man.—Wait. Why am I even describing him like that?Get a grip, Leila.You didn’t come here to play.You came to find Tobias’s secret. To understand his death.Be careful. Be professional.My phone vibrates in my hand.June.Oh shit.I can’t take this call inside.“Cain,” I say, stopping him mid-step and tugging lightly at his suit.He flinches. Again.God. This is getting annoying. But maybe it’s better if I’m annoyed with him.A win-win.“What?” he snaps, sharp.“I need to take this call,” I whisper. “It’s my friend.”Cain exhales loudly, his gaze sweeping over his