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Who would voluntarily go into a dangerous prison?
Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia
Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia
Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia
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Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia
Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia
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Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia
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“MATE!” My wolf Roxie says loudly, but I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been seen as a shame by everyone due to my chubby figure. While other she-wolves are thin and beautiful, they said it was impossible that a fat she-wolf like me could have a mate. But now, an amazing scent hits my nostrils. It smells like fresh cut grass and cedar. I turn around to see who the scent belongs to, and I see Alpha Cullen. It’s the first time I have felt excited with anticipation. My fated mate! The moon goddess made Alpha Cullen my fated mate. I used to hear my half-sister Rachel say how handsome is he and that he is kind to everyone. I step forward, but realize quickly, he doesn’t look as excited as I am. In fact, he looks like a mix between disgusted and angry. ‘Roxie? Are you sure he is our mate? He doesn’t look happy to see us.’ ‘Yes! He’s our mate! Go to him Rebel! I want our mate!’ she yips. I move to walk towards him. Just as I take a step, he says, “Stop. This must be a mistake. I could never be mated to someone, like…you.” My hope and brief moment of excitement and anticipation just crash landed on rocky terrain. He isn't happy to be mated to us. He doesn’t want us. Roxie starts howling with sorrow. My eyes start to water. “Someone like me?” I ask. “Yes, I mean, look at you. No Alpha wants a Luna that looks like you to be their mate. You don’t look refined, your clothes are old, not to mention you are not attractive. Maybe if you lost weight, then you could be passable. The moon goddess made a mistake. There is no way I can accept you as my mate. What is your name?” He sneers. “Rebel Lawson” I reply. I know the rejection is coming. “Let’s get this over with, I have things to do. Just so you understand, I need a strong and BEAUTIFUL Luna by my side. I, Alpha Cullen Niles, of the Ironclaw Pack, reject you, Rebel Lawson, as my mate and Luna.” Instantly, my chest feels like it is ripped open and gutted. The pain is the worst I’ve ever felt. But I refuse to show pain in front of Alpha Cullen. The sooner I accept, the sooner we can move on. “I, Rebel Lawson, accept your rejection.” It’s like a final death blow. “You will not mention this to anyone, do you understand?” As much pain as I was in, I couldn’t muster up the strength to say yes, so I just nod. “Good, I can’t have people knowing I was mated to such a she-wolf.” **** The thought of the rejection has been depressing me. Every good or normal thing I’ve had in my life has always been taken from me. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that my mate didn’t want me either. With women like my sister or all the pretty she-wolves in the pack, well, I assume they are all prettier than me, who would want a frumpy and chubby she-wolf as a mate? “Rebel! Good thing you’re here.” It’s my stepmother. She sneers at me. I sigh, “What do you need Jules?” “Alpha Cullen has decided to take a chosen mate. He wants to have dinners with women he finds worthy of being his Luna! And he will be here tonight for Rachel!” I suddenly feel lightheaded, and the room starts spinning around me. “Alpha Cullen, here, tonight?” A chosen mate? As if my heart couldn’t break any further, my fated mate, the one who rejected me, is coming here to have dinner with my father and stepmother, for Rachel. Not me. Does the moon goddess take pleasure in hurting me? Without realizing it, my stepmother is in my face, “So you must leave now. I don’t need you staining our family with your presence. Go out the back door and don’t come back until midnight to give Alpha Cullen enough time to enjoy Rachel’s company and leave.” Just then Rachel, my half-sister, walks in. “If it were up to me, you would be gone indefinitely. Alpha Cullen will fall madly in love with me. When he makes me his Luna, I will be sure you are banished from the pack. I can’t have you staining my reputation. The fattest she-wolf of the pack.” Even though it stings, I keep my face neutral. “He isn’t patient enough to wait for his fated mate, so instead he will settle for a chosen mate. Does that make you feel cherished?” Rachel face almost contorts with anger. Actually, it looks funny. I wasn’t aware her face could twist so unnaturally. “At least I will be mated and marked. Even if not by Alpha Cullen, then by someone of rank. How do you compare Rebel? Not even your own family wants to recognize you and only sees you as a stain on our reputation. You will always be what you are, a servant in your father’s home, and a servant to me no less!” “ENOUGH!” My father enters the room. I think he is going to say something to Rachel about calling me a servant, but of course, I was wrong. “REBEL! FOR ONCE CAN YOU STOP ESCALATING THINGS WITH YOUR SISTER!” he roars at me. “Alpha Cullen is coming here tonight to meet with us and get to know Rachel. This is a huge opportunity not just for Rachel but our family. Could you please just leave?” “You mean your family. Clearly, I’ve never been wanted here. Not even by my own father.” I say calmly. I turn on my heel and walk to the kitchen before the tears I’ve been holding back come down. **** Roxie has run for about an hour in the forest. I’ve tried to enjoy the moment and not thinking about what happened to me. Suddenly, Roxie comes to a dead stop. ‘Roxie! What happened? What’s wrong? Did we stray too far from the pack land borders?’ Then it hits me. My nostrils flare as the scent of salted citrus and driftwood fills my senses. OH, NO! Roxie whimpers, lowers her head and her ears pushed back in fear. She says the least expected thing I ever thought I would hear her say again in our lifetime. ‘Mate.” She whispers. Panicked, I urge Roxie, ‘Let’s get out of here! We are not strong enough to handle a second rejection!’ Roxie pivots to take off in the opposite direction when we hear him. “MATE! STOP WHERE YOU ARE!” God, that sexy voice is an Alpha voice. Why me? Why another Alpha? This is going to be painful. I already know it and there is nothing I can do. “Please don’t go. I may be a feared Alpha, but not to you. Never you.” His words are sincere. But then again, he hasn’t actually seen me yet. I’m still in wolf form and Roxie is a beautiful wolf. ‘Let’s just get this over with Roxie. Maybe we can ask him to hold off until after we eat, so we at least have some strength.’ Roxie remains quiet. She’s definitely nervous and so am I. I pull a shift with my back still turned to my mate. I thought I heard him suck in a breath. I guess he thinks my backside is disgusting too. I say barely above a whisper, “If you don’t mind, I would like to put some clothes on before we speak.” “Of course mate. I’m not going anywhere.” Does he sound excited? It’s almost like I can hear him smile as he speaks. Well, I’m sure it will be short lived. I take a deep breath and before I step out. ‘It’s okay Roxie, we can handle this. We are going to be fine.’ When I see him, my eyes widen. My goddess, he is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. He is all broad shoulders, muscles, and charisma. Much more attractive than Alpha Cullen. I could feel Roxie’s joy. ‘Don’t get too happy Rox, a man this handsome is likely to reject us.’ Roxie whimpers in my mind, because she knows what’s coming. My mate, is looking at me intently. It almost feels indecent the way he keeps looking at me. I instinctively wrap my arms around myself and look down. “Would you mind waiting a few minutes for me to get some food? My wolf has been running for well over an hour and she burns off energy faster than most wolves. We would just like to gain some strength before you reject us.” “Reject you? Why would I do that mate?” He looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “I know I’m not Luna material or beautiful. You don’t have to pretend Alpha.” I look down again. I can’t stand to look at this incredibly handsome man, knowing he will not want me. Carefully, he steps closer to me lifting my gaze to meet his with his finger. I feel little jolts of electricity go straight to my core before he speaks, “First, I don’t know why you think you are not beautiful or who made you believe that you are not beautiful, when you are gorgeous. You’re the most the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life darling. Second, you are MY mate. That makes you MY Luna. No one will dare challenge this fact or they forfeit their life. Now, whats your name, darling?” “Rebel Lawson from Ironclaw. ” Alpha Cullen also asked me for my name, but to reject me. “You seem like you have decided I am going to reject you any moment now. Why is that Rebel? What happened to you?” He asks as if he is catching on to the fact that I’m skeptical about him. I sigh. I might as well rip the band aid. “You are not mate first mate. I met my mate two months ago, and as soon as he saw me, he rejected me.” I saw his eyes darken. “First, I’m glad he rejected you. Because now you are mine, and I’m not only happy, but I’m ecstatic you’re mine. Second, whoever your first mate was, he was a idiot not to see how perfect you are. Either way, it’s his loss and my gain sweetheart. Was he part of Ironclaw?” I stare at him, completely shocked. He says he’s ecstatic I’m his. That’s never a word I thought someone would use to describe being with me. “Yes, he is part of Ironclaw. Actually, he was the one who said I wasn’t Luna material.” “ Luna material? Was your mate Alpha Cullen?” His eyes darken. I look down at the ground and in a very low voice I replied, “Yes.” I looked up slowly and saw rage rolling off of his Alpha aura. “Did that moron hurt you?”
“MATE!” My wolf Roxie says loudly, but I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been seen as a shame by everyone due to my chubby figure. While other she-wolves are thin and beautiful, they said it was impossible that a fat she-wolf like me could have a mate. But now, an amazing scent hits my nostrils. It smells like fresh cut grass and cedar. I turn around to see who the scent belongs to, and I see Alpha Cullen. It’s the first time I have felt excited with anticipation. My fated mate! The moon goddess made Alpha Cullen my fated mate. I used to hear my half-sister Rachel say how handsome is he and that he is kind to everyone. I step forward, but realize quickly, he doesn’t look as excited as I am. In fact, he looks like a mix between disgusted and angry. ‘Roxie? Are you sure he is our mate? He doesn’t look happy to see us.’ ‘Yes! He’s our mate! Go to him Rebel! I want our mate!’ she yips. I move to walk towards him. Just as I take a step, he says, “Stop. This must be a mistake. I could never be mated to someone, like…you.” My hope and brief moment of excitement and anticipation just crash landed on rocky terrain. He isn't happy to be mated to us. He doesn’t want us. Roxie starts howling with sorrow. My eyes start to water. “Someone like me?” I ask. “Yes, I mean, look at you. No Alpha wants a Luna that looks like you to be their mate. You don’t look refined, your clothes are old, not to mention you are not attractive. Maybe if you lost weight, then you could be passable. The moon goddess made a mistake. There is no way I can accept you as my mate. What is your name?” He sneers. “Rebel Lawson” I reply. I know the rejection is coming. “Let’s get this over with, I have things to do. Just so you understand, I need a strong and BEAUTIFUL Luna by my side. I, Alpha Cullen Niles, of the Ironclaw Pack, reject you, Rebel Lawson, as my mate and Luna.” Instantly, my chest feels like it is ripped open and gutted. The pain is the worst I’ve ever felt. But I refuse to show pain in front of Alpha Cullen. The sooner I accept, the sooner we can move on. “I, Rebel Lawson, accept your rejection.” It’s like a final death blow. “You will not mention this to anyone, do you understand?” As much pain as I was in, I couldn’t muster up the strength to say yes, so I just nod. “Good, I can’t have people knowing I was mated to such a she-wolf.” **** The thought of the rejection has been depressing me. Every good or normal thing I’ve had in my life has always been taken from me. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that my mate didn’t want me either. With women like my sister or all the pretty she-wolves in the pack, well, I assume they are all prettier than me, who would want a frumpy and chubby she-wolf as a mate? “Rebel! Good thing you’re here.” It’s my stepmother. She sneers at me. I sigh, “What do you need Jules?” “Alpha Cullen has decided to take a chosen mate. He wants to have dinners with women he finds worthy of being his Luna! And he will be here tonight for Rachel!” I suddenly feel lightheaded, and the room starts spinning around me. “Alpha Cullen, here, tonight?” A chosen mate? As if my heart couldn’t break any further, my fated mate, the one who rejected me, is coming here to have dinner with my father and stepmother, for Rachel. Not me. Does the moon goddess take pleasure in hurting me? Without realizing it, my stepmother is in my face, “So you must leave now. I don’t need you staining our family with your presence. Go out the back door and don’t come back until midnight to give Alpha Cullen enough time to enjoy Rachel’s company and leave.” Just then Rachel, my half-sister, walks in. “If it were up to me, you would be gone indefinitely. Alpha Cullen will fall madly in love with me. When he makes me his Luna, I will be sure you are banished from the pack. I can’t have you staining my reputation. The fattest she-wolf of the pack.” Even though it stings, I keep my face neutral. “He isn’t patient enough to wait for his fated mate, so instead he will settle for a chosen mate. Does that make you feel cherished?” Rachel face almost contorts with anger. Actually, it looks funny. I wasn’t aware her face could twist so unnaturally. “At least I will be mated and marked. Even if not by Alpha Cullen, then by someone of rank. How do you compare Rebel? Not even your own family wants to recognize you and only sees you as a stain on our reputation. You will always be what you are, a servant in your father’s home, and a servant to me no less!” “ENOUGH!” My father enters the room. I think he is going to say something to Rachel about calling me a servant, but of course, I was wrong. “REBEL! FOR ONCE CAN YOU STOP ESCALATING THINGS WITH YOUR SISTER!” he roars at me. “Alpha Cullen is coming here tonight to meet with us and get to know Rachel. This is a huge opportunity not just for Rachel but our family. Could you please just leave?” “You mean your family. Clearly, I’ve never been wanted here. Not even by my own father.” I say calmly. I turn on my heel and walk to the kitchen before the tears I’ve been holding back come down. **** Roxie has run for about an hour in the forest. I’ve tried to enjoy the moment and not thinking about what happened to me. Suddenly, Roxie comes to a dead stop. ‘Roxie! What happened? What’s wrong? Did we stray too far from the pack land borders?’ Then it hits me. My nostrils flare as the scent of salted citrus and driftwood fills my senses. OH, NO! Roxie whimpers, lowers her head and her ears pushed back in fear. She says the least expected thing I ever thought I would hear her say again in our lifetime. ‘Mate.” She whispers. Panicked, I urge Roxie, ‘Let’s get out of here! We are not strong enough to handle a second rejection!’ Roxie pivots to take off in the opposite direction when we hear him. “MATE! STOP WHERE YOU ARE!” God, that sexy voice is an Alpha voice. Why me? Why another Alpha? This is going to be painful. I already know it and there is nothing I can do. “Please don’t go. I may be a feared Alpha, but not to you. Never you.” His words are sincere. But then again, he hasn’t actually seen me yet. I’m still in wolf form and Roxie is a beautiful wolf. ‘Let’s just get this over with Roxie. Maybe we can ask him to hold off until after we eat, so we at least have some strength.’ Roxie remains quiet. She’s definitely nervous and so am I. I pull a shift with my back still turned to my mate. I thought I heard him suck in a breath. I guess he thinks my backside is disgusting too. I say barely above a whisper, “If you don’t mind, I would like to put some clothes on before we speak.” “Of course mate. I’m not going anywhere.” Does he sound excited? It’s almost like I can hear him smile as he speaks. Well, I’m sure it will be short lived. I take a deep breath and before I step out. ‘It’s okay Roxie, we can handle this. We are going to be fine.’ When I see him, my eyes widen. My goddess, he is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. He is all broad shoulders, muscles, and charisma. Much more attractive than Alpha Cullen. I could feel Roxie’s joy. ‘Don’t get too happy Rox, a man this handsome is likely to reject us.’ Roxie whimpers in my mind, because she knows what’s coming. My mate, is looking at me intently. It almost feels indecent the way he keeps looking at me. I instinctively wrap my arms around myself and look down. “Would you mind waiting a few minutes for me to get some food? My wolf has been running for well over an hour and she burns off energy faster than most wolves. We would just like to gain some strength before you reject us.” “Reject you? Why would I do that mate?” He looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “I know I’m not Luna material or beautiful. You don’t have to pretend Alpha.” I look down again. I can’t stand to look at this incredibly handsome man, knowing he will not want me. Carefully, he steps closer to me lifting my gaze to meet his with his finger. I feel little jolts of electricity go straight to my core before he speaks, “First, I don’t know why you think you are not beautiful or who made you believe that you are not beautiful, when you are gorgeous. You’re the most the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life darling. Second, you are MY mate. That makes you MY Luna. No one will dare challenge this fact or they forfeit their life. Now, whats your name, darling?” “Rebel Lawson from Ironclaw. ” Alpha Cullen also asked me for my name, but to reject me. “You seem like you have decided I am going to reject you any moment now. Why is that Rebel? What happened to you?” He asks as if he is catching on to the fact that I’m skeptical about him. I sigh. I might as well rip the band aid. “You are not mate first mate. I met my mate two months ago, and as soon as he saw me, he rejected me.” I saw his eyes darken. “First, I’m glad he rejected you. Because now you are mine, and I’m not only happy, but I’m ecstatic you’re mine. Second, whoever your first mate was, he was a idiot not to see how perfect you are. Either way, it’s his loss and my gain sweetheart. Was he part of Ironclaw?” I stare at him, completely shocked. He says he’s ecstatic I’m his. That’s never a word I thought someone would use to describe being with me. “Yes, he is part of Ironclaw. Actually, he was the one who said I wasn’t Luna material.” “ Luna material? Was your mate Alpha Cullen?” His eyes darken. I look down at the ground and in a very low voice I replied, “Yes.” I looked up slowly and saw rage rolling off of his Alpha aura. “Did that moron hurt you?”
“MATE!” My wolf Roxie says loudly, but I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been seen as a shame by everyone due to my chubby figure. While other she-wolves are thin and beautiful, they said it was impossible that a fat she-wolf like me could have a mate. But now, an amazing scent hits my nostrils. It smells like fresh cut grass and cedar. I turn around to see who the scent belongs to, and I see Alpha Cullen. It’s the first time I have felt excited with anticipation. My fated mate! The moon goddess made Alpha Cullen my fated mate. I used to hear my half-sister Rachel say how handsome is he and that he is kind to everyone. I step forward, but realize quickly, he doesn’t look as excited as I am. In fact, he looks like a mix between disgusted and angry. ‘Roxie? Are you sure he is our mate? He doesn’t look happy to see us.’ ‘Yes! He’s our mate! Go to him Rebel! I want our mate!’ she yips. I move to walk towards him. Just as I take a step, he says, “Stop. This must be a mistake. I could never be mated to someone, like…you.” My hope and brief moment of excitement and anticipation just crash landed on rocky terrain. He isn't happy to be mated to us. He doesn’t want us. Roxie starts howling with sorrow. My eyes start to water. “Someone like me?” I ask. “Yes, I mean, look at you. No Alpha wants a Luna that looks like you to be their mate. You don’t look refined, your clothes are old, not to mention you are not attractive. Maybe if you lost weight, then you could be passable. The moon goddess made a mistake. There is no way I can accept you as my mate. What is your name?” He sneers. “Rebel Lawson” I reply. I know the rejection is coming. “Let’s get this over with, I have things to do. Just so you understand, I need a strong and BEAUTIFUL Luna by my side. I, Alpha Cullen Niles, of the Ironclaw Pack, reject you, Rebel Lawson, as my mate and Luna.” Instantly, my chest feels like it is ripped open and gutted. The pain is the worst I’ve ever felt. But I refuse to show pain in front of Alpha Cullen. The sooner I accept, the sooner we can move on. “I, Rebel Lawson, accept your rejection.” It’s like a final death blow. “You will not mention this to anyone, do you understand?” As much pain as I was in, I couldn’t muster up the strength to say yes, so I just nod. “Good, I can’t have people knowing I was mated to such a she-wolf.” **** The thought of the rejection has been depressing me. Every good or normal thing I’ve had in my life has always been taken from me. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that my mate didn’t want me either. With women like my sister or all the pretty she-wolves in the pack, well, I assume they are all prettier than me, who would want a frumpy and chubby she-wolf as a mate? “Rebel! Good thing you’re here.” It’s my stepmother. She sneers at me. I sigh, “What do you need Jules?” “Alpha Cullen has decided to take a chosen mate. He wants to have dinners with women he finds worthy of being his Luna! And he will be here tonight for Rachel!” I suddenly feel lightheaded, and the room starts spinning around me. “Alpha Cullen, here, tonight?” A chosen mate? As if my heart couldn’t break any further, my fated mate, the one who rejected me, is coming here to have dinner with my father and stepmother, for Rachel. Not me. Does the moon goddess take pleasure in hurting me? Without realizing it, my stepmother is in my face, “So you must leave now. I don’t need you staining our family with your presence. Go out the back door and don’t come back until midnight to give Alpha Cullen enough time to enjoy Rachel’s company and leave.” Just then Rachel, my half-sister, walks in. “If it were up to me, you would be gone indefinitely. Alpha Cullen will fall madly in love with me. When he makes me his Luna, I will be sure you are banished from the pack. I can’t have you staining my reputation. The fattest she-wolf of the pack.” Even though it stings, I keep my face neutral. “He isn’t patient enough to wait for his fated mate, so instead he will settle for a chosen mate. Does that make you feel cherished?” Rachel face almost contorts with anger. Actually, it looks funny. I wasn’t aware her face could twist so unnaturally. “At least I will be mated and marked. Even if not by Alpha Cullen, then by someone of rank. How do you compare Rebel? Not even your own family wants to recognize you and only sees you as a stain on our reputation. You will always be what you are, a servant in your father’s home, and a servant to me no less!” “ENOUGH!” My father enters the room. I think he is going to say something to Rachel about calling me a servant, but of course, I was wrong. “REBEL! FOR ONCE CAN YOU STOP ESCALATING THINGS WITH YOUR SISTER!” he roars at me. “Alpha Cullen is coming here tonight to meet with us and get to know Rachel. This is a huge opportunity not just for Rachel but our family. Could you please just leave?” “You mean your family. Clearly, I’ve never been wanted here. Not even by my own father.” I say calmly. I turn on my heel and walk to the kitchen before the tears I’ve been holding back come down. **** Roxie has run for about an hour in the forest. I’ve tried to enjoy the moment and not thinking about what happened to me. Suddenly, Roxie comes to a dead stop. ‘Roxie! What happened? What’s wrong? Did we stray too far from the pack land borders?’ Then it hits me. My nostrils flare as the scent of salted citrus and driftwood fills my senses. OH, NO! Roxie whimpers, lowers her head and her ears pushed back in fear. She says the least expected thing I ever thought I would hear her say again in our lifetime. ‘Mate.” She whispers. Panicked, I urge Roxie, ‘Let’s get out of here! We are not strong enough to handle a second rejection!’ Roxie pivots to take off in the opposite direction when we hear him. “MATE! STOP WHERE YOU ARE!” God, that sexy voice is an Alpha voice. Why me? Why another Alpha? This is going to be painful. I already know it and there is nothing I can do. “Please don’t go. I may be a feared Alpha, but not to you. Never you.” His words are sincere. But then again, he hasn’t actually seen me yet. I’m still in wolf form and Roxie is a beautiful wolf. ‘Let’s just get this over with Roxie. Maybe we can ask him to hold off until after we eat, so we at least have some strength.’ Roxie remains quiet. She’s definitely nervous and so am I. I pull a shift with my back still turned to my mate. I thought I heard him suck in a breath. I guess he thinks my backside is disgusting too. I say barely above a whisper, “If you don’t mind, I would like to put some clothes on before we speak.” “Of course mate. I’m not going anywhere.” Does he sound excited? It’s almost like I can hear him smile as he speaks. Well, I’m sure it will be short lived. I take a deep breath and before I step out. ‘It’s okay Roxie, we can handle this. We are going to be fine.’ When I see him, my eyes widen. My goddess, he is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. He is all broad shoulders, muscles, and charisma. Much more attractive than Alpha Cullen. I could feel Roxie’s joy. ‘Don’t get too happy Rox, a man this handsome is likely to reject us.’ Roxie whimpers in my mind, because she knows what’s coming. My mate, is looking at me intently. It almost feels indecent the way he keeps looking at me. I instinctively wrap my arms around myself and look down. “Would you mind waiting a few minutes for me to get some food? My wolf has been running for well over an hour and she burns off energy faster than most wolves. We would just like to gain some strength before you reject us.” “Reject you? Why would I do that mate?” He looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “I know I’m not Luna material or beautiful. You don’t have to pretend Alpha.” I look down again. I can’t stand to look at this incredibly handsome man, knowing he will not want me. Carefully, he steps closer to me lifting my gaze to meet his with his finger. I feel little jolts of electricity go straight to my core before he speaks, “First, I don’t know why you think you are not beautiful or who made you believe that you are not beautiful, when you are gorgeous. You’re the most the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life darling. Second, you are MY mate. That makes you MY Luna. No one will dare challenge this fact or they forfeit their life. Now, whats your name, darling?” “Rebel Lawson from Ironclaw. ” Alpha Cullen also asked me for my name, but to reject me. “You seem like you have decided I am going to reject you any moment now. Why is that Rebel? What happened to you?” He asks as if he is catching on to the fact that I’m skeptical about him. I sigh. I might as well rip the band aid. “You are not mate first mate. I met my mate two months ago, and as soon as he saw me, he rejected me.” I saw his eyes darken. “First, I’m glad he rejected you. Because now you are mine, and I’m not only happy, but I’m ecstatic you’re mine. Second, whoever your first mate was, he was a idiot not to see how perfect you are. Either way, it’s his loss and my gain sweetheart. Was he part of Ironclaw?” I stare at him, completely shocked. He says he’s ecstatic I’m his. That’s never a word I thought someone would use to describe being with me. “Yes, he is part of Ironclaw. Actually, he was the one who said I wasn’t Luna material.” “ Luna material? Was your mate Alpha Cullen?” His eyes darken. I look down at the ground and in a very low voice I replied, “Yes.” I looked up slowly and saw rage rolling off of his Alpha aura. “Did that moron hurt you?”
“MATE!” My wolf Roxie says loudly, but I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been seen as a shame by everyone due to my chubby figure. While other she-wolves are thin and beautiful, they said it was impossible that a fat she-wolf like me could have a mate. But now, an amazing scent hits my nostrils. It smells like fresh cut grass and cedar. I turn around to see who the scent belongs to, and I see Alpha Cullen. It’s the first time I have felt excited with anticipation. My fated mate! The moon goddess made Alpha Cullen my fated mate. I used to hear my half-sister Rachel say how handsome is he and that he is kind to everyone. I step forward, but realize quickly, he doesn’t look as excited as I am. In fact, he looks like a mix between disgusted and angry. ‘Roxie? Are you sure he is our mate? He doesn’t look happy to see us.’ ‘Yes! He’s our mate! Go to him Rebel! I want our mate!’ she yips. I move to walk towards him. Just as I take a step, he says, “Stop. This must be a mistake. I could never be mated to someone, like…you.” My hope and brief moment of excitement and anticipation just crash landed on rocky terrain. He isn't happy to be mated to us. He doesn’t want us. Roxie starts howling with sorrow. My eyes start to water. “Someone like me?” I ask. “Yes, I mean, look at you. No Alpha wants a Luna that looks like you to be their mate. You don’t look refined, your clothes are old, not to mention you are not attractive. Maybe if you lost weight, then you could be passable. The moon goddess made a mistake. There is no way I can accept you as my mate. What is your name?” He sneers. “Rebel Lawson” I reply. I know the rejection is coming. “Let’s get this over with, I have things to do. Just so you understand, I need a strong and BEAUTIFUL Luna by my side. I, Alpha Cullen Niles, of the Ironclaw Pack, reject you, Rebel Lawson, as my mate and Luna.” Instantly, my chest feels like it is ripped open and gutted. The pain is the worst I’ve ever felt. But I refuse to show pain in front of Alpha Cullen. The sooner I accept, the sooner we can move on. “I, Rebel Lawson, accept your rejection.” It’s like a final death blow. “You will not mention this to anyone, do you understand?” As much pain as I was in, I couldn’t muster up the strength to say yes, so I just nod. “Good, I can’t have people knowing I was mated to such a she-wolf.” **** The thought of the rejection has been depressing me. Every good or normal thing I’ve had in my life has always been taken from me. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that my mate didn’t want me either. With women like my sister or all the pretty she-wolves in the pack, well, I assume they are all prettier than me, who would want a frumpy and chubby she-wolf as a mate? “Rebel! Good thing you’re here.” It’s my stepmother. She sneers at me. I sigh, “What do you need Jules?” “Alpha Cullen has decided to take a chosen mate. He wants to have dinners with women he finds worthy of being his Luna! And he will be here tonight for Rachel!” I suddenly feel lightheaded, and the room starts spinning around me. “Alpha Cullen, here, tonight?” A chosen mate? As if my heart couldn’t break any further, my fated mate, the one who rejected me, is coming here to have dinner with my father and stepmother, for Rachel. Not me. Does the moon goddess take pleasure in hurting me? Without realizing it, my stepmother is in my face, “So you must leave now. I don’t need you staining our family with your presence. Go out the back door and don’t come back until midnight to give Alpha Cullen enough time to enjoy Rachel’s company and leave.” Just then Rachel, my half-sister, walks in. “If it were up to me, you would be gone indefinitely. Alpha Cullen will fall madly in love with me. When he makes me his Luna, I will be sure you are banished from the pack. I can’t have you staining my reputation. The fattest she-wolf of the pack.” Even though it stings, I keep my face neutral. “He isn’t patient enough to wait for his fated mate, so instead he will settle for a chosen mate. Does that make you feel cherished?” Rachel face almost contorts with anger. Actually, it looks funny. I wasn’t aware her face could twist so unnaturally. “At least I will be mated and marked. Even if not by Alpha Cullen, then by someone of rank. How do you compare Rebel? Not even your own family wants to recognize you and only sees you as a stain on our reputation. You will always be what you are, a servant in your father’s home, and a servant to me no less!” “ENOUGH!” My father enters the room. I think he is going to say something to Rachel about calling me a servant, but of course, I was wrong. “REBEL! FOR ONCE CAN YOU STOP ESCALATING THINGS WITH YOUR SISTER!” he roars at me. “Alpha Cullen is coming here tonight to meet with us and get to know Rachel. This is a huge opportunity not just for Rachel but our family. Could you please just leave?” “You mean your family. Clearly, I’ve never been wanted here. Not even by my own father.” I say calmly. I turn on my heel and walk to the kitchen before the tears I’ve been holding back come down. **** Roxie has run for about an hour in the forest. I’ve tried to enjoy the moment and not thinking about what happened to me. Suddenly, Roxie comes to a dead stop. ‘Roxie! What happened? What’s wrong? Did we stray too far from the pack land borders?’ Then it hits me. My nostrils flare as the scent of salted citrus and driftwood fills my senses. OH, NO! Roxie whimpers, lowers her head and her ears pushed back in fear. She says the least expected thing I ever thought I would hear her say again in our lifetime. ‘Mate.” She whispers. Panicked, I urge Roxie, ‘Let’s get out of here! We are not strong enough to handle a second rejection!’ Roxie pivots to take off in the opposite direction when we hear him. “MATE! STOP WHERE YOU ARE!” God, that sexy voice is an Alpha voice. Why me? Why another Alpha? This is going to be painful. I already know it and there is nothing I can do. “Please don’t go. I may be a feared Alpha, but not to you. Never you.” His words are sincere. But then again, he hasn’t actually seen me yet. I’m still in wolf form and Roxie is a beautiful wolf. ‘Let’s just get this over with Roxie. Maybe we can ask him to hold off until after we eat, so we at least have some strength.’ Roxie remains quiet. She’s definitely nervous and so am I. I pull a shift with my back still turned to my mate. I thought I heard him suck in a breath. I guess he thinks my backside is disgusting too. I say barely above a whisper, “If you don’t mind, I would like to put some clothes on before we speak.” “Of course mate. I’m not going anywhere.” Does he sound excited? It’s almost like I can hear him smile as he speaks. Well, I’m sure it will be short lived. I take a deep breath and before I step out. ‘It’s okay Roxie, we can handle this. We are going to be fine.’ When I see him, my eyes widen. My goddess, he is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. He is all broad shoulders, muscles, and charisma. Much more attractive than Alpha Cullen. I could feel Roxie’s joy. ‘Don’t get too happy Rox, a man this handsome is likely to reject us.’ Roxie whimpers in my mind, because she knows what’s coming. My mate, is looking at me intently. It almost feels indecent the way he keeps looking at me. I instinctively wrap my arms around myself and look down. “Would you mind waiting a few minutes for me to get some food? My wolf has been running for well over an hour and she burns off energy faster than most wolves. We would just like to gain some strength before you reject us.” “Reject you? Why would I do that mate?” He looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “I know I’m not Luna material or beautiful. You don’t have to pretend Alpha.” I look down again. I can’t stand to look at this incredibly handsome man, knowing he will not want me. Carefully, he steps closer to me lifting my gaze to meet his with his finger. I feel little jolts of electricity go straight to my core before he speaks, “First, I don’t know why you think you are not beautiful or who made you believe that you are not beautiful, when you are gorgeous. You’re the most the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life darling. Second, you are MY mate. That makes you MY Luna. No one will dare challenge this fact or they forfeit their life. Now, whats your name, darling?” “Rebel Lawson from Ironclaw. ” Alpha Cullen also asked me for my name, but to reject me. “You seem like you have decided I am going to reject you any moment now. Why is that Rebel? What happened to you?” He asks as if he is catching on to the fact that I’m skeptical about him. I sigh. I might as well rip the band aid. “You are not mate first mate. I met my mate two months ago, and as soon as he saw me, he rejected me.” I saw his eyes darken. “First, I’m glad he rejected you. Because now you are mine, and I’m not only happy, but I’m ecstatic you’re mine. Second, whoever your first mate was, he was a idiot not to see how perfect you are. Either way, it’s his loss and my gain sweetheart. Was he part of Ironclaw?” I stare at him, completely shocked. He says he’s ecstatic I’m his. That’s never a word I thought someone would use to describe being with me. “Yes, he is part of Ironclaw. Actually, he was the one who said I wasn’t Luna material.” “ Luna material? Was your mate Alpha Cullen?” His eyes darken. I look down at the ground and in a very low voice I replied, “Yes.” I looked up slowly and saw rage rolling off of his Alpha aura. “Did that moron hurt you?”
“MATE!” My wolf Roxie says loudly, but I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been seen as a shame by everyone due to my chubby figure. While other she-wolves are thin and beautiful, they said it was impossible that a fat she-wolf like me could have a mate. But now, an amazing scent hits my nostrils. It smells like fresh cut grass and cedar. I turn around to see who the scent belongs to, and I see Alpha Cullen. It’s the first time I have felt excited with anticipation. My fated mate! The moon goddess made Alpha Cullen my fated mate. I used to hear my half-sister Rachel say how handsome is he and that he is kind to everyone. I step forward, but realize quickly, he doesn’t look as excited as I am. In fact, he looks like a mix between disgusted and angry. ‘Roxie? Are you sure he is our mate? He doesn’t look happy to see us.’ ‘Yes! He’s our mate! Go to him Rebel! I want our mate!’ she yips. I move to walk towards him. Just as I take a step, he says, “Stop. This must be a mistake. I could never be mated to someone, like…you.” My hope and brief moment of excitement and anticipation just crash landed on rocky terrain. He isn't happy to be mated to us. He doesn’t want us. Roxie starts howling with sorrow. My eyes start to water. “Someone like me?” I ask. “Yes, I mean, look at you. No Alpha wants a Luna that looks like you to be their mate. You don’t look refined, your clothes are old, not to mention you are not attractive. Maybe if you lost weight, then you could be passable. The moon goddess made a mistake. There is no way I can accept you as my mate. What is your name?” He sneers. “Rebel Lawson” I reply. I know the rejection is coming. “Let’s get this over with, I have things to do. Just so you understand, I need a strong and BEAUTIFUL Luna by my side. I, Alpha Cullen Niles, of the Ironclaw Pack, reject you, Rebel Lawson, as my mate and Luna.” Instantly, my chest feels like it is ripped open and gutted. The pain is the worst I’ve ever felt. But I refuse to show pain in front of Alpha Cullen. The sooner I accept, the sooner we can move on. “I, Rebel Lawson, accept your rejection.” It’s like a final death blow. “You will not mention this to anyone, do you understand?” As much pain as I was in, I couldn’t muster up the strength to say yes, so I just nod. “Good, I can’t have people knowing I was mated to such a she-wolf.” **** The thought of the rejection has been depressing me. Every good or normal thing I’ve had in my life has always been taken from me. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that my mate didn’t want me either. With women like my sister or all the pretty she-wolves in the pack, well, I assume they are all prettier than me, who would want a frumpy and chubby she-wolf as a mate? “Rebel! Good thing you’re here.” It’s my stepmother. She sneers at me. I sigh, “What do you need Jules?” “Alpha Cullen has decided to take a chosen mate. He wants to have dinners with women he finds worthy of being his Luna! And he will be here tonight for Rachel!” I suddenly feel lightheaded, and the room starts spinning around me. “Alpha Cullen, here, tonight?” A chosen mate? As if my heart couldn’t break any further, my fated mate, the one who rejected me, is coming here to have dinner with my father and stepmother, for Rachel. Not me. Does the moon goddess take pleasure in hurting me? Without realizing it, my stepmother is in my face, “So you must leave now. I don’t need you staining our family with your presence. Go out the back door and don’t come back until midnight to give Alpha Cullen enough time to enjoy Rachel’s company and leave.” Just then Rachel, my half-sister, walks in. “If it were up to me, you would be gone indefinitely. Alpha Cullen will fall madly in love with me. When he makes me his Luna, I will be sure you are banished from the pack. I can’t have you staining my reputation. The fattest she-wolf of the pack.” Even though it stings, I keep my face neutral. “He isn’t patient enough to wait for his fated mate, so instead he will settle for a chosen mate. Does that make you feel cherished?” Rachel face almost contorts with anger. Actually, it looks funny. I wasn’t aware her face could twist so unnaturally. “At least I will be mated and marked. Even if not by Alpha Cullen, then by someone of rank. How do you compare Rebel? Not even your own family wants to recognize you and only sees you as a stain on our reputation. You will always be what you are, a servant in your father’s home, and a servant to me no less!” “ENOUGH!” My father enters the room. I think he is going to say something to Rachel about calling me a servant, but of course, I was wrong. “REBEL! FOR ONCE CAN YOU STOP ESCALATING THINGS WITH YOUR SISTER!” he roars at me. “Alpha Cullen is coming here tonight to meet with us and get to know Rachel. This is a huge opportunity not just for Rachel but our family. Could you please just leave?” “You mean your family. Clearly, I’ve never been wanted here. Not even by my own father.” I say calmly. I turn on my heel and walk to the kitchen before the tears I’ve been holding back come down. **** Roxie has run for about an hour in the forest. I’ve tried to enjoy the moment and not thinking about what happened to me. Suddenly, Roxie comes to a dead stop. ‘Roxie! What happened? What’s wrong? Did we stray too far from the pack land borders?’ Then it hits me. My nostrils flare as the scent of salted citrus and driftwood fills my senses. OH, NO! Roxie whimpers, lowers her head and her ears pushed back in fear. She says the least expected thing I ever thought I would hear her say again in our lifetime. ‘Mate.” She whispers. Panicked, I urge Roxie, ‘Let’s get out of here! We are not strong enough to handle a second rejection!’ Roxie pivots to take off in the opposite direction when we hear him. “MATE! STOP WHERE YOU ARE!” God, that sexy voice is an Alpha voice. Why me? Why another Alpha? This is going to be painful. I already know it and there is nothing I can do. “Please don’t go. I may be a feared Alpha, but not to you. Never you.” His words are sincere. But then again, he hasn’t actually seen me yet. I’m still in wolf form and Roxie is a beautiful wolf. ‘Let’s just get this over with Roxie. Maybe we can ask him to hold off until after we eat, so we at least have some strength.’ Roxie remains quiet. She’s definitely nervous and so am I. I pull a shift with my back still turned to my mate. I thought I heard him suck in a breath. I guess he thinks my backside is disgusting too. I say barely above a whisper, “If you don’t mind, I would like to put some clothes on before we speak.” “Of course mate. I’m not going anywhere.” Does he sound excited? It’s almost like I can hear him smile as he speaks. Well, I’m sure it will be short lived. I take a deep breath and before I step out. ‘It’s okay Roxie, we can handle this. We are going to be fine.’ When I see him, my eyes widen. My goddess, he is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. He is all broad shoulders, muscles, and charisma. Much more attractive than Alpha Cullen. I could feel Roxie’s joy. ‘Don’t get too happy Rox, a man this handsome is likely to reject us.’ Roxie whimpers in my mind, because she knows what’s coming. My mate, is looking at me intently. It almost feels indecent the way he keeps looking at me. I instinctively wrap my arms around myself and look down. “Would you mind waiting a few minutes for me to get some food? My wolf has been running for well over an hour and she burns off energy faster than most wolves. We would just like to gain some strength before you reject us.” “Reject you? Why would I do that mate?” He looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “I know I’m not Luna material or beautiful. You don’t have to pretend Alpha.” I look down again. I can’t stand to look at this incredibly handsome man, knowing he will not want me. Carefully, he steps closer to me lifting my gaze to meet his with his finger. I feel little jolts of electricity go straight to my core before he speaks, “First, I don’t know why you think you are not beautiful or who made you believe that you are not beautiful, when you are gorgeous. You’re the most the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life darling. Second, you are MY mate. That makes you MY Luna. No one will dare challenge this fact or they forfeit their life. Now, whats your name, darling?” “Rebel Lawson from Ironclaw. ” Alpha Cullen also asked me for my name, but to reject me. “You seem like you have decided I am going to reject you any moment now. Why is that Rebel? What happened to you?” He asks as if he is catching on to the fact that I’m skeptical about him. I sigh. I might as well rip the band aid. “You are not mate first mate. I met my mate two months ago, and as soon as he saw me, he rejected me.” I saw his eyes darken. “First, I’m glad he rejected you. Because now you are mine, and I’m not only happy, but I’m ecstatic you’re mine. Second, whoever your first mate was, he was a idiot not to see how perfect you are. Either way, it’s his loss and my gain sweetheart. Was he part of Ironclaw?” I stare at him, completely shocked. He says he’s ecstatic I’m his. That’s never a word I thought someone would use to describe being with me. “Yes, he is part of Ironclaw. Actually, he was the one who said I wasn’t Luna material.” “ Luna material? Was your mate Alpha Cullen?” His eyes darken. I look down at the ground and in a very low voice I replied, “Yes.” I looked up slowly and saw rage rolling off of his Alpha aura. “Did that moron hurt you?”
"“You've got to be kidding me, Savannah.” Chloe twirled the diamond on her finger, her smile bright enough to cut glass. “I'm marrying Dean Archer.” For a second, I couldn't breathe. Dean. The man I thought I'd spend forever with, was marrying my sister. “Oh, and by the way,” Chloe added sweetly,""still single, huh? Don't worry, someone will want you… eventually.” Something in me snapped. “Who said I'm single?” I shot back. “I'm engaged.” Her brows lifted, amused.""To who?” I took a breath I didn't have. “To Roman Blackwood.” Her laughter was instant, sharp. “Roman? The guy who swore he'd never settle down? Wow, good luck with that.” *** A few hours later, I was pounding on Roman's door. He opened it barefoot, hair messy, wearing that smug grin I hated to love. “You've officially lost it,” he said.""Fake engagement? Really, Savannah?” “I need your help,” I blurted.""I want to ruin their wedding.” He stared for a moment, then stepped closer, a slow smirk spreading across his face. “You know what, sweetheart? You picked the right guy for the job.” Pause. His voice dropped lower. “But if we're gonna sell this, we'll need to… rehearse.” And so it began. Hand-holding. Flirty smiles. Public kisses that lingered too long. “Are you trying to get this close?” I hissed one night. Roman's grin was infuriating. “Just making it believable, darling.” By the time we walked into Chloe's wedding arm in arm, the whole room froze. Dean's face went pale. Chloe's jaw dropped. And me? I wasn't sure anymore when pretending had turned into something real. “Roman,” I whispered later,""when this is over, we go back to being friends. Right?” He looked at me for a long moment, eyes dark, voice low. “Maybe,” he said, “I'm not ready for this act to end.”" ************************* Chapter 1: You're Marrying My Ex? “I'm getting married!” I blinked. “Huh? You were dating?” “Of course I was, dummy. You know I love being in love.” My sister, Chloe laughed. She was glowing. That was the first red flag. “Is it to the guy named Zane with a silent G? The one you met at the three-month yoga retreat in LA?” “Ew no. Zane was a jerk.” She snapped. “Umm, congrats I guess… but who's the lucky guy?” Unlucky, if I was free to be honest. Chloe held out a crisp, green and cream-colored envelope with silver calligraphy. I took the wedding invitation and unfolded it, dread already settling in at the back of my head. “You are cordially invited to the wedding of Chloe Hart and Dean Archer.” My heart didn’t just sink, it free-fell through my stomach and straight out my body. “Dean Archer,” I said slowly. “My Dean?” Chloe swiftly snatched her wedding invite from my trembling fingers. “MY Dean,” Chloe chirped. “Isn’t it crazy? It all just… clicked. He came back to New Hope last Christmas, we reconnected, and—boom. Instant.” I stared at my sister like she was speaking in tongues. Dean Archer was my college ex. The one who left me without a real explanation. Dumped me via text on my birthday. The ex I never got over. The one who knew all the right buttons to push and disappeared just when I’d started to believe in him. “You're marrying my ex?” Chloe rolled her eyes. “Your ex? Was that actually a relationship? That old fling? C'mon sis.” My mouth went dry. Chloe rose from the couch and stepped forward as if to greet me, then stopped abruptly, her nose wrinkled in delicate horror. Oh. No, I don’t think I can hug you. You’ve got ink on your hands, and I just had this sweater dry-cleaned. She wore a pastel-pink cable-knit sweater over a white satin tank top, paired with pressed cream linen pants and ballet flats that had never seen a scuff. Her blonde hair was tucked into a perfect low bun. Every part of her screamed effortless grace. Me, in contrast, stood in the doorway in a rumpled button-down, a charcoal skirt that barely grazed my thighs, one heel hanging on for dear life, and black ink smudged across my three fingers. I stared at her, stunned into silence. Chloe sipped her wine. "You okay? You look a little pale. Is it the vertigo again? Maybe skip the champagne toast at the wedding. I’d hate for you to go down during the vows. That'd be embarrassing, Sav. Anyway, you’re gonna be my maid of honor. Fingers crossed, you catch the bouquet. My fiancé has good looking friends you could manage to impress.” I stared at her. “I left the office in a hurry, broke my freaking stiletto, ran three red-lights, fought with drunk drivers and nearly crashed my Audi, just to get home to you, Chloe. You said it was an emergency!” She paused mid-sip. “Oh… I'm sorry I had no idea. I just thought you were late because you got distracted by a Zara window again.” She giggled. “Nope.” “Well, if you did though it'd come in handy now because you know I'm quite particular about colours, shades and fabrics.” She rambled on. It was my turn to roll my eyes, “Let me hear it.” “It's green. But not the basic one… it's a bit more intense.” She describes. “You mean emerald green?” I asked flatly. “It’s not just emerald green, okay? God, do I look like someone who wears something off-the-rack? No. It’s more like… if envy and royalty had a scandalous love child. Think deep forest glimmering with silent judgment. Rich. Regal. But also don’t-touch-me sharp. Not teal. Not moss. Not jade. And absolutely not that murky mall-green you find in discount bins where your OOTD comes from. This shade says, ‘Yes, I’ve arrived, and no, I don’t care that you’re staring’.” My mouth hung up. “That's emerald, Chlo.” I argued. “No, it's not. That stuff is basic. For the fabric? Silk. Rich silk. Can you afford that, Sav? You're gonna be my maid of honor, you have to look presentable enough to play the part. Don’t bring your Walmart thrifts to my event.” Something snapped within me. If this is how you wanna play, then let's play, baby sis. “Can I bring a date?” She glanced up from her phone. “You haven't had a decent relationship in years. Who could you possibly be bringing?” I lifted my chin. "Actually, I've got big news to share too… wanted to keep it a secret but now? Not so much." “You got promoted at work?” “I'm engaged.” Chloe choked on her sip. "You?" I beamed, “Yes, I'm getting married too.” Chloe made a face as if her wine had suddenly turned bitter. “That's huge. And who's the brave guy?” Roman Blackwood. You know, my best friend. He works in finance. I lied without blinking. Chloe's brows shot up. "Roman? The one who always texts you during family dinners and sends Dad cigars at Christmas? That Roman?" I forced a smile. "The very one. We’ve kept it quiet. Didn’t want to steal anyone’s thunder." Chloe blinked. "Hmm. I mean... good for you. I didn’t think you were the relationship type, but here we are. Must be something in the air." “Must be." I turned toward the kitchen to grab a glass of water, my fingers trembling just enough to clink the glass against the tap. But, uh, let’s not tell the family just yet. We’re still figuring out the timing. You know Roman is always busy and only gets to take two vacations in twelve months and I'm always busy booking meetings and controlling schedules. We don't want to get overwhelmed with the whole process. You understand, right? Chloe rose and grabbed her purse, that same serene smile on her face as she headed for the door. “Crystal," she said in a voice like a sugar cube melting in tea. "I've got you. Love you, sis." And then she was gone. Leaving behind her perfume… and chaos. Immediately, my phone started vibrating in my bag. After rummaging for minutes, I finally found it and nearly dropped it instantly with a shriek. Chloe had opened her big mouth and told literally everyone from our genepool that I was getting married. The family group chat was heating up. Mom, dad, our older sister, Alyssa, Aunt Janice, Aunt Thelma, Uncle Jace…. Literally everybody that saw me in diapers! “Shoot!” I've got to warn Roman. Chapter 2: Let's Ruin A Wedding. I didn’t knock on the door, I pounded. Roman’s door swung open a few seconds later, revealing him in nothing but a pair of blindingly white Calvin Klein boxer briefs and sleep-tousled hair. I wasn't fazed. Roman usually sleeps without clothes. “Nice boxers. Very... spiritual monk energy you have going on,” I said, breezing inside. Roman rubbed his eyes, “It’s one in the morning. Did you set something on fire again?” I kicked the door shut behind me, my heel finally giving up and snapping clean off. “Just my life.” Roman sighed and knelt, without a word, helping me out of my shoes as usual. “Roman, I did something horrible.” Roman's face morphs into one of seriousness. He briskly walks to the widows, looks both ways then snaps them shut and proceeds to do that to all the windows. “How bad is it? Do I need to hide a body or bail you out of jail? Be honest.” He said. “My sister’s getting married,” I said, breathless. “I'm lost.” “To Dean Archer.” Roman frowned. “Wait, the Dean Archer?” I nod. He paused. ““Shoot, Can she do that? Isn’t there a code against that?” “She told me like she was announcing she made partner at Vogue. In freaking pastel.” Roman pulled me into a hug. “I'm so sorry, love. I'll make popcorn and ice-cream. We'll watch Scream and you can call in sick at the office tomorrow.” He suggested. I spun dramatically, dizzying myself. Roman reached to steady me instinctively, one hand at my waist. “Savannah—careful. Vertigo?” I collapsed to my knees in the middle of his kitchen, clapped my hands together like I was begging for a miracle. “Please don’t kill me. I lied. I did a very, very bad thing.” Roman squinted. “What did you do?” “Say you forgive me first.” “Savannah.” “Say it, Roman. Or I’m never getting up.” He groaned. “Fine. I forgive you. Now stand up before I have to carry you.” I stood, dusted myself off, and blurted, “I told Chloe we’re engaged.” Roman blinked. “You what?” “She was smug and shiny and waving her invitation card like a disco ball, and I panicked. I told her we’ve been secretly in love this whole time.” He rubbed a hand down his face, exhaled, and said, “You showed up here at midnight to ask me to be your fake fiancé because you lied to your entire family to one-up your sister?” “Yes.” He leaned against the counter. “I was supposed to be in Tuscany next week. There are hot models. Clubs. Parties. Cocktails. Poolside massages. Magnificent D cups … You know what happens in Tuscany.” I batted my lashes. “You could still have models. Just... add me to the mix.” He gave me a look. “Savannah.” “Roman.” “You couldn’t have said... like, Jake from accounting?” “You’re the only one they know.” “That’s fair.” “The more I think about this, the more ridiculous it sounds,” he said, finally walking to the kitchen. “You fake-engaged me to your entire family, to outdo your sister who’s marrying your ex, and now we’re driving to New Hope to pull off this epic lie?” I nodded. “Okay, okay, counteroffer—I give you my next paycheck. Just the one. And maybe my soul.” Roman snorted. “Love, your paycheck wouldn’t cover my shoelaces. I bought you a winter coat last Christmas that cost six times your rent.” “And I love that coat,” I said sweetly. “See? I’m grateful. Please, Roman… I can't survive one week in New Hope without you by my side. I need you with me to fight my evil sister.” He watched me, his eyes softer now. “You’re lucky you’re my best friend.” “I love you.” I squealed. Roman sighed. “When do we leave for New Hope?” “In two weeks.” He ran a hand through his messy hair. “Great. Let’s ruin a wedding.” I practically threw myself into his arms, wrapping my arms and legs around him like a koala. “Thank you! I knew you would agree!” “Yeah, don't get too excited.” I exhaled, finally allowing myself to sit down on his couch. Roman glanced at me, then walked to the kitchen. “I’m still making popcorn.” “Huh?” “And ice cream too. You need both. Preferably in the same bowl.” I smiled, heart swelling. “You’re the best fake fiancé a girl could ask for.” He returned minutes later with a giant bowl of buttered popcorn and another with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and crushed Oreos. He handed me a spoon and flopped down beside me. “Come on,” he said, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “You’re not making me cuddle alone.” I wrinkled my nose. “You’re in your underwear.” “And yet, still the more clothed one in this friendship.” I settled into his side, sighing. “You’re really going to do this for me?” Roman kissed the top of my head. “I’ve been doing stuff for you since the day we met. This one’s just got better snacks.” “Only if you ignore Chloe.” “Do we have to kiss?” Roman asked. The thought struck me like lightning,wakingme up in seconds. “Oh, shoot!” Roman smirked. “You really thought of everything but that?” “How'd I forget that?” “I’m sorry… Did you think engaged people do finger guns and fist bumps at dinner parties?” He joked. “Well, I didn’t think we’d need a full kissing strategy! But now I’m imagining us standing awkwardly next to the cake like coworkers who accidentally RSVP’d yes to the same wedding.” I cringed at the image. “I suggest we practice, Roman.” He shifts closer, slowly, like a lion circling an antelope. “Practice?” “Yes! This is a tongue-related crisis.” Roman laughed. “One trial kiss,” I insist. “A simulation. For science.” “You want to kiss me... for science?” “Don’t make it weird.” Roman stops just in front of me. There’s only an inch of space between us now, and suddenly the air is different—thicker, warmer, dangerous. His gaze flicks to my mouth. “Alright, Hart… Let’s practice.” He grins. “I must warn you, I'm sort of a pro at this.” My breath catches as I lean in. Closer. My eyes locked on his. Roman’s lips part slightly— Then I violently press my index finger and thumb down on my nose as if getting a bad whiff. Roman blinks. His face is a mashup of confusion and shock. “...Are you okay?” I gasped dramatically, nose pinched. “Is my cologne too strong?” “Your ego. It’s choking me. I needed to make sure I could breathe before I died mid-kiss.” I cackled. Roman just stares at me. I released my nose, looking proud. “You really thought this was the perfect opportunity for a prank?” Roman asked. “I’m legally obligated to humble you once a week. Consider this your dose.” He drags a hand down his face. “You’re the most chaotic fake fiancée on the planet.” “You’re welcome.” We were halfway through the movie when Roman picked up his phone and absently started scrolling. I was mid-rant about how I'd have to sell my kidney and my car to look on theme judging from how Chloe overemphasised on the colour and fabric for the wedding when Roman suddenly went quiet. Too quiet. “What?” I asked, glancing up at him. His expression was unreadable, then he turned the screen toward me. It was Instagram… A DM request to be specific. “Sav, why is your ex-boyfriend slash brother-in-law sending me a message request?” Chapter 3: Voicenote incoming… The Next Day… Mom: "Can't wait to see your fiancé, sweetie!!” Aunt Carol: Omg!!! Chloe said he’s GORGEOUS.""" Chloe: “Eeeee! So happy for you, Sav!” I rolled my eyes at the last two messages in the group chat. It's not as if Chloe knows what Roman looks like— except now that she's actively stalking him on social media. Just like her husband-to-be. The clatter of keyboards filled the office. Phones ringing left, right and center. The smell of caffeine and papers thick in the air. I sat at my desk, trying to look busy while my phone wouldn’t stop vibrating. If this continues, I'm certain my boss, Terry Goldberg wouldn't hesitate when handing me my sack letter. Another message popped in, my colleagues gave me the stink eye as I finally decided to turn it off. New Hope was on fire. Word had spread like pollen in spring… ‘Savannah Hart was coming back with a man. For the second time in her life’. With a fiancé this time. With Roman Blackwood. My ex was getting married and I’d panicked myself into the lie of the century. And now there was no turning back. A knock landed on my desk. I blinked up. An intern hovered with an elegant black box that looked heavy. The kind of box that whispered, there's wealth in here. But on a more intense look, bombs are usually packaged this way too. “Delivery for you.” I stared. “Is it ticking?” The intern shrugged. “If it is, it’s ticking in cursive.” I eyed the box suspiciously. “Does it say who it's from?” The intern shrugged. Again. My colleagues began whispering and craning their necks to get a better look. “Great. Thank you.” The box wasn't heavy as I expected as I looked for an empty cubicle to lock myself in. I set the box down in an empty stall and unwrapped the package that came with no card. It was a silk dress. The type that clung onto your skin like a good scent. This was not just any dress. This was THE dress. A stunning emerald green, low necked, bare-backed showstopping dress with a decent thigh slit that announced the wearer's arrival without saying a word. Wow Beneath the dress lay the note I was looking for earlier in smooth, clean strokes of ink that smelled expensive. “Figured if we’re going to sell this, you need to look like heartbreak in heels. You don't have to sell your car… – R.” My hands trembled as I read the note three times. Then I called him… He picked up on the second ring. “You got it?” My voice came out cracked. “Roman… This dress looks like it belongs on a red carpet. Not in New Hope.” “Exactly.” “I didn't even think you were listening to me last night.” “I'm always listening to you.” I swallowed. “How much did this cost?” “Enough to ruin your sister’s day.” I paused, then laughter slipped out of my mouth. “You’re insane,” I whispered. “You’re welcome,” he replied smoothly. “You’re not walking into that wedding looking like a cautionary tale. You’re walking in like a big event.” My heart thudded. “I could kiss you.” “You will,” Roman said, calm. Steady. “In front of your entire family. Repeatedly.” “Oh, God… you make it sound worse when you say it that way.” I groaned. “And your ex too.” Roman added. “That, I'm excited for.” We laughed. “He's still texting you?” “Surprisingly, yes. I get the vibe he suspects we're lying or one of us is using the other.” “What?” “The dude does know you though… on a much deeper level.” He winced. “What do you mean?” “He claims to be happy for us but he turns around and lets me know you used to tell him that you'd never date a guy like me. What's up with that?” My palms became sweaty. “And what'd you say?” “Me? I just told him how much fun he must be at therapy.” I burst out into laughter in the middle of the bathroom stall. “I can imagine his face.” “You know you could have picked Colin from Eastview Firm? Or Ethan from HR…” Roman suggested. “The more mysterious, the better.” “They're both my exes. Everyone on that darn group chat knows when I broke up with both of them. Besides, Ethan only lasted long enough to serve one purpose.” “Gross… don't remind me.” I can imagine Roman wrinkling his face in disgust. “Where are you anyways? You're not in your office, are you?” “Nope. Considering my leave was squashed two hours after it began, I'm savouring what I can before I move into Hart family drama.” I winced. “I'm sorry.” He playfully brushed it off. “All fun is good fun, love. I'll try to enjoy New Hope.” “I doubt that.” “Baby,” Roman said, voice warm and low, “I’m about to be the realest fake man you’ve ever had.” “I can't wait.” “Well, I gotta go, there's a hot blonde winking right at me. I'm about to get lucky… I’ll text you later, love!” He hurriedly said before hanging up. Typical Roman I placed the dress against my body in front of the office mirror and took a selfie, typing across a message to attach to it before sending it to the bride of nightmares. “Hey, Chlo, just checking—this the exact green you wanted, right? I know how you get about shades.” I pressed send and breathed out as the three dots danced across the screen. Suddenly… it disappeared. A mic icon appeared in its place… Voicenote incoming… I hesitated for a whole freaking hour, then hit play. Nothing good ever happens when Chloe sends voice notes. “Sav, I think that dress is a little too low-cut. It looks like you’re… seeking attention? You’re going to look like you’re trying to upstage me, Savannah. Not like that's even possible, but then… I just had to be honest. That color’s too… dramatic. I didn't know it'd be this prominent when I imagined it. But I'll take that fault. And honestly, sis, that dress looks too good for you. And what's with that slit? Would your pride survive if your vertigo knocks you around a little bit? Well, you're one tough old cookie, Sav.” Pause. “How did you even afford that dress? Never mind. I don't want to know the gory details. Gotta go! Love you, sis!” My hands trembled. My breathing turned erratic. How dare that little witch. Oh, Chloe, this isn't a wedding anymore, this is war. And may the best groom win. Chapter 4: Trip To New Hope Two Weeks Later… “You’re wearing my hoodie.” Roman stated. “When did you steal that one?” “I didn't steal, I borrowed. Those are two different things.” I muttered, buckling in, “if I die on this trip, tell everyone I looked cute and smelled amazing.” “Will do. You sure you got everything?” He asked as he settled into the driver seat. “Anxiety? Check. Emergency snacks? Check. A dress that my sister says is ‘too good for me’? Triple check.” I counted off my fingers. “That was a low blow, by the way. I can't believe she said all that over a dress. You okay?” “I'll survive. She's said much worse to me.” “And the most important? Did you get it?” Roman started his sleek, black Aston Martin. His sunglasses perched perfectly atop his hair. I grinned wickedly. “You bet.” Roman laughed as he pulled away from the curb. “Remind me never to mess with you, Sav.” “Or buy you a wedding gift.” I added. “No need to worry about that. I'm never getting married. Ever.” He emphasised. I rolled my eyes. “Everyone says that. Then boom, suddenly they're happily married with twenty kids and a dozen dogs.” He scoffed. “Cute picture. But not for me.” I frowned. I've known Roman for five years and this is the first time he's ever spoken about this. “Why?” “Some things just aren't meant for some people. Sav, look at me, do I look like the type of guy that fits into that picture?” He asked with one hand on the steering. I took a good look at him. From his green eyes to his Adam's apple down to his ivory coloured cashmere sweater and black pants. “Sure.” He shook his head. “I don't think so. I like my life as it is.” “If you're anti-marriage, why are you going with me to New Hope?” He glanced at me before turning his attention back to the road. “Who knows? Maybe it's the spirit of adventure. Maybe for experience? Or just because I'd do anything for you.” I let that sink. “Why don't you wanna get married? I know I do want to settle down some day when I'm older.” I placed a hand on my chest. “You're turning thirty, Savannah.” He cackled. “I can still say when I'm older. There's no rule that prevents thirty-year olds from saying it.” I argued. “Besides, you never stated the reason why you swore off marriage.” “Let's not dig up dead bodies, love.” I playfully glared at him. “I'm still gonna get that story out of you, one way or another.” “Till then, love.” Roman smiled. An hour into the drive, the GPS announced: "Continue on I-95 North for 67 miles." I looked at him, head tilted. “Okay. It’s time.” “For?” I turned dramatically in my seat, pulling out my phone. “The road trip playlist. It’s a sacred ritual. First song sets the tone.” Roman arched an eyebrow. “If you play Taylor Swift, I’m driving us into a river.” I gasped. “You take that back.” “You take that playlist back.” We wrestled over my phone like children, with Roman not wanting to give it up. At one point, I climbed halfway into his lap trying to pry it back, giggling and shrieking. “I will end you, Blackwood!” I swore. “You’re gonna get us pulled over.” Eventually, I gave up, breathless and flushed. He handed the phone back with a smirk. “Fine. Play your heartbreak anthems.” “Darn right I will.” I queued up a dramatic song about betrayal and exes. We listened in silence for a beat. Then I said, softly, “Do you think they’ll believe us?” Roman didn’t answer right away. Then he said, “I think if we’re not careful… we might start believing it ourselves.” We looked at each other… Then burst into laughter. “You almost got me.” I giggled. ~~~~~~~~~ We've been driving for two hours. Conversation flowed like it always did with Roman—effortless, familiar, full of sharp banter and long silences that never felt awkward. “You sure you want to do this?” I asked as we passed the ‘Welcome to New Hope’ sign. “There’s still time to turn around. Fake a car fire. Say you got food poisoning. Or I can say I had a pregnancy scare.” “I canceled a relaxing vacation for this,” he said. “I’m not half-assing it, Sav.” “Right. Because this is a performance.” He didn’t answer right away. Just gave me that unreadable look again… the one that made me feel seen in ways I wasn’t ready for. “This isn’t just a performance, Sav,” he said finally. “It’s the start of a battle.” I nodded. “They're not gonna know what hit them.” The moment we crossed into New Hope, my stomach dropped. The group chat was still buzzing. I looked out the window to places I used to know. People I used to know. The houses grew more familiar, more homey, and more weaponized by nostalgia and memories I thought I'd successfully kept buried. By the time Roman turned into the gravel driveway of my childhood home, my hands were sweating. Can I really pull this off for one week? “Sav? You okay?” He reached over to place his free hand on my thigh. I smiled. “Of course. I just got swept into the music.” We both turned to the house. Me, with a glum expression. Him, with surprise. “Sav, are you sure we're at the right house?” I gulped. “Yes.” The Hart family home was nestled at the end of a winding, tree-lined driveway. A timeless monument made of stone, with ivy creeping along the edges like whispers of old secrets. Two tall brick chimneys crowned the sharply gabled roof, hinting at roaring fires that warm the silk-draped drawing rooms. The tall, amber-lit windows that still glow like honey at dusk, spilling golden light across the manicured hedges that flank the front entrance with a soft arch that cradles the wooden double doors, facing the wraparound porch with wrought-iron lanterns and polished oak railings And finally, to the left stood a blooming cherry tree bush with pink petals against the stone like a blush that won’t fade, no matter how many winters come and go. “Your house is quite bigger than I imagined.” “I forgot to mention my dad is a retired federal judge.” I ran my sweaty palms over my black joggers. “You skipped the part where you're supposed to let me know the Harts live in a fortress.” Nevertheless, Roman pulled into the gravel driveway like he owned the place. The welcoming committee was already waiting at the front entrance. My mom. My older sister, Alyssa. My aunties. My cousin, Lizzie, from Florida. My little niece. Chloe in head-to-toe white. And worst of all— Dean freaking Archer.
I INTERRUPTED. SARAH. “Luna, you're six weeks pregnant.” The world stopped for a moment, and I thought I had misheard. The room suddenly felt too quiet, and the ticking of the wall clock was echoing louder than it should. I sat stiffly on the examination chair in the pack clinic, my heart beating rapidly and my fingers curling into the thin blanket that covered my lower body. “Pregnant?” I whispered in disbelief. Across from me, Simon, the pack doctor, nodded slowly while reviewing the documents in his hands. “Yes. The test results are clear,” he looked up at me with a happy smile. “Congratulations, Luna.” Congratulations. The word sounded foreign; I didn't know if I should be happy or if this was actually good news. I didn't know how to receive this news. My heart thudded heavily against my ribs as my hand instinctively drifted to my stomach. A baby was growing in my tummy. A baby. Jason’s baby. A strange warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading slowly as a full moon does after a long time. For years, I had imagined what it would feel like to carry the baby of my mate. Immediately, I felt the warmth, something else tangled up with it—fear. Jason. The joy in my chest dimmed almost immediately. “Are you alright?” Simon asked; he must have noticed the change in my mood. “I…yes. I'm just a little bit surprised. I wasn't expecting this at all.” I blinked, forcing myself to focus. “Thats understandable.” Simon set the report aside and focused on me. “I hope you understand why you've been throwing up for the past few weeks? Morning sickness is quite common during early pregnancy.” I nodded faintly. Morning sickness, so that was what it was. For the past few days, I had blamed it on poor digestion or exhaustion. I had never dared to consider this possibility. Not because we didn't have sεx, Jason and I have had sx just three times, and ur used co'ndoms two times, but not the last time. And because thinking about the fact that she might be pregnant included thinking about Jason’s reaction. Will he be happy about it? Will he hate— “I will inform the Alpha with immediate effect,” Simon said, clearing his throat, and I was thrown into panic mode. “No!” I blurted out, sitting up straighter. Simon paused, looking at me weirdly. My cheeks flushed at how suddenly I replied to him, and I met his gaze nervously. “Please…dont tell Jason yet.” Simon frowned slightly before he continued. “Luna, it is my duty to inform the Alpha about important matters in the pack; this news, especially, is the most important.” “I know. I know.” I muttered as I lowered my eyes. “But could you give me some time? I promise, I'll tell him soon.” Simon studied my face carefully. I prayed he would consider this, as I've never asked him for any favor. I hoped he knew I didn't have any bad intentions and that I was asking for this one favor. “I want to tell him myself,” I added. Simon leaned back slightly in his chair, squinting his eyes at me. “Is there a problem?” he asked. My fingers tightened together in my lap. For a moment, I didn't know how to explain the complicated knot of emotions sitting in my chest. Finally, I found the voice to talk. “Umm…Jason doesn't like me,” I said softly. Simon looked surprised, and I wondered why. We were not affectionate in public; we were just two people who agreed to play our roles and had a stable relationship. I forced a smile because I didn't want him to pity me. “He accepted me because it was his duty, because of the Moon Goddess, but that doesn't mean he wanted this bond,” I said. Simon remained silent as he listened to everything I had to say. “Im not sure he would want this child.” My voice dropped lower. The words tasted bitter, and saying them aloud made them feel real. It made the truth feel heavy. Simon leaned forward as his expression softened. “Luna, the Alpha is a responsible man. Regardless of personal duty, he would not ignore his duty to his child.” I nodded politely, but deep down, I wasn't so certain. Jason had never rejected me outright, but he had also never marked me. He had never called me 'mate' with warmth; our relationship existed somewhere between duty and distance. “Please,” I said again quietly. “Let me tell him myself.” Simon exhaled slowly; the wheels were turning in his mind, and I hoped he would understand. “Alright,” he said, and relief flashed through me. “But,” he said, and my chest started beating rapidly in anticipation of what he was about to say. “I can only keep this confidential until the pregnancy reaches twelve weeks. After that, I must inform the Alpha.” “Thats fair,” I said quickly. Twelve weeks. Three months. That was enough time to sort out my feelings and get my bearings before telling him. Time to gather the courage. “Thank you, Simon,” I said sincerely. He nodded. “Take care of yourself, Luna. Early pregnancy can be quite demanding.” I stood slowly, still feeling dizzy, not from the sickness, but from the news—a baby. I placed my hand ok my stomach again, a tiny life was growing inside me. For a second, my wolf stirred in my mind. Adele’s voice was soft but excited. Adele: Our Pup. My lips curved faintly as I walked out of the office. Yes. Our pup. ————————— Jason’s black SUV was parked outside the clinic. I spotted him immediately. He was leaning casually against the driver’s door, his tall figure commanding attention even in a place as ordinary as a parking lot. The wind slightly tousled his hair, and he looked so s6xy standing there. The glasses that made him look like a nerd were pushed up on his nose. My man. My mate. Even after all this time, seeing him still made my heart flutter. Jason looked up as I approached. “How did it go?” he asked, and I instinctively tightened my hold on the medical report folded in my pocket. “No serious diagnosis?” he added. I hesitated for half a second, deliberating whether I should tell him or not, but then I shook my head. “It's just a stomach bug.” Jason frowned slightly. “You've been throwing up for days.” “I guess my stomach has been sensitive lately,” I replied lightly. I got into the car and made myself comfortable. “Take better care of yourself. As Luna, looking so frail reflects badly on the pack’s image and also on mine. I can't have you looking weak,” he said in an indifferent tone. The warmth i felt earlier dimmed. Of course, this would be his reaction. “I understand. I'll be more careful.” Jason started the engine, and the car moved smoothly down the road. I watched the trees pass outside the window, my thoughts drifting back to the secret growing inside me. Should I tell him now? My wolf stirred softly as she answered me. Adele: Tell him now. She urged softly. Maybe Adele was right. Maybe Jason would be happy. After all, an heir was important to the Alpha. Gathering my courage, I spoke up again. “Karina’s baby is so adorable,” I said casually. Karina was Jason’s cousin who had just given birth. Jason glanced at me briefly. “You visited them recently?” “Yes.” I smiled faintly at the memory of the newborn baby wrapped in soft blankets. “He's so small, and when he smiles in his sleep, he's the cutest thing.” Jason chuckled. “Im looking forward to being called an uncle when he grows up.” My heart skipped a beat; this was the perfect timing. My fingers hovered over my stomach. Now, Adele whispered excitedly. Jason would be very happy, wouldn't he? “Jason, I actually have something I want to—” His phone rang suddenly, and the sharp sound cut through the car. Jason glanced at the screen and connected it to the bluetooth of the car before he picked up. “Hello,” I fell silent as the voice I dreaded rang out in the car. II LEFT IN THE RAIN. SARAH. “Jason…I don't feel well,” Rosalie’s voice said weakly. “My head hurts so much.” My fingers tightened slightly. Rosalie’s voice was soft and fragile, the kind that made people want to care for and protect her. “Did you see the doctor?” Jason asked. “No…i didn't want to bother anyone,” she said. “But I feel really dizzy.” A pause followed. My heartbeat quickened into dangerous beats. I stared down at my hands, my thumb gently rubbing over the knuckle of my finger. Jason would refuse; he had just picked me up from the clinic, and it was raining heavily outside. Plus, the pack house was still a long way from going. He would take me home first. Wouldn't he? “Where are you?” Jason asked. “At home,” Rosalie said softly. “Could you come check on me?” Silence filled the car as my breath slowed while I waited for him to answer. Then he spoke. “I'll be there soon.” Four words. Four words that made my chest tighten in pain. Jason ended the call and began turning the steering wheel, guiding the car toward a different direction. For a few seconds, i didn't speak. I was still processing what I had just heard. “We are not going home?” I finally asked quietly. Jason didn't even look at me; he kept staring at the road. “Rosalie isn't feeling well.” “I heard,” I said as I swallowed. The rain outside grew heavier, tapping against the windshield sharply. Water blurred the view of the road ahead, and I hesitated before speaking again. “Could you drop me off at home first?” I asked gently. It wasn't a demand, it was a small request—the barest minimum. Jason glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable. “That would take extra time.” I blinked, and for a moment, I thought I had misunderstood. “It's raining,” I pointed out, maybe he didn't know it was? “I know. I can see it.” his tone was simple, matter-of-fact. I looked out the window, and the rain still hadn't let up. Jason pulled to the side of the road. “We’re close enough to the pack house,” he said, and my heart sank. “You can walk the rest of the way.” The words were spoken without cruelty, but they hurt. So much. I stared at him, still at a loss for words. “Jason…. It's raining,” my voice trembled. “I know,” he repeated. He pointed toward the back of the car. “There is an umbrella in the trunk.” The car fell silent. I felt something twist painfully in my chest. For a moment, I wanted to say fvck it, and argue with him, I wanted to scream at him How does this make sense?’ I wanted to tell him that I had just left the doctor’s office, that I was pregnant. That I was carrying his child. But the words stayed trapped behind my lips, because deep down, I knew the truth. I knew nothing would change. Even if I said everything I wanted to say, Rosalie would still come first. Slowly, I opened the car door. The cold rain hit me immediately, soaking into my coat within seconds. I walked to the back of the car and opened the trunk. The umbrella was right where Jason said it would be. Prepared and thoughtful, just not towards me. I opened the umbrella and stepped back from the car. For a brief second, I looked toward the driver’s seat. Jason was already adjusting the gear; he didn't even look at me. The engine roared softly and The car drove away. Just like that. I stood on the roadside, watching the black SUV disappear. He didn't look back once. My wolf stirred faintly inside my mind. Adele’s voice carried a tone of sadness. Adele: He left us. I lowered my gaze, admitting to the pain. “Yes, he did,” I said aloud. The walk back to the pack house felt longer than usual. The umbrella helped, but the wind pushed the rain to the sides, soaking the edges of my clothes. Cold water seeped through my shoes as I stepped through puddles along the muddy road. Each step felt heavier than the last, my thoughts drifted backward, back to the moment my life changed. The day I discovered Jason was my mate. I had been so happy then, every girl dreamed about meeting her mate someday, and Jason…. He was the Alpha. Strong. Respected. Powerful. When their eyes had met during the ceremony, their wolves recognised each other immediately. Adele had howled with joy. But Jason’s expression had been completely different. Shock, disbelief, and something colder. Later that night, after the ceremony ended, he spoke to her privately. His voice had been cold and controlled. “Sarah,” he had said. “I will not reject the mate chosen by the Moon Goddess, neither will I reject my duty.” My heart had soared at those words, but then he continued. “At least, not all of them. I will not mark you,” he had said. The memory of those words still made my heart bleed. “The pack needs a Luna,” he had explained. “You are of a proper upbringing, and you understand pack traditions. You are suitable for that role.” Suitable, not wanted. “Beyond fulfilling your roles and duties as Luna, I hope you won't interfere with my personal freedom,” he had added. I had to stand there, absorbing every word he had said. “If you can't accept that, I can reject you now,” he had said. Reject me. The word had sent a chill down my spine because a rejected omega and their family would lose their standing in the pack. Not that omegas were respected; if I had been rejected then, we would have become laughingstocks of the pack. My parents would have been shamed, so I lowered my head and agreed. The rain grew colder as the memory faded. By the time I reached the pack house, I was soaked to the bone. I closed the umbrella and slowly stepped inside. Warm air wrapped around me immediately, but it didn't chase away the cold I felt in my bones. I changed into dry clothes immediately. Still, my body trembled. Curling up on the bed, I pulled the blanket around myself. My hand drifted to my stomach, my baby. Should I tell my mother? My mother had always been someone I could rely on, someone who would always listen to me. But before I could reach for my phone, my wolf spoke again. Adele: Remember what Mother said, Luna, you can't act impulsively. Adele reminded me. My mother had told me these things before I started living here. She told me that as a Luna, I must think about the entire pack before myself. Being Luna meant sacrifice, responsibility, and endurance. Even when it hurt, I put my phone down. “I won't tell her,” I whispered. Not yet. My hand rested protectively over my stomach. “I'll handle this myself.” III HOPE THAT BROKE AT THE DOOR. SARAH. The nausea hit me again, this time, violently. I barely made it to my room before I dropped to my knees beside the sink, gripping the edge tightly as another wave of stomach rolled through my stomach. My body trembled as I retched, the sour taste burning my throat. When it finally stopped, I leaned weakly against the cool wall, breathing heavily. The house was quiet, too quiet. I pressed a hand over my stomach, my fingers trembling slightly. Six weeks, there was a tiny life growing inside me, Jason’s child. The thought should have brought warmth; instead, it brought uncertainty, wrapping around my chest and tightening with each passing second. Jason always looked at her with indifference, and sometimes, irritation. If he knew about the baby, would he resent it too? I lowered my head, my damp hair falling across my face. “Moon Goddess….” I whispered, my voice sounding fragile in the empty bathroom. “Why would you give me a mate who doesn't love me?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. I didn't mean it as a complaint, more like a quiet plea. My voice shook, and I felt tears cloud my vision. I wanted to scream in pain, but I held it in, like I have been all these years. Remembering the words of my mother. Sacrifice. Endurance. Putting the pack before myself. Outside, the thunder rumbled in the distance. A moment later, the rain began to pour heavily against the windows, the storm arriving faster than I expected. The wind howled through the trees surrounding the pack house. I slowly stood up and rinsed my mouth, but the uneasy feeling in my chest refused to fade. The house suddenly felt too large. Too empty. My wolf stirred restlessly inside my mind. Adele: You're shaking. She said with concern. “Im fine,” I replied to her. But her hands were cold, and the storm outside didn't help; thunder rumbled loudly. I flinched slightly, and a soft sigh echoed inside my thoughts. Adele: Call Jason. I stiffened. “No.” Adele: You need him. “He's with Rosalie,” I replied quietly. The words tasted bitter. “He wouldn't want to be disturbed,” I added. Adele: But he's your own mate. She said, not sounding convinced. “Yes, he is,” I whispered, but it felt hollow. Because being a mate had never meant what i thought it would. But Adele persisted. Adele: You can contact Eric through our mindlink. Jason’s wolf. I hesitated. The mindlink allowed our wolves to communicate mentally if needed. But I had rarely used it. Jason had always preferred distance, and I always respected that. “I shouldn't bother him,” I said again weakly. Another loud thunderclap shook the windows. Adele: You're frightened. She said softly, but I didn't want to admit it. But the truth was obvious: the storm, the sickness, and the loneliness. Plus, the fragile life growing inside her made her feel small and uncertain. Finally, Adele spoke again. Adele: Let me try. I closed my eyes, and a moment later, I felt the unfamiliar sensation of my wolf reaching through the invisible thread that connected us to our mate. A gentle pulse spread through my mind. Then another presence appeared, strong and calm—Eric, Jason’s wolf. The connection settled quickly. Jason’s voice followed soon after. “Sarah? What's wrong?” Hearing his voice made her heart skip as usual. For a moment, she almost forgot what she wanted to say. “I…” I started softly. Then the silence stretched, and Jason spoke again. “Is something wrong?” His tone wasn't cold; it was just alert and concerned. “I just wanted to ask…” I said hesitantly, my fingers twisting together nervously. “Can you come home tonight?” I finally asked. My breath caught. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. Maybe he would think I was being too selfish and childish. Then he replied to me. “Im already on my way back.” I blinked in surprise. “You are?” “Yes.” Relief spread through my chest instantly, and the tight knot of anxiety loosened just a little. “Okay,” I whispered. The link faded soon after. I stood quietly in the living room, staring at the front door and waiting for my mate to come home. The house didn't feel as empty as before now, Jason was coming back for me. A small smile appeared on my lips. Maybe things weren't as hopeless as I thought they were. Maybe he still cared, even if he didn't show it. My hand rested gently over my stomach. “Did you hear that?” I muttered softly. “Your daddy is coming home for us.” Minutes passed slowly, and I paced near the window, glancing outside every few seconds. Finally, headlights appeared through the heavy rain. My heart lifted, Jason’s car. I hurried to the door and pulled it open before the vehicle even fully stopped. Cold wind rushed outside, carrying the scent of rain and wet earth. The car door opened, and I stepped forward slightly, her chest warming with quiet anticipation. But the moment I saw Jason, my heart stopped because he wasn't alone. Rosalie was in his arms, her body looked weak and limp, her pale face pressed against Jason’s shoulder. Jason carried her carefully toward the house. His expression was serious, completely focused on the woman he carried. For a moment, I stood there, simply frozen. Jason walked past me without stopping. Without even looking at me, the warmth I had felt earlier disappeared with immediate effect. Jason finally spoke; his voice was so calm. “Rosalie needs to be taken care of.” That was all, no greeting, no explanation—just those seven words. I stood by the door, rain blowing softly against my back. I wanted to scream, "What about me?” Did I not deserve to be cared for? Put the pack before yourself. Endure, sacrifice. My mother’s voice echoed in my mind as I curled my fingers into the fabric of my sleeve. The hope I had felt just minutes ago, shattered loudly in my chest. Behind me, thunder roared around the sky. And suddenly, the house felt cold again. IV A STRANGER IN MY OWN HOME. SARAH. The moment I stepped into the bathroom, my chest tightened. Rosalie was lying on my bed, our bed. The bed Jason and I shared since the day we were mated. Now, she lay there, looking pale and fragile, her head resting against the pillows as if she belonged there. Jason sat beside her, his eyebrows drawn together in worry, while he carefully adjusted the blanket around her. “Drink some water,” he said softly, lifting the cup to her lips. His voice was so gentle. Gentler than I had heard in a long time, something twisted in my gut, and Adele growled in my mind. She was furious. Adele: Kick her out. My fingers curled tightly around my sleeve, struggling to keep myself from probably crying or bursting out in tears. “You know I can’t do that,” I whispered silently. Adele: That is your bedroom. She snapped. I knew that, of course, I knew, but Rosalie isn’t just anyone. Her parents had done a lot for the pack over the years. They had supported Jason’s family during difficult times, and everyone in the pack respected them. Especially Jason. “I can’t throw her out,” I murmured in my thoughts. Adele huffed angrily but said nothing more. She was a fiercer version of me and wanted me to fight for myself each time, but I always remembered what my mother told me: endure and sacrifice. I needed to be a good Luna to the pack, so I needed to endure everything that was being thrown at me. Adele will understand someday. Rosalie shifted slightly against the pillows. “Jason…” she whispered weakly. “I’m here,” Jason replied instantly. His hand moved to her shoulder, steady and protective. I stood near the doorway, feeling like a visitor and a stranger in my own home. The storm outside had softened into steady rain, tapping gently against the windows, but the heaviness in my chest grew and tightened. Jason finally looked up and noticed that I was standing there. He stood up, his expression serious. “I’m going to take a shower,” he said. “Stay and keep an eye on Rosalie. Tend to her needs and give her anything she wants.” He said, and my heart paused for a moment. He didn’t ask, he told me. He commanded me to look after the woman I was competing with in my marriage. Still, I nodded with a crooked smile on my face. “Okay.” He walked past me without another word. A moment later, I heard the bathroom door close and the running of water. The room fell silent, and for a few seconds, Rosalie didnt move. Then, suddenly, her eyes fell open, and they landed on me. The weakness in her expression faded almost instantly, and a faint smile appeared on her face. I frowned because I was confused. She was groaning in pain just seconds ago. What changed? And the smile on her face wasn't a kind one, and my stomach twisted. I forced myself to stay calm and pick up the cup of water Jason left on the nightstand. “You should drink something warm,” I said gently as I moved closer to her. Rosalie pushed herself up slightly against the pillows. I held the cup towards her, she reached for it, and then suddenly, her hand jerked. The cup slipped, and hot water splashed on my hand, burning my skin. Pain shot through me. “Ah!—“ I gasped, instinctively pulling my hand back, making the cup shatter on the floor, and water spread across the wooden boards. Rosalie cried out immediately. “Jason!!!!” Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears, as if she were the one who was hurt. The bathroom door burst open seconds later, Jason rushed out, and his hair was still wet. “What happened?” He demanded. His eyes immediately moved to Rosalie. She held out her hand quickly while mumbling. “My hand…it hurts.” The water didnt even splash on her like that. I was the one with most of the burns. Jason’s expression turned dark as he grabbed her wrist and examined it carefully. The skin on the backs of her hands was slightly red. His jaw tightened, and he looked up. “What happened?” He asked again, his voice colder this time around. My burned hand still throbbed. “It was an accident,” I said quickly. “My hand slips—“ “She pushed it,” Rosalie said softly. My words stopped. Jason turned slowly to look at me. Rosalie's voice sounded so fragile that anyone would believe her. “I didn’t mean to upset her…” she murmured while wincing in pain. “I think—think she’s mad at me and doesn’t want me here.” My heart dropped immediately. “Thats not true,” I said quickly. But Jason’s expression had already turned into anger and irritation, his eyes were awfully cold now. “Enough,” he said sharply, and the word cut through the atmosphere like a blade. I froze. He believed her. “I didn’t—“ I tried again. “Stay out of this room,” Jason interrupted. For a moment, I simply stared at him. My chest felt hollow at this situation. “You think I did this on purpose?” I asked softly. He didn’t hesitate when he replied. “You’ve always disliked Rosalie.” The words landed like a slap to my face. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. Because I could see clearly in his eyes that he had already made up his mind, nothing I said would change it. Slowly, I lowered my head. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice sounded smaller than I expected, which I hated. I turned around and exited the room as he requested. The door closed behind me with a soft click. Ive been chased out of my bedroom, in my matrimonial home. The thought alone brought tears to my eyes, but I pushed them back and went to sit on the couch. Staring at my hands, the red mark from the hot water stung, but it didn’t hurt as much as the tightness in my chest. Adele was silent, and I knew it was because she was too angry to speak. A few minutes later, the front door opened, I looked up, and it was Simon. He walked in, carrying a small medical bag. Jason must have called him. Simon nodded politely when he saw me. “Good evening, Luna.” I forced a faint smile, which was my part as the Luna. Smile even when sad—the lessons branded into my brain by my mother. “Good evening, Simon.” He disappeared into the bedroom, and the door closed again. I sat there, listening to the muffled voices inside. Time passed slowly, so slowly. Eventually, the door opened again, and Simon stepped out, with Jason behind him. They paused near the entrance, and Simon glanced back toward the living room. His eyes rested on me for a moment, and I started panicking. Was he about to tell him about my pregnancy? I tried to beg him through my eyes not to tell him. He sighed before looking back at Jason. “You should keep an eye on the Luna’s health,” he said thoughtfully. Jason frowned slightly. “What do you mean?” “She looks a bit pale and lean lately,” Simon replied. “It might be a good idea to get her checked, too.” For a brief second, I thought I saw concern flash through Jason’s eyes, but as fast as I thought them, they were gone. And he let out a sarcastic laugh that made my heart bleed and made me feel like he was mocking me. I felt the tears well up again. “Sarah?” He said, his voice carrying a hint of the mockery I felt earlier. “She's perfectly healthy; she has plenty of energy to bully Rosalie.” He said calmly. The words drifted across the room, he said casually, but they struck me harder than anything else tonight. Simon frowned slightly, but he didn’t say anything and I bowed my head in shame. I felt embarrassed. “Just…keep it in mind.” He said before leaving. After the front door closed behind him, the house was silent again. I remained on the couch, staring at the door. My hand slowly moved to rest over my stomach. Six weeks. A bitter smile touched my lips. “Did you hear that?” I whispered in a trembling voice. “Your father thinks we are healthy.” V THE SECRET NEEDS TO STAY HIDDEN. SARAH. I stayed on the couch for a long time. My hand continued massaging my stomach, as if I was comforting my baby. Inside that bedroom, Jason was taking care of Rosalie, and out here, I sat alone with a secret he didn't know existed. Adele stirred faintly after her long silence. Adele: You should tell him. My throat tightened with the thought. “No,” I whispered. I stood up slowly and walked down the hallway; each step felt heavier than the last. When I reached the small guest room at the end of the hall, I slipped inside and closed the door behind me. The room was dark, and only the faint light from the streetlight outside filtered in through the curtains. For a moment, I simply stood there. Then my strength finally gave out. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. I pressed a hand over my mouth, trying to keep the sound in, because crying felt like a weakness. And lately….I had already felt too weak. My other hand slowly reached into my pocket, and I pulled out the small folded paper that I had kept with me all day because I was afraid of leaving it lying around for Jason to see. The test result, the doctor’s neat handwriting stared back at me. Six weeks pregnant. My vision blurred again. Jason didn't even believe me about а cup of water. If I told him about the baby, would he think I was lying, too? Or worse—would he think that I was trying to trap him or tie him down with a child? My chest tightened painfully. “No,” I whispered again. The word trembled in the quiet room. I carefully folded the paper and tucked it in my pocket. “I won't tell him.” Not now. Maybe not ever. Adele didn't argue with me this time; she only sighed in understanding in the back of my mind. Eventually, my tears stopped, and it was still raining outside, and the heaviness in my chest didn't reduce. ——————————— The next morning arrived quietly. I barely slept. When the sunlight streamed in through the curtains, I forced myself out of bed, showered, and then got dressed. Today, I had to go to Stella’s house. Jason’s grandmother. She was a nice woman who always looked out for me. The women of the family were gathering for a tea party. Normally, I would have looked forward to it, but today, my chest felt strangely tight and hollow. Still I couldn't refuse, it was my duty as the Luna, so I went. Stella’s house was warm and lively when I got there thirty minutes later. Soft laughter filled the garden where a long table had been set beneath a large tree. Tea cups, pastries, and flowers were laid out perfectly to decorate the table. Several women from the family had already arrived, and they greeted me warmly as I stepped in. “Sarah!” “Good morning, dear.” “Come sit with us.” I forced a smile as usual and greeted them politely. The cheerful atmosphere helped a little. For a while, I almost forgot the heaviness in my chest. Then Karina arrived. She stepped into the garden carrying her son. She just gave birth, and she looked like she was glowing. The round cheeks of the baby were pink, and his small hands clung tightly to his mother’s dress. “He's so adorable,” someone said. Karina smiled proudly as she sat down with her son, placed carefully on her lap. Karina sat beside me and offered that if I wanted to carry her baby, I couldn't say no, of course, plus he looked so cute, so I indulged in carrying him. He felt so small. “Hello,” I said gently. His hand wrapped around my pinky, and pink hues spread across his cheeks as he giggled. My heart softened at the sight. “He must like women, look at him blushing and holding tight to Sarah,” Stella said, and everybody at the table laughed.
"“You've got to be kidding me, Savannah.” Chloe twirled the diamond on her finger, her smile bright enough to cut glass. “I'm marrying Dean Archer.” For a second, I couldn't breathe. Dean. The man I thought I'd spend forever with, was marrying my sister. “Oh, and by the way,” Chloe added sweetly,""still single, huh? Don't worry, someone will want you… eventually.” Something in me snapped. “Who said I'm single?” I shot back. “I'm engaged.” Her brows lifted, amused.""To who?” I took a breath I didn't have. “To Roman Blackwood.” Her laughter was instant, sharp. “Roman? The guy who swore he'd never settle down? Wow, good luck with that.” *** A few hours later, I was pounding on Roman's door. He opened it barefoot, hair messy, wearing that smug grin I hated to love. “You've officially lost it,” he said.""Fake engagement? Really, Savannah?” “I need your help,” I blurted.""I want to ruin their wedding.” He stared for a moment, then stepped closer, a slow smirk spreading across his face. “You know what, sweetheart? You picked the right guy for the job.” Pause. His voice dropped lower. “But if we're gonna sell this, we'll need to… rehearse.” And so it began. Hand-holding. Flirty smiles. Public kisses that lingered too long. “Are you trying to get this close?” I hissed one night. Roman's grin was infuriating. “Just making it believable, darling.” By the time we walked into Chloe's wedding arm in arm, the whole room froze. Dean's face went pale. Chloe's jaw dropped. And me? I wasn't sure anymore when pretending had turned into something real. “Roman,” I whispered later,""when this is over, we go back to being friends. Right?” He looked at me for a long moment, eyes dark, voice low. “Maybe,” he said, “I'm not ready for this act to end.”" ************************* Chapter 1: You're Marrying My Ex? “I'm getting married!” I blinked. “Huh? You were dating?” “Of course I was, dummy. You know I love being in love.” My sister, Chloe laughed. She was glowing. That was the first red flag. “Is it to the guy named Zane with a silent G? The one you met at the three-month yoga retreat in LA?” “Ew no. Zane was a jerk.” She snapped. “Umm, congrats I guess… but who's the lucky guy?” Unlucky, if I was free to be honest. Chloe held out a crisp, green and cream-colored envelope with silver calligraphy. I took the wedding invitation and unfolded it, dread already settling in at the back of my head. “You are cordially invited to the wedding of Chloe Hart and Dean Archer.” My heart didn’t just sink, it free-fell through my stomach and straight out my body. “Dean Archer,” I said slowly. “My Dean?” Chloe swiftly snatched her wedding invite from my trembling fingers. “MY Dean,” Chloe chirped. “Isn’t it crazy? It all just… clicked. He came back to New Hope last Christmas, we reconnected, and—boom. Instant.” I stared at my sister like she was speaking in tongues. Dean Archer was my college ex. The one who left me without a real explanation. Dumped me via text on my birthday. The ex I never got over. The one who knew all the right buttons to push and disappeared just when I’d started to believe in him. “You're marrying my ex?” Chloe rolled her eyes. “Your ex? Was that actually a relationship? That old fling? C'mon sis.” My mouth went dry. Chloe rose from the couch and stepped forward as if to greet me, then stopped abruptly, her nose wrinkled in delicate horror. Oh. No, I don’t think I can hug you. You’ve got ink on your hands, and I just had this sweater dry-cleaned. She wore a pastel-pink cable-knit sweater over a white satin tank top, paired with pressed cream linen pants and ballet flats that had never seen a scuff. Her blonde hair was tucked into a perfect low bun. Every part of her screamed effortless grace. Me, in contrast, stood in the doorway in a rumpled button-down, a charcoal skirt that barely grazed my thighs, one heel hanging on for dear life, and black ink smudged across my three fingers. I stared at her, stunned into silence. Chloe sipped her wine. "You okay? You look a little pale. Is it the vertigo again? Maybe skip the champagne toast at the wedding. I’d hate for you to go down during the vows. That'd be embarrassing, Sav. Anyway, you’re gonna be my maid of honor. Fingers crossed, you catch the bouquet. My fiancé has good looking friends you could manage to impress.” I stared at her. “I left the office in a hurry, broke my freaking stiletto, ran three red-lights, fought with drunk drivers and nearly crashed my Audi, just to get home to you, Chloe. You said it was an emergency!” She paused mid-sip. “Oh… I'm sorry I had no idea. I just thought you were late because you got distracted by a Zara window again.” She giggled. “Nope.” “Well, if you did though it'd come in handy now because you know I'm quite particular about colours, shades and fabrics.” She rambled on. It was my turn to roll my eyes, “Let me hear it.” “It's green. But not the basic one… it's a bit more intense.” She describes. “You mean emerald green?” I asked flatly. “It’s not just emerald green, okay? God, do I look like someone who wears something off-the-rack? No. It’s more like… if envy and royalty had a scandalous love child. Think deep forest glimmering with silent judgment. Rich. Regal. But also don’t-touch-me sharp. Not teal. Not moss. Not jade. And absolutely not that murky mall-green you find in discount bins where your OOTD comes from. This shade says, ‘Yes, I’ve arrived, and no, I don’t care that you’re staring’.” My mouth hung up. “That's emerald, Chlo.” I argued. “No, it's not. That stuff is basic. For the fabric? Silk. Rich silk. Can you afford that, Sav? You're gonna be my maid of honor, you have to look presentable enough to play the part. Don’t bring your Walmart thrifts to my event.” Something snapped within me. If this is how you wanna play, then let's play, baby sis. “Can I bring a date?” She glanced up from her phone. “You haven't had a decent relationship in years. Who could you possibly be bringing?” I lifted my chin. "Actually, I've got big news to share too… wanted to keep it a secret but now? Not so much." “You got promoted at work?” “I'm engaged.” Chloe choked on her sip. "You?" I beamed, “Yes, I'm getting married too.” Chloe made a face as if her wine had suddenly turned bitter. “That's huge. And who's the brave guy?” Roman Blackwood. You know, my best friend. He works in finance. I lied without blinking. Chloe's brows shot up. "Roman? The one who always texts you during family dinners and sends Dad cigars at Christmas? That Roman?" I forced a smile. "The very one. We’ve kept it quiet. Didn’t want to steal anyone’s thunder." Chloe blinked. "Hmm. I mean... good for you. I didn’t think you were the relationship type, but here we are. Must be something in the air." “Must be." I turned toward the kitchen to grab a glass of water, my fingers trembling just enough to clink the glass against the tap. But, uh, let’s not tell the family just yet. We’re still figuring out the timing. You know Roman is always busy and only gets to take two vacations in twelve months and I'm always busy booking meetings and controlling schedules. We don't want to get overwhelmed with the whole process. You understand, right? Chloe rose and grabbed her purse, that same serene smile on her face as she headed for the door. “Crystal," she said in a voice like a sugar cube melting in tea. "I've got you. Love you, sis." And then she was gone. Leaving behind her perfume… and chaos. Immediately, my phone started vibrating in my bag. After rummaging for minutes, I finally found it and nearly dropped it instantly with a shriek. Chloe had opened her big mouth and told literally everyone from our genepool that I was getting married. The family group chat was heating up. Mom, dad, our older sister, Alyssa, Aunt Janice, Aunt Thelma, Uncle Jace…. Literally everybody that saw me in diapers! “Shoot!” I've got to warn Roman. Chapter 2: Let's Ruin A Wedding. I didn’t knock on the door, I pounded. Roman’s door swung open a few seconds later, revealing him in nothing but a pair of blindingly white Calvin Klein boxer briefs and sleep-tousled hair. I wasn't fazed. Roman usually sleeps without clothes. “Nice boxers. Very... spiritual monk energy you have going on,” I said, breezing inside. Roman rubbed his eyes, “It’s one in the morning. Did you set something on fire again?” I kicked the door shut behind me, my heel finally giving up and snapping clean off. “Just my life.” Roman sighed and knelt, without a word, helping me out of my shoes as usual. “Roman, I did something horrible.” Roman's face morphs into one of seriousness. He briskly walks to the widows, looks both ways then snaps them shut and proceeds to do that to all the windows. “How bad is it? Do I need to hide a body or bail you out of jail? Be honest.” He said. “My sister’s getting married,” I said, breathless. “I'm lost.” “To Dean Archer.” Roman frowned. “Wait, the Dean Archer?” I nod. He paused. ““Shoot, Can she do that? Isn’t there a code against that?” “She told me like she was announcing she made partner at Vogue. In freaking pastel.” Roman pulled me into a hug. “I'm so sorry, love. I'll make popcorn and ice-cream. We'll watch Scream and you can call in sick at the office tomorrow.” He suggested. I spun dramatically, dizzying myself. Roman reached to steady me instinctively, one hand at my waist. “Savannah—careful. Vertigo?” I collapsed to my knees in the middle of his kitchen, clapped my hands together like I was begging for a miracle. “Please don’t kill me. I lied. I did a very, very bad thing.” Roman squinted. “What did you do?” “Say you forgive me first.” “Savannah.” “Say it, Roman. Or I’m never getting up.” He groaned. “Fine. I forgive you. Now stand up before I have to carry you.” I stood, dusted myself off, and blurted, “I told Chloe we’re engaged.” Roman blinked. “You what?” “She was smug and shiny and waving her invitation card like a disco ball, and I panicked. I told her we’ve been secretly in love this whole time.” He rubbed a hand down his face, exhaled, and said, “You showed up here at midnight to ask me to be your fake fiancé because you lied to your entire family to one-up your sister?” “Yes.” He leaned against the counter. “I was supposed to be in Tuscany next week. There are hot models. Clubs. Parties. Cocktails. Poolside massages. Magnificent D cups … You know what happens in Tuscany.” I batted my lashes. “You could still have models. Just... add me to the mix.” He gave me a look. “Savannah.” “Roman.” “You couldn’t have said... like, Jake from accounting?” “You’re the only one they know.” “That’s fair.” “The more I think about this, the more ridiculous it sounds,” he said, finally walking to the kitchen. “You fake-engaged me to your entire family, to outdo your sister who’s marrying your ex, and now we’re driving to New Hope to pull off this epic lie?” I nodded. “Okay, okay, counteroffer—I give you my next paycheck. Just the one. And maybe my soul.” Roman snorted. “Love, your paycheck wouldn’t cover my shoelaces. I bought you a winter coat last Christmas that cost six times your rent.” “And I love that coat,” I said sweetly. “See? I’m grateful. Please, Roman… I can't survive one week in New Hope without you by my side. I need you with me to fight my evil sister.” He watched me, his eyes softer now. “You’re lucky you’re my best friend.” “I love you.” I squealed. Roman sighed. “When do we leave for New Hope?” “In two weeks.” He ran a hand through his messy hair. “Great. Let’s ruin a wedding.” I practically threw myself into his arms, wrapping my arms and legs around him like a koala. “Thank you! I knew you would agree!” “Yeah, don't get too excited.” I exhaled, finally allowing myself to sit down on his couch. Roman glanced at me, then walked to the kitchen. “I’m still making popcorn.” “Huh?” “And ice cream too. You need both. Preferably in the same bowl.” I smiled, heart swelling. “You’re the best fake fiancé a girl could ask for.” He returned minutes later with a giant bowl of buttered popcorn and another with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and crushed Oreos. He handed me a spoon and flopped down beside me. “Come on,” he said, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “You’re not making me cuddle alone.” I wrinkled my nose. “You’re in your underwear.” “And yet, still the more clothed one in this friendship.” I settled into his side, sighing. “You’re really going to do this for me?” Roman kissed the top of my head. “I’ve been doing stuff for you since the day we met. This one’s just got better snacks.” “Only if you ignore Chloe.” “Do we have to kiss?” Roman asked. The thought struck me like lightning,wakingme up in seconds. “Oh, shoot!” Roman smirked. “You really thought of everything but that?” “How'd I forget that?” “I’m sorry… Did you think engaged people do finger guns and fist bumps at dinner parties?” He joked. “Well, I didn’t think we’d need a full kissing strategy! But now I’m imagining us standing awkwardly next to the cake like coworkers who accidentally RSVP’d yes to the same wedding.” I cringed at the image. “I suggest we practice, Roman.” He shifts closer, slowly, like a lion circling an antelope. “Practice?” “Yes! This is a tongue-related crisis.” Roman laughed. “One trial kiss,” I insist. “A simulation. For science.” “You want to kiss me... for science?” “Don’t make it weird.” Roman stops just in front of me. There’s only an inch of space between us now, and suddenly the air is different—thicker, warmer, dangerous. His gaze flicks to my mouth. “Alright, Hart… Let’s practice.” He grins. “I must warn you, I'm sort of a pro at this.” My breath catches as I lean in. Closer. My eyes locked on his. Roman’s lips part slightly— Then I violently press my index finger and thumb down on my nose as if getting a bad whiff. Roman blinks. His face is a mashup of confusion and shock. “...Are you okay?” I gasped dramatically, nose pinched. “Is my cologne too strong?” “Your ego. It’s choking me. I needed to make sure I could breathe before I died mid-kiss.” I cackled. Roman just stares at me. I released my nose, looking proud. “You really thought this was the perfect opportunity for a prank?” Roman asked. “I’m legally obligated to humble you once a week. Consider this your dose.” He drags a hand down his face. “You’re the most chaotic fake fiancée on the planet.” “You’re welcome.” We were halfway through the movie when Roman picked up his phone and absently started scrolling. I was mid-rant about how I'd have to sell my kidney and my car to look on theme judging from how Chloe overemphasised on the colour and fabric for the wedding when Roman suddenly went quiet. Too quiet. “What?” I asked, glancing up at him. His expression was unreadable, then he turned the screen toward me. It was Instagram… A DM request to be specific. “Sav, why is your ex-boyfriend slash brother-in-law sending me a message request?” Chapter 3: Voicenote incoming… The Next Day… Mom: "Can't wait to see your fiancé, sweetie!!” Aunt Carol: Omg!!! Chloe said he’s GORGEOUS.""" Chloe: “Eeeee! So happy for you, Sav!” I rolled my eyes at the last two messages in the group chat. It's not as if Chloe knows what Roman looks like— except now that she's actively stalking him on social media. Just like her husband-to-be. The clatter of keyboards filled the office. Phones ringing left, right and center. The smell of caffeine and papers thick in the air. I sat at my desk, trying to look busy while my phone wouldn’t stop vibrating. If this continues, I'm certain my boss, Terry Goldberg wouldn't hesitate when handing me my sack letter. Another message popped in, my colleagues gave me the stink eye as I finally decided to turn it off. New Hope was on fire. Word had spread like pollen in spring… ‘Savannah Hart was coming back with a man. For the second time in her life’. With a fiancé this time. With Roman Blackwood. My ex was getting married and I’d panicked myself into the lie of the century. And now there was no turning back. A knock landed on my desk. I blinked up. An intern hovered with an elegant black box that looked heavy. The kind of box that whispered, there's wealth in here. But on a more intense look, bombs are usually packaged this way too. “Delivery for you.” I stared. “Is it ticking?” The intern shrugged. “If it is, it’s ticking in cursive.” I eyed the box suspiciously. “Does it say who it's from?” The intern shrugged. Again. My colleagues began whispering and craning their necks to get a better look. “Great. Thank you.” The box wasn't heavy as I expected as I looked for an empty cubicle to lock myself in. I set the box down in an empty stall and unwrapped the package that came with no card. It was a silk dress. The type that clung onto your skin like a good scent. This was not just any dress. This was THE dress. A stunning emerald green, low necked, bare-backed showstopping dress with a decent thigh slit that announced the wearer's arrival without saying a word. Wow Beneath the dress lay the note I was looking for earlier in smooth, clean strokes of ink that smelled expensive. “Figured if we’re going to sell this, you need to look like heartbreak in heels. You don't have to sell your car… – R.” My hands trembled as I read the note three times. Then I called him… He picked up on the second ring. “You got it?” My voice came out cracked. “Roman… This dress looks like it belongs on a red carpet. Not in New Hope.” “Exactly.” “I didn't even think you were listening to me last night.” “I'm always listening to you.” I swallowed. “How much did this cost?” “Enough to ruin your sister’s day.” I paused, then laughter slipped out of my mouth. “You’re insane,” I whispered. “You’re welcome,” he replied smoothly. “You’re not walking into that wedding looking like a cautionary tale. You’re walking in like a big event.” My heart thudded. “I could kiss you.” “You will,” Roman said, calm. Steady. “In front of your entire family. Repeatedly.” “Oh, God… you make it sound worse when you say it that way.” I groaned. “And your ex too.” Roman added. “That, I'm excited for.” We laughed. “He's still texting you?” “Surprisingly, yes. I get the vibe he suspects we're lying or one of us is using the other.” “What?” “The dude does know you though… on a much deeper level.” He winced. “What do you mean?” “He claims to be happy for us but he turns around and lets me know you used to tell him that you'd never date a guy like me. What's up with that?” My palms became sweaty. “And what'd you say?” “Me? I just told him how much fun he must be at therapy.” I burst out into laughter in the middle of the bathroom stall. “I can imagine his face.” “You know you could have picked Colin from Eastview Firm? Or Ethan from HR…” Roman suggested. “The more mysterious, the better.” “They're both my exes. Everyone on that darn group chat knows when I broke up with both of them. Besides, Ethan only lasted long enough to serve one purpose.” “Gross… don't remind me.” I can imagine Roman wrinkling his face in disgust. “Where are you anyways? You're not in your office, are you?” “Nope. Considering my leave was squashed two hours after it began, I'm savouring what I can before I move into Hart family drama.” I winced. “I'm sorry.” He playfully brushed it off. “All fun is good fun, love. I'll try to enjoy New Hope.” “I doubt that.” “Baby,” Roman said, voice warm and low, “I’m about to be the realest fake man you’ve ever had.” “I can't wait.” “Well, I gotta go, there's a hot blonde winking right at me. I'm about to get lucky… I’ll text you later, love!” He hurriedly said before hanging up. Typical Roman I placed the dress against my body in front of the office mirror and took a selfie, typing across a message to attach to it before sending it to the bride of nightmares. “Hey, Chlo, just checking—this the exact green you wanted, right? I know how you get about shades.” I pressed send and breathed out as the three dots danced across the screen. Suddenly… it disappeared. A mic icon appeared in its place… Voicenote incoming… I hesitated for a whole freaking hour, then hit play. Nothing good ever happens when Chloe sends voice notes. “Sav, I think that dress is a little too low-cut. It looks like you’re… seeking attention? You’re going to look like you’re trying to upstage me, Savannah. Not like that's even possible, but then… I just had to be honest. That color’s too… dramatic. I didn't know it'd be this prominent when I imagined it. But I'll take that fault. And honestly, sis, that dress looks too good for you. And what's with that slit? Would your pride survive if your vertigo knocks you around a little bit? Well, you're one tough old cookie, Sav.” Pause. “How did you even afford that dress? Never mind. I don't want to know the gory details. Gotta go! Love you, sis!” My hands trembled. My breathing turned erratic. How dare that little witch. Oh, Chloe, this isn't a wedding anymore, this is war. And may the best groom win. Chapter 4: Trip To New Hope Two Weeks Later… “You’re wearing my hoodie.” Roman stated. “When did you steal that one?” “I didn't steal, I borrowed. Those are two different things.” I muttered, buckling in, “if I die on this trip, tell everyone I looked cute and smelled amazing.” “Will do. You sure you got everything?” He asked as he settled into the driver seat. “Anxiety? Check. Emergency snacks? Check. A dress that my sister says is ‘too good for me’? Triple check.” I counted off my fingers. “That was a low blow, by the way. I can't believe she said all that over a dress. You okay?” “I'll survive. She's said much worse to me.” “And the most important? Did you get it?” Roman started his sleek, black Aston Martin. His sunglasses perched perfectly atop his hair. I grinned wickedly. “You bet.” Roman laughed as he pulled away from the curb. “Remind me never to mess with you, Sav.” “Or buy you a wedding gift.” I added. “No need to worry about that. I'm never getting married. Ever.” He emphasised. I rolled my eyes. “Everyone says that. Then boom, suddenly they're happily married with twenty kids and a dozen dogs.” He scoffed. “Cute picture. But not for me.” I frowned. I've known Roman for five years and this is the first time he's ever spoken about this. “Why?” “Some things just aren't meant for some people. Sav, look at me, do I look like the type of guy that fits into that picture?” He asked with one hand on the steering. I took a good look at him. From his green eyes to his Adam's apple down to his ivory coloured cashmere sweater and black pants. “Sure.” He shook his head. “I don't think so. I like my life as it is.” “If you're anti-marriage, why are you going with me to New Hope?” He glanced at me before turning his attention back to the road. “Who knows? Maybe it's the spirit of adventure. Maybe for experience? Or just because I'd do anything for you.” I let that sink. “Why don't you wanna get married? I know I do want to settle down some day when I'm older.” I placed a hand on my chest. “You're turning thirty, Savannah.” He cackled. “I can still say when I'm older. There's no rule that prevents thirty-year olds from saying it.” I argued. “Besides, you never stated the reason why you swore off marriage.” “Let's not dig up dead bodies, love.” I playfully glared at him. “I'm still gonna get that story out of you, one way or another.” “Till then, love.” Roman smiled. An hour into the drive, the GPS announced: "Continue on I-95 North for 67 miles." I looked at him, head tilted. “Okay. It’s time.” “For?” I turned dramatically in my seat, pulling out my phone. “The road trip playlist. It’s a sacred ritual. First song sets the tone.” Roman arched an eyebrow. “If you play Taylor Swift, I’m driving us into a river.” I gasped. “You take that back.” “You take that playlist back.” We wrestled over my phone like children, with Roman not wanting to give it up. At one point, I climbed halfway into his lap trying to pry it back, giggling and shrieking. “I will end you, Blackwood!” I swore. “You’re gonna get us pulled over.” Eventually, I gave up, breathless and flushed. He handed the phone back with a smirk. “Fine. Play your heartbreak anthems.” “Darn right I will.” I queued up a dramatic song about betrayal and exes. We listened in silence for a beat. Then I said, softly, “Do you think they’ll believe us?” Roman didn’t answer right away. Then he said, “I think if we’re not careful… we might start believing it ourselves.” We looked at each other… Then burst into laughter. “You almost got me.” I giggled. ~~~~~~~~~ We've been driving for two hours. Conversation flowed like it always did with Roman—effortless, familiar, full of sharp banter and long silences that never felt awkward. “You sure you want to do this?” I asked as we passed the ‘Welcome to New Hope’ sign. “There’s still time to turn around. Fake a car fire. Say you got food poisoning. Or I can say I had a pregnancy scare.” “I canceled a relaxing vacation for this,” he said. “I’m not half-assing it, Sav.” “Right. Because this is a performance.” He didn’t answer right away. Just gave me that unreadable look again… the one that made me feel seen in ways I wasn’t ready for. “This isn’t just a performance, Sav,” he said finally. “It’s the start of a battle.” I nodded. “They're not gonna know what hit them.” The moment we crossed into New Hope, my stomach dropped. The group chat was still buzzing. I looked out the window to places I used to know. People I used to know. The houses grew more familiar, more homey, and more weaponized by nostalgia and memories I thought I'd successfully kept buried. By the time Roman turned into the gravel driveway of my childhood home, my hands were sweating. Can I really pull this off for one week? “Sav? You okay?” He reached over to place his free hand on my thigh. I smiled. “Of course. I just got swept into the music.” We both turned to the house. Me, with a glum expression. Him, with surprise. “Sav, are you sure we're at the right house?” I gulped. “Yes.” The Hart family home was nestled at the end of a winding, tree-lined driveway. A timeless monument made of stone, with ivy creeping along the edges like whispers of old secrets. Two tall brick chimneys crowned the sharply gabled roof, hinting at roaring fires that warm the silk-draped drawing rooms. The tall, amber-lit windows that still glow like honey at dusk, spilling golden light across the manicured hedges that flank the front entrance with a soft arch that cradles the wooden double doors, facing the wraparound porch with wrought-iron lanterns and polished oak railings And finally, to the left stood a blooming cherry tree bush with pink petals against the stone like a blush that won’t fade, no matter how many winters come and go. “Your house is quite bigger than I imagined.” “I forgot to mention my dad is a retired federal judge.” I ran my sweaty palms over my black joggers. “You skipped the part where you're supposed to let me know the Harts live in a fortress.” Nevertheless, Roman pulled into the gravel driveway like he owned the place. The welcoming committee was already waiting at the front entrance. My mom. My older sister, Alyssa. My aunties. My cousin, Lizzie, from Florida. My little niece. Chloe in head-to-toe white. And worst of all— Dean freaking Archer.
Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now.Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now. Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia Capítulo 1 ¡Bum! Las puertas de la sala del evento se abrieron de golpe. "¡Algo le ha pasado a Lydia!", gritó un hombre al entrar tambaleándose, con el pánico pintado en el rostro. Las palabras impactaron como una bomba. La sala —decorada con flores, lazos y música romántica, bullendo de emoción por la propuesta— quedó instantáneamente en silencio. El hombre en el centro de atención, aún de rodillas, con el anillo en la mano, se giró sobresaltado. "¿Qué acabas de decir?" Quade Zimmer, con su pelo teñido de azul tan estridente como su voz, soltó: "¡La señora Lancaster acaba de llamar! ¡Lydia ha tenido un accidente de coche! ¡Está en el hospital ahora mismo!" Apenas habían salido las palabras de su boca cuando estalló el caos: sillas arrastrándose, tacones repiqueteando, gente apresurándose hacia la puerta. No era una exageración decir que Lydia Wallace era la chica de moda de su círculo: hermosa, talentosa, frágil de esa forma desgarradora que hacía que la gente quisiera protegerla. Todos la adoraban, la compadecían, la veneraban. ¿Y ahora que su diosa estaba herida? A nadie le quedaba corazón para seguir celebrando una propuesta de matrimonio cuya respuesta todos ya conocían. Incluso el chico que proponía lo dejó todo y salió corriendo. "Jasper—" La voz que pronunció su nombre llegó por detrás —suave, apenas más que un suspiro. Fue entonces cuando todos finalmente se dieron cuenta: la mujer a la que le estaban pidiendo matrimonio no había dicho ni una palabra en todo este tiempo. Alguien debió de haber dado a los interruptores en el caos, porque la sala se oscureció. La única luz provenía de las suaves lámparas de la pared. En un rincón, mitad en sombras, mitad en luz, estaba Claudia Lancaster. Su belleza no era del tipo dulce y gentil —era marcada, impactante, inolvidable. Pero en ese momento, su calma resultaba inquietante. Su expresión no revelaba nada. "¿No quieres oír mi respuesta?", preguntó en voz baja. Hacía apenas un minuto, Jasper Fenton le había pedido que se casara con él. Ahora, a medio camino de la puerta, se detuvo en seco. Ni siquiera intentó explicarse. "Claudia, lo siento. Tengo que ir al hospital. Vete a casa primero, ¿vale?" "¿Y si no te dejo ir?" Su voz se mantuvo firme. "Jasper, sabes que la odio." Jasper suspiró, exasperado. "Claudia, ahora no. No es momento para empezar una pelea." "Mi respuesta… puede que solo la obtengas una vez", dijo, tan calmada como siempre. Algo en su tono le hizo hacer una pausa. Normalmente, en cuanto salía el nombre de Lydia, Claudia estallaba —espetando, poniendo los ojos en blanco, maldiciendo a Lydia entre dientes. Pero esta noche, estaba fría, distante. Casi como si lo hubiera estado esperando. Un destello de inquietud le recorrió la espalda a Jasper. "Oh, por favor", intervino Quade, poniendo los ojos en blanco. "Has estado obsesionada con Jasper desde, ¿qué, la secundaria? El tipo finalmente te propone matrimonio y ¿se supone que debemos creer que dirías que no?" "Sí, alguien podría estar muriéndose en serio. Te pueden proponer matrimonio cualquier otro día", añadió alguien más. "¡Exacto! Las familias arreglaron esto hace siglos, toda esta cosa es solo por apariencias." Los comentarios dolían, pero Claudia ni siquiera parpadeó. Sus ojos oscuros permanecieron clavados en Jasper. Esperando. Jasper dejó escapar otro suspiro y volvió hacia ella. Como siempre, le despeinó el cabello como si fuera una niña. "Pórtate bien, ¿vale? No montes una escena. Lydia podría estar gravemente herida. Este no es el momento para una rabieta." Siempre era así. Cada vez que Lydia estaba involucrada, Jasper nunca preguntaba quién tenía razón o no. Corría a consolar a Lydia primero, y luego volvía a regañar a Claudia, suave y paciente, como si fuera una niña mimada que simplemente no entendía. Así se sentía amar a alguien desde abajo. No importaba cuánto gritaras, tu ira era solo "graciosa". Nunca seria. ¿Esta propuesta? Nunca había sido una pregunta real. Jasper ya sabía cuál debería haber sido su respuesta. "¡Oh, al diablo con esto, no puedo quedarme callada más tiempo!" Whitney Sawyer golpeó su bolso de mano contra algo, con furia destellando en sus ojos. Había estado aguantándose desde que Quade irrumpió, pero ya era suficiente. "Jasper, ¿eres su novio o su ambulancia personal? ¿Cómo es que cada vez que Lydia sufre 'un accidente', te llama a ti? Siempre perfectamente sincronizado, siempre arruinando tus planes. ¡La última vez fue una cita, ahora es tu propuesta! ¿Qué, no podía esperar a morirse cinco minutos?" Como mejor amiga de Claudia, Whitney había pasado semanas planeando esta propuesta. Y ahora, una vez más, Lydia la había secuestrado, y Jasper había caído directamente en la trampa. La furia de Whitney se extendió como un incendio forestal. "¡Y el resto de ustedes! ¿Para qué corren, a visitarla o a planear su funeral? ¡A este paso, Lydia ya debería haber muerto cien veces!" "¡Whitney!" El rostro de Jasper se ensombreció; el hombre gentil y afable desapareció. Su voz sonó como un latigazo. "Mide tus palabras." "Oh, perdóname." La voz de Whitney subió de tono, aguda y furiosa. "¿No soportas oír criticar a tu preciosa Lydia? Jasper, ¿acaso recuerdas quién es tu novia?" Los ojos de Jasper se helaron. Claudia le agarró el brazo a Whitney, con voz tranquila pero firme. "Si sales por esa puerta, Jasper, terminamos." Ya se había perdido demasiado tiempo. Jasper se pellizcó el puente de la nariz y suspiró. "No digas algo de lo que te arrepentirás. Claudia, hablaremos cuando vuelva." Se dio la vuelta y salió con paso firme, sin mirar atrás. Ni siquiera sabía lo graves que eran las lesiones de Lydia, solo sabía que tenía que ir. Se dijo a sí mismo: Cuando vuelva, lo compensaré. Le haré una propuesta aún mejor. También tomó nota mental de decirle a Claudia que se alejara de Whitney; claramente esa chica le estaba llenando la cabeza de tonterías. La sala se hundió bajo el peso de todo. Incluso aquellos que pensaban que Claudia estaba siendo dramática se mordieron la lengua. Nadie quería contrariar a Jasper, ni a los Sawyer. Uno a uno, se escabulleron. En minutos, el lugar era irreconocible. Pétalos de rosa aplastados y lazos cubrían el suelo. Botellas de vino rodaban bajo las sillas. Glaseado embadurnaba la alfombra. Toda la escena parecía una parodia de lo que había sido, burlándose de lo ridículo que era todo. Mientras los últimos rezagados se quedaban, alguien frunció el ceño. "Esperen… Lydia es la hija adoptiva de los Lancaster, ¿verdad? Oí que es prima de Claudia. ¿Por qué nadie llamó a Claudia también?" "¿Llamarla? ¿Qué, quieren empeorar aún más las lesiones de Lydia?" "Vaya, ¿qué se supone que significa eso?" "Lo de siempre. Que la señorita Lancaster es fría, cruel, desagradecida… ya sabes cómo va." Los susurros comenzaron de nuevo, suaves, venenosos y familiares. Siempre lo hacían cuando el nombre de Lydia salía junto al de Claudia. El rostro de Whitney ardía de ira. Se volvió hacia Claudia, de repente preocupada. Los cotilleos de extraños no importaban, pero ¿la traición de alguien a quien amas? Eso siempre calaba más hondo. Claudia observó la espalda de Jasper mientras se alejaba, cada paso alejándolo más de ella. Era como ver los años escurriéndose entre sus dedos, el chico con el que había crecido desvaneciéndose a lo lejos. Whitney le había preguntado una vez: Si nada hubiera interrumpido esta noche, ¿habrías dicho que sí? Pero, honestamente: No importara cuál fuera su respuesta, el final habría sido el mismo. Lydia nunca la dejaría ganar. Y Jasper nunca la elegiría a ella. En el momento en que le dio la espalda, no se dio cuenta de que, aunque el futuro pueda parecer interminable, la mujer dispuesta a esperarte no dura para siempre. Jasper… esta vez, realmente te dejo ir. En la mesa, entre el desorden, el teléfono de Claudia vibró. Una notificación de WhatsApp apareció, breve y suficiente. "Perdiste." Capítulo 2 Tres días antes, Lydia había acorralado a Claudia. "Sabes que Jasper está a punto de proponerte matrimonio, ¿verdad?" Sus bonitos ojos brillaban, no de emoción, sino de celos y malicia. "Oí que ambas familias querían pasar directamente a la fiesta de compromiso, pero él insistió en hacerlo bien. Dijo que necesitaba oír tu 'sí' él mismo, o no significaría nada. Ayy, qué romántico, ¿no?" "¿Y qué?" Claudia levantó la vista, su tono plano, sin inmutarse. La sonrisa de Lydia se curvó, afilada y venenosa. "¿Y qué? Claudia, ¿qué hace que una pecadora como tú crea que merece felicidad?" Se inclinó más cerca, con voz azucarada pero goteando veneno. "¿Quieres apostar? En tres días, esa propuesta ni siquiera ocurrirá." Claudia solo la miró fijamente. Para todos los demás, Lydia era pura perfección: de voz suave, gentil, toda gracia y luz. Nadie creería que a puerta cerrada podía escupir veneno así. Podría haber detenido la propuesta en cualquier momento que quisiera. Pero no. A Lydia le gustaba el drama. Quería esperar hasta el acto final, para empujar a Claudia fuera del escenario ella misma. Como siempre hacía. … Después de que la propuesta se fuera al traste, el teléfono de Whitney sonó. Una mirada a la identificación de la llamada, y su rostro se demudó. Maldijo entre dientes y salió corriendo. Había planeado dejar a Claudia primero —Claudia había llegado en el coche de Jasper—, pero cuando Claudia se dio cuenta de que algo pasaba con la madre de Whitney, la instó a irse. Cuando todos los demás se habían ido, Claudia se quedó entre los escombros de flores aplastadas y copas de champán, con la cabeza agachada, su expresión ilegible. Dejó escapar una risita amarga. Era tarde. Las calles afuera estaban tranquilas y vacías. Claudia salió del club sin ganas de ir a casa. Vagó junto al río, el frío de la noche calándole la piel. Entonces, se detuvo en seco. Los vellos de su nuca se erizaron: alguien la seguía. Levantó su teléfono, fingiendo tomar una selfie, inclinándolo lo justo para ver el reflejo detrás de ella. Un grupo de hombres, sombras acercándose. Su pulso se disparó. Empezó a caminar más rápido. Ellos también. Su pulgar se cernió sobre su contacto de emergencia —el número que Jasper la había obligado a configurar hacía un año. En aquel entonces, le había roto el brazo a un acosador por molestar a una chica y había terminado en la comisaría. Jasper la sacó bajo fianza, regañándola durante todo el trayecto a casa por ser imprudente. Se había puesto a sí mismo como su contacto de emergencia, haciéndole prometer que si alguna vez estaba en peligro, lo llamaría a él, sin heroísmos, sin orgullo. Había jurado que sin importar dónde o cuándo, iría por ella. Nunca imaginó que la primera vez que llamaría sería así. "¿Claudia?" La voz de Jasper llegó, baja y cansada. Estaba en el hospital. El accidente de Lydia no había sido grave, pero ella era frágil —nacida prematura, se alteraba fácilmente. Solo él podía calmarla. Todo el clan Lancaster estaba acampado fuera. Lydia acababa de quedarse dormida cuando llegó la llamada, despertándola de un salto. "Jasper, alguien me está siguiendo." Silencio. Luego, su voz, fría, desdeñosa. "Claudia, realmente no puedo irme esta noche. No montes una escena." Pensó que estaba mintiendo, intentando alejarlo otra vez del lado de la cama de Lydia. Justo entonces, la madre de Lydia, Lottie Wallace, entró con un vaso de agua. Su rostro suave y elegante se endureció al ver el teléfono en la mano de Jasper. "¡Claudia!", espetó. "Lydia acaba de tener un accidente, y ni siquiera te molestas en visitar. ¿Ahora estás quién sabe dónde, inventando historias? ¿Cuándo vas a crecer? Escucha: nadie se va esta noche. Deja ya tus juegos mezquinos." Colgó sin dudar. En la cama, Lydia yacía pálida y temblorosa. Su voz era pequeña, vacilante. "Mamá, no te enfades. ¿Y si Claudia realmente está en problemas?" Lottie suspiró, la decepción grabada a fuego. "¿Qué problemas podría tener? Esta no es la primera vez que intenta algo cuando tú estás enferma." En la secundaria, Claudia una vez había llamado a casa en medio de la noche, diciendo que la habían secuestrado y exigiendo dinero de rescate. Esa misma noche, Lydia había caído enferma. La familia ya estaba en pánico, y la supuesta llamada de rescate casi le da un infarto a Lottie. Habían corrido a la ubicación, solo para encontrar a Claudia saliendo ilesa, sin un rasguño. Para cuando volvieron a casa, Lydia se había desplomado en el suelo, sola. Era demasiado tarde cuando finalmente la llevaron al hospital. El doctor dijo que con otro retraso, no habría sobrevivido. Esa noche, el padre de Claudia la había golpeado hasta dejarla sangrando. Pasó un mes en el hospital, y nunca se disculpó. La voz de Lottie se suavizó, cargada de decepción. "¿Cuándo se volvió así mi dulce niña?" Jasper conocía cada palabra de esa historia. Incluso había sido él quien llevaba snacks a escondidas a la cama de Claudia en el hospital después, contando chistes estúpidos para hacerla reír. Pero esta noche era diferente. Se dijo a sí mismo que solo estaba haciendo una rabieta por la propuesta arruinada. No tenía energía para sus pataletas. Mañana, cuando se calmara, hablaría con ella, la haría sonreír de nuevo. Colgó, apartó el cabello de la frente de Lydia y susurró: "Se te ha ido la fiebre. Pórtate bien. Duerme." Los ojos de Lydia brillaron con culpa y suavidad. "Jasper, lo siento por esta noche. Es toda mi culpa. Si no fuera tan débil—" "No. Nunca eres una carga." "Jasper…" "Duerme." Sus pestañas aletearon y se cerraron, y una pequeña sonrisa curvó sus labios. Dormiría tranquila esa noche. … Detrás de Claudia, los hombres se acercaban, lentos, perezosos, como gatos jugando con un ratón. Ella siguió corriendo, la voz de Jasper y el regaño de Lottie resonando en su mente. Tal vez había estado decepcionada demasiadas veces, porque ni siquiera se sentía triste ya, solo vacía. Hueca. La noche de abril era cálida, pero cortaba como cristal. La empujaron a un rincón oscuro. Claudia se detuvo bajo un árbol, su expresión calmada, los ojos bajándose al suelo. Entonces, se movió. Quince minutos después, los hombres yacían esparcidos por el pavimento —brazos retorcidos, piernas rotas, gimiendo de dolor. Claudia, sin aliento y sangrando, se dejó caer en el bordillo. Agarró su teléfono con una mano resbaladiza de sangre y marcó al 911. Después de ese lío en octavo grado, había empezado kickboxing y defensa personal. Había aprendido pronto: nadie vendría a salvarla. Uno de los hombres, con el brazo doblado en la dirección incorrecta, empezó a arrastrarse hacia ella. Los ojos de Claudia se posaron sobre él, fríos y afilados. Antes de que pudiera moverse, una bota cayó con fuerza, enviando al tipo volando. Una sombra se cernió sobre ella: un hombre alto con una sonrisa perezosa y el tipo de rostro que podría salirse con la suya cometiendo un asesinato. La miró desde arriba, haciendo un clic suave con la lengua. "Tss. ¿De dónde ha salido esta criaturita?" Capítulo 3 Sterling Romero salió de la Mansión Romero esa noche, lo suficientemente enfadado como para dejar su coche a medio camino a casa y sacar al perro a pasear. Lo que no esperaba era toparse con esa escena. Allí estaba ella, un capullo de rosa hermoso y malherido, acorralado por una jauría de callejeros desaliñados. Parecía frágil, pero la forma en que levantaba la barbilla, los ojos ardiendo de desafío, lo atrajo directamente de vuelta al cachorro de lobo huérfano con el que había vivido en las montañas casi un mes cuando tenía diez años. Todo fanfarronería y dientes al descubierto, guardando su pequeño trozo de tierra. Débil, pero ardiendo de vida. Ese lobo había muerto por sus manos al final. ¿Y esta chica? Era el mismo tipo de criatura: pequeña, espinosa y lista para hacer sangrar a quien intentara hacerle daño. Su rostro ni siquiera se inmutó mientras rompía los brazos de esos matones como si fueran ramitas. Nada la conmovía. Sterling, que rara vez se preocupaba por nada, sintió un destello de interés que no podía sacudirse. En contra de su mejor juicio, intervino. De cerca, era aún más difícil de olvidar. Esos ojos, oscuros, claros, brillantes como una noche después de la lluvia, se engancharon en algo enterrado profundamente dentro de él. Cuando ella levantó la vista, sobresaltada, había un destello de luz estelar que le hizo picar los dedos, con ganas de alargar la mano, de cubrir esos ojos afilados e intrépidos. Bien. Ya había intervenido. Mejor llevarlo hasta el final. Y, honestamente, necesitaba desahogarse. El callejón se llenó de gritos. Hacía un minuto, esos matones solo estaban demasiado heridos para arrastrarse. ¿Ahora? Estaban hechos pedazos: brazos inútiles, piernas rotas, el pánico espeso en el aire. Se arrepentían de todo. El trabajo había sido simple: golpearla un poco, nada grave. Su jefe incluso les había advertido que no dejaran marcas. Pero ella era demasiado hermosa, y unos cuantos se volvieron codiciosos. ¿Quién podría haber imaginado que la belleza delicada pegaba como un demonio, y lo que era peor, que un hombre como él aparecería de la nada? Frío, letal, como la Muerte misma con un abrigo de diseñador. Si el asesinato fuera legal, estaban seguros de que les habría roto el cuello sin pestañear. El cabecilla ya estaba perdiendo la cabeza. Sterling volvió paseando hasta donde la chica yacía observando desde el suelo. Su tono llevaba un rastro de diversión maliciosa. "Eres rápida, pero no lo suficiente despiadada. Si dejas cabos sueltos así, volverán para morderte. Entonces, pequeña callejera, ¿cómo piensas pagarme esta noche?" Claudia, que podría haber manejado la pelea bien por sí sola, y que ahora de alguna manera le debía algo a este extraño, guardó silencio. Tumbada de espaldas, el rostro surcado de sangre y polvo, de alguna manera parecía irreal en la oscuridad. Sterling frunció el ceño. Sucio. Se inclinó para levantar a la silenciosa rosa a sus pies, entonces algo lo empujó con fuerza. Tropezó, perdió el equilibrio y cayó justo encima de ella. Su peso aplastó su brazo herido; su mano izquierda aterrizó sobre algo más suave. Sus dedos se tensaron y apretaron antes de que su cerebro reaccionara. Se quedó helado. Ella también. Sus ojos se encontraron, muy abiertos en mutua conmoción. A unos metros de distancia, el perro pastor culpable se sentó parpadeando, como diciendo: Por favor, no me vean. Inmovilizada bajo un extraño, con todo dolorido, Claudia respiró hondo y tembloroso. Guapo o no, un grupo seguía siendo un grupo. Su expresión calmada se volvió feroz. Sterling oyó las primeras palabras de la rosa para él esa noche. "¿Nadie te dijo nunca?" "¿Decirme qué?" "Que no metas la nariz en los asuntos de otros." Antes de que la última palabra se desvaneciera, le rodeó el cuello con los brazos y lo tiró hacia abajo. Sus frentes chocaron con un crujido. El dolor se disparó. "¡Agente! ¡Por aquí!" Su voz sonó clara. Segundos después, las sirenas partieron la noche. Los policías vinieron corriendo. Sterling, al darse cuenta de que acababa de ser utilizado, dejó escapar una risa baja e incrédula. "¿Así tratas a tu salvador?" Terminó tumbado exactamente donde ella había estado, su voz goteando sarcasmo. Claudia se puso de pie, medio en sombras, y le dedicó una sonrisa delgada. "Obviamente. Soy la villana desagradecida, ¿recuerdas?" … Esa noche, el chico de oro de Liberty City, el heredero de Romero Corporation, fue llevado a la comisaría. Clint apareció rápido con un abogado, echando miradas furtivas a la chica que despertó la rara misericordia del Segador… y luego lo denunció por acoso. ¿Valiente, verdad? Era hermosa, y claramente no le temía a nada. Una vez que los matones fueron registrados, Clint se preparó, esperando a que Sterling dijera la palabra: Encárgate de ella. En cambio, Sterling dijo: "Averigua quién es." "¿Quién?" La palabra se le escapó antes de que Clint pudiera detenerse. Sterling nunca mostraba interés en ninguna mujer. La sola idea daba miedo. La mirada de Sterling se clavó en él, lo suficientemente afilada para hacerlo callar. "Sí, señor", murmuró Clint rápidamente. Mirando a la chica alejarse a zancadas después de lanzar una última mirada ardiente por encima del hombro, Clint sintió una punzada de lástima. Eso era todo. Ella y toda su familia estaban acabadas. … Ajena a la tormenta que acababa de desatar, Claudia se arrastró a casa al amanecer, perseguida por una ráfaga de llamadas. Su padre, Wilson Lancaster, la recibió en la puerta con una bofetada sonora. "¿Cómo he criado a una hija como tú?" No esquivó a tiempo. Su mejilla pálida enrojeció e hinchó. La habitación se quedó helada. Jasper frunció el ceño, con dolor destellando en sus ojos. Se obligó a no intervenir. Claudia había cruzado la línea esta vez; si no aprendía, quién sabía qué caos provocaría después. Aun así… Wilson había golpeado demasiado fuerte. La visión le retorció algo en el pecho. Lottie, Clarence y Zane llevaban la misma expresión enfadada y decepcionada. En el sofá, los ojos de Lydia brillaban con una alegría mal disimulada. Había estado furiosa la noche anterior porque los cretinos que contrató habían metido la pata y terminado en la comisaría. Por suerte, había cubierto sus huellas. Habían afirmado que fue solo un agarre "en un momento de arrebato", y como no pasó nada grave, no había nada que la vinculara a ella. Había sido dada de alta esa mañana y soltó el cebo que tenía preparado desde hacía tiempo. Los Lancaster se lo tragaron entero. Después de desaparecer toda la noche, nadie preguntó dónde había estado Claudia, ni notó sus heridas. La recibieron con una bofetada. Esa era su familia. Claudia no discutió. Caminó directamente hacia la pequeña Lydia, presumida y satisfecha.
"Summoned as a baby fire dragon, his core was ripped out and he was thrown in the trash 🩸🗑️ He barely survived until the school beauty saved him 🔥👩 The evolution system activates, ancient bloodline stirs 🔄💎 He devours, grows, evolves into a divine dragon 🐉👑 Those who discarded him can only stare — that F-rank trash dragon was him. Yes. That was him 💥 Watch now 👉 🔥I Was a Trash Tier Dragon Once🔥 #GoodShort #TrashDragon #EvolutionSystem #DivineDragon #RiseFromTrash"
I INTERRUPTED. SARAH. “Luna, you're six weeks pregnant.” The world stopped for a moment, and I thought I had misheard. The room suddenly felt too quiet, and the ticking of the wall clock was echoing louder than it should. I sat stiffly on the examination chair in the pack clinic, my heart beating rapidly and my fingers curling into the thin blanket that covered my lower body. “Pregnant?” I whispered in disbelief. Across from me, Simon, the pack doctor, nodded slowly while reviewing the documents in his hands. “Yes. The test results are clear,” he looked up at me with a happy smile. “Congratulations, Luna.” Congratulations. The word sounded foreign; I didn't know if I should be happy or if this was actually good news. I didn't know how to receive this news. My heart thudded heavily against my ribs as my hand instinctively drifted to my stomach. A baby was growing in my tummy. A baby. Jason’s baby. A strange warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading slowly as a full moon does after a long time. For years, I had imagined what it would feel like to carry the baby of my mate. Immediately, I felt the warmth, something else tangled up with it—fear. Jason. The joy in my chest dimmed almost immediately. “Are you alright?” Simon asked; he must have noticed the change in my mood. “I…yes. I'm just a little bit surprised. I wasn't expecting this at all.” I blinked, forcing myself to focus. “Thats understandable.” Simon set the report aside and focused on me. “I hope you understand why you've been throwing up for the past few weeks? Morning sickness is quite common during early pregnancy.” I nodded faintly. Morning sickness, so that was what it was. For the past few days, I had blamed it on poor digestion or exhaustion. I had never dared to consider this possibility. Not because we didn't have sεx, Jason and I have had sx just three times, and ur used co'ndoms two times, but not the last time. And because thinking about the fact that she might be pregnant included thinking about Jason’s reaction. Will he be happy about it? Will he hate— “I will inform the Alpha with immediate effect,” Simon said, clearing his throat, and I was thrown into panic mode. “No!” I blurted out, sitting up straighter. Simon paused, looking at me weirdly. My cheeks flushed at how suddenly I replied to him, and I met his gaze nervously. “Please…dont tell Jason yet.” Simon frowned slightly before he continued. “Luna, it is my duty to inform the Alpha about important matters in the pack; this news, especially, is the most important.” “I know. I know.” I muttered as I lowered my eyes. “But could you give me some time? I promise, I'll tell him soon.” Simon studied my face carefully. I prayed he would consider this, as I've never asked him for any favor. I hoped he knew I didn't have any bad intentions and that I was asking for this one favor. “I want to tell him myself,” I added. Simon leaned back slightly in his chair, squinting his eyes at me. “Is there a problem?” he asked. My fingers tightened together in my lap. For a moment, I didn't know how to explain the complicated knot of emotions sitting in my chest. Finally, I found the voice to talk. “Umm…Jason doesn't like me,” I said softly. Simon looked surprised, and I wondered why. We were not affectionate in public; we were just two people who agreed to play our roles and had a stable relationship. I forced a smile because I didn't want him to pity me. “He accepted me because it was his duty, because of the Moon Goddess, but that doesn't mean he wanted this bond,” I said. Simon remained silent as he listened to everything I had to say. “Im not sure he would want this child.” My voice dropped lower. The words tasted bitter, and saying them aloud made them feel real. It made the truth feel heavy. Simon leaned forward as his expression softened. “Luna, the Alpha is a responsible man. Regardless of personal duty, he would not ignore his duty to his child.” I nodded politely, but deep down, I wasn't so certain. Jason had never rejected me outright, but he had also never marked me. He had never called me 'mate' with warmth; our relationship existed somewhere between duty and distance. “Please,” I said again quietly. “Let me tell him myself.” Simon exhaled slowly; the wheels were turning in his mind, and I hoped he would understand. “Alright,” he said, and relief flashed through me. “But,” he said, and my chest started beating rapidly in anticipation of what he was about to say. “I can only keep this confidential until the pregnancy reaches twelve weeks. After that, I must inform the Alpha.” “Thats fair,” I said quickly. Twelve weeks. Three months. That was enough time to sort out my feelings and get my bearings before telling him. Time to gather the courage. “Thank you, Simon,” I said sincerely. He nodded. “Take care of yourself, Luna. Early pregnancy can be quite demanding.” I stood slowly, still feeling dizzy, not from the sickness, but from the news—a baby. I placed my hand ok my stomach again, a tiny life was growing inside me. For a second, my wolf stirred in my mind. Adele’s voice was soft but excited. Adele: Our Pup. My lips curved faintly as I walked out of the office. Yes. Our pup. ————————— Jason’s black SUV was parked outside the clinic. I spotted him immediately. He was leaning casually against the driver’s door, his tall figure commanding attention even in a place as ordinary as a parking lot. The wind slightly tousled his hair, and he looked so s6xy standing there. The glasses that made him look like a nerd were pushed up on his nose. My man. My mate. Even after all this time, seeing him still made my heart flutter. Jason looked up as I approached. “How did it go?” he asked, and I instinctively tightened my hold on the medical report folded in my pocket. “No serious diagnosis?” he added. I hesitated for half a second, deliberating whether I should tell him or not, but then I shook my head. “It's just a stomach bug.” Jason frowned slightly. “You've been throwing up for days.” “I guess my stomach has been sensitive lately,” I replied lightly. I got into the car and made myself comfortable. “Take better care of yourself. As Luna, looking so frail reflects badly on the pack’s image and also on mine. I can't have you looking weak,” he said in an indifferent tone. The warmth i felt earlier dimmed. Of course, this would be his reaction. “I understand. I'll be more careful.” Jason started the engine, and the car moved smoothly down the road. I watched the trees pass outside the window, my thoughts drifting back to the secret growing inside me. Should I tell him now? My wolf stirred softly as she answered me. Adele: Tell him now. She urged softly. Maybe Adele was right. Maybe Jason would be happy. After all, an heir was important to the Alpha. Gathering my courage, I spoke up again. “Karina’s baby is so adorable,” I said casually. Karina was Jason’s cousin who had just given birth. Jason glanced at me briefly. “You visited them recently?” “Yes.” I smiled faintly at the memory of the newborn baby wrapped in soft blankets. “He's so small, and when he smiles in his sleep, he's the cutest thing.” Jason chuckled. “Im looking forward to being called an uncle when he grows up.” My heart skipped a beat; this was the perfect timing. My fingers hovered over my stomach. Now, Adele whispered excitedly. Jason would be very happy, wouldn't he? “Jason, I actually have something I want to—” His phone rang suddenly, and the sharp sound cut through the car. Jason glanced at the screen and connected it to the bluetooth of the car before he picked up. “Hello,” I fell silent as the voice I dreaded rang out in the car. II LEFT IN THE RAIN. SARAH. “Jason…I don't feel well,” Rosalie’s voice said weakly. “My head hurts so much.” My fingers tightened slightly. Rosalie’s voice was soft and fragile, the kind that made people want to care for and protect her. “Did you see the doctor?” Jason asked. “No…i didn't want to bother anyone,” she said. “But I feel really dizzy.” A pause followed. My heartbeat quickened into dangerous beats. I stared down at my hands, my thumb gently rubbing over the knuckle of my finger. Jason would refuse; he had just picked me up from the clinic, and it was raining heavily outside. Plus, the pack house was still a long way from going. He would take me home first. Wouldn't he? “Where are you?” Jason asked. “At home,” Rosalie said softly. “Could you come check on me?” Silence filled the car as my breath slowed while I waited for him to answer. Then he spoke. “I'll be there soon.” Four words. Four words that made my chest tighten in pain. Jason ended the call and began turning the steering wheel, guiding the car toward a different direction. For a few seconds, i didn't speak. I was still processing what I had just heard. “We are not going home?” I finally asked quietly. Jason didn't even look at me; he kept staring at the road. “Rosalie isn't feeling well.” “I heard,” I said as I swallowed. The rain outside grew heavier, tapping against the windshield sharply. Water blurred the view of the road ahead, and I hesitated before speaking again. “Could you drop me off at home first?” I asked gently. It wasn't a demand, it was a small request—the barest minimum. Jason glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable. “That would take extra time.” I blinked, and for a moment, I thought I had misunderstood. “It's raining,” I pointed out, maybe he didn't know it was? “I know. I can see it.” his tone was simple, matter-of-fact. I looked out the window, and the rain still hadn't let up. Jason pulled to the side of the road. “We’re close enough to the pack house,” he said, and my heart sank. “You can walk the rest of the way.” The words were spoken without cruelty, but they hurt. So much. I stared at him, still at a loss for words. “Jason…. It's raining,” my voice trembled. “I know,” he repeated. He pointed toward the back of the car. “There is an umbrella in the trunk.” The car fell silent. I felt something twist painfully in my chest. For a moment, I wanted to say fvck it, and argue with him, I wanted to scream at him How does this make sense?’ I wanted to tell him that I had just left the doctor’s office, that I was pregnant. That I was carrying his child. But the words stayed trapped behind my lips, because deep down, I knew the truth. I knew nothing would change. Even if I said everything I wanted to say, Rosalie would still come first. Slowly, I opened the car door. The cold rain hit me immediately, soaking into my coat within seconds. I walked to the back of the car and opened the trunk. The umbrella was right where Jason said it would be. Prepared and thoughtful, just not towards me. I opened the umbrella and stepped back from the car. For a brief second, I looked toward the driver’s seat. Jason was already adjusting the gear; he didn't even look at me. The engine roared softly and The car drove away. Just like that. I stood on the roadside, watching the black SUV disappear. He didn't look back once. My wolf stirred faintly inside my mind. Adele’s voice carried a tone of sadness. Adele: He left us. I lowered my gaze, admitting to the pain. “Yes, he did,” I said aloud. The walk back to the pack house felt longer than usual. The umbrella helped, but the wind pushed the rain to the sides, soaking the edges of my clothes. Cold water seeped through my shoes as I stepped through puddles along the muddy road. Each step felt heavier than the last, my thoughts drifted backward, back to the moment my life changed. The day I discovered Jason was my mate. I had been so happy then, every girl dreamed about meeting her mate someday, and Jason…. He was the Alpha. Strong. Respected. Powerful. When their eyes had met during the ceremony, their wolves recognised each other immediately. Adele had howled with joy. But Jason’s expression had been completely different. Shock, disbelief, and something colder. Later that night, after the ceremony ended, he spoke to her privately. His voice had been cold and controlled. “Sarah,” he had said. “I will not reject the mate chosen by the Moon Goddess, neither will I reject my duty.” My heart had soared at those words, but then he continued. “At least, not all of them. I will not mark you,” he had said. The memory of those words still made my heart bleed. “The pack needs a Luna,” he had explained. “You are of a proper upbringing, and you understand pack traditions. You are suitable for that role.” Suitable, not wanted. “Beyond fulfilling your roles and duties as Luna, I hope you won't interfere with my personal freedom,” he had added. I had to stand there, absorbing every word he had said. “If you can't accept that, I can reject you now,” he had said. Reject me. The word had sent a chill down my spine because a rejected omega and their family would lose their standing in the pack. Not that omegas were respected; if I had been rejected then, we would have become laughingstocks of the pack. My parents would have been shamed, so I lowered my head and agreed. The rain grew colder as the memory faded. By the time I reached the pack house, I was soaked to the bone. I closed the umbrella and slowly stepped inside. Warm air wrapped around me immediately, but it didn't chase away the cold I felt in my bones. I changed into dry clothes immediately. Still, my body trembled. Curling up on the bed, I pulled the blanket around myself. My hand drifted to my stomach, my baby. Should I tell my mother? My mother had always been someone I could rely on, someone who would always listen to me. But before I could reach for my phone, my wolf spoke again. Adele: Remember what Mother said, Luna, you can't act impulsively. Adele reminded me. My mother had told me these things before I started living here. She told me that as a Luna, I must think about the entire pack before myself. Being Luna meant sacrifice, responsibility, and endurance. Even when it hurt, I put my phone down. “I won't tell her,” I whispered. Not yet. My hand rested protectively over my stomach. “I'll handle this myself.” III HOPE THAT BROKE AT THE DOOR. SARAH. The nausea hit me again, this time, violently. I barely made it to my room before I dropped to my knees beside the sink, gripping the edge tightly as another wave of stomach rolled through my stomach. My body trembled as I retched, the sour taste burning my throat. When it finally stopped, I leaned weakly against the cool wall, breathing heavily. The house was quiet, too quiet. I pressed a hand over my stomach, my fingers trembling slightly. Six weeks, there was a tiny life growing inside me, Jason’s child. The thought should have brought warmth; instead, it brought uncertainty, wrapping around my chest and tightening with each passing second. Jason always looked at her with indifference, and sometimes, irritation. If he knew about the baby, would he resent it too? I lowered my head, my damp hair falling across my face. “Moon Goddess….” I whispered, my voice sounding fragile in the empty bathroom. “Why would you give me a mate who doesn't love me?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. I didn't mean it as a complaint, more like a quiet plea. My voice shook, and I felt tears cloud my vision. I wanted to scream in pain, but I held it in, like I have been all these years. Remembering the words of my mother. Sacrifice. Endurance. Putting the pack before myself. Outside, the thunder rumbled in the distance. A moment later, the rain began to pour heavily against the windows, the storm arriving faster than I expected. The wind howled through the trees surrounding the pack house. I slowly stood up and rinsed my mouth, but the uneasy feeling in my chest refused to fade. The house suddenly felt too large. Too empty. My wolf stirred restlessly inside my mind. Adele: You're shaking. She said with concern. “Im fine,” I replied to her. But her hands were cold, and the storm outside didn't help; thunder rumbled loudly. I flinched slightly, and a soft sigh echoed inside my thoughts. Adele: Call Jason. I stiffened. “No.” Adele: You need him. “He's with Rosalie,” I replied quietly. The words tasted bitter. “He wouldn't want to be disturbed,” I added. Adele: But he's your own mate. She said, not sounding convinced. “Yes, he is,” I whispered, but it felt hollow. Because being a mate had never meant what i thought it would. But Adele persisted. Adele: You can contact Eric through our mindlink. Jason’s wolf. I hesitated. The mindlink allowed our wolves to communicate mentally if needed. But I had rarely used it. Jason had always preferred distance, and I always respected that. “I shouldn't bother him,” I said again weakly. Another loud thunderclap shook the windows. Adele: You're frightened. She said softly, but I didn't want to admit it. But the truth was obvious: the storm, the sickness, and the loneliness. Plus, the fragile life growing inside her made her feel small and uncertain. Finally, Adele spoke again. Adele: Let me try. I closed my eyes, and a moment later, I felt the unfamiliar sensation of my wolf reaching through the invisible thread that connected us to our mate. A gentle pulse spread through my mind. Then another presence appeared, strong and calm—Eric, Jason’s wolf. The connection settled quickly. Jason’s voice followed soon after. “Sarah? What's wrong?” Hearing his voice made her heart skip as usual. For a moment, she almost forgot what she wanted to say. “I…” I started softly. Then the silence stretched, and Jason spoke again. “Is something wrong?” His tone wasn't cold; it was just alert and concerned. “I just wanted to ask…” I said hesitantly, my fingers twisting together nervously. “Can you come home tonight?” I finally asked. My breath caught. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. Maybe he would think I was being too selfish and childish. Then he replied to me. “Im already on my way back.” I blinked in surprise. “You are?” “Yes.” Relief spread through my chest instantly, and the tight knot of anxiety loosened just a little. “Okay,” I whispered. The link faded soon after. I stood quietly in the living room, staring at the front door and waiting for my mate to come home. The house didn't feel as empty as before now, Jason was coming back for me. A small smile appeared on my lips. Maybe things weren't as hopeless as I thought they were. Maybe he still cared, even if he didn't show it. My hand rested gently over my stomach. “Did you hear that?” I muttered softly. “Your daddy is coming home for us.” Minutes passed slowly, and I paced near the window, glancing outside every few seconds. Finally, headlights appeared through the heavy rain. My heart lifted, Jason’s car. I hurried to the door and pulled it open before the vehicle even fully stopped. Cold wind rushed outside, carrying the scent of rain and wet earth. The car door opened, and I stepped forward slightly, her chest warming with quiet anticipation. But the moment I saw Jason, my heart stopped because he wasn't alone. Rosalie was in his arms, her body looked weak and limp, her pale face pressed against Jason’s shoulder. Jason carried her carefully toward the house. His expression was serious, completely focused on the woman he carried. For a moment, I stood there, simply frozen. Jason walked past me without stopping. Without even looking at me, the warmth I had felt earlier disappeared with immediate effect. Jason finally spoke; his voice was so calm. “Rosalie needs to be taken care of.” That was all, no greeting, no explanation—just those seven words. I stood by the door, rain blowing softly against my back. I wanted to scream, "What about me?” Did I not deserve to be cared for? Put the pack before yourself. Endure, sacrifice. My mother’s voice echoed in my mind as I curled my fingers into the fabric of my sleeve. The hope I had felt just minutes ago, shattered loudly in my chest. Behind me, thunder roared around the sky. And suddenly, the house felt cold again. IV A STRANGER IN MY OWN HOME. SARAH. The moment I stepped into the bathroom, my chest tightened. Rosalie was lying on my bed, our bed. The bed Jason and I shared since the day we were mated. Now, she lay there, looking pale and fragile, her head resting against the pillows as if she belonged there. Jason sat beside her, his eyebrows drawn together in worry, while he carefully adjusted the blanket around her. “Drink some water,” he said softly, lifting the cup to her lips. His voice was so gentle. Gentler than I had heard in a long time, something twisted in my gut, and Adele growled in my mind. She was furious. Adele: Kick her out. My fingers curled tightly around my sleeve, struggling to keep myself from probably crying or bursting out in tears. “You know I can’t do that,” I whispered silently. Adele: That is your bedroom. She snapped. I knew that, of course, I knew, but Rosalie isn’t just anyone. Her parents had done a lot for the pack over the years. They had supported Jason’s family during difficult times, and everyone in the pack respected them. Especially Jason. “I can’t throw her out,” I murmured in my thoughts. Adele huffed angrily but said nothing more. She was a fiercer version of me and wanted me to fight for myself each time, but I always remembered what my mother told me: endure and sacrifice. I needed to be a good Luna to the pack, so I needed to endure everything that was being thrown at me. Adele will understand someday. Rosalie shifted slightly against the pillows. “Jason…” she whispered weakly. “I’m here,” Jason replied instantly. His hand moved to her shoulder, steady and protective. I stood near the doorway, feeling like a visitor and a stranger in my own home. The storm outside had softened into steady rain, tapping gently against the windows, but the heaviness in my chest grew and tightened. Jason finally looked up and noticed that I was standing there. He stood up, his expression serious. “I’m going to take a shower,” he said. “Stay and keep an eye on Rosalie. Tend to her needs and give her anything she wants.” He said, and my heart paused for a moment. He didn’t ask, he told me. He commanded me to look after the woman I was competing with in my marriage. Still, I nodded with a crooked smile on my face. “Okay.” He walked past me without another word. A moment later, I heard the bathroom door close and the running of water. The room fell silent, and for a few seconds, Rosalie didnt move. Then, suddenly, her eyes fell open, and they landed on me. The weakness in her expression faded almost instantly, and a faint smile appeared on her face. I frowned because I was confused. She was groaning in pain just seconds ago. What changed? And the smile on her face wasn't a kind one, and my stomach twisted. I forced myself to stay calm and pick up the cup of water Jason left on the nightstand. “You should drink something warm,” I said gently as I moved closer to her. Rosalie pushed herself up slightly against the pillows. I held the cup towards her, she reached for it, and then suddenly, her hand jerked. The cup slipped, and hot water splashed on my hand, burning my skin. Pain shot through me. “Ah!—“ I gasped, instinctively pulling my hand back, making the cup shatter on the floor, and water spread across the wooden boards. Rosalie cried out immediately. “Jason!!!!” Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears, as if she were the one who was hurt. The bathroom door burst open seconds later, Jason rushed out, and his hair was still wet. “What happened?” He demanded. His eyes immediately moved to Rosalie. She held out her hand quickly while mumbling. “My hand…it hurts.” The water didnt even splash on her like that. I was the one with most of the burns. Jason’s expression turned dark as he grabbed her wrist and examined it carefully. The skin on the backs of her hands was slightly red. His jaw tightened, and he looked up. “What happened?” He asked again, his voice colder this time around. My burned hand still throbbed. “It was an accident,” I said quickly. “My hand slips—“ “She pushed it,” Rosalie said softly. My words stopped. Jason turned slowly to look at me. Rosalie's voice sounded so fragile that anyone would believe her. “I didn’t mean to upset her…” she murmured while wincing in pain. “I think—think she’s mad at me and doesn’t want me here.” My heart dropped immediately. “Thats not true,” I said quickly. But Jason’s expression had already turned into anger and irritation, his eyes were awfully cold now. “Enough,” he said sharply, and the word cut through the atmosphere like a blade. I froze. He believed her. “I didn’t—“ I tried again. “Stay out of this room,” Jason interrupted. For a moment, I simply stared at him. My chest felt hollow at this situation. “You think I did this on purpose?” I asked softly. He didn’t hesitate when he replied. “You’ve always disliked Rosalie.” The words landed like a slap to my face. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. Because I could see clearly in his eyes that he had already made up his mind, nothing I said would change it. Slowly, I lowered my head. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice sounded smaller than I expected, which I hated. I turned around and exited the room as he requested. The door closed behind me with a soft click. Ive been chased out of my bedroom, in my matrimonial home. The thought alone brought tears to my eyes, but I pushed them back and went to sit on the couch. Staring at my hands, the red mark from the hot water stung, but it didn’t hurt as much as the tightness in my chest. Adele was silent, and I knew it was because she was too angry to speak. A few minutes later, the front door opened, I looked up, and it was Simon. He walked in, carrying a small medical bag. Jason must have called him. Simon nodded politely when he saw me. “Good evening, Luna.” I forced a faint smile, which was my part as the Luna. Smile even when sad—the lessons branded into my brain by my mother. “Good evening, Simon.” He disappeared into the bedroom, and the door closed again. I sat there, listening to the muffled voices inside. Time passed slowly, so slowly. Eventually, the door opened again, and Simon stepped out, with Jason behind him. They paused near the entrance, and Simon glanced back toward the living room. His eyes rested on me for a moment, and I started panicking. Was he about to tell him about my pregnancy? I tried to beg him through my eyes not to tell him. He sighed before looking back at Jason. “You should keep an eye on the Luna’s health,” he said thoughtfully. Jason frowned slightly. “What do you mean?” “She looks a bit pale and lean lately,” Simon replied. “It might be a good idea to get her checked, too.” For a brief second, I thought I saw concern flash through Jason’s eyes, but as fast as I thought them, they were gone. And he let out a sarcastic laugh that made my heart bleed and made me feel like he was mocking me. I felt the tears well up again. “Sarah?” He said, his voice carrying a hint of the mockery I felt earlier. “She's perfectly healthy; she has plenty of energy to bully Rosalie.” He said calmly. The words drifted across the room, he said casually, but they struck me harder than anything else tonight. Simon frowned slightly, but he didn’t say anything and I bowed my head in shame. I felt embarrassed. “Just…keep it in mind.” He said before leaving. After the front door closed behind him, the house was silent again. I remained on the couch, staring at the door. My hand slowly moved to rest over my stomach. Six weeks. A bitter smile touched my lips. “Did you hear that?” I whispered in a trembling voice. “Your father thinks we are healthy.” V THE SECRET NEEDS TO STAY HIDDEN. SARAH. I stayed on the couch for a long time. My hand continued massaging my stomach, as if I was comforting my baby. Inside that bedroom, Jason was taking care of Rosalie, and out here, I sat alone with a secret he didn't know existed. Adele stirred faintly after her long silence. Adele: You should tell him. My throat tightened with the thought. “No,” I whispered. I stood up slowly and walked down the hallway; each step felt heavier than the last. When I reached the small guest room at the end of the hall, I slipped inside and closed the door behind me. The room was dark, and only the faint light from the streetlight outside filtered in through the curtains. For a moment, I simply stood there. Then my strength finally gave out. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. I pressed a hand over my mouth, trying to keep the sound in, because crying felt like a weakness. And lately….I had already felt too weak. My other hand slowly reached into my pocket, and I pulled out the small folded paper that I had kept with me all day because I was afraid of leaving it lying around for Jason to see. The test result, the doctor’s neat handwriting stared back at me. Six weeks pregnant. My vision blurred again. Jason didn't even believe me about а cup of water. If I told him about the baby, would he think I was lying, too? Or worse—would he think that I was trying to trap him or tie him down with a child? My chest tightened painfully. “No,” I whispered again. The word trembled in the quiet room. I carefully folded the paper and tucked it in my pocket. “I won't tell him.” Not now. Maybe not ever. Adele didn't argue with me this time; she only sighed in understanding in the back of my mind. Eventually, my tears stopped, and it was still raining outside, and the heaviness in my chest didn't reduce. ——————————— The next morning arrived quietly. I barely slept. When the sunlight streamed in through the curtains, I forced myself out of bed, showered, and then got dressed. Today, I had to go to Stella’s house. Jason’s grandmother. She was a nice woman who always looked out for me. The women of the family were gathering for a tea party. Normally, I would have looked forward to it, but today, my chest felt strangely tight and hollow. Still I couldn't refuse, it was my duty as the Luna, so I went. Stella’s house was warm and lively when I got there thirty minutes later. Soft laughter filled the garden where a long table had been set beneath a large tree. Tea cups, pastries, and flowers were laid out perfectly to decorate the table. Several women from the family had already arrived, and they greeted me warmly as I stepped in. “Sarah!” “Good morning, dear.” “Come sit with us.” I forced a smile as usual and greeted them politely. The cheerful atmosphere helped a little. For a while, I almost forgot the heaviness in my chest. Then Karina arrived. She stepped into the garden carrying her son. She just gave birth, and she looked like she was glowing. The round cheeks of the baby were pink, and his small hands clung tightly to his mother’s dress. “He's so adorable,” someone said. Karina smiled proudly as she sat down with her son, placed carefully on her lap. Karina sat beside me and offered that if I wanted to carry her baby, I couldn't say no, of course, plus he looked so cute, so I indulged in carrying him. He felt so small. “Hello,” I said gently. His hand wrapped around my pinky, and pink hues spread across his cheeks as he giggled. My heart softened at the sight. “He must like women, look at him blushing and holding tight to Sarah,” Stella said, and everybody at the table laughed.
I INTERRUPTED. SARAH. “Luna, you're six weeks pregnant.” The world stopped for a moment, and I thought I had misheard. The room suddenly felt too quiet, and the ticking of the wall clock was echoing louder than it should. I sat stiffly on the examination chair in the pack clinic, my heart beating rapidly and my fingers curling into the thin blanket that covered my lower body. “Pregnant?” I whispered in disbelief. Across from me, Simon, the pack doctor, nodded slowly while reviewing the documents in his hands. “Yes. The test results are clear,” he looked up at me with a happy smile. “Congratulations, Luna.” Congratulations. The word sounded foreign; I didn't know if I should be happy or if this was actually good news. I didn't know how to receive this news. My heart thudded heavily against my ribs as my hand instinctively drifted to my stomach. A baby was growing in my tummy. A baby. Jason’s baby. A strange warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading slowly as a full moon does after a long time. For years, I had imagined what it would feel like to carry the baby of my mate. Immediately, I felt the warmth, something else tangled up with it—fear. Jason. The joy in my chest dimmed almost immediately. “Are you alright?” Simon asked; he must have noticed the change in my mood. “I…yes. I'm just a little bit surprised. I wasn't expecting this at all.” I blinked, forcing myself to focus. “Thats understandable.” Simon set the report aside and focused on me. “I hope you understand why you've been throwing up for the past few weeks? Morning sickness is quite common during early pregnancy.” I nodded faintly. Morning sickness, so that was what it was. For the past few days, I had blamed it on poor digestion or exhaustion. I had never dared to consider this possibility. Not because we didn't have sεx, Jason and I have had sx just three times, and ur used co'ndoms two times, but not the last time. And because thinking about the fact that she might be pregnant included thinking about Jason’s reaction. Will he be happy about it? Will he hate— “I will inform the Alpha with immediate effect,” Simon said, clearing his throat, and I was thrown into panic mode. “No!” I blurted out, sitting up straighter. Simon paused, looking at me weirdly. My cheeks flushed at how suddenly I replied to him, and I met his gaze nervously. “Please…dont tell Jason yet.” Simon frowned slightly before he continued. “Luna, it is my duty to inform the Alpha about important matters in the pack; this news, especially, is the most important.” “I know. I know.” I muttered as I lowered my eyes. “But could you give me some time? I promise, I'll tell him soon.” Simon studied my face carefully. I prayed he would consider this, as I've never asked him for any favor. I hoped he knew I didn't have any bad intentions and that I was asking for this one favor. “I want to tell him myself,” I added. Simon leaned back slightly in his chair, squinting his eyes at me. “Is there a problem?” he asked. My fingers tightened together in my lap. For a moment, I didn't know how to explain the complicated knot of emotions sitting in my chest. Finally, I found the voice to talk. “Umm…Jason doesn't like me,” I said softly. Simon looked surprised, and I wondered why. We were not affectionate in public; we were just two people who agreed to play our roles and had a stable relationship. I forced a smile because I didn't want him to pity me. “He accepted me because it was his duty, because of the Moon Goddess, but that doesn't mean he wanted this bond,” I said. Simon remained silent as he listened to everything I had to say. “Im not sure he would want this child.” My voice dropped lower. The words tasted bitter, and saying them aloud made them feel real. It made the truth feel heavy. Simon leaned forward as his expression softened. “Luna, the Alpha is a responsible man. Regardless of personal duty, he would not ignore his duty to his child.” I nodded politely, but deep down, I wasn't so certain. Jason had never rejected me outright, but he had also never marked me. He had never called me 'mate' with warmth; our relationship existed somewhere between duty and distance. “Please,” I said again quietly. “Let me tell him myself.” Simon exhaled slowly; the wheels were turning in his mind, and I hoped he would understand. “Alright,” he said, and relief flashed through me. “But,” he said, and my chest started beating rapidly in anticipation of what he was about to say. “I can only keep this confidential until the pregnancy reaches twelve weeks. After that, I must inform the Alpha.” “Thats fair,” I said quickly. Twelve weeks. Three months. That was enough time to sort out my feelings and get my bearings before telling him. Time to gather the courage. “Thank you, Simon,” I said sincerely. He nodded. “Take care of yourself, Luna. Early pregnancy can be quite demanding.” I stood slowly, still feeling dizzy, not from the sickness, but from the news—a baby. I placed my hand ok my stomach again, a tiny life was growing inside me. For a second, my wolf stirred in my mind. Adele’s voice was soft but excited. Adele: Our Pup. My lips curved faintly as I walked out of the office. Yes. Our pup. ————————— Jason’s black SUV was parked outside the clinic. I spotted him immediately. He was leaning casually against the driver’s door, his tall figure commanding attention even in a place as ordinary as a parking lot. The wind slightly tousled his hair, and he looked so s6xy standing there. The glasses that made him look like a nerd were pushed up on his nose. My man. My mate. Even after all this time, seeing him still made my heart flutter. Jason looked up as I approached. “How did it go?” he asked, and I instinctively tightened my hold on the medical report folded in my pocket. “No serious diagnosis?” he added. I hesitated for half a second, deliberating whether I should tell him or not, but then I shook my head. “It's just a stomach bug.” Jason frowned slightly. “You've been throwing up for days.” “I guess my stomach has been sensitive lately,” I replied lightly. I got into the car and made myself comfortable. “Take better care of yourself. As Luna, looking so frail reflects badly on the pack’s image and also on mine. I can't have you looking weak,” he said in an indifferent tone. The warmth i felt earlier dimmed. Of course, this would be his reaction. “I understand. I'll be more careful.” Jason started the engine, and the car moved smoothly down the road. I watched the trees pass outside the window, my thoughts drifting back to the secret growing inside me. Should I tell him now? My wolf stirred softly as she answered me. Adele: Tell him now. She urged softly. Maybe Adele was right. Maybe Jason would be happy. After all, an heir was important to the Alpha. Gathering my courage, I spoke up again. “Karina’s baby is so adorable,” I said casually. Karina was Jason’s cousin who had just given birth. Jason glanced at me briefly. “You visited them recently?” “Yes.” I smiled faintly at the memory of the newborn baby wrapped in soft blankets. “He's so small, and when he smiles in his sleep, he's the cutest thing.” Jason chuckled. “Im looking forward to being called an uncle when he grows up.” My heart skipped a beat; this was the perfect timing. My fingers hovered over my stomach. Now, Adele whispered excitedly. Jason would be very happy, wouldn't he? “Jason, I actually have something I want to—” His phone rang suddenly, and the sharp sound cut through the car. Jason glanced at the screen and connected it to the bluetooth of the car before he picked up. “Hello,” I fell silent as the voice I dreaded rang out in the car. II LEFT IN THE RAIN. SARAH. “Jason…I don't feel well,” Rosalie’s voice said weakly. “My head hurts so much.” My fingers tightened slightly. Rosalie’s voice was soft and fragile, the kind that made people want to care for and protect her. “Did you see the doctor?” Jason asked. “No…i didn't want to bother anyone,” she said. “But I feel really dizzy.” A pause followed. My heartbeat quickened into dangerous beats. I stared down at my hands, my thumb gently rubbing over the knuckle of my finger. Jason would refuse; he had just picked me up from the clinic, and it was raining heavily outside. Plus, the pack house was still a long way from going. He would take me home first. Wouldn't he? “Where are you?” Jason asked. “At home,” Rosalie said softly. “Could you come check on me?” Silence filled the car as my breath slowed while I waited for him to answer. Then he spoke. “I'll be there soon.” Four words. Four words that made my chest tighten in pain. Jason ended the call and began turning the steering wheel, guiding the car toward a different direction. For a few seconds, i didn't speak. I was still processing what I had just heard. “We are not going home?” I finally asked quietly. Jason didn't even look at me; he kept staring at the road. “Rosalie isn't feeling well.” “I heard,” I said as I swallowed. The rain outside grew heavier, tapping against the windshield sharply. Water blurred the view of the road ahead, and I hesitated before speaking again. “Could you drop me off at home first?” I asked gently. It wasn't a demand, it was a small request—the barest minimum. Jason glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable. “That would take extra time.” I blinked, and for a moment, I thought I had misunderstood. “It's raining,” I pointed out, maybe he didn't know it was? “I know. I can see it.” his tone was simple, matter-of-fact. I looked out the window, and the rain still hadn't let up. Jason pulled to the side of the road. “We’re close enough to the pack house,” he said, and my heart sank. “You can walk the rest of the way.” The words were spoken without cruelty, but they hurt. So much. I stared at him, still at a loss for words. “Jason…. It's raining,” my voice trembled. “I know,” he repeated. He pointed toward the back of the car. “There is an umbrella in the trunk.” The car fell silent. I felt something twist painfully in my chest. For a moment, I wanted to say fvck it, and argue with him, I wanted to scream at him How does this make sense?’ I wanted to tell him that I had just left the doctor’s office, that I was pregnant. That I was carrying his child. But the words stayed trapped behind my lips, because deep down, I knew the truth. I knew nothing would change. Even if I said everything I wanted to say, Rosalie would still come first. Slowly, I opened the car door. The cold rain hit me immediately, soaking into my coat within seconds. I walked to the back of the car and opened the trunk. The umbrella was right where Jason said it would be. Prepared and thoughtful, just not towards me. I opened the umbrella and stepped back from the car. For a brief second, I looked toward the driver’s seat. Jason was already adjusting the gear; he didn't even look at me. The engine roared softly and The car drove away. Just like that. I stood on the roadside, watching the black SUV disappear. He didn't look back once. My wolf stirred faintly inside my mind. Adele’s voice carried a tone of sadness. Adele: He left us. I lowered my gaze, admitting to the pain. “Yes, he did,” I said aloud. The walk back to the pack house felt longer than usual. The umbrella helped, but the wind pushed the rain to the sides, soaking the edges of my clothes. Cold water seeped through my shoes as I stepped through puddles along the muddy road. Each step felt heavier than the last, my thoughts drifted backward, back to the moment my life changed. The day I discovered Jason was my mate. I had been so happy then, every girl dreamed about meeting her mate someday, and Jason…. He was the Alpha. Strong. Respected. Powerful. When their eyes had met during the ceremony, their wolves recognised each other immediately. Adele had howled with joy. But Jason’s expression had been completely different. Shock, disbelief, and something colder. Later that night, after the ceremony ended, he spoke to her privately. His voice had been cold and controlled. “Sarah,” he had said. “I will not reject the mate chosen by the Moon Goddess, neither will I reject my duty.” My heart had soared at those words, but then he continued. “At least, not all of them. I will not mark you,” he had said. The memory of those words still made my heart bleed. “The pack needs a Luna,” he had explained. “You are of a proper upbringing, and you understand pack traditions. You are suitable for that role.” Suitable, not wanted. “Beyond fulfilling your roles and duties as Luna, I hope you won't interfere with my personal freedom,” he had added. I had to stand there, absorbing every word he had said. “If you can't accept that, I can reject you now,” he had said. Reject me. The word had sent a chill down my spine because a rejected omega and their family would lose their standing in the pack. Not that omegas were respected; if I had been rejected then, we would have become laughingstocks of the pack. My parents would have been shamed, so I lowered my head and agreed. The rain grew colder as the memory faded. By the time I reached the pack house, I was soaked to the bone. I closed the umbrella and slowly stepped inside. Warm air wrapped around me immediately, but it didn't chase away the cold I felt in my bones. I changed into dry clothes immediately. Still, my body trembled. Curling up on the bed, I pulled the blanket around myself. My hand drifted to my stomach, my baby. Should I tell my mother? My mother had always been someone I could rely on, someone who would always listen to me. But before I could reach for my phone, my wolf spoke again. Adele: Remember what Mother said, Luna, you can't act impulsively. Adele reminded me. My mother had told me these things before I started living here. She told me that as a Luna, I must think about the entire pack before myself. Being Luna meant sacrifice, responsibility, and endurance. Even when it hurt, I put my phone down. “I won't tell her,” I whispered. Not yet. My hand rested protectively over my stomach. “I'll handle this myself.” III HOPE THAT BROKE AT THE DOOR. SARAH. The nausea hit me again, this time, violently. I barely made it to my room before I dropped to my knees beside the sink, gripping the edge tightly as another wave of stomach rolled through my stomach. My body trembled as I retched, the sour taste burning my throat. When it finally stopped, I leaned weakly against the cool wall, breathing heavily. The house was quiet, too quiet. I pressed a hand over my stomach, my fingers trembling slightly. Six weeks, there was a tiny life growing inside me, Jason’s child. The thought should have brought warmth; instead, it brought uncertainty, wrapping around my chest and tightening with each passing second. Jason always looked at her with indifference, and sometimes, irritation. If he knew about the baby, would he resent it too? I lowered my head, my damp hair falling across my face. “Moon Goddess….” I whispered, my voice sounding fragile in the empty bathroom. “Why would you give me a mate who doesn't love me?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. I didn't mean it as a complaint, more like a quiet plea. My voice shook, and I felt tears cloud my vision. I wanted to scream in pain, but I held it in, like I have been all these years. Remembering the words of my mother. Sacrifice. Endurance. Putting the pack before myself. Outside, the thunder rumbled in the distance. A moment later, the rain began to pour heavily against the windows, the storm arriving faster than I expected. The wind howled through the trees surrounding the pack house. I slowly stood up and rinsed my mouth, but the uneasy feeling in my chest refused to fade. The house suddenly felt too large. Too empty. My wolf stirred restlessly inside my mind. Adele: You're shaking. She said with concern. “Im fine,” I replied to her. But her hands were cold, and the storm outside didn't help; thunder rumbled loudly. I flinched slightly, and a soft sigh echoed inside my thoughts. Adele: Call Jason. I stiffened. “No.” Adele: You need him. “He's with Rosalie,” I replied quietly. The words tasted bitter. “He wouldn't want to be disturbed,” I added. Adele: But he's your own mate. She said, not sounding convinced. “Yes, he is,” I whispered, but it felt hollow. Because being a mate had never meant what i thought it would. But Adele persisted. Adele: You can contact Eric through our mindlink. Jason’s wolf. I hesitated. The mindlink allowed our wolves to communicate mentally if needed. But I had rarely used it. Jason had always preferred distance, and I always respected that. “I shouldn't bother him,” I said again weakly. Another loud thunderclap shook the windows. Adele: You're frightened. She said softly, but I didn't want to admit it. But the truth was obvious: the storm, the sickness, and the loneliness. Plus, the fragile life growing inside her made her feel small and uncertain. Finally, Adele spoke again. Adele: Let me try. I closed my eyes, and a moment later, I felt the unfamiliar sensation of my wolf reaching through the invisible thread that connected us to our mate. A gentle pulse spread through my mind. Then another presence appeared, strong and calm—Eric, Jason’s wolf. The connection settled quickly. Jason’s voice followed soon after. “Sarah? What's wrong?” Hearing his voice made her heart skip as usual. For a moment, she almost forgot what she wanted to say. “I…” I started softly. Then the silence stretched, and Jason spoke again. “Is something wrong?” His tone wasn't cold; it was just alert and concerned. “I just wanted to ask…” I said hesitantly, my fingers twisting together nervously. “Can you come home tonight?” I finally asked. My breath caught. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. Maybe he would think I was being too selfish and childish. Then he replied to me. “Im already on my way back.” I blinked in surprise. “You are?” “Yes.” Relief spread through my chest instantly, and the tight knot of anxiety loosened just a little. “Okay,” I whispered. The link faded soon after. I stood quietly in the living room, staring at the front door and waiting for my mate to come home. The house didn't feel as empty as before now, Jason was coming back for me. A small smile appeared on my lips. Maybe things weren't as hopeless as I thought they were. Maybe he still cared, even if he didn't show it. My hand rested gently over my stomach. “Did you hear that?” I muttered softly. “Your daddy is coming home for us.” Minutes passed slowly, and I paced near the window, glancing outside every few seconds. Finally, headlights appeared through the heavy rain. My heart lifted, Jason’s car. I hurried to the door and pulled it open before the vehicle even fully stopped. Cold wind rushed outside, carrying the scent of rain and wet earth. The car door opened, and I stepped forward slightly, her chest warming with quiet anticipation. But the moment I saw Jason, my heart stopped because he wasn't alone. Rosalie was in his arms, her body looked weak and limp, her pale face pressed against Jason’s shoulder. Jason carried her carefully toward the house. His expression was serious, completely focused on the woman he carried. For a moment, I stood there, simply frozen. Jason walked past me without stopping. Without even looking at me, the warmth I had felt earlier disappeared with immediate effect. Jason finally spoke; his voice was so calm. “Rosalie needs to be taken care of.” That was all, no greeting, no explanation—just those seven words. I stood by the door, rain blowing softly against my back. I wanted to scream, "What about me?” Did I not deserve to be cared for? Put the pack before yourself. Endure, sacrifice. My mother’s voice echoed in my mind as I curled my fingers into the fabric of my sleeve. The hope I had felt just minutes ago, shattered loudly in my chest. Behind me, thunder roared around the sky. And suddenly, the house felt cold again. IV A STRANGER IN MY OWN HOME. SARAH. The moment I stepped into the bathroom, my chest tightened. Rosalie was lying on my bed, our bed. The bed Jason and I shared since the day we were mated. Now, she lay there, looking pale and fragile, her head resting against the pillows as if she belonged there. Jason sat beside her, his eyebrows drawn together in worry, while he carefully adjusted the blanket around her. “Drink some water,” he said softly, lifting the cup to her lips. His voice was so gentle. Gentler than I had heard in a long time, something twisted in my gut, and Adele growled in my mind. She was furious. Adele: Kick her out. My fingers curled tightly around my sleeve, struggling to keep myself from probably crying or bursting out in tears. “You know I can’t do that,” I whispered silently. Adele: That is your bedroom. She snapped. I knew that, of course, I knew, but Rosalie isn’t just anyone. Her parents had done a lot for the pack over the years. They had supported Jason’s family during difficult times, and everyone in the pack respected them. Especially Jason. “I can’t throw her out,” I murmured in my thoughts. Adele huffed angrily but said nothing more. She was a fiercer version of me and wanted me to fight for myself each time, but I always remembered what my mother told me: endure and sacrifice. I needed to be a good Luna to the pack, so I needed to endure everything that was being thrown at me. Adele will understand someday. Rosalie shifted slightly against the pillows. “Jason…” she whispered weakly. “I’m here,” Jason replied instantly. His hand moved to her shoulder, steady and protective. I stood near the doorway, feeling like a visitor and a stranger in my own home. The storm outside had softened into steady rain, tapping gently against the windows, but the heaviness in my chest grew and tightened. Jason finally looked up and noticed that I was standing there. He stood up, his expression serious. “I’m going to take a shower,” he said. “Stay and keep an eye on Rosalie. Tend to her needs and give her anything she wants.” He said, and my heart paused for a moment. He didn’t ask, he told me. He commanded me to look after the woman I was competing with in my marriage. Still, I nodded with a crooked smile on my face. “Okay.” He walked past me without another word. A moment later, I heard the bathroom door close and the running of water. The room fell silent, and for a few seconds, Rosalie didnt move. Then, suddenly, her eyes fell open, and they landed on me. The weakness in her expression faded almost instantly, and a faint smile appeared on her face. I frowned because I was confused. She was groaning in pain just seconds ago. What changed? And the smile on her face wasn't a kind one, and my stomach twisted. I forced myself to stay calm and pick up the cup of water Jason left on the nightstand. “You should drink something warm,” I said gently as I moved closer to her. Rosalie pushed herself up slightly against the pillows. I held the cup towards her, she reached for it, and then suddenly, her hand jerked. The cup slipped, and hot water splashed on my hand, burning my skin. Pain shot through me. “Ah!—“ I gasped, instinctively pulling my hand back, making the cup shatter on the floor, and water spread across the wooden boards. Rosalie cried out immediately. “Jason!!!!” Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears, as if she were the one who was hurt. The bathroom door burst open seconds later, Jason rushed out, and his hair was still wet. “What happened?” He demanded. His eyes immediately moved to Rosalie. She held out her hand quickly while mumbling. “My hand…it hurts.” The water didnt even splash on her like that. I was the one with most of the burns. Jason’s expression turned dark as he grabbed her wrist and examined it carefully. The skin on the backs of her hands was slightly red. His jaw tightened, and he looked up. “What happened?” He asked again, his voice colder this time around. My burned hand still throbbed. “It was an accident,” I said quickly. “My hand slips—“ “She pushed it,” Rosalie said softly. My words stopped. Jason turned slowly to look at me. Rosalie's voice sounded so fragile that anyone would believe her. “I didn’t mean to upset her…” she murmured while wincing in pain. “I think—think she’s mad at me and doesn’t want me here.” My heart dropped immediately. “Thats not true,” I said quickly. But Jason’s expression had already turned into anger and irritation, his eyes were awfully cold now. “Enough,” he said sharply, and the word cut through the atmosphere like a blade. I froze. He believed her. “I didn’t—“ I tried again. “Stay out of this room,” Jason interrupted. For a moment, I simply stared at him. My chest felt hollow at this situation. “You think I did this on purpose?” I asked softly. He didn’t hesitate when he replied. “You’ve always disliked Rosalie.” The words landed like a slap to my face. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. Because I could see clearly in his eyes that he had already made up his mind, nothing I said would change it. Slowly, I lowered my head. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice sounded smaller than I expected, which I hated. I turned around and exited the room as he requested. The door closed behind me with a soft click. Ive been chased out of my bedroom, in my matrimonial home. The thought alone brought tears to my eyes, but I pushed them back and went to sit on the couch. Staring at my hands, the red mark from the hot water stung, but it didn’t hurt as much as the tightness in my chest. Adele was silent, and I knew it was because she was too angry to speak. A few minutes later, the front door opened, I looked up, and it was Simon. He walked in, carrying a small medical bag. Jason must have called him. Simon nodded politely when he saw me. “Good evening, Luna.” I forced a faint smile, which was my part as the Luna. Smile even when sad—the lessons branded into my brain by my mother. “Good evening, Simon.” He disappeared into the bedroom, and the door closed again. I sat there, listening to the muffled voices inside. Time passed slowly, so slowly. Eventually, the door opened again, and Simon stepped out, with Jason behind him. They paused near the entrance, and Simon glanced back toward the living room. His eyes rested on me for a moment, and I started panicking. Was he about to tell him about my pregnancy? I tried to beg him through my eyes not to tell him. He sighed before looking back at Jason. “You should keep an eye on the Luna’s health,” he said thoughtfully. Jason frowned slightly. “What do you mean?” “She looks a bit pale and lean lately,” Simon replied. “It might be a good idea to get her checked, too.” For a brief second, I thought I saw concern flash through Jason’s eyes, but as fast as I thought them, they were gone. And he let out a sarcastic laugh that made my heart bleed and made me feel like he was mocking me. I felt the tears well up again. “Sarah?” He said, his voice carrying a hint of the mockery I felt earlier. “She's perfectly healthy; she has plenty of energy to bully Rosalie.” He said calmly. The words drifted across the room, he said casually, but they struck me harder than anything else tonight. Simon frowned slightly, but he didn’t say anything and I bowed my head in shame. I felt embarrassed. “Just…keep it in mind.” He said before leaving. After the front door closed behind him, the house was silent again. I remained on the couch, staring at the door. My hand slowly moved to rest over my stomach. Six weeks. A bitter smile touched my lips. “Did you hear that?” I whispered in a trembling voice. “Your father thinks we are healthy.” V THE SECRET NEEDS TO STAY HIDDEN. SARAH. I stayed on the couch for a long time. My hand continued massaging my stomach, as if I was comforting my baby. Inside that bedroom, Jason was taking care of Rosalie, and out here, I sat alone with a secret he didn't know existed. Adele stirred faintly after her long silence. Adele: You should tell him. My throat tightened with the thought. “No,” I whispered. I stood up slowly and walked down the hallway; each step felt heavier than the last. When I reached the small guest room at the end of the hall, I slipped inside and closed the door behind me. The room was dark, and only the faint light from the streetlight outside filtered in through the curtains. For a moment, I simply stood there. Then my strength finally gave out. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. I pressed a hand over my mouth, trying to keep the sound in, because crying felt like a weakness. And lately….I had already felt too weak. My other hand slowly reached into my pocket, and I pulled out the small folded paper that I had kept with me all day because I was afraid of leaving it lying around for Jason to see. The test result, the doctor’s neat handwriting stared back at me. Six weeks pregnant. My vision blurred again. Jason didn't even believe me about а cup of water. If I told him about the baby, would he think I was lying, too? Or worse—would he think that I was trying to trap him or tie him down with a child? My chest tightened painfully. “No,” I whispered again. The word trembled in the quiet room. I carefully folded the paper and tucked it in my pocket. “I won't tell him.” Not now. Maybe not ever. Adele didn't argue with me this time; she only sighed in understanding in the back of my mind. Eventually, my tears stopped, and it was still raining outside, and the heaviness in my chest didn't reduce. ——————————— The next morning arrived quietly. I barely slept. When the sunlight streamed in through the curtains, I forced myself out of bed, showered, and then got dressed. Today, I had to go to Stella’s house. Jason’s grandmother. She was a nice woman who always looked out for me. The women of the family were gathering for a tea party. Normally, I would have looked forward to it, but today, my chest felt strangely tight and hollow. Still I couldn't refuse, it was my duty as the Luna, so I went. Stella’s house was warm and lively when I got there thirty minutes later. Soft laughter filled the garden where a long table had been set beneath a large tree. Tea cups, pastries, and flowers were laid out perfectly to decorate the table. Several women from the family had already arrived, and they greeted me warmly as I stepped in. “Sarah!” “Good morning, dear.” “Come sit with us.” I forced a smile as usual and greeted them politely. The cheerful atmosphere helped a little. For a while, I almost forgot the heaviness in my chest. Then Karina arrived. She stepped into the garden carrying her son. She just gave birth, and she looked like she was glowing. The round cheeks of the baby were pink, and his small hands clung tightly to his mother’s dress. “He's so adorable,” someone said. Karina smiled proudly as she sat down with her son, placed carefully on her lap. Karina sat beside me and offered that if I wanted to carry her baby, I couldn't say no, of course, plus he looked so cute, so I indulged in carrying him. He felt so small. “Hello,” I said gently. His hand wrapped around my pinky, and pink hues spread across his cheeks as he giggled. My heart softened at the sight. “He must like women, look at him blushing and holding tight to Sarah,” Stella said, and everybody at the table laughed.
I INTERRUPTED. SARAH. “Luna, you're six weeks pregnant.” The world stopped for a moment, and I thought I had misheard. The room suddenly felt too quiet, and the ticking of the wall clock was echoing louder than it should. I sat stiffly on the examination chair in the pack clinic, my heart beating rapidly and my fingers curling into the thin blanket that covered my lower body. “Pregnant?” I whispered in disbelief. Across from me, Simon, the pack doctor, nodded slowly while reviewing the documents in his hands. “Yes. The test results are clear,” he looked up at me with a happy smile. “Congratulations, Luna.” Congratulations. The word sounded foreign; I didn't know if I should be happy or if this was actually good news. I didn't know how to receive this news. My heart thudded heavily against my ribs as my hand instinctively drifted to my stomach. A baby was growing in my tummy. A baby. Jason’s baby. A strange warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading slowly as a full moon does after a long time. For years, I had imagined what it would feel like to carry the baby of my mate. Immediately, I felt the warmth, something else tangled up with it—fear. Jason. The joy in my chest dimmed almost immediately. “Are you alright?” Simon asked; he must have noticed the change in my mood. “I…yes. I'm just a little bit surprised. I wasn't expecting this at all.” I blinked, forcing myself to focus. “Thats understandable.” Simon set the report aside and focused on me. “I hope you understand why you've been throwing up for the past few weeks? Morning sickness is quite common during early pregnancy.” I nodded faintly. Morning sickness, so that was what it was. For the past few days, I had blamed it on poor digestion or exhaustion. I had never dared to consider this possibility. Not because we didn't have sεx, Jason and I have had sx just three times, and ur used co'ndoms two times, but not the last time. And because thinking about the fact that she might be pregnant included thinking about Jason’s reaction. Will he be happy about it? Will he hate— “I will inform the Alpha with immediate effect,” Simon said, clearing his throat, and I was thrown into panic mode. “No!” I blurted out, sitting up straighter. Simon paused, looking at me weirdly. My cheeks flushed at how suddenly I replied to him, and I met his gaze nervously. “Please…dont tell Jason yet.” Simon frowned slightly before he continued. “Luna, it is my duty to inform the Alpha about important matters in the pack; this news, especially, is the most important.” “I know. I know.” I muttered as I lowered my eyes. “But could you give me some time? I promise, I'll tell him soon.” Simon studied my face carefully. I prayed he would consider this, as I've never asked him for any favor. I hoped he knew I didn't have any bad intentions and that I was asking for this one favor. “I want to tell him myself,” I added. Simon leaned back slightly in his chair, squinting his eyes at me. “Is there a problem?” he asked. My fingers tightened together in my lap. For a moment, I didn't know how to explain the complicated knot of emotions sitting in my chest. Finally, I found the voice to talk. “Umm…Jason doesn't like me,” I said softly. Simon looked surprised, and I wondered why. We were not affectionate in public; we were just two people who agreed to play our roles and had a stable relationship. I forced a smile because I didn't want him to pity me. “He accepted me because it was his duty, because of the Moon Goddess, but that doesn't mean he wanted this bond,” I said. Simon remained silent as he listened to everything I had to say. “Im not sure he would want this child.” My voice dropped lower. The words tasted bitter, and saying them aloud made them feel real. It made the truth feel heavy. Simon leaned forward as his expression softened. “Luna, the Alpha is a responsible man. Regardless of personal duty, he would not ignore his duty to his child.” I nodded politely, but deep down, I wasn't so certain. Jason had never rejected me outright, but he had also never marked me. He had never called me 'mate' with warmth; our relationship existed somewhere between duty and distance. “Please,” I said again quietly. “Let me tell him myself.” Simon exhaled slowly; the wheels were turning in his mind, and I hoped he would understand. “Alright,” he said, and relief flashed through me. “But,” he said, and my chest started beating rapidly in anticipation of what he was about to say. “I can only keep this confidential until the pregnancy reaches twelve weeks. After that, I must inform the Alpha.” “Thats fair,” I said quickly. Twelve weeks. Three months. That was enough time to sort out my feelings and get my bearings before telling him. Time to gather the courage. “Thank you, Simon,” I said sincerely. He nodded. “Take care of yourself, Luna. Early pregnancy can be quite demanding.” I stood slowly, still feeling dizzy, not from the sickness, but from the news—a baby. I placed my hand ok my stomach again, a tiny life was growing inside me. For a second, my wolf stirred in my mind. Adele’s voice was soft but excited. Adele: Our Pup. My lips curved faintly as I walked out of the office. Yes. Our pup. ————————— Jason’s black SUV was parked outside the clinic. I spotted him immediately. He was leaning casually against the driver’s door, his tall figure commanding attention even in a place as ordinary as a parking lot. The wind slightly tousled his hair, and he looked so s6xy standing there. The glasses that made him look like a nerd were pushed up on his nose. My man. My mate. Even after all this time, seeing him still made my heart flutter. Jason looked up as I approached. “How did it go?” he asked, and I instinctively tightened my hold on the medical report folded in my pocket. “No serious diagnosis?” he added. I hesitated for half a second, deliberating whether I should tell him or not, but then I shook my head. “It's just a stomach bug.” Jason frowned slightly. “You've been throwing up for days.” “I guess my stomach has been sensitive lately,” I replied lightly. I got into the car and made myself comfortable. “Take better care of yourself. As Luna, looking so frail reflects badly on the pack’s image and also on mine. I can't have you looking weak,” he said in an indifferent tone. The warmth i felt earlier dimmed. Of course, this would be his reaction. “I understand. I'll be more careful.” Jason started the engine, and the car moved smoothly down the road. I watched the trees pass outside the window, my thoughts drifting back to the secret growing inside me. Should I tell him now? My wolf stirred softly as she answered me. Adele: Tell him now. She urged softly. Maybe Adele was right. Maybe Jason would be happy. After all, an heir was important to the Alpha. Gathering my courage, I spoke up again. “Karina’s baby is so adorable,” I said casually. Karina was Jason’s cousin who had just given birth. Jason glanced at me briefly. “You visited them recently?” “Yes.” I smiled faintly at the memory of the newborn baby wrapped in soft blankets. “He's so small, and when he smiles in his sleep, he's the cutest thing.” Jason chuckled. “Im looking forward to being called an uncle when he grows up.” My heart skipped a beat; this was the perfect timing. My fingers hovered over my stomach. Now, Adele whispered excitedly. Jason would be very happy, wouldn't he? “Jason, I actually have something I want to—” His phone rang suddenly, and the sharp sound cut through the car. Jason glanced at the screen and connected it to the bluetooth of the car before he picked up. “Hello,” I fell silent as the voice I dreaded rang out in the car. II LEFT IN THE RAIN. SARAH. “Jason…I don't feel well,” Rosalie’s voice said weakly. “My head hurts so much.” My fingers tightened slightly. Rosalie’s voice was soft and fragile, the kind that made people want to care for and protect her. “Did you see the doctor?” Jason asked. “No…i didn't want to bother anyone,” she said. “But I feel really dizzy.” A pause followed. My heartbeat quickened into dangerous beats. I stared down at my hands, my thumb gently rubbing over the knuckle of my finger. Jason would refuse; he had just picked me up from the clinic, and it was raining heavily outside. Plus, the pack house was still a long way from going. He would take me home first. Wouldn't he? “Where are you?” Jason asked. “At home,” Rosalie said softly. “Could you come check on me?” Silence filled the car as my breath slowed while I waited for him to answer. Then he spoke. “I'll be there soon.” Four words. Four words that made my chest tighten in pain. Jason ended the call and began turning the steering wheel, guiding the car toward a different direction. For a few seconds, i didn't speak. I was still processing what I had just heard. “We are not going home?” I finally asked quietly. Jason didn't even look at me; he kept staring at the road. “Rosalie isn't feeling well.” “I heard,” I said as I swallowed. The rain outside grew heavier, tapping against the windshield sharply. Water blurred the view of the road ahead, and I hesitated before speaking again. “Could you drop me off at home first?” I asked gently. It wasn't a demand, it was a small request—the barest minimum. Jason glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable. “That would take extra time.” I blinked, and for a moment, I thought I had misunderstood. “It's raining,” I pointed out, maybe he didn't know it was? “I know. I can see it.” his tone was simple, matter-of-fact. I looked out the window, and the rain still hadn't let up. Jason pulled to the side of the road. “We’re close enough to the pack house,” he said, and my heart sank. “You can walk the rest of the way.” The words were spoken without cruelty, but they hurt. So much. I stared at him, still at a loss for words. “Jason…. It's raining,” my voice trembled. “I know,” he repeated. He pointed toward the back of the car. “There is an umbrella in the trunk.” The car fell silent. I felt something twist painfully in my chest. For a moment, I wanted to say fvck it, and argue with him, I wanted to scream at him How does this make sense?’ I wanted to tell him that I had just left the doctor’s office, that I was pregnant. That I was carrying his child. But the words stayed trapped behind my lips, because deep down, I knew the truth. I knew nothing would change. Even if I said everything I wanted to say, Rosalie would still come first. Slowly, I opened the car door. The cold rain hit me immediately, soaking into my coat within seconds. I walked to the back of the car and opened the trunk. The umbrella was right where Jason said it would be. Prepared and thoughtful, just not towards me. I opened the umbrella and stepped back from the car. For a brief second, I looked toward the driver’s seat. Jason was already adjusting the gear; he didn't even look at me. The engine roared softly and The car drove away. Just like that. I stood on the roadside, watching the black SUV disappear. He didn't look back once. My wolf stirred faintly inside my mind. Adele’s voice carried a tone of sadness. Adele: He left us. I lowered my gaze, admitting to the pain. “Yes, he did,” I said aloud. The walk back to the pack house felt longer than usual. The umbrella helped, but the wind pushed the rain to the sides, soaking the edges of my clothes. Cold water seeped through my shoes as I stepped through puddles along the muddy road. Each step felt heavier than the last, my thoughts drifted backward, back to the moment my life changed. The day I discovered Jason was my mate. I had been so happy then, every girl dreamed about meeting her mate someday, and Jason…. He was the Alpha. Strong. Respected. Powerful. When their eyes had met during the ceremony, their wolves recognised each other immediately. Adele had howled with joy. But Jason’s expression had been completely different. Shock, disbelief, and something colder. Later that night, after the ceremony ended, he spoke to her privately. His voice had been cold and controlled. “Sarah,” he had said. “I will not reject the mate chosen by the Moon Goddess, neither will I reject my duty.” My heart had soared at those words, but then he continued. “At least, not all of them. I will not mark you,” he had said. The memory of those words still made my heart bleed. “The pack needs a Luna,” he had explained. “You are of a proper upbringing, and you understand pack traditions. You are suitable for that role.” Suitable, not wanted. “Beyond fulfilling your roles and duties as Luna, I hope you won't interfere with my personal freedom,” he had added. I had to stand there, absorbing every word he had said. “If you can't accept that, I can reject you now,” he had said. Reject me. The word had sent a chill down my spine because a rejected omega and their family would lose their standing in the pack. Not that omegas were respected; if I had been rejected then, we would have become laughingstocks of the pack. My parents would have been shamed, so I lowered my head and agreed. The rain grew colder as the memory faded. By the time I reached the pack house, I was soaked to the bone. I closed the umbrella and slowly stepped inside. Warm air wrapped around me immediately, but it didn't chase away the cold I felt in my bones. I changed into dry clothes immediately. Still, my body trembled. Curling up on the bed, I pulled the blanket around myself. My hand drifted to my stomach, my baby. Should I tell my mother? My mother had always been someone I could rely on, someone who would always listen to me. But before I could reach for my phone, my wolf spoke again. Adele: Remember what Mother said, Luna, you can't act impulsively. Adele reminded me. My mother had told me these things before I started living here. She told me that as a Luna, I must think about the entire pack before myself. Being Luna meant sacrifice, responsibility, and endurance. Even when it hurt, I put my phone down. “I won't tell her,” I whispered. Not yet. My hand rested protectively over my stomach. “I'll handle this myself.” III HOPE THAT BROKE AT THE DOOR. SARAH. The nausea hit me again, this time, violently. I barely made it to my room before I dropped to my knees beside the sink, gripping the edge tightly as another wave of stomach rolled through my stomach. My body trembled as I retched, the sour taste burning my throat. When it finally stopped, I leaned weakly against the cool wall, breathing heavily. The house was quiet, too quiet. I pressed a hand over my stomach, my fingers trembling slightly. Six weeks, there was a tiny life growing inside me, Jason’s child. The thought should have brought warmth; instead, it brought uncertainty, wrapping around my chest and tightening with each passing second. Jason always looked at her with indifference, and sometimes, irritation. If he knew about the baby, would he resent it too? I lowered my head, my damp hair falling across my face. “Moon Goddess….” I whispered, my voice sounding fragile in the empty bathroom. “Why would you give me a mate who doesn't love me?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. I didn't mean it as a complaint, more like a quiet plea. My voice shook, and I felt tears cloud my vision. I wanted to scream in pain, but I held it in, like I have been all these years. Remembering the words of my mother. Sacrifice. Endurance. Putting the pack before myself. Outside, the thunder rumbled in the distance. A moment later, the rain began to pour heavily against the windows, the storm arriving faster than I expected. The wind howled through the trees surrounding the pack house. I slowly stood up and rinsed my mouth, but the uneasy feeling in my chest refused to fade. The house suddenly felt too large. Too empty. My wolf stirred restlessly inside my mind. Adele: You're shaking. She said with concern. “Im fine,” I replied to her. But her hands were cold, and the storm outside didn't help; thunder rumbled loudly. I flinched slightly, and a soft sigh echoed inside my thoughts. Adele: Call Jason. I stiffened. “No.” Adele: You need him. “He's with Rosalie,” I replied quietly. The words tasted bitter. “He wouldn't want to be disturbed,” I added. Adele: But he's your own mate. She said, not sounding convinced. “Yes, he is,” I whispered, but it felt hollow. Because being a mate had never meant what i thought it would. But Adele persisted. Adele: You can contact Eric through our mindlink. Jason’s wolf. I hesitated. The mindlink allowed our wolves to communicate mentally if needed. But I had rarely used it. Jason had always preferred distance, and I always respected that. “I shouldn't bother him,” I said again weakly. Another loud thunderclap shook the windows. Adele: You're frightened. She said softly, but I didn't want to admit it. But the truth was obvious: the storm, the sickness, and the loneliness. Plus, the fragile life growing inside her made her feel small and uncertain. Finally, Adele spoke again. Adele: Let me try. I closed my eyes, and a moment later, I felt the unfamiliar sensation of my wolf reaching through the invisible thread that connected us to our mate. A gentle pulse spread through my mind. Then another presence appeared, strong and calm—Eric, Jason’s wolf. The connection settled quickly. Jason’s voice followed soon after. “Sarah? What's wrong?” Hearing his voice made her heart skip as usual. For a moment, she almost forgot what she wanted to say. “I…” I started softly. Then the silence stretched, and Jason spoke again. “Is something wrong?” His tone wasn't cold; it was just alert and concerned. “I just wanted to ask…” I said hesitantly, my fingers twisting together nervously. “Can you come home tonight?” I finally asked. My breath caught. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. Maybe he would think I was being too selfish and childish. Then he replied to me. “Im already on my way back.” I blinked in surprise. “You are?” “Yes.” Relief spread through my chest instantly, and the tight knot of anxiety loosened just a little. “Okay,” I whispered. The link faded soon after. I stood quietly in the living room, staring at the front door and waiting for my mate to come home. The house didn't feel as empty as before now, Jason was coming back for me. A small smile appeared on my lips. Maybe things weren't as hopeless as I thought they were. Maybe he still cared, even if he didn't show it. My hand rested gently over my stomach. “Did you hear that?” I muttered softly. “Your daddy is coming home for us.” Minutes passed slowly, and I paced near the window, glancing outside every few seconds. Finally, headlights appeared through the heavy rain. My heart lifted, Jason’s car. I hurried to the door and pulled it open before the vehicle even fully stopped. Cold wind rushed outside, carrying the scent of rain and wet earth. The car door opened, and I stepped forward slightly, her chest warming with quiet anticipation. But the moment I saw Jason, my heart stopped because he wasn't alone. Rosalie was in his arms, her body looked weak and limp, her pale face pressed against Jason’s shoulder. Jason carried her carefully toward the house. His expression was serious, completely focused on the woman he carried. For a moment, I stood there, simply frozen. Jason walked past me without stopping. Without even looking at me, the warmth I had felt earlier disappeared with immediate effect. Jason finally spoke; his voice was so calm. “Rosalie needs to be taken care of.” That was all, no greeting, no explanation—just those seven words. I stood by the door, rain blowing softly against my back. I wanted to scream, "What about me?” Did I not deserve to be cared for? Put the pack before yourself. Endure, sacrifice. My mother’s voice echoed in my mind as I curled my fingers into the fabric of my sleeve. The hope I had felt just minutes ago, shattered loudly in my chest. Behind me, thunder roared around the sky. And suddenly, the house felt cold again. IV A STRANGER IN MY OWN HOME. SARAH. The moment I stepped into the bathroom, my chest tightened. Rosalie was lying on my bed, our bed. The bed Jason and I shared since the day we were mated. Now, she lay there, looking pale and fragile, her head resting against the pillows as if she belonged there. Jason sat beside her, his eyebrows drawn together in worry, while he carefully adjusted the blanket around her. “Drink some water,” he said softly, lifting the cup to her lips. His voice was so gentle. Gentler than I had heard in a long time, something twisted in my gut, and Adele growled in my mind. She was furious. Adele: Kick her out. My fingers curled tightly around my sleeve, struggling to keep myself from probably crying or bursting out in tears. “You know I can’t do that,” I whispered silently. Adele: That is your bedroom. She snapped. I knew that, of course, I knew, but Rosalie isn’t just anyone. Her parents had done a lot for the pack over the years. They had supported Jason’s family during difficult times, and everyone in the pack respected them. Especially Jason. “I can’t throw her out,” I murmured in my thoughts. Adele huffed angrily but said nothing more. She was a fiercer version of me and wanted me to fight for myself each time, but I always remembered what my mother told me: endure and sacrifice. I needed to be a good Luna to the pack, so I needed to endure everything that was being thrown at me. Adele will understand someday. Rosalie shifted slightly against the pillows. “Jason…” she whispered weakly. “I’m here,” Jason replied instantly. His hand moved to her shoulder, steady and protective. I stood near the doorway, feeling like a visitor and a stranger in my own home. The storm outside had softened into steady rain, tapping gently against the windows, but the heaviness in my chest grew and tightened. Jason finally looked up and noticed that I was standing there. He stood up, his expression serious. “I’m going to take a shower,” he said. “Stay and keep an eye on Rosalie. Tend to her needs and give her anything she wants.” He said, and my heart paused for a moment. He didn’t ask, he told me. He commanded me to look after the woman I was competing with in my marriage. Still, I nodded with a crooked smile on my face. “Okay.” He walked past me without another word. A moment later, I heard the bathroom door close and the running of water. The room fell silent, and for a few seconds, Rosalie didnt move. Then, suddenly, her eyes fell open, and they landed on me. The weakness in her expression faded almost instantly, and a faint smile appeared on her face. I frowned because I was confused. She was groaning in pain just seconds ago. What changed? And the smile on her face wasn't a kind one, and my stomach twisted. I forced myself to stay calm and pick up the cup of water Jason left on the nightstand. “You should drink something warm,” I said gently as I moved closer to her. Rosalie pushed herself up slightly against the pillows. I held the cup towards her, she reached for it, and then suddenly, her hand jerked. The cup slipped, and hot water splashed on my hand, burning my skin. Pain shot through me. “Ah!—“ I gasped, instinctively pulling my hand back, making the cup shatter on the floor, and water spread across the wooden boards. Rosalie cried out immediately. “Jason!!!!” Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears, as if she were the one who was hurt. The bathroom door burst open seconds later, Jason rushed out, and his hair was still wet. “What happened?” He demanded. His eyes immediately moved to Rosalie. She held out her hand quickly while mumbling. “My hand…it hurts.” The water didnt even splash on her like that. I was the one with most of the burns. Jason’s expression turned dark as he grabbed her wrist and examined it carefully. The skin on the backs of her hands was slightly red. His jaw tightened, and he looked up. “What happened?” He asked again, his voice colder this time around. My burned hand still throbbed. “It was an accident,” I said quickly. “My hand slips—“ “She pushed it,” Rosalie said softly. My words stopped. Jason turned slowly to look at me. Rosalie's voice sounded so fragile that anyone would believe her. “I didn’t mean to upset her…” she murmured while wincing in pain. “I think—think she’s mad at me and doesn’t want me here.” My heart dropped immediately. “Thats not true,” I said quickly. But Jason’s expression had already turned into anger and irritation, his eyes were awfully cold now. “Enough,” he said sharply, and the word cut through the atmosphere like a blade. I froze. He believed her. “I didn’t—“ I tried again. “Stay out of this room,” Jason interrupted. For a moment, I simply stared at him. My chest felt hollow at this situation. “You think I did this on purpose?” I asked softly. He didn’t hesitate when he replied. “You’ve always disliked Rosalie.” The words landed like a slap to my face. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. Because I could see clearly in his eyes that he had already made up his mind, nothing I said would change it. Slowly, I lowered my head. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice sounded smaller than I expected, which I hated. I turned around and exited the room as he requested. The door closed behind me with a soft click. Ive been chased out of my bedroom, in my matrimonial home. The thought alone brought tears to my eyes, but I pushed them back and went to sit on the couch. Staring at my hands, the red mark from the hot water stung, but it didn’t hurt as much as the tightness in my chest. Adele was silent, and I knew it was because she was too angry to speak. A few minutes later, the front door opened, I looked up, and it was Simon. He walked in, carrying a small medical bag. Jason must have called him. Simon nodded politely when he saw me. “Good evening, Luna.” I forced a faint smile, which was my part as the Luna. Smile even when sad—the lessons branded into my brain by my mother. “Good evening, Simon.” He disappeared into the bedroom, and the door closed again. I sat there, listening to the muffled voices inside. Time passed slowly, so slowly. Eventually, the door opened again, and Simon stepped out, with Jason behind him. They paused near the entrance, and Simon glanced back toward the living room. His eyes rested on me for a moment, and I started panicking. Was he about to tell him about my pregnancy? I tried to beg him through my eyes not to tell him. He sighed before looking back at Jason. “You should keep an eye on the Luna’s health,” he said thoughtfully. Jason frowned slightly. “What do you mean?” “She looks a bit pale and lean lately,” Simon replied. “It might be a good idea to get her checked, too.” For a brief second, I thought I saw concern flash through Jason’s eyes, but as fast as I thought them, they were gone. And he let out a sarcastic laugh that made my heart bleed and made me feel like he was mocking me. I felt the tears well up again. “Sarah?” He said, his voice carrying a hint of the mockery I felt earlier. “She's perfectly healthy; she has plenty of energy to bully Rosalie.” He said calmly. The words drifted across the room, he said casually, but they struck me harder than anything else tonight. Simon frowned slightly, but he didn’t say anything and I bowed my head in shame. I felt embarrassed. “Just…keep it in mind.” He said before leaving. After the front door closed behind him, the house was silent again. I remained on the couch, staring at the door. My hand slowly moved to rest over my stomach. Six weeks. A bitter smile touched my lips. “Did you hear that?” I whispered in a trembling voice. “Your father thinks we are healthy.” V THE SECRET NEEDS TO STAY HIDDEN. SARAH. I stayed on the couch for a long time. My hand continued massaging my stomach, as if I was comforting my baby. Inside that bedroom, Jason was taking care of Rosalie, and out here, I sat alone with a secret he didn't know existed. Adele stirred faintly after her long silence. Adele: You should tell him. My throat tightened with the thought. “No,” I whispered. I stood up slowly and walked down the hallway; each step felt heavier than the last. When I reached the small guest room at the end of the hall, I slipped inside and closed the door behind me. The room was dark, and only the faint light from the streetlight outside filtered in through the curtains. For a moment, I simply stood there. Then my strength finally gave out. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. I pressed a hand over my mouth, trying to keep the sound in, because crying felt like a weakness. And lately….I had already felt too weak. My other hand slowly reached into my pocket, and I pulled out the small folded paper that I had kept with me all day because I was afraid of leaving it lying around for Jason to see. The test result, the doctor’s neat handwriting stared back at me. Six weeks pregnant. My vision blurred again. Jason didn't even believe me about а cup of water. If I told him about the baby, would he think I was lying, too? Or worse—would he think that I was trying to trap him or tie him down with a child? My chest tightened painfully. “No,” I whispered again. The word trembled in the quiet room. I carefully folded the paper and tucked it in my pocket. “I won't tell him.” Not now. Maybe not ever. Adele didn't argue with me this time; she only sighed in understanding in the back of my mind. Eventually, my tears stopped, and it was still raining outside, and the heaviness in my chest didn't reduce. ——————————— The next morning arrived quietly. I barely slept. When the sunlight streamed in through the curtains, I forced myself out of bed, showered, and then got dressed. Today, I had to go to Stella’s house. Jason’s grandmother. She was a nice woman who always looked out for me. The women of the family were gathering for a tea party. Normally, I would have looked forward to it, but today, my chest felt strangely tight and hollow. Still I couldn't refuse, it was my duty as the Luna, so I went. Stella’s house was warm and lively when I got there thirty minutes later. Soft laughter filled the garden where a long table had been set beneath a large tree. Tea cups, pastries, and flowers were laid out perfectly to decorate the table. Several women from the family had already arrived, and they greeted me warmly as I stepped in. “Sarah!” “Good morning, dear.” “Come sit with us.” I forced a smile as usual and greeted them politely. The cheerful atmosphere helped a little. For a while, I almost forgot the heaviness in my chest. Then Karina arrived. She stepped into the garden carrying her son. She just gave birth, and she looked like she was glowing. The round cheeks of the baby were pink, and his small hands clung tightly to his mother’s dress. “He's so adorable,” someone said. Karina smiled proudly as she sat down with her son, placed carefully on her lap. Karina sat beside me and offered that if I wanted to carry her baby, I couldn't say no, of course, plus he looked so cute, so I indulged in carrying him. He felt so small. “Hello,” I said gently. His hand wrapped around my pinky, and pink hues spread across his cheeks as he giggled. My heart softened at the sight. “He must like women, look at him blushing and holding tight to Sarah,” Stella said, and everybody at the table laughed.
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Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now.Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now. Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia Capítulo 1 ¡Bum! Las puertas de la sala del evento se abrieron de golpe. "¡Algo le ha pasado a Lydia!", gritó un hombre al entrar tambaleándose, con el pánico pintado en el rostro. Las palabras impactaron como una bomba. La sala —decorada con flores, lazos y música romántica, bullendo de emoción por la propuesta— quedó instantáneamente en silencio. El hombre en el centro de atención, aún de rodillas, con el anillo en la mano, se giró sobresaltado. "¿Qué acabas de decir?" Quade Zimmer, con su pelo teñido de azul tan estridente como su voz, soltó: "¡La señora Lancaster acaba de llamar! ¡Lydia ha tenido un accidente de coche! ¡Está en el hospital ahora mismo!" Apenas habían salido las palabras de su boca cuando estalló el caos: sillas arrastrándose, tacones repiqueteando, gente apresurándose hacia la puerta. No era una exageración decir que Lydia Wallace era la chica de moda de su círculo: hermosa, talentosa, frágil de esa forma desgarradora que hacía que la gente quisiera protegerla. Todos la adoraban, la compadecían, la veneraban. ¿Y ahora que su diosa estaba herida? A nadie le quedaba corazón para seguir celebrando una propuesta de matrimonio cuya respuesta todos ya conocían. Incluso el chico que proponía lo dejó todo y salió corriendo. "Jasper—" La voz que pronunció su nombre llegó por detrás —suave, apenas más que un suspiro. Fue entonces cuando todos finalmente se dieron cuenta: la mujer a la que le estaban pidiendo matrimonio no había dicho ni una palabra en todo este tiempo. Alguien debió de haber dado a los interruptores en el caos, porque la sala se oscureció. La única luz provenía de las suaves lámparas de la pared. En un rincón, mitad en sombras, mitad en luz, estaba Claudia Lancaster. Su belleza no era del tipo dulce y gentil —era marcada, impactante, inolvidable. Pero en ese momento, su calma resultaba inquietante. Su expresión no revelaba nada. "¿No quieres oír mi respuesta?", preguntó en voz baja. Hacía apenas un minuto, Jasper Fenton le había pedido que se casara con él. Ahora, a medio camino de la puerta, se detuvo en seco. Ni siquiera intentó explicarse. "Claudia, lo siento. Tengo que ir al hospital. Vete a casa primero, ¿vale?" "¿Y si no te dejo ir?" Su voz se mantuvo firme. "Jasper, sabes que la odio." Jasper suspiró, exasperado. "Claudia, ahora no. No es momento para empezar una pelea." "Mi respuesta… puede que solo la obtengas una vez", dijo, tan calmada como siempre. Algo en su tono le hizo hacer una pausa. Normalmente, en cuanto salía el nombre de Lydia, Claudia estallaba —espetando, poniendo los ojos en blanco, maldiciendo a Lydia entre dientes. Pero esta noche, estaba fría, distante. Casi como si lo hubiera estado esperando. Un destello de inquietud le recorrió la espalda a Jasper. "Oh, por favor", intervino Quade, poniendo los ojos en blanco. "Has estado obsesionada con Jasper desde, ¿qué, la secundaria? El tipo finalmente te propone matrimonio y ¿se supone que debemos creer que dirías que no?" "Sí, alguien podría estar muriéndose en serio. Te pueden proponer matrimonio cualquier otro día", añadió alguien más. "¡Exacto! Las familias arreglaron esto hace siglos, toda esta cosa es solo por apariencias." Los comentarios dolían, pero Claudia ni siquiera parpadeó. Sus ojos oscuros permanecieron clavados en Jasper. Esperando. Jasper dejó escapar otro suspiro y volvió hacia ella. Como siempre, le despeinó el cabello como si fuera una niña. "Pórtate bien, ¿vale? No montes una escena. Lydia podría estar gravemente herida. Este no es el momento para una rabieta." Siempre era así. Cada vez que Lydia estaba involucrada, Jasper nunca preguntaba quién tenía razón o no. Corría a consolar a Lydia primero, y luego volvía a regañar a Claudia, suave y paciente, como si fuera una niña mimada que simplemente no entendía. Así se sentía amar a alguien desde abajo. No importaba cuánto gritaras, tu ira era solo "graciosa". Nunca seria. ¿Esta propuesta? Nunca había sido una pregunta real. Jasper ya sabía cuál debería haber sido su respuesta. "¡Oh, al diablo con esto, no puedo quedarme callada más tiempo!" Whitney Sawyer golpeó su bolso de mano contra algo, con furia destellando en sus ojos. Había estado aguantándose desde que Quade irrumpió, pero ya era suficiente. "Jasper, ¿eres su novio o su ambulancia personal? ¿Cómo es que cada vez que Lydia sufre 'un accidente', te llama a ti? Siempre perfectamente sincronizado, siempre arruinando tus planes. ¡La última vez fue una cita, ahora es tu propuesta! ¿Qué, no podía esperar a morirse cinco minutos?" Como mejor amiga de Claudia, Whitney había pasado semanas planeando esta propuesta. Y ahora, una vez más, Lydia la había secuestrado, y Jasper había caído directamente en la trampa. La furia de Whitney se extendió como un incendio forestal. "¡Y el resto de ustedes! ¿Para qué corren, a visitarla o a planear su funeral? ¡A este paso, Lydia ya debería haber muerto cien veces!" "¡Whitney!" El rostro de Jasper se ensombreció; el hombre gentil y afable desapareció. Su voz sonó como un latigazo. "Mide tus palabras." "Oh, perdóname." La voz de Whitney subió de tono, aguda y furiosa. "¿No soportas oír criticar a tu preciosa Lydia? Jasper, ¿acaso recuerdas quién es tu novia?" Los ojos de Jasper se helaron. Claudia le agarró el brazo a Whitney, con voz tranquila pero firme. "Si sales por esa puerta, Jasper, terminamos." Ya se había perdido demasiado tiempo. Jasper se pellizcó el puente de la nariz y suspiró. "No digas algo de lo que te arrepentirás. Claudia, hablaremos cuando vuelva." Se dio la vuelta y salió con paso firme, sin mirar atrás. Ni siquiera sabía lo graves que eran las lesiones de Lydia, solo sabía que tenía que ir. Se dijo a sí mismo: Cuando vuelva, lo compensaré. Le haré una propuesta aún mejor. También tomó nota mental de decirle a Claudia que se alejara de Whitney; claramente esa chica le estaba llenando la cabeza de tonterías. La sala se hundió bajo el peso de todo. Incluso aquellos que pensaban que Claudia estaba siendo dramática se mordieron la lengua. Nadie quería contrariar a Jasper, ni a los Sawyer. Uno a uno, se escabulleron. En minutos, el lugar era irreconocible. Pétalos de rosa aplastados y lazos cubrían el suelo. Botellas de vino rodaban bajo las sillas. Glaseado embadurnaba la alfombra. Toda la escena parecía una parodia de lo que había sido, burlándose de lo ridículo que era todo. Mientras los últimos rezagados se quedaban, alguien frunció el ceño. "Esperen… Lydia es la hija adoptiva de los Lancaster, ¿verdad? Oí que es prima de Claudia. ¿Por qué nadie llamó a Claudia también?" "¿Llamarla? ¿Qué, quieren empeorar aún más las lesiones de Lydia?" "Vaya, ¿qué se supone que significa eso?" "Lo de siempre. Que la señorita Lancaster es fría, cruel, desagradecida… ya sabes cómo va." Los susurros comenzaron de nuevo, suaves, venenosos y familiares. Siempre lo hacían cuando el nombre de Lydia salía junto al de Claudia. El rostro de Whitney ardía de ira. Se volvió hacia Claudia, de repente preocupada. Los cotilleos de extraños no importaban, pero ¿la traición de alguien a quien amas? Eso siempre calaba más hondo. Claudia observó la espalda de Jasper mientras se alejaba, cada paso alejándolo más de ella. Era como ver los años escurriéndose entre sus dedos, el chico con el que había crecido desvaneciéndose a lo lejos. Whitney le había preguntado una vez: Si nada hubiera interrumpido esta noche, ¿habrías dicho que sí? Pero, honestamente: No importara cuál fuera su respuesta, el final habría sido el mismo. Lydia nunca la dejaría ganar. Y Jasper nunca la elegiría a ella. En el momento en que le dio la espalda, no se dio cuenta de que, aunque el futuro pueda parecer interminable, la mujer dispuesta a esperarte no dura para siempre. Jasper… esta vez, realmente te dejo ir. En la mesa, entre el desorden, el teléfono de Claudia vibró. Una notificación de WhatsApp apareció, breve y suficiente. "Perdiste." Capítulo 2 Tres días antes, Lydia había acorralado a Claudia. "Sabes que Jasper está a punto de proponerte matrimonio, ¿verdad?" Sus bonitos ojos brillaban, no de emoción, sino de celos y malicia. "Oí que ambas familias querían pasar directamente a la fiesta de compromiso, pero él insistió en hacerlo bien. Dijo que necesitaba oír tu 'sí' él mismo, o no significaría nada. Ayy, qué romántico, ¿no?" "¿Y qué?" Claudia levantó la vista, su tono plano, sin inmutarse. La sonrisa de Lydia se curvó, afilada y venenosa. "¿Y qué? Claudia, ¿qué hace que una pecadora como tú crea que merece felicidad?" Se inclinó más cerca, con voz azucarada pero goteando veneno. "¿Quieres apostar? En tres días, esa propuesta ni siquiera ocurrirá." Claudia solo la miró fijamente. Para todos los demás, Lydia era pura perfección: de voz suave, gentil, toda gracia y luz. Nadie creería que a puerta cerrada podía escupir veneno así. Podría haber detenido la propuesta en cualquier momento que quisiera. Pero no. A Lydia le gustaba el drama. Quería esperar hasta el acto final, para empujar a Claudia fuera del escenario ella misma. Como siempre hacía. … Después de que la propuesta se fuera al traste, el teléfono de Whitney sonó. Una mirada a la identificación de la llamada, y su rostro se demudó. Maldijo entre dientes y salió corriendo. Había planeado dejar a Claudia primero —Claudia había llegado en el coche de Jasper—, pero cuando Claudia se dio cuenta de que algo pasaba con la madre de Whitney, la instó a irse. Cuando todos los demás se habían ido, Claudia se quedó entre los escombros de flores aplastadas y copas de champán, con la cabeza agachada, su expresión ilegible. Dejó escapar una risita amarga. Era tarde. Las calles afuera estaban tranquilas y vacías. Claudia salió del club sin ganas de ir a casa. Vagó junto al río, el frío de la noche calándole la piel. Entonces, se detuvo en seco. Los vellos de su nuca se erizaron: alguien la seguía. Levantó su teléfono, fingiendo tomar una selfie, inclinándolo lo justo para ver el reflejo detrás de ella. Un grupo de hombres, sombras acercándose. Su pulso se disparó. Empezó a caminar más rápido. Ellos también. Su pulgar se cernió sobre su contacto de emergencia —el número que Jasper la había obligado a configurar hacía un año. En aquel entonces, le había roto el brazo a un acosador por molestar a una chica y había terminado en la comisaría. Jasper la sacó bajo fianza, regañándola durante todo el trayecto a casa por ser imprudente. Se había puesto a sí mismo como su contacto de emergencia, haciéndole prometer que si alguna vez estaba en peligro, lo llamaría a él, sin heroísmos, sin orgullo. Había jurado que sin importar dónde o cuándo, iría por ella. Nunca imaginó que la primera vez que llamaría sería así. "¿Claudia?" La voz de Jasper llegó, baja y cansada. Estaba en el hospital. El accidente de Lydia no había sido grave, pero ella era frágil —nacida prematura, se alteraba fácilmente. Solo él podía calmarla. Todo el clan Lancaster estaba acampado fuera. Lydia acababa de quedarse dormida cuando llegó la llamada, despertándola de un salto. "Jasper, alguien me está siguiendo." Silencio. Luego, su voz, fría, desdeñosa. "Claudia, realmente no puedo irme esta noche. No montes una escena." Pensó que estaba mintiendo, intentando alejarlo otra vez del lado de la cama de Lydia. Justo entonces, la madre de Lydia, Lottie Wallace, entró con un vaso de agua. Su rostro suave y elegante se endureció al ver el teléfono en la mano de Jasper. "¡Claudia!", espetó. "Lydia acaba de tener un accidente, y ni siquiera te molestas en visitar. ¿Ahora estás quién sabe dónde, inventando historias? ¿Cuándo vas a crecer? Escucha: nadie se va esta noche. Deja ya tus juegos mezquinos." Colgó sin dudar. En la cama, Lydia yacía pálida y temblorosa. Su voz era pequeña, vacilante. "Mamá, no te enfades. ¿Y si Claudia realmente está en problemas?" Lottie suspiró, la decepción grabada a fuego. "¿Qué problemas podría tener? Esta no es la primera vez que intenta algo cuando tú estás enferma." En la secundaria, Claudia una vez había llamado a casa en medio de la noche, diciendo que la habían secuestrado y exigiendo dinero de rescate. Esa misma noche, Lydia había caído enferma. La familia ya estaba en pánico, y la supuesta llamada de rescate casi le da un infarto a Lottie. Habían corrido a la ubicación, solo para encontrar a Claudia saliendo ilesa, sin un rasguño. Para cuando volvieron a casa, Lydia se había desplomado en el suelo, sola. Era demasiado tarde cuando finalmente la llevaron al hospital. El doctor dijo que con otro retraso, no habría sobrevivido. Esa noche, el padre de Claudia la había golpeado hasta dejarla sangrando. Pasó un mes en el hospital, y nunca se disculpó. La voz de Lottie se suavizó, cargada de decepción. "¿Cuándo se volvió así mi dulce niña?" Jasper conocía cada palabra de esa historia. Incluso había sido él quien llevaba snacks a escondidas a la cama de Claudia en el hospital después, contando chistes estúpidos para hacerla reír. Pero esta noche era diferente. Se dijo a sí mismo que solo estaba haciendo una rabieta por la propuesta arruinada. No tenía energía para sus pataletas. Mañana, cuando se calmara, hablaría con ella, la haría sonreír de nuevo. Colgó, apartó el cabello de la frente de Lydia y susurró: "Se te ha ido la fiebre. Pórtate bien. Duerme." Los ojos de Lydia brillaron con culpa y suavidad. "Jasper, lo siento por esta noche. Es toda mi culpa. Si no fuera tan débil—" "No. Nunca eres una carga." "Jasper…" "Duerme." Sus pestañas aletearon y se cerraron, y una pequeña sonrisa curvó sus labios. Dormiría tranquila esa noche. … Detrás de Claudia, los hombres se acercaban, lentos, perezosos, como gatos jugando con un ratón. Ella siguió corriendo, la voz de Jasper y el regaño de Lottie resonando en su mente. Tal vez había estado decepcionada demasiadas veces, porque ni siquiera se sentía triste ya, solo vacía. Hueca. La noche de abril era cálida, pero cortaba como cristal. La empujaron a un rincón oscuro. Claudia se detuvo bajo un árbol, su expresión calmada, los ojos bajándose al suelo. Entonces, se movió. Quince minutos después, los hombres yacían esparcidos por el pavimento —brazos retorcidos, piernas rotas, gimiendo de dolor. Claudia, sin aliento y sangrando, se dejó caer en el bordillo. Agarró su teléfono con una mano resbaladiza de sangre y marcó al 911. Después de ese lío en octavo grado, había empezado kickboxing y defensa personal. Había aprendido pronto: nadie vendría a salvarla. Uno de los hombres, con el brazo doblado en la dirección incorrecta, empezó a arrastrarse hacia ella. Los ojos de Claudia se posaron sobre él, fríos y afilados. Antes de que pudiera moverse, una bota cayó con fuerza, enviando al tipo volando. Una sombra se cernió sobre ella: un hombre alto con una sonrisa perezosa y el tipo de rostro que podría salirse con la suya cometiendo un asesinato. La miró desde arriba, haciendo un clic suave con la lengua. "Tss. ¿De dónde ha salido esta criaturita?" Capítulo 3 Sterling Romero salió de la Mansión Romero esa noche, lo suficientemente enfadado como para dejar su coche a medio camino a casa y sacar al perro a pasear. Lo que no esperaba era toparse con esa escena. Allí estaba ella, un capullo de rosa hermoso y malherido, acorralado por una jauría de callejeros desaliñados. Parecía frágil, pero la forma en que levantaba la barbilla, los ojos ardiendo de desafío, lo atrajo directamente de vuelta al cachorro de lobo huérfano con el que había vivido en las montañas casi un mes cuando tenía diez años. Todo fanfarronería y dientes al descubierto, guardando su pequeño trozo de tierra. Débil, pero ardiendo de vida. Ese lobo había muerto por sus manos al final. ¿Y esta chica? Era el mismo tipo de criatura: pequeña, espinosa y lista para hacer sangrar a quien intentara hacerle daño. Su rostro ni siquiera se inmutó mientras rompía los brazos de esos matones como si fueran ramitas. Nada la conmovía. Sterling, que rara vez se preocupaba por nada, sintió un destello de interés que no podía sacudirse. En contra de su mejor juicio, intervino. De cerca, era aún más difícil de olvidar. Esos ojos, oscuros, claros, brillantes como una noche después de la lluvia, se engancharon en algo enterrado profundamente dentro de él. Cuando ella levantó la vista, sobresaltada, había un destello de luz estelar que le hizo picar los dedos, con ganas de alargar la mano, de cubrir esos ojos afilados e intrépidos. Bien. Ya había intervenido. Mejor llevarlo hasta el final. Y, honestamente, necesitaba desahogarse. El callejón se llenó de gritos. Hacía un minuto, esos matones solo estaban demasiado heridos para arrastrarse. ¿Ahora? Estaban hechos pedazos: brazos inútiles, piernas rotas, el pánico espeso en el aire. Se arrepentían de todo. El trabajo había sido simple: golpearla un poco, nada grave. Su jefe incluso les había advertido que no dejaran marcas. Pero ella era demasiado hermosa, y unos cuantos se volvieron codiciosos. ¿Quién podría haber imaginado que la belleza delicada pegaba como un demonio, y lo que era peor, que un hombre como él aparecería de la nada? Frío, letal, como la Muerte misma con un abrigo de diseñador. Si el asesinato fuera legal, estaban seguros de que les habría roto el cuello sin pestañear. El cabecilla ya estaba perdiendo la cabeza. Sterling volvió paseando hasta donde la chica yacía observando desde el suelo. Su tono llevaba un rastro de diversión maliciosa. "Eres rápida, pero no lo suficiente despiadada. Si dejas cabos sueltos así, volverán para morderte. Entonces, pequeña callejera, ¿cómo piensas pagarme esta noche?" Claudia, que podría haber manejado la pelea bien por sí sola, y que ahora de alguna manera le debía algo a este extraño, guardó silencio. Tumbada de espaldas, el rostro surcado de sangre y polvo, de alguna manera parecía irreal en la oscuridad. Sterling frunció el ceño. Sucio. Se inclinó para levantar a la silenciosa rosa a sus pies, entonces algo lo empujó con fuerza. Tropezó, perdió el equilibrio y cayó justo encima de ella. Su peso aplastó su brazo herido; su mano izquierda aterrizó sobre algo más suave. Sus dedos se tensaron y apretaron antes de que su cerebro reaccionara. Se quedó helado. Ella también. Sus ojos se encontraron, muy abiertos en mutua conmoción. A unos metros de distancia, el perro pastor culpable se sentó parpadeando, como diciendo: Por favor, no me vean. Inmovilizada bajo un extraño, con todo dolorido, Claudia respiró hondo y tembloroso. Guapo o no, un grupo seguía siendo un grupo. Su expresión calmada se volvió feroz. Sterling oyó las primeras palabras de la rosa para él esa noche. "¿Nadie te dijo nunca?" "¿Decirme qué?" "Que no metas la nariz en los asuntos de otros." Antes de que la última palabra se desvaneciera, le rodeó el cuello con los brazos y lo tiró hacia abajo. Sus frentes chocaron con un crujido. El dolor se disparó. "¡Agente! ¡Por aquí!" Su voz sonó clara. Segundos después, las sirenas partieron la noche. Los policías vinieron corriendo. Sterling, al darse cuenta de que acababa de ser utilizado, dejó escapar una risa baja e incrédula. "¿Así tratas a tu salvador?" Terminó tumbado exactamente donde ella había estado, su voz goteando sarcasmo. Claudia se puso de pie, medio en sombras, y le dedicó una sonrisa delgada. "Obviamente. Soy la villana desagradecida, ¿recuerdas?" … Esa noche, el chico de oro de Liberty City, el heredero de Romero Corporation, fue llevado a la comisaría. Clint apareció rápido con un abogado, echando miradas furtivas a la chica que despertó la rara misericordia del Segador… y luego lo denunció por acoso. ¿Valiente, verdad? Era hermosa, y claramente no le temía a nada. Una vez que los matones fueron registrados, Clint se preparó, esperando a que Sterling dijera la palabra: Encárgate de ella. En cambio, Sterling dijo: "Averigua quién es." "¿Quién?" La palabra se le escapó antes de que Clint pudiera detenerse. Sterling nunca mostraba interés en ninguna mujer. La sola idea daba miedo. La mirada de Sterling se clavó en él, lo suficientemente afilada para hacerlo callar. "Sí, señor", murmuró Clint rápidamente. Mirando a la chica alejarse a zancadas después de lanzar una última mirada ardiente por encima del hombro, Clint sintió una punzada de lástima. Eso era todo. Ella y toda su familia estaban acabadas. … Ajena a la tormenta que acababa de desatar, Claudia se arrastró a casa al amanecer, perseguida por una ráfaga de llamadas. Su padre, Wilson Lancaster, la recibió en la puerta con una bofetada sonora. "¿Cómo he criado a una hija como tú?" No esquivó a tiempo. Su mejilla pálida enrojeció e hinchó. La habitación se quedó helada. Jasper frunció el ceño, con dolor destellando en sus ojos. Se obligó a no intervenir. Claudia había cruzado la línea esta vez; si no aprendía, quién sabía qué caos provocaría después. Aun así… Wilson había golpeado demasiado fuerte. La visión le retorció algo en el pecho. Lottie, Clarence y Zane llevaban la misma expresión enfadada y decepcionada. En el sofá, los ojos de Lydia brillaban con una alegría mal disimulada. Había estado furiosa la noche anterior porque los cretinos que contrató habían metido la pata y terminado en la comisaría. Por suerte, había cubierto sus huellas. Habían afirmado que fue solo un agarre "en un momento de arrebato", y como no pasó nada grave, no había nada que la vinculara a ella. Había sido dada de alta esa mañana y soltó el cebo que tenía preparado desde hacía tiempo. Los Lancaster se lo tragaron entero. Después de desaparecer toda la noche, nadie preguntó dónde había estado Claudia, ni notó sus heridas. La recibieron con una bofetada. Esa era su familia. Claudia no discutió. Caminó directamente hacia la pequeña Lydia, presumida y satisfecha.
Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now.Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now. Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia Capítulo 1 ¡Bum! Las puertas de la sala del evento se abrieron de golpe. "¡Algo le ha pasado a Lydia!", gritó un hombre al entrar tambaleándose, con el pánico pintado en el rostro. Las palabras impactaron como una bomba. La sala —decorada con flores, lazos y música romántica, bullendo de emoción por la propuesta— quedó instantáneamente en silencio. El hombre en el centro de atención, aún de rodillas, con el anillo en la mano, se giró sobresaltado. "¿Qué acabas de decir?" Quade Zimmer, con su pelo teñido de azul tan estridente como su voz, soltó: "¡La señora Lancaster acaba de llamar! ¡Lydia ha tenido un accidente de coche! ¡Está en el hospital ahora mismo!" Apenas habían salido las palabras de su boca cuando estalló el caos: sillas arrastrándose, tacones repiqueteando, gente apresurándose hacia la puerta. No era una exageración decir que Lydia Wallace era la chica de moda de su círculo: hermosa, talentosa, frágil de esa forma desgarradora que hacía que la gente quisiera protegerla. Todos la adoraban, la compadecían, la veneraban. ¿Y ahora que su diosa estaba herida? A nadie le quedaba corazón para seguir celebrando una propuesta de matrimonio cuya respuesta todos ya conocían. Incluso el chico que proponía lo dejó todo y salió corriendo. "Jasper—" La voz que pronunció su nombre llegó por detrás —suave, apenas más que un suspiro. Fue entonces cuando todos finalmente se dieron cuenta: la mujer a la que le estaban pidiendo matrimonio no había dicho ni una palabra en todo este tiempo. Alguien debió de haber dado a los interruptores en el caos, porque la sala se oscureció. La única luz provenía de las suaves lámparas de la pared. En un rincón, mitad en sombras, mitad en luz, estaba Claudia Lancaster. Su belleza no era del tipo dulce y gentil —era marcada, impactante, inolvidable. Pero en ese momento, su calma resultaba inquietante. Su expresión no revelaba nada. "¿No quieres oír mi respuesta?", preguntó en voz baja. Hacía apenas un minuto, Jasper Fenton le había pedido que se casara con él. Ahora, a medio camino de la puerta, se detuvo en seco. Ni siquiera intentó explicarse. "Claudia, lo siento. Tengo que ir al hospital. Vete a casa primero, ¿vale?" "¿Y si no te dejo ir?" Su voz se mantuvo firme. "Jasper, sabes que la odio." Jasper suspiró, exasperado. "Claudia, ahora no. No es momento para empezar una pelea." "Mi respuesta… puede que solo la obtengas una vez", dijo, tan calmada como siempre. Algo en su tono le hizo hacer una pausa. Normalmente, en cuanto salía el nombre de Lydia, Claudia estallaba —espetando, poniendo los ojos en blanco, maldiciendo a Lydia entre dientes. Pero esta noche, estaba fría, distante. Casi como si lo hubiera estado esperando. Un destello de inquietud le recorrió la espalda a Jasper. "Oh, por favor", intervino Quade, poniendo los ojos en blanco. "Has estado obsesionada con Jasper desde, ¿qué, la secundaria? El tipo finalmente te propone matrimonio y ¿se supone que debemos creer que dirías que no?" "Sí, alguien podría estar muriéndose en serio. Te pueden proponer matrimonio cualquier otro día", añadió alguien más. "¡Exacto! Las familias arreglaron esto hace siglos, toda esta cosa es solo por apariencias." Los comentarios dolían, pero Claudia ni siquiera parpadeó. Sus ojos oscuros permanecieron clavados en Jasper. Esperando. Jasper dejó escapar otro suspiro y volvió hacia ella. Como siempre, le despeinó el cabello como si fuera una niña. "Pórtate bien, ¿vale? No montes una escena. Lydia podría estar gravemente herida. Este no es el momento para una rabieta." Siempre era así. Cada vez que Lydia estaba involucrada, Jasper nunca preguntaba quién tenía razón o no. Corría a consolar a Lydia primero, y luego volvía a regañar a Claudia, suave y paciente, como si fuera una niña mimada que simplemente no entendía. Así se sentía amar a alguien desde abajo. No importaba cuánto gritaras, tu ira era solo "graciosa". Nunca seria. ¿Esta propuesta? Nunca había sido una pregunta real. Jasper ya sabía cuál debería haber sido su respuesta. "¡Oh, al diablo con esto, no puedo quedarme callada más tiempo!" Whitney Sawyer golpeó su bolso de mano contra algo, con furia destellando en sus ojos. Había estado aguantándose desde que Quade irrumpió, pero ya era suficiente. "Jasper, ¿eres su novio o su ambulancia personal? ¿Cómo es que cada vez que Lydia sufre 'un accidente', te llama a ti? Siempre perfectamente sincronizado, siempre arruinando tus planes. ¡La última vez fue una cita, ahora es tu propuesta! ¿Qué, no podía esperar a morirse cinco minutos?" Como mejor amiga de Claudia, Whitney había pasado semanas planeando esta propuesta. Y ahora, una vez más, Lydia la había secuestrado, y Jasper había caído directamente en la trampa. La furia de Whitney se extendió como un incendio forestal. "¡Y el resto de ustedes! ¿Para qué corren, a visitarla o a planear su funeral? ¡A este paso, Lydia ya debería haber muerto cien veces!" "¡Whitney!" El rostro de Jasper se ensombreció; el hombre gentil y afable desapareció. Su voz sonó como un latigazo. "Mide tus palabras." "Oh, perdóname." La voz de Whitney subió de tono, aguda y furiosa. "¿No soportas oír criticar a tu preciosa Lydia? Jasper, ¿acaso recuerdas quién es tu novia?" Los ojos de Jasper se helaron. Claudia le agarró el brazo a Whitney, con voz tranquila pero firme. "Si sales por esa puerta, Jasper, terminamos." Ya se había perdido demasiado tiempo. Jasper se pellizcó el puente de la nariz y suspiró. "No digas algo de lo que te arrepentirás. Claudia, hablaremos cuando vuelva." Se dio la vuelta y salió con paso firme, sin mirar atrás. Ni siquiera sabía lo graves que eran las lesiones de Lydia, solo sabía que tenía que ir. Se dijo a sí mismo: Cuando vuelva, lo compensaré. Le haré una propuesta aún mejor. También tomó nota mental de decirle a Claudia que se alejara de Whitney; claramente esa chica le estaba llenando la cabeza de tonterías. La sala se hundió bajo el peso de todo. Incluso aquellos que pensaban que Claudia estaba siendo dramática se mordieron la lengua. Nadie quería contrariar a Jasper, ni a los Sawyer. Uno a uno, se escabulleron. En minutos, el lugar era irreconocible. Pétalos de rosa aplastados y lazos cubrían el suelo. Botellas de vino rodaban bajo las sillas. Glaseado embadurnaba la alfombra. Toda la escena parecía una parodia de lo que había sido, burlándose de lo ridículo que era todo. Mientras los últimos rezagados se quedaban, alguien frunció el ceño. "Esperen… Lydia es la hija adoptiva de los Lancaster, ¿verdad? Oí que es prima de Claudia. ¿Por qué nadie llamó a Claudia también?" "¿Llamarla? ¿Qué, quieren empeorar aún más las lesiones de Lydia?" "Vaya, ¿qué se supone que significa eso?" "Lo de siempre. Que la señorita Lancaster es fría, cruel, desagradecida… ya sabes cómo va." Los susurros comenzaron de nuevo, suaves, venenosos y familiares. Siempre lo hacían cuando el nombre de Lydia salía junto al de Claudia. El rostro de Whitney ardía de ira. Se volvió hacia Claudia, de repente preocupada. Los cotilleos de extraños no importaban, pero ¿la traición de alguien a quien amas? Eso siempre calaba más hondo. Claudia observó la espalda de Jasper mientras se alejaba, cada paso alejándolo más de ella. Era como ver los años escurriéndose entre sus dedos, el chico con el que había crecido desvaneciéndose a lo lejos. Whitney le había preguntado una vez: Si nada hubiera interrumpido esta noche, ¿habrías dicho que sí? Pero, honestamente: No importara cuál fuera su respuesta, el final habría sido el mismo. Lydia nunca la dejaría ganar. Y Jasper nunca la elegiría a ella. En el momento en que le dio la espalda, no se dio cuenta de que, aunque el futuro pueda parecer interminable, la mujer dispuesta a esperarte no dura para siempre. Jasper… esta vez, realmente te dejo ir. En la mesa, entre el desorden, el teléfono de Claudia vibró. Una notificación de WhatsApp apareció, breve y suficiente. "Perdiste." Capítulo 2 Tres días antes, Lydia había acorralado a Claudia. "Sabes que Jasper está a punto de proponerte matrimonio, ¿verdad?" Sus bonitos ojos brillaban, no de emoción, sino de celos y malicia. "Oí que ambas familias querían pasar directamente a la fiesta de compromiso, pero él insistió en hacerlo bien. Dijo que necesitaba oír tu 'sí' él mismo, o no significaría nada. Ayy, qué romántico, ¿no?" "¿Y qué?" Claudia levantó la vista, su tono plano, sin inmutarse. La sonrisa de Lydia se curvó, afilada y venenosa. "¿Y qué? Claudia, ¿qué hace que una pecadora como tú crea que merece felicidad?" Se inclinó más cerca, con voz azucarada pero goteando veneno. "¿Quieres apostar? En tres días, esa propuesta ni siquiera ocurrirá." Claudia solo la miró fijamente. Para todos los demás, Lydia era pura perfección: de voz suave, gentil, toda gracia y luz. Nadie creería que a puerta cerrada podía escupir veneno así. Podría haber detenido la propuesta en cualquier momento que quisiera. Pero no. A Lydia le gustaba el drama. Quería esperar hasta el acto final, para empujar a Claudia fuera del escenario ella misma. Como siempre hacía. … Después de que la propuesta se fuera al traste, el teléfono de Whitney sonó. Una mirada a la identificación de la llamada, y su rostro se demudó. Maldijo entre dientes y salió corriendo. Había planeado dejar a Claudia primero —Claudia había llegado en el coche de Jasper—, pero cuando Claudia se dio cuenta de que algo pasaba con la madre de Whitney, la instó a irse. Cuando todos los demás se habían ido, Claudia se quedó entre los escombros de flores aplastadas y copas de champán, con la cabeza agachada, su expresión ilegible. Dejó escapar una risita amarga. Era tarde. Las calles afuera estaban tranquilas y vacías. Claudia salió del club sin ganas de ir a casa. Vagó junto al río, el frío de la noche calándole la piel. Entonces, se detuvo en seco. Los vellos de su nuca se erizaron: alguien la seguía. Levantó su teléfono, fingiendo tomar una selfie, inclinándolo lo justo para ver el reflejo detrás de ella. Un grupo de hombres, sombras acercándose. Su pulso se disparó. Empezó a caminar más rápido. Ellos también. Su pulgar se cernió sobre su contacto de emergencia —el número que Jasper la había obligado a configurar hacía un año. En aquel entonces, le había roto el brazo a un acosador por molestar a una chica y había terminado en la comisaría. Jasper la sacó bajo fianza, regañándola durante todo el trayecto a casa por ser imprudente. Se había puesto a sí mismo como su contacto de emergencia, haciéndole prometer que si alguna vez estaba en peligro, lo llamaría a él, sin heroísmos, sin orgullo. Había jurado que sin importar dónde o cuándo, iría por ella. Nunca imaginó que la primera vez que llamaría sería así. "¿Claudia?" La voz de Jasper llegó, baja y cansada. Estaba en el hospital. El accidente de Lydia no había sido grave, pero ella era frágil —nacida prematura, se alteraba fácilmente. Solo él podía calmarla. Todo el clan Lancaster estaba acampado fuera. Lydia acababa de quedarse dormida cuando llegó la llamada, despertándola de un salto. "Jasper, alguien me está siguiendo." Silencio. Luego, su voz, fría, desdeñosa. "Claudia, realmente no puedo irme esta noche. No montes una escena." Pensó que estaba mintiendo, intentando alejarlo otra vez del lado de la cama de Lydia. Justo entonces, la madre de Lydia, Lottie Wallace, entró con un vaso de agua. Su rostro suave y elegante se endureció al ver el teléfono en la mano de Jasper. "¡Claudia!", espetó. "Lydia acaba de tener un accidente, y ni siquiera te molestas en visitar. ¿Ahora estás quién sabe dónde, inventando historias? ¿Cuándo vas a crecer? Escucha: nadie se va esta noche. Deja ya tus juegos mezquinos." Colgó sin dudar. En la cama, Lydia yacía pálida y temblorosa. Su voz era pequeña, vacilante. "Mamá, no te enfades. ¿Y si Claudia realmente está en problemas?" Lottie suspiró, la decepción grabada a fuego. "¿Qué problemas podría tener? Esta no es la primera vez que intenta algo cuando tú estás enferma." En la secundaria, Claudia una vez había llamado a casa en medio de la noche, diciendo que la habían secuestrado y exigiendo dinero de rescate. Esa misma noche, Lydia había caído enferma. La familia ya estaba en pánico, y la supuesta llamada de rescate casi le da un infarto a Lottie. Habían corrido a la ubicación, solo para encontrar a Claudia saliendo ilesa, sin un rasguño. Para cuando volvieron a casa, Lydia se había desplomado en el suelo, sola. Era demasiado tarde cuando finalmente la llevaron al hospital. El doctor dijo que con otro retraso, no habría sobrevivido. Esa noche, el padre de Claudia la había golpeado hasta dejarla sangrando. Pasó un mes en el hospital, y nunca se disculpó. La voz de Lottie se suavizó, cargada de decepción. "¿Cuándo se volvió así mi dulce niña?" Jasper conocía cada palabra de esa historia. Incluso había sido él quien llevaba snacks a escondidas a la cama de Claudia en el hospital después, contando chistes estúpidos para hacerla reír. Pero esta noche era diferente. Se dijo a sí mismo que solo estaba haciendo una rabieta por la propuesta arruinada. No tenía energía para sus pataletas. Mañana, cuando se calmara, hablaría con ella, la haría sonreír de nuevo. Colgó, apartó el cabello de la frente de Lydia y susurró: "Se te ha ido la fiebre. Pórtate bien. Duerme." Los ojos de Lydia brillaron con culpa y suavidad. "Jasper, lo siento por esta noche. Es toda mi culpa. Si no fuera tan débil—" "No. Nunca eres una carga." "Jasper…" "Duerme." Sus pestañas aletearon y se cerraron, y una pequeña sonrisa curvó sus labios. Dormiría tranquila esa noche. … Detrás de Claudia, los hombres se acercaban, lentos, perezosos, como gatos jugando con un ratón. Ella siguió corriendo, la voz de Jasper y el regaño de Lottie resonando en su mente. Tal vez había estado decepcionada demasiadas veces, porque ni siquiera se sentía triste ya, solo vacía. Hueca. La noche de abril era cálida, pero cortaba como cristal. La empujaron a un rincón oscuro. Claudia se detuvo bajo un árbol, su expresión calmada, los ojos bajándose al suelo. Entonces, se movió. Quince minutos después, los hombres yacían esparcidos por el pavimento —brazos retorcidos, piernas rotas, gimiendo de dolor. Claudia, sin aliento y sangrando, se dejó caer en el bordillo. Agarró su teléfono con una mano resbaladiza de sangre y marcó al 911. Después de ese lío en octavo grado, había empezado kickboxing y defensa personal. Había aprendido pronto: nadie vendría a salvarla. Uno de los hombres, con el brazo doblado en la dirección incorrecta, empezó a arrastrarse hacia ella. Los ojos de Claudia se posaron sobre él, fríos y afilados. Antes de que pudiera moverse, una bota cayó con fuerza, enviando al tipo volando. Una sombra se cernió sobre ella: un hombre alto con una sonrisa perezosa y el tipo de rostro que podría salirse con la suya cometiendo un asesinato. La miró desde arriba, haciendo un clic suave con la lengua. "Tss. ¿De dónde ha salido esta criaturita?" Capítulo 3 Sterling Romero salió de la Mansión Romero esa noche, lo suficientemente enfadado como para dejar su coche a medio camino a casa y sacar al perro a pasear. Lo que no esperaba era toparse con esa escena. Allí estaba ella, un capullo de rosa hermoso y malherido, acorralado por una jauría de callejeros desaliñados. Parecía frágil, pero la forma en que levantaba la barbilla, los ojos ardiendo de desafío, lo atrajo directamente de vuelta al cachorro de lobo huérfano con el que había vivido en las montañas casi un mes cuando tenía diez años. Todo fanfarronería y dientes al descubierto, guardando su pequeño trozo de tierra. Débil, pero ardiendo de vida. Ese lobo había muerto por sus manos al final. ¿Y esta chica? Era el mismo tipo de criatura: pequeña, espinosa y lista para hacer sangrar a quien intentara hacerle daño. Su rostro ni siquiera se inmutó mientras rompía los brazos de esos matones como si fueran ramitas. Nada la conmovía. Sterling, que rara vez se preocupaba por nada, sintió un destello de interés que no podía sacudirse. En contra de su mejor juicio, intervino. De cerca, era aún más difícil de olvidar. Esos ojos, oscuros, claros, brillantes como una noche después de la lluvia, se engancharon en algo enterrado profundamente dentro de él. Cuando ella levantó la vista, sobresaltada, había un destello de luz estelar que le hizo picar los dedos, con ganas de alargar la mano, de cubrir esos ojos afilados e intrépidos. Bien. Ya había intervenido. Mejor llevarlo hasta el final. Y, honestamente, necesitaba desahogarse. El callejón se llenó de gritos. Hacía un minuto, esos matones solo estaban demasiado heridos para arrastrarse. ¿Ahora? Estaban hechos pedazos: brazos inútiles, piernas rotas, el pánico espeso en el aire. Se arrepentían de todo. El trabajo había sido simple: golpearla un poco, nada grave. Su jefe incluso les había advertido que no dejaran marcas. Pero ella era demasiado hermosa, y unos cuantos se volvieron codiciosos. ¿Quién podría haber imaginado que la belleza delicada pegaba como un demonio, y lo que era peor, que un hombre como él aparecería de la nada? Frío, letal, como la Muerte misma con un abrigo de diseñador. Si el asesinato fuera legal, estaban seguros de que les habría roto el cuello sin pestañear. El cabecilla ya estaba perdiendo la cabeza. Sterling volvió paseando hasta donde la chica yacía observando desde el suelo. Su tono llevaba un rastro de diversión maliciosa. "Eres rápida, pero no lo suficiente despiadada. Si dejas cabos sueltos así, volverán para morderte. Entonces, pequeña callejera, ¿cómo piensas pagarme esta noche?" Claudia, que podría haber manejado la pelea bien por sí sola, y que ahora de alguna manera le debía algo a este extraño, guardó silencio. Tumbada de espaldas, el rostro surcado de sangre y polvo, de alguna manera parecía irreal en la oscuridad. Sterling frunció el ceño. Sucio. Se inclinó para levantar a la silenciosa rosa a sus pies, entonces algo lo empujó con fuerza. Tropezó, perdió el equilibrio y cayó justo encima de ella. Su peso aplastó su brazo herido; su mano izquierda aterrizó sobre algo más suave. Sus dedos se tensaron y apretaron antes de que su cerebro reaccionara. Se quedó helado. Ella también. Sus ojos se encontraron, muy abiertos en mutua conmoción. A unos metros de distancia, el perro pastor culpable se sentó parpadeando, como diciendo: Por favor, no me vean. Inmovilizada bajo un extraño, con todo dolorido, Claudia respiró hondo y tembloroso. Guapo o no, un grupo seguía siendo un grupo. Su expresión calmada se volvió feroz. Sterling oyó las primeras palabras de la rosa para él esa noche. "¿Nadie te dijo nunca?" "¿Decirme qué?" "Que no metas la nariz en los asuntos de otros." Antes de que la última palabra se desvaneciera, le rodeó el cuello con los brazos y lo tiró hacia abajo. Sus frentes chocaron con un crujido. El dolor se disparó. "¡Agente! ¡Por aquí!" Su voz sonó clara. Segundos después, las sirenas partieron la noche. Los policías vinieron corriendo. Sterling, al darse cuenta de que acababa de ser utilizado, dejó escapar una risa baja e incrédula. "¿Así tratas a tu salvador?" Terminó tumbado exactamente donde ella había estado, su voz goteando sarcasmo. Claudia se puso de pie, medio en sombras, y le dedicó una sonrisa delgada. "Obviamente. Soy la villana desagradecida, ¿recuerdas?" … Esa noche, el chico de oro de Liberty City, el heredero de Romero Corporation, fue llevado a la comisaría. Clint apareció rápido con un abogado, echando miradas furtivas a la chica que despertó la rara misericordia del Segador… y luego lo denunció por acoso. ¿Valiente, verdad? Era hermosa, y claramente no le temía a nada. Una vez que los matones fueron registrados, Clint se preparó, esperando a que Sterling dijera la palabra: Encárgate de ella. En cambio, Sterling dijo: "Averigua quién es." "¿Quién?" La palabra se le escapó antes de que Clint pudiera detenerse. Sterling nunca mostraba interés en ninguna mujer. La sola idea daba miedo. La mirada de Sterling se clavó en él, lo suficientemente afilada para hacerlo callar. "Sí, señor", murmuró Clint rápidamente. Mirando a la chica alejarse a zancadas después de lanzar una última mirada ardiente por encima del hombro, Clint sintió una punzada de lástima. Eso era todo. Ella y toda su familia estaban acabadas. … Ajena a la tormenta que acababa de desatar, Claudia se arrastró a casa al amanecer, perseguida por una ráfaga de llamadas. Su padre, Wilson Lancaster, la recibió en la puerta con una bofetada sonora. "¿Cómo he criado a una hija como tú?" No esquivó a tiempo. Su mejilla pálida enrojeció e hinchó. La habitación se quedó helada. Jasper frunció el ceño, con dolor destellando en sus ojos. Se obligó a no intervenir. Claudia había cruzado la línea esta vez; si no aprendía, quién sabía qué caos provocaría después. Aun así… Wilson había golpeado demasiado fuerte. La visión le retorció algo en el pecho. Lottie, Clarence y Zane llevaban la misma expresión enfadada y decepcionada. En el sofá, los ojos de Lydia brillaban con una alegría mal disimulada. Había estado furiosa la noche anterior porque los cretinos que contrató habían metido la pata y terminado en la comisaría. Por suerte, había cubierto sus huellas. Habían afirmado que fue solo un agarre "en un momento de arrebato", y como no pasó nada grave, no había nada que la vinculara a ella. Había sido dada de alta esa mañana y soltó el cebo que tenía preparado desde hacía tiempo. Los Lancaster se lo tragaron entero. Después de desaparecer toda la noche, nadie preguntó dónde había estado Claudia, ni notó sus heridas. La recibieron con una bofetada. Esa era su familia. Claudia no discutió. Caminó directamente hacia la pequeña Lydia, presumida y satisfecha.
Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now.Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now. Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia Capítulo 1 ¡Bum! Las puertas de la sala del evento se abrieron de golpe. "¡Algo le ha pasado a Lydia!", gritó un hombre al entrar tambaleándose, con el pánico pintado en el rostro. Las palabras impactaron como una bomba. La sala —decorada con flores, lazos y música romántica, bullendo de emoción por la propuesta— quedó instantáneamente en silencio. El hombre en el centro de atención, aún de rodillas, con el anillo en la mano, se giró sobresaltado. "¿Qué acabas de decir?" Quade Zimmer, con su pelo teñido de azul tan estridente como su voz, soltó: "¡La señora Lancaster acaba de llamar! ¡Lydia ha tenido un accidente de coche! ¡Está en el hospital ahora mismo!" Apenas habían salido las palabras de su boca cuando estalló el caos: sillas arrastrándose, tacones repiqueteando, gente apresurándose hacia la puerta. No era una exageración decir que Lydia Wallace era la chica de moda de su círculo: hermosa, talentosa, frágil de esa forma desgarradora que hacía que la gente quisiera protegerla. Todos la adoraban, la compadecían, la veneraban. ¿Y ahora que su diosa estaba herida? A nadie le quedaba corazón para seguir celebrando una propuesta de matrimonio cuya respuesta todos ya conocían. Incluso el chico que proponía lo dejó todo y salió corriendo. "Jasper—" La voz que pronunció su nombre llegó por detrás —suave, apenas más que un suspiro. Fue entonces cuando todos finalmente se dieron cuenta: la mujer a la que le estaban pidiendo matrimonio no había dicho ni una palabra en todo este tiempo. Alguien debió de haber dado a los interruptores en el caos, porque la sala se oscureció. La única luz provenía de las suaves lámparas de la pared. En un rincón, mitad en sombras, mitad en luz, estaba Claudia Lancaster. Su belleza no era del tipo dulce y gentil —era marcada, impactante, inolvidable. Pero en ese momento, su calma resultaba inquietante. Su expresión no revelaba nada. "¿No quieres oír mi respuesta?", preguntó en voz baja. Hacía apenas un minuto, Jasper Fenton le había pedido que se casara con él. Ahora, a medio camino de la puerta, se detuvo en seco. Ni siquiera intentó explicarse. "Claudia, lo siento. Tengo que ir al hospital. Vete a casa primero, ¿vale?" "¿Y si no te dejo ir?" Su voz se mantuvo firme. "Jasper, sabes que la odio." Jasper suspiró, exasperado. "Claudia, ahora no. No es momento para empezar una pelea." "Mi respuesta… puede que solo la obtengas una vez", dijo, tan calmada como siempre. Algo en su tono le hizo hacer una pausa. Normalmente, en cuanto salía el nombre de Lydia, Claudia estallaba —espetando, poniendo los ojos en blanco, maldiciendo a Lydia entre dientes. Pero esta noche, estaba fría, distante. Casi como si lo hubiera estado esperando. Un destello de inquietud le recorrió la espalda a Jasper. "Oh, por favor", intervino Quade, poniendo los ojos en blanco. "Has estado obsesionada con Jasper desde, ¿qué, la secundaria? El tipo finalmente te propone matrimonio y ¿se supone que debemos creer que dirías que no?" "Sí, alguien podría estar muriéndose en serio. Te pueden proponer matrimonio cualquier otro día", añadió alguien más. "¡Exacto! Las familias arreglaron esto hace siglos, toda esta cosa es solo por apariencias." Los comentarios dolían, pero Claudia ni siquiera parpadeó. Sus ojos oscuros permanecieron clavados en Jasper. Esperando. Jasper dejó escapar otro suspiro y volvió hacia ella. Como siempre, le despeinó el cabello como si fuera una niña. "Pórtate bien, ¿vale? No montes una escena. Lydia podría estar gravemente herida. Este no es el momento para una rabieta." Siempre era así. Cada vez que Lydia estaba involucrada, Jasper nunca preguntaba quién tenía razón o no. Corría a consolar a Lydia primero, y luego volvía a regañar a Claudia, suave y paciente, como si fuera una niña mimada que simplemente no entendía. Así se sentía amar a alguien desde abajo. No importaba cuánto gritaras, tu ira era solo "graciosa". Nunca seria. ¿Esta propuesta? Nunca había sido una pregunta real. Jasper ya sabía cuál debería haber sido su respuesta. "¡Oh, al diablo con esto, no puedo quedarme callada más tiempo!" Whitney Sawyer golpeó su bolso de mano contra algo, con furia destellando en sus ojos. Había estado aguantándose desde que Quade irrumpió, pero ya era suficiente. "Jasper, ¿eres su novio o su ambulancia personal? ¿Cómo es que cada vez que Lydia sufre 'un accidente', te llama a ti? Siempre perfectamente sincronizado, siempre arruinando tus planes. ¡La última vez fue una cita, ahora es tu propuesta! ¿Qué, no podía esperar a morirse cinco minutos?" Como mejor amiga de Claudia, Whitney había pasado semanas planeando esta propuesta. Y ahora, una vez más, Lydia la había secuestrado, y Jasper había caído directamente en la trampa. La furia de Whitney se extendió como un incendio forestal. "¡Y el resto de ustedes! ¿Para qué corren, a visitarla o a planear su funeral? ¡A este paso, Lydia ya debería haber muerto cien veces!" "¡Whitney!" El rostro de Jasper se ensombreció; el hombre gentil y afable desapareció. Su voz sonó como un latigazo. "Mide tus palabras." "Oh, perdóname." La voz de Whitney subió de tono, aguda y furiosa. "¿No soportas oír criticar a tu preciosa Lydia? Jasper, ¿acaso recuerdas quién es tu novia?" Los ojos de Jasper se helaron. Claudia le agarró el brazo a Whitney, con voz tranquila pero firme. "Si sales por esa puerta, Jasper, terminamos." Ya se había perdido demasiado tiempo. Jasper se pellizcó el puente de la nariz y suspiró. "No digas algo de lo que te arrepentirás. Claudia, hablaremos cuando vuelva." Se dio la vuelta y salió con paso firme, sin mirar atrás. Ni siquiera sabía lo graves que eran las lesiones de Lydia, solo sabía que tenía que ir. Se dijo a sí mismo: Cuando vuelva, lo compensaré. Le haré una propuesta aún mejor. También tomó nota mental de decirle a Claudia que se alejara de Whitney; claramente esa chica le estaba llenando la cabeza de tonterías. La sala se hundió bajo el peso de todo. Incluso aquellos que pensaban que Claudia estaba siendo dramática se mordieron la lengua. Nadie quería contrariar a Jasper, ni a los Sawyer. Uno a uno, se escabulleron. En minutos, el lugar era irreconocible. Pétalos de rosa aplastados y lazos cubrían el suelo. Botellas de vino rodaban bajo las sillas. Glaseado embadurnaba la alfombra. Toda la escena parecía una parodia de lo que había sido, burlándose de lo ridículo que era todo. Mientras los últimos rezagados se quedaban, alguien frunció el ceño. "Esperen… Lydia es la hija adoptiva de los Lancaster, ¿verdad? Oí que es prima de Claudia. ¿Por qué nadie llamó a Claudia también?" "¿Llamarla? ¿Qué, quieren empeorar aún más las lesiones de Lydia?" "Vaya, ¿qué se supone que significa eso?" "Lo de siempre. Que la señorita Lancaster es fría, cruel, desagradecida… ya sabes cómo va." Los susurros comenzaron de nuevo, suaves, venenosos y familiares. Siempre lo hacían cuando el nombre de Lydia salía junto al de Claudia. El rostro de Whitney ardía de ira. Se volvió hacia Claudia, de repente preocupada. Los cotilleos de extraños no importaban, pero ¿la traición de alguien a quien amas? Eso siempre calaba más hondo. Claudia observó la espalda de Jasper mientras se alejaba, cada paso alejándolo más de ella. Era como ver los años escurriéndose entre sus dedos, el chico con el que había crecido desvaneciéndose a lo lejos. Whitney le había preguntado una vez: Si nada hubiera interrumpido esta noche, ¿habrías dicho que sí? Pero, honestamente: No importara cuál fuera su respuesta, el final habría sido el mismo. Lydia nunca la dejaría ganar. Y Jasper nunca la elegiría a ella. En el momento en que le dio la espalda, no se dio cuenta de que, aunque el futuro pueda parecer interminable, la mujer dispuesta a esperarte no dura para siempre. Jasper… esta vez, realmente te dejo ir. En la mesa, entre el desorden, el teléfono de Claudia vibró. Una notificación de WhatsApp apareció, breve y suficiente. "Perdiste." Capítulo 2 Tres días antes, Lydia había acorralado a Claudia. "Sabes que Jasper está a punto de proponerte matrimonio, ¿verdad?" Sus bonitos ojos brillaban, no de emoción, sino de celos y malicia. "Oí que ambas familias querían pasar directamente a la fiesta de compromiso, pero él insistió en hacerlo bien. Dijo que necesitaba oír tu 'sí' él mismo, o no significaría nada. Ayy, qué romántico, ¿no?" "¿Y qué?" Claudia levantó la vista, su tono plano, sin inmutarse. La sonrisa de Lydia se curvó, afilada y venenosa. "¿Y qué? Claudia, ¿qué hace que una pecadora como tú crea que merece felicidad?" Se inclinó más cerca, con voz azucarada pero goteando veneno. "¿Quieres apostar? En tres días, esa propuesta ni siquiera ocurrirá." Claudia solo la miró fijamente. Para todos los demás, Lydia era pura perfección: de voz suave, gentil, toda gracia y luz. Nadie creería que a puerta cerrada podía escupir veneno así. Podría haber detenido la propuesta en cualquier momento que quisiera. Pero no. A Lydia le gustaba el drama. Quería esperar hasta el acto final, para empujar a Claudia fuera del escenario ella misma. Como siempre hacía. … Después de que la propuesta se fuera al traste, el teléfono de Whitney sonó. Una mirada a la identificación de la llamada, y su rostro se demudó. Maldijo entre dientes y salió corriendo. Había planeado dejar a Claudia primero —Claudia había llegado en el coche de Jasper—, pero cuando Claudia se dio cuenta de que algo pasaba con la madre de Whitney, la instó a irse. Cuando todos los demás se habían ido, Claudia se quedó entre los escombros de flores aplastadas y copas de champán, con la cabeza agachada, su expresión ilegible. Dejó escapar una risita amarga. Era tarde. Las calles afuera estaban tranquilas y vacías. Claudia salió del club sin ganas de ir a casa. Vagó junto al río, el frío de la noche calándole la piel. Entonces, se detuvo en seco. Los vellos de su nuca se erizaron: alguien la seguía. Levantó su teléfono, fingiendo tomar una selfie, inclinándolo lo justo para ver el reflejo detrás de ella. Un grupo de hombres, sombras acercándose. Su pulso se disparó. Empezó a caminar más rápido. Ellos también. Su pulgar se cernió sobre su contacto de emergencia —el número que Jasper la había obligado a configurar hacía un año. En aquel entonces, le había roto el brazo a un acosador por molestar a una chica y había terminado en la comisaría. Jasper la sacó bajo fianza, regañándola durante todo el trayecto a casa por ser imprudente. Se había puesto a sí mismo como su contacto de emergencia, haciéndole prometer que si alguna vez estaba en peligro, lo llamaría a él, sin heroísmos, sin orgullo. Había jurado que sin importar dónde o cuándo, iría por ella. Nunca imaginó que la primera vez que llamaría sería así. "¿Claudia?" La voz de Jasper llegó, baja y cansada. Estaba en el hospital. El accidente de Lydia no había sido grave, pero ella era frágil —nacida prematura, se alteraba fácilmente. Solo él podía calmarla. Todo el clan Lancaster estaba acampado fuera. Lydia acababa de quedarse dormida cuando llegó la llamada, despertándola de un salto. "Jasper, alguien me está siguiendo." Silencio. Luego, su voz, fría, desdeñosa. "Claudia, realmente no puedo irme esta noche. No montes una escena." Pensó que estaba mintiendo, intentando alejarlo otra vez del lado de la cama de Lydia. Justo entonces, la madre de Lydia, Lottie Wallace, entró con un vaso de agua. Su rostro suave y elegante se endureció al ver el teléfono en la mano de Jasper. "¡Claudia!", espetó. "Lydia acaba de tener un accidente, y ni siquiera te molestas en visitar. ¿Ahora estás quién sabe dónde, inventando historias? ¿Cuándo vas a crecer? Escucha: nadie se va esta noche. Deja ya tus juegos mezquinos." Colgó sin dudar. En la cama, Lydia yacía pálida y temblorosa. Su voz era pequeña, vacilante. "Mamá, no te enfades. ¿Y si Claudia realmente está en problemas?" Lottie suspiró, la decepción grabada a fuego. "¿Qué problemas podría tener? Esta no es la primera vez que intenta algo cuando tú estás enferma." En la secundaria, Claudia una vez había llamado a casa en medio de la noche, diciendo que la habían secuestrado y exigiendo dinero de rescate. Esa misma noche, Lydia había caído enferma. La familia ya estaba en pánico, y la supuesta llamada de rescate casi le da un infarto a Lottie. Habían corrido a la ubicación, solo para encontrar a Claudia saliendo ilesa, sin un rasguño. Para cuando volvieron a casa, Lydia se había desplomado en el suelo, sola. Era demasiado tarde cuando finalmente la llevaron al hospital. El doctor dijo que con otro retraso, no habría sobrevivido. Esa noche, el padre de Claudia la había golpeado hasta dejarla sangrando. Pasó un mes en el hospital, y nunca se disculpó. La voz de Lottie se suavizó, cargada de decepción. "¿Cuándo se volvió así mi dulce niña?" Jasper conocía cada palabra de esa historia. Incluso había sido él quien llevaba snacks a escondidas a la cama de Claudia en el hospital después, contando chistes estúpidos para hacerla reír. Pero esta noche era diferente. Se dijo a sí mismo que solo estaba haciendo una rabieta por la propuesta arruinada. No tenía energía para sus pataletas. Mañana, cuando se calmara, hablaría con ella, la haría sonreír de nuevo. Colgó, apartó el cabello de la frente de Lydia y susurró: "Se te ha ido la fiebre. Pórtate bien. Duerme." Los ojos de Lydia brillaron con culpa y suavidad. "Jasper, lo siento por esta noche. Es toda mi culpa. Si no fuera tan débil—" "No. Nunca eres una carga." "Jasper…" "Duerme." Sus pestañas aletearon y se cerraron, y una pequeña sonrisa curvó sus labios. Dormiría tranquila esa noche. … Detrás de Claudia, los hombres se acercaban, lentos, perezosos, como gatos jugando con un ratón. Ella siguió corriendo, la voz de Jasper y el regaño de Lottie resonando en su mente. Tal vez había estado decepcionada demasiadas veces, porque ni siquiera se sentía triste ya, solo vacía. Hueca. La noche de abril era cálida, pero cortaba como cristal. La empujaron a un rincón oscuro. Claudia se detuvo bajo un árbol, su expresión calmada, los ojos bajándose al suelo. Entonces, se movió. Quince minutos después, los hombres yacían esparcidos por el pavimento —brazos retorcidos, piernas rotas, gimiendo de dolor. Claudia, sin aliento y sangrando, se dejó caer en el bordillo. Agarró su teléfono con una mano resbaladiza de sangre y marcó al 911. Después de ese lío en octavo grado, había empezado kickboxing y defensa personal. Había aprendido pronto: nadie vendría a salvarla. Uno de los hombres, con el brazo doblado en la dirección incorrecta, empezó a arrastrarse hacia ella. Los ojos de Claudia se posaron sobre él, fríos y afilados. Antes de que pudiera moverse, una bota cayó con fuerza, enviando al tipo volando. Una sombra se cernió sobre ella: un hombre alto con una sonrisa perezosa y el tipo de rostro que podría salirse con la suya cometiendo un asesinato. La miró desde arriba, haciendo un clic suave con la lengua. "Tss. ¿De dónde ha salido esta criaturita?" Capítulo 3 Sterling Romero salió de la Mansión Romero esa noche, lo suficientemente enfadado como para dejar su coche a medio camino a casa y sacar al perro a pasear. Lo que no esperaba era toparse con esa escena. Allí estaba ella, un capullo de rosa hermoso y malherido, acorralado por una jauría de callejeros desaliñados. Parecía frágil, pero la forma en que levantaba la barbilla, los ojos ardiendo de desafío, lo atrajo directamente de vuelta al cachorro de lobo huérfano con el que había vivido en las montañas casi un mes cuando tenía diez años. Todo fanfarronería y dientes al descubierto, guardando su pequeño trozo de tierra. Débil, pero ardiendo de vida. Ese lobo había muerto por sus manos al final. ¿Y esta chica? Era el mismo tipo de criatura: pequeña, espinosa y lista para hacer sangrar a quien intentara hacerle daño. Su rostro ni siquiera se inmutó mientras rompía los brazos de esos matones como si fueran ramitas. Nada la conmovía. Sterling, que rara vez se preocupaba por nada, sintió un destello de interés que no podía sacudirse. En contra de su mejor juicio, intervino. De cerca, era aún más difícil de olvidar. Esos ojos, oscuros, claros, brillantes como una noche después de la lluvia, se engancharon en algo enterrado profundamente dentro de él. Cuando ella levantó la vista, sobresaltada, había un destello de luz estelar que le hizo picar los dedos, con ganas de alargar la mano, de cubrir esos ojos afilados e intrépidos. Bien. Ya había intervenido. Mejor llevarlo hasta el final. Y, honestamente, necesitaba desahogarse. El callejón se llenó de gritos. Hacía un minuto, esos matones solo estaban demasiado heridos para arrastrarse. ¿Ahora? Estaban hechos pedazos: brazos inútiles, piernas rotas, el pánico espeso en el aire. Se arrepentían de todo. El trabajo había sido simple: golpearla un poco, nada grave. Su jefe incluso les había advertido que no dejaran marcas. Pero ella era demasiado hermosa, y unos cuantos se volvieron codiciosos. ¿Quién podría haber imaginado que la belleza delicada pegaba como un demonio, y lo que era peor, que un hombre como él aparecería de la nada? Frío, letal, como la Muerte misma con un abrigo de diseñador. Si el asesinato fuera legal, estaban seguros de que les habría roto el cuello sin pestañear. El cabecilla ya estaba perdiendo la cabeza. Sterling volvió paseando hasta donde la chica yacía observando desde el suelo. Su tono llevaba un rastro de diversión maliciosa. "Eres rápida, pero no lo suficiente despiadada. Si dejas cabos sueltos así, volverán para morderte. Entonces, pequeña callejera, ¿cómo piensas pagarme esta noche?" Claudia, que podría haber manejado la pelea bien por sí sola, y que ahora de alguna manera le debía algo a este extraño, guardó silencio. Tumbada de espaldas, el rostro surcado de sangre y polvo, de alguna manera parecía irreal en la oscuridad. Sterling frunció el ceño. Sucio. Se inclinó para levantar a la silenciosa rosa a sus pies, entonces algo lo empujó con fuerza. Tropezó, perdió el equilibrio y cayó justo encima de ella. Su peso aplastó su brazo herido; su mano izquierda aterrizó sobre algo más suave. Sus dedos se tensaron y apretaron antes de que su cerebro reaccionara. Se quedó helado. Ella también. Sus ojos se encontraron, muy abiertos en mutua conmoción. A unos metros de distancia, el perro pastor culpable se sentó parpadeando, como diciendo: Por favor, no me vean. Inmovilizada bajo un extraño, con todo dolorido, Claudia respiró hondo y tembloroso. Guapo o no, un grupo seguía siendo un grupo. Su expresión calmada se volvió feroz. Sterling oyó las primeras palabras de la rosa para él esa noche. "¿Nadie te dijo nunca?" "¿Decirme qué?" "Que no metas la nariz en los asuntos de otros." Antes de que la última palabra se desvaneciera, le rodeó el cuello con los brazos y lo tiró hacia abajo. Sus frentes chocaron con un crujido. El dolor se disparó. "¡Agente! ¡Por aquí!" Su voz sonó clara. Segundos después, las sirenas partieron la noche. Los policías vinieron corriendo. Sterling, al darse cuenta de que acababa de ser utilizado, dejó escapar una risa baja e incrédula. "¿Así tratas a tu salvador?" Terminó tumbado exactamente donde ella había estado, su voz goteando sarcasmo. Claudia se puso de pie, medio en sombras, y le dedicó una sonrisa delgada. "Obviamente. Soy la villana desagradecida, ¿recuerdas?" … Esa noche, el chico de oro de Liberty City, el heredero de Romero Corporation, fue llevado a la comisaría. Clint apareció rápido con un abogado, echando miradas furtivas a la chica que despertó la rara misericordia del Segador… y luego lo denunció por acoso. ¿Valiente, verdad? Era hermosa, y claramente no le temía a nada. Una vez que los matones fueron registrados, Clint se preparó, esperando a que Sterling dijera la palabra: Encárgate de ella. En cambio, Sterling dijo: "Averigua quién es." "¿Quién?" La palabra se le escapó antes de que Clint pudiera detenerse. Sterling nunca mostraba interés en ninguna mujer. La sola idea daba miedo. La mirada de Sterling se clavó en él, lo suficientemente afilada para hacerlo callar. "Sí, señor", murmuró Clint rápidamente. Mirando a la chica alejarse a zancadas después de lanzar una última mirada ardiente por encima del hombro, Clint sintió una punzada de lástima. Eso era todo. Ella y toda su familia estaban acabadas. … Ajena a la tormenta que acababa de desatar, Claudia se arrastró a casa al amanecer, perseguida por una ráfaga de llamadas. Su padre, Wilson Lancaster, la recibió en la puerta con una bofetada sonora. "¿Cómo he criado a una hija como tú?" No esquivó a tiempo. Su mejilla pálida enrojeció e hinchó. La habitación se quedó helada. Jasper frunció el ceño, con dolor destellando en sus ojos. Se obligó a no intervenir. Claudia había cruzado la línea esta vez; si no aprendía, quién sabía qué caos provocaría después. Aun así… Wilson había golpeado demasiado fuerte. La visión le retorció algo en el pecho. Lottie, Clarence y Zane llevaban la misma expresión enfadada y decepcionada. En el sofá, los ojos de Lydia brillaban con una alegría mal disimulada. Había estado furiosa la noche anterior porque los cretinos que contrató habían metido la pata y terminado en la comisaría. Por suerte, había cubierto sus huellas. Habían afirmado que fue solo un agarre "en un momento de arrebato", y como no pasó nada grave, no había nada que la vinculara a ella. Había sido dada de alta esa mañana y soltó el cebo que tenía preparado desde hacía tiempo. Los Lancaster se lo tragaron entero. Después de desaparecer toda la noche, nadie preguntó dónde había estado Claudia, ni notó sus heridas. La recibieron con una bofetada. Esa era su familia. Claudia no discutió. Caminó directamente hacia la pequeña Lydia, presumida y satisfecha.
Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now.Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now. Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia Capítulo 1 ¡Bum! Las puertas de la sala del evento se abrieron de golpe. "¡Algo le ha pasado a Lydia!", gritó un hombre al entrar tambaleándose, con el pánico pintado en el rostro. Las palabras impactaron como una bomba. La sala —decorada con flores, lazos y música romántica, bullendo de emoción por la propuesta— quedó instantáneamente en silencio. El hombre en el centro de atención, aún de rodillas, con el anillo en la mano, se giró sobresaltado. "¿Qué acabas de decir?" Quade Zimmer, con su pelo teñido de azul tan estridente como su voz, soltó: "¡La señora Lancaster acaba de llamar! ¡Lydia ha tenido un accidente de coche! ¡Está en el hospital ahora mismo!" Apenas habían salido las palabras de su boca cuando estalló el caos: sillas arrastrándose, tacones repiqueteando, gente apresurándose hacia la puerta. No era una exageración decir que Lydia Wallace era la chica de moda de su círculo: hermosa, talentosa, frágil de esa forma desgarradora que hacía que la gente quisiera protegerla. Todos la adoraban, la compadecían, la veneraban. ¿Y ahora que su diosa estaba herida? A nadie le quedaba corazón para seguir celebrando una propuesta de matrimonio cuya respuesta todos ya conocían. Incluso el chico que proponía lo dejó todo y salió corriendo. "Jasper—" La voz que pronunció su nombre llegó por detrás —suave, apenas más que un suspiro. Fue entonces cuando todos finalmente se dieron cuenta: la mujer a la que le estaban pidiendo matrimonio no había dicho ni una palabra en todo este tiempo. Alguien debió de haber dado a los interruptores en el caos, porque la sala se oscureció. La única luz provenía de las suaves lámparas de la pared. En un rincón, mitad en sombras, mitad en luz, estaba Claudia Lancaster. Su belleza no era del tipo dulce y gentil —era marcada, impactante, inolvidable. Pero en ese momento, su calma resultaba inquietante. Su expresión no revelaba nada. "¿No quieres oír mi respuesta?", preguntó en voz baja. Hacía apenas un minuto, Jasper Fenton le había pedido que se casara con él. Ahora, a medio camino de la puerta, se detuvo en seco. Ni siquiera intentó explicarse. "Claudia, lo siento. Tengo que ir al hospital. Vete a casa primero, ¿vale?" "¿Y si no te dejo ir?" Su voz se mantuvo firme. "Jasper, sabes que la odio." Jasper suspiró, exasperado. "Claudia, ahora no. No es momento para empezar una pelea." "Mi respuesta… puede que solo la obtengas una vez", dijo, tan calmada como siempre. Algo en su tono le hizo hacer una pausa. Normalmente, en cuanto salía el nombre de Lydia, Claudia estallaba —espetando, poniendo los ojos en blanco, maldiciendo a Lydia entre dientes. Pero esta noche, estaba fría, distante. Casi como si lo hubiera estado esperando. Un destello de inquietud le recorrió la espalda a Jasper. "Oh, por favor", intervino Quade, poniendo los ojos en blanco. "Has estado obsesionada con Jasper desde, ¿qué, la secundaria? El tipo finalmente te propone matrimonio y ¿se supone que debemos creer que dirías que no?" "Sí, alguien podría estar muriéndose en serio. Te pueden proponer matrimonio cualquier otro día", añadió alguien más. "¡Exacto! Las familias arreglaron esto hace siglos, toda esta cosa es solo por apariencias." Los comentarios dolían, pero Claudia ni siquiera parpadeó. Sus ojos oscuros permanecieron clavados en Jasper. Esperando. Jasper dejó escapar otro suspiro y volvió hacia ella. Como siempre, le despeinó el cabello como si fuera una niña. "Pórtate bien, ¿vale? No montes una escena. Lydia podría estar gravemente herida. Este no es el momento para una rabieta." Siempre era así. Cada vez que Lydia estaba involucrada, Jasper nunca preguntaba quién tenía razón o no. Corría a consolar a Lydia primero, y luego volvía a regañar a Claudia, suave y paciente, como si fuera una niña mimada que simplemente no entendía. Así se sentía amar a alguien desde abajo. No importaba cuánto gritaras, tu ira era solo "graciosa". Nunca seria. ¿Esta propuesta? Nunca había sido una pregunta real. Jasper ya sabía cuál debería haber sido su respuesta. "¡Oh, al diablo con esto, no puedo quedarme callada más tiempo!" Whitney Sawyer golpeó su bolso de mano contra algo, con furia destellando en sus ojos. Había estado aguantándose desde que Quade irrumpió, pero ya era suficiente. "Jasper, ¿eres su novio o su ambulancia personal? ¿Cómo es que cada vez que Lydia sufre 'un accidente', te llama a ti? Siempre perfectamente sincronizado, siempre arruinando tus planes. ¡La última vez fue una cita, ahora es tu propuesta! ¿Qué, no podía esperar a morirse cinco minutos?" Como mejor amiga de Claudia, Whitney había pasado semanas planeando esta propuesta. Y ahora, una vez más, Lydia la había secuestrado, y Jasper había caído directamente en la trampa. La furia de Whitney se extendió como un incendio forestal. "¡Y el resto de ustedes! ¿Para qué corren, a visitarla o a planear su funeral? ¡A este paso, Lydia ya debería haber muerto cien veces!" "¡Whitney!" El rostro de Jasper se ensombreció; el hombre gentil y afable desapareció. Su voz sonó como un latigazo. "Mide tus palabras." "Oh, perdóname." La voz de Whitney subió de tono, aguda y furiosa. "¿No soportas oír criticar a tu preciosa Lydia? Jasper, ¿acaso recuerdas quién es tu novia?" Los ojos de Jasper se helaron. Claudia le agarró el brazo a Whitney, con voz tranquila pero firme. "Si sales por esa puerta, Jasper, terminamos." Ya se había perdido demasiado tiempo. Jasper se pellizcó el puente de la nariz y suspiró. "No digas algo de lo que te arrepentirás. Claudia, hablaremos cuando vuelva." Se dio la vuelta y salió con paso firme, sin mirar atrás. Ni siquiera sabía lo graves que eran las lesiones de Lydia, solo sabía que tenía que ir. Se dijo a sí mismo: Cuando vuelva, lo compensaré. Le haré una propuesta aún mejor. También tomó nota mental de decirle a Claudia que se alejara de Whitney; claramente esa chica le estaba llenando la cabeza de tonterías. La sala se hundió bajo el peso de todo. Incluso aquellos que pensaban que Claudia estaba siendo dramática se mordieron la lengua. Nadie quería contrariar a Jasper, ni a los Sawyer. Uno a uno, se escabulleron. En minutos, el lugar era irreconocible. Pétalos de rosa aplastados y lazos cubrían el suelo. Botellas de vino rodaban bajo las sillas. Glaseado embadurnaba la alfombra. Toda la escena parecía una parodia de lo que había sido, burlándose de lo ridículo que era todo. Mientras los últimos rezagados se quedaban, alguien frunció el ceño. "Esperen… Lydia es la hija adoptiva de los Lancaster, ¿verdad? Oí que es prima de Claudia. ¿Por qué nadie llamó a Claudia también?" "¿Llamarla? ¿Qué, quieren empeorar aún más las lesiones de Lydia?" "Vaya, ¿qué se supone que significa eso?" "Lo de siempre. Que la señorita Lancaster es fría, cruel, desagradecida… ya sabes cómo va." Los susurros comenzaron de nuevo, suaves, venenosos y familiares. Siempre lo hacían cuando el nombre de Lydia salía junto al de Claudia. El rostro de Whitney ardía de ira. Se volvió hacia Claudia, de repente preocupada. Los cotilleos de extraños no importaban, pero ¿la traición de alguien a quien amas? Eso siempre calaba más hondo. Claudia observó la espalda de Jasper mientras se alejaba, cada paso alejándolo más de ella. Era como ver los años escurriéndose entre sus dedos, el chico con el que había crecido desvaneciéndose a lo lejos. Whitney le había preguntado una vez: Si nada hubiera interrumpido esta noche, ¿habrías dicho que sí? Pero, honestamente: No importara cuál fuera su respuesta, el final habría sido el mismo. Lydia nunca la dejaría ganar. Y Jasper nunca la elegiría a ella. En el momento en que le dio la espalda, no se dio cuenta de que, aunque el futuro pueda parecer interminable, la mujer dispuesta a esperarte no dura para siempre. Jasper… esta vez, realmente te dejo ir. En la mesa, entre el desorden, el teléfono de Claudia vibró. Una notificación de WhatsApp apareció, breve y suficiente. "Perdiste." Capítulo 2 Tres días antes, Lydia había acorralado a Claudia. "Sabes que Jasper está a punto de proponerte matrimonio, ¿verdad?" Sus bonitos ojos brillaban, no de emoción, sino de celos y malicia. "Oí que ambas familias querían pasar directamente a la fiesta de compromiso, pero él insistió en hacerlo bien. Dijo que necesitaba oír tu 'sí' él mismo, o no significaría nada. Ayy, qué romántico, ¿no?" "¿Y qué?" Claudia levantó la vista, su tono plano, sin inmutarse. La sonrisa de Lydia se curvó, afilada y venenosa. "¿Y qué? Claudia, ¿qué hace que una pecadora como tú crea que merece felicidad?" Se inclinó más cerca, con voz azucarada pero goteando veneno. "¿Quieres apostar? En tres días, esa propuesta ni siquiera ocurrirá." Claudia solo la miró fijamente. Para todos los demás, Lydia era pura perfección: de voz suave, gentil, toda gracia y luz. Nadie creería que a puerta cerrada podía escupir veneno así. Podría haber detenido la propuesta en cualquier momento que quisiera. Pero no. A Lydia le gustaba el drama. Quería esperar hasta el acto final, para empujar a Claudia fuera del escenario ella misma. Como siempre hacía. … Después de que la propuesta se fuera al traste, el teléfono de Whitney sonó. Una mirada a la identificación de la llamada, y su rostro se demudó. Maldijo entre dientes y salió corriendo. Había planeado dejar a Claudia primero —Claudia había llegado en el coche de Jasper—, pero cuando Claudia se dio cuenta de que algo pasaba con la madre de Whitney, la instó a irse. Cuando todos los demás se habían ido, Claudia se quedó entre los escombros de flores aplastadas y copas de champán, con la cabeza agachada, su expresión ilegible. Dejó escapar una risita amarga. Era tarde. Las calles afuera estaban tranquilas y vacías. Claudia salió del club sin ganas de ir a casa. Vagó junto al río, el frío de la noche calándole la piel. Entonces, se detuvo en seco. Los vellos de su nuca se erizaron: alguien la seguía. Levantó su teléfono, fingiendo tomar una selfie, inclinándolo lo justo para ver el reflejo detrás de ella. Un grupo de hombres, sombras acercándose. Su pulso se disparó. Empezó a caminar más rápido. Ellos también. Su pulgar se cernió sobre su contacto de emergencia —el número que Jasper la había obligado a configurar hacía un año. En aquel entonces, le había roto el brazo a un acosador por molestar a una chica y había terminado en la comisaría. Jasper la sacó bajo fianza, regañándola durante todo el trayecto a casa por ser imprudente. Se había puesto a sí mismo como su contacto de emergencia, haciéndole prometer que si alguna vez estaba en peligro, lo llamaría a él, sin heroísmos, sin orgullo. Había jurado que sin importar dónde o cuándo, iría por ella. Nunca imaginó que la primera vez que llamaría sería así. "¿Claudia?" La voz de Jasper llegó, baja y cansada. Estaba en el hospital. El accidente de Lydia no había sido grave, pero ella era frágil —nacida prematura, se alteraba fácilmente. Solo él podía calmarla. Todo el clan Lancaster estaba acampado fuera. Lydia acababa de quedarse dormida cuando llegó la llamada, despertándola de un salto. "Jasper, alguien me está siguiendo." Silencio. Luego, su voz, fría, desdeñosa. "Claudia, realmente no puedo irme esta noche. No montes una escena." Pensó que estaba mintiendo, intentando alejarlo otra vez del lado de la cama de Lydia. Justo entonces, la madre de Lydia, Lottie Wallace, entró con un vaso de agua. Su rostro suave y elegante se endureció al ver el teléfono en la mano de Jasper. "¡Claudia!", espetó. "Lydia acaba de tener un accidente, y ni siquiera te molestas en visitar. ¿Ahora estás quién sabe dónde, inventando historias? ¿Cuándo vas a crecer? Escucha: nadie se va esta noche. Deja ya tus juegos mezquinos." Colgó sin dudar. En la cama, Lydia yacía pálida y temblorosa. Su voz era pequeña, vacilante. "Mamá, no te enfades. ¿Y si Claudia realmente está en problemas?" Lottie suspiró, la decepción grabada a fuego. "¿Qué problemas podría tener? Esta no es la primera vez que intenta algo cuando tú estás enferma." En la secundaria, Claudia una vez había llamado a casa en medio de la noche, diciendo que la habían secuestrado y exigiendo dinero de rescate. Esa misma noche, Lydia había caído enferma. La familia ya estaba en pánico, y la supuesta llamada de rescate casi le da un infarto a Lottie. Habían corrido a la ubicación, solo para encontrar a Claudia saliendo ilesa, sin un rasguño. Para cuando volvieron a casa, Lydia se había desplomado en el suelo, sola. Era demasiado tarde cuando finalmente la llevaron al hospital. El doctor dijo que con otro retraso, no habría sobrevivido. Esa noche, el padre de Claudia la había golpeado hasta dejarla sangrando. Pasó un mes en el hospital, y nunca se disculpó. La voz de Lottie se suavizó, cargada de decepción. "¿Cuándo se volvió así mi dulce niña?" Jasper conocía cada palabra de esa historia. Incluso había sido él quien llevaba snacks a escondidas a la cama de Claudia en el hospital después, contando chistes estúpidos para hacerla reír. Pero esta noche era diferente. Se dijo a sí mismo que solo estaba haciendo una rabieta por la propuesta arruinada. No tenía energía para sus pataletas. Mañana, cuando se calmara, hablaría con ella, la haría sonreír de nuevo. Colgó, apartó el cabello de la frente de Lydia y susurró: "Se te ha ido la fiebre. Pórtate bien. Duerme." Los ojos de Lydia brillaron con culpa y suavidad. "Jasper, lo siento por esta noche. Es toda mi culpa. Si no fuera tan débil—" "No. Nunca eres una carga." "Jasper…" "Duerme." Sus pestañas aletearon y se cerraron, y una pequeña sonrisa curvó sus labios. Dormiría tranquila esa noche. … Detrás de Claudia, los hombres se acercaban, lentos, perezosos, como gatos jugando con un ratón. Ella siguió corriendo, la voz de Jasper y el regaño de Lottie resonando en su mente. Tal vez había estado decepcionada demasiadas veces, porque ni siquiera se sentía triste ya, solo vacía. Hueca. La noche de abril era cálida, pero cortaba como cristal. La empujaron a un rincón oscuro. Claudia se detuvo bajo un árbol, su expresión calmada, los ojos bajándose al suelo. Entonces, se movió. Quince minutos después, los hombres yacían esparcidos por el pavimento —brazos retorcidos, piernas rotas, gimiendo de dolor. Claudia, sin aliento y sangrando, se dejó caer en el bordillo. Agarró su teléfono con una mano resbaladiza de sangre y marcó al 911. Después de ese lío en octavo grado, había empezado kickboxing y defensa personal. Había aprendido pronto: nadie vendría a salvarla. Uno de los hombres, con el brazo doblado en la dirección incorrecta, empezó a arrastrarse hacia ella. Los ojos de Claudia se posaron sobre él, fríos y afilados. Antes de que pudiera moverse, una bota cayó con fuerza, enviando al tipo volando. Una sombra se cernió sobre ella: un hombre alto con una sonrisa perezosa y el tipo de rostro que podría salirse con la suya cometiendo un asesinato. La miró desde arriba, haciendo un clic suave con la lengua. "Tss. ¿De dónde ha salido esta criaturita?" Capítulo 3 Sterling Romero salió de la Mansión Romero esa noche, lo suficientemente enfadado como para dejar su coche a medio camino a casa y sacar al perro a pasear. Lo que no esperaba era toparse con esa escena. Allí estaba ella, un capullo de rosa hermoso y malherido, acorralado por una jauría de callejeros desaliñados. Parecía frágil, pero la forma en que levantaba la barbilla, los ojos ardiendo de desafío, lo atrajo directamente de vuelta al cachorro de lobo huérfano con el que había vivido en las montañas casi un mes cuando tenía diez años. Todo fanfarronería y dientes al descubierto, guardando su pequeño trozo de tierra. Débil, pero ardiendo de vida. Ese lobo había muerto por sus manos al final. ¿Y esta chica? Era el mismo tipo de criatura: pequeña, espinosa y lista para hacer sangrar a quien intentara hacerle daño. Su rostro ni siquiera se inmutó mientras rompía los brazos de esos matones como si fueran ramitas. Nada la conmovía. Sterling, que rara vez se preocupaba por nada, sintió un destello de interés que no podía sacudirse. En contra de su mejor juicio, intervino. De cerca, era aún más difícil de olvidar. Esos ojos, oscuros, claros, brillantes como una noche después de la lluvia, se engancharon en algo enterrado profundamente dentro de él. Cuando ella levantó la vista, sobresaltada, había un destello de luz estelar que le hizo picar los dedos, con ganas de alargar la mano, de cubrir esos ojos afilados e intrépidos. Bien. Ya había intervenido. Mejor llevarlo hasta el final. Y, honestamente, necesitaba desahogarse. El callejón se llenó de gritos. Hacía un minuto, esos matones solo estaban demasiado heridos para arrastrarse. ¿Ahora? Estaban hechos pedazos: brazos inútiles, piernas rotas, el pánico espeso en el aire. Se arrepentían de todo. El trabajo había sido simple: golpearla un poco, nada grave. Su jefe incluso les había advertido que no dejaran marcas. Pero ella era demasiado hermosa, y unos cuantos se volvieron codiciosos. ¿Quién podría haber imaginado que la belleza delicada pegaba como un demonio, y lo que era peor, que un hombre como él aparecería de la nada? Frío, letal, como la Muerte misma con un abrigo de diseñador. Si el asesinato fuera legal, estaban seguros de que les habría roto el cuello sin pestañear. El cabecilla ya estaba perdiendo la cabeza. Sterling volvió paseando hasta donde la chica yacía observando desde el suelo. Su tono llevaba un rastro de diversión maliciosa. "Eres rápida, pero no lo suficiente despiadada. Si dejas cabos sueltos así, volverán para morderte. Entonces, pequeña callejera, ¿cómo piensas pagarme esta noche?" Claudia, que podría haber manejado la pelea bien por sí sola, y que ahora de alguna manera le debía algo a este extraño, guardó silencio. Tumbada de espaldas, el rostro surcado de sangre y polvo, de alguna manera parecía irreal en la oscuridad. Sterling frunció el ceño. Sucio. Se inclinó para levantar a la silenciosa rosa a sus pies, entonces algo lo empujó con fuerza. Tropezó, perdió el equilibrio y cayó justo encima de ella. Su peso aplastó su brazo herido; su mano izquierda aterrizó sobre algo más suave. Sus dedos se tensaron y apretaron antes de que su cerebro reaccionara. Se quedó helado. Ella también. Sus ojos se encontraron, muy abiertos en mutua conmoción. A unos metros de distancia, el perro pastor culpable se sentó parpadeando, como diciendo: Por favor, no me vean. Inmovilizada bajo un extraño, con todo dolorido, Claudia respiró hondo y tembloroso. Guapo o no, un grupo seguía siendo un grupo. Su expresión calmada se volvió feroz. Sterling oyó las primeras palabras de la rosa para él esa noche. "¿Nadie te dijo nunca?" "¿Decirme qué?" "Que no metas la nariz en los asuntos de otros." Antes de que la última palabra se desvaneciera, le rodeó el cuello con los brazos y lo tiró hacia abajo. Sus frentes chocaron con un crujido. El dolor se disparó. "¡Agente! ¡Por aquí!" Su voz sonó clara. Segundos después, las sirenas partieron la noche. Los policías vinieron corriendo. Sterling, al darse cuenta de que acababa de ser utilizado, dejó escapar una risa baja e incrédula. "¿Así tratas a tu salvador?" Terminó tumbado exactamente donde ella había estado, su voz goteando sarcasmo. Claudia se puso de pie, medio en sombras, y le dedicó una sonrisa delgada. "Obviamente. Soy la villana desagradecida, ¿recuerdas?" … Esa noche, el chico de oro de Liberty City, el heredero de Romero Corporation, fue llevado a la comisaría. Clint apareció rápido con un abogado, echando miradas furtivas a la chica que despertó la rara misericordia del Segador… y luego lo denunció por acoso. ¿Valiente, verdad? Era hermosa, y claramente no le temía a nada. Una vez que los matones fueron registrados, Clint se preparó, esperando a que Sterling dijera la palabra: Encárgate de ella. En cambio, Sterling dijo: "Averigua quién es." "¿Quién?" La palabra se le escapó antes de que Clint pudiera detenerse. Sterling nunca mostraba interés en ninguna mujer. La sola idea daba miedo. La mirada de Sterling se clavó en él, lo suficientemente afilada para hacerlo callar. "Sí, señor", murmuró Clint rápidamente. Mirando a la chica alejarse a zancadas después de lanzar una última mirada ardiente por encima del hombro, Clint sintió una punzada de lástima. Eso era todo. Ella y toda su familia estaban acabadas. … Ajena a la tormenta que acababa de desatar, Claudia se arrastró a casa al amanecer, perseguida por una ráfaga de llamadas. Su padre, Wilson Lancaster, la recibió en la puerta con una bofetada sonora. "¿Cómo he criado a una hija como tú?" No esquivó a tiempo. Su mejilla pálida enrojeció e hinchó. La habitación se quedó helada. Jasper frunció el ceño, con dolor destellando en sus ojos. Se obligó a no intervenir. Claudia había cruzado la línea esta vez; si no aprendía, quién sabía qué caos provocaría después. Aun así… Wilson había golpeado demasiado fuerte. La visión le retorció algo en el pecho. Lottie, Clarence y Zane llevaban la misma expresión enfadada y decepcionada. En el sofá, los ojos de Lydia brillaban con una alegría mal disimulada. Había estado furiosa la noche anterior porque los cretinos que contrató habían metido la pata y terminado en la comisaría. Por suerte, había cubierto sus huellas. Habían afirmado que fue solo un agarre "en un momento de arrebato", y como no pasó nada grave, no había nada que la vinculara a ella. Había sido dada de alta esa mañana y soltó el cebo que tenía preparado desde hacía tiempo. Los Lancaster se lo tragaron entero. Después de desaparecer toda la noche, nadie preguntó dónde había estado Claudia, ni notó sus heridas. La recibieron con una bofetada. Esa era su familia. Claudia no discutió. Caminó directamente hacia la pequeña Lydia, presumida y satisfecha.
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I INTERRUPTED. SARAH. “Luna, you're six weeks pregnant.” The world stopped for a moment, and I thought I had misheard. The room suddenly felt too quiet, and the ticking of the wall clock was echoing louder than it should. I sat stiffly on the examination chair in the pack clinic, my heart beating rapidly and my fingers curling into the thin blanket that covered my lower body. “Pregnant?” I whispered in disbelief. Across from me, Simon, the pack doctor, nodded slowly while reviewing the documents in his hands. “Yes. The test results are clear,” he looked up at me with a happy smile. “Congratulations, Luna.” Congratulations. The word sounded foreign; I didn't know if I should be happy or if this was actually good news. I didn't know how to receive this news. My heart thudded heavily against my ribs as my hand instinctively drifted to my stomach. A baby was growing in my tummy. A baby. Jason’s baby. A strange warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading slowly as a full moon does after a long time. For years, I had imagined what it would feel like to carry the baby of my mate. Immediately, I felt the warmth, something else tangled up with it—fear. Jason. The joy in my chest dimmed almost immediately. “Are you alright?” Simon asked; he must have noticed the change in my mood. “I…yes. I'm just a little bit surprised. I wasn't expecting this at all.” I blinked, forcing myself to focus. “Thats understandable.” Simon set the report aside and focused on me. “I hope you understand why you've been throwing up for the past few weeks? Morning sickness is quite common during early pregnancy.” I nodded faintly. Morning sickness, so that was what it was. For the past few days, I had blamed it on poor digestion or exhaustion. I had never dared to consider this possibility. Not because we didn't have sεx, Jason and I have had sx just three times, and ur used co'ndoms two times, but not the last time. And because thinking about the fact that she might be pregnant included thinking about Jason’s reaction. Will he be happy about it? Will he hate— “I will inform the Alpha with immediate effect,” Simon said, clearing his throat, and I was thrown into panic mode. “No!” I blurted out, sitting up straighter. Simon paused, looking at me weirdly. My cheeks flushed at how suddenly I replied to him, and I met his gaze nervously. “Please…dont tell Jason yet.” Simon frowned slightly before he continued. “Luna, it is my duty to inform the Alpha about important matters in the pack; this news, especially, is the most important.” “I know. I know.” I muttered as I lowered my eyes. “But could you give me some time? I promise, I'll tell him soon.” Simon studied my face carefully. I prayed he would consider this, as I've never asked him for any favor. I hoped he knew I didn't have any bad intentions and that I was asking for this one favor. “I want to tell him myself,” I added. Simon leaned back slightly in his chair, squinting his eyes at me. “Is there a problem?” he asked. My fingers tightened together in my lap. For a moment, I didn't know how to explain the complicated knot of emotions sitting in my chest. Finally, I found the voice to talk. “Umm…Jason doesn't like me,” I said softly. Simon looked surprised, and I wondered why. We were not affectionate in public; we were just two people who agreed to play our roles and had a stable relationship. I forced a smile because I didn't want him to pity me. “He accepted me because it was his duty, because of the Moon Goddess, but that doesn't mean he wanted this bond,” I said. Simon remained silent as he listened to everything I had to say. “Im not sure he would want this child.” My voice dropped lower. The words tasted bitter, and saying them aloud made them feel real. It made the truth feel heavy. Simon leaned forward as his expression softened. “Luna, the Alpha is a responsible man. Regardless of personal duty, he would not ignore his duty to his child.” I nodded politely, but deep down, I wasn't so certain. Jason had never rejected me outright, but he had also never marked me. He had never called me 'mate' with warmth; our relationship existed somewhere between duty and distance. “Please,” I said again quietly. “Let me tell him myself.” Simon exhaled slowly; the wheels were turning in his mind, and I hoped he would understand. “Alright,” he said, and relief flashed through me. “But,” he said, and my chest started beating rapidly in anticipation of what he was about to say. “I can only keep this confidential until the pregnancy reaches twelve weeks. After that, I must inform the Alpha.” “Thats fair,” I said quickly. Twelve weeks. Three months. That was enough time to sort out my feelings and get my bearings before telling him. Time to gather the courage. “Thank you, Simon,” I said sincerely. He nodded. “Take care of yourself, Luna. Early pregnancy can be quite demanding.” I stood slowly, still feeling dizzy, not from the sickness, but from the news—a baby. I placed my hand ok my stomach again, a tiny life was growing inside me. For a second, my wolf stirred in my mind. Adele’s voice was soft but excited. Adele: Our Pup. My lips curved faintly as I walked out of the office. Yes. Our pup. ————————— Jason’s black SUV was parked outside the clinic. I spotted him immediately. He was leaning casually against the driver’s door, his tall figure commanding attention even in a place as ordinary as a parking lot. The wind slightly tousled his hair, and he looked so s6xy standing there. The glasses that made him look like a nerd were pushed up on his nose. My man. My mate. Even after all this time, seeing him still made my heart flutter. Jason looked up as I approached. “How did it go?” he asked, and I instinctively tightened my hold on the medical report folded in my pocket. “No serious diagnosis?” he added. I hesitated for half a second, deliberating whether I should tell him or not, but then I shook my head. “It's just a stomach bug.” Jason frowned slightly. “You've been throwing up for days.” “I guess my stomach has been sensitive lately,” I replied lightly. I got into the car and made myself comfortable. “Take better care of yourself. As Luna, looking so frail reflects badly on the pack’s image and also on mine. I can't have you looking weak,” he said in an indifferent tone. The warmth i felt earlier dimmed. Of course, this would be his reaction. “I understand. I'll be more careful.” Jason started the engine, and the car moved smoothly down the road. I watched the trees pass outside the window, my thoughts drifting back to the secret growing inside me. Should I tell him now? My wolf stirred softly as she answered me. Adele: Tell him now. She urged softly. Maybe Adele was right. Maybe Jason would be happy. After all, an heir was important to the Alpha. Gathering my courage, I spoke up again. “Karina’s baby is so adorable,” I said casually. Karina was Jason’s cousin who had just given birth. Jason glanced at me briefly. “You visited them recently?” “Yes.” I smiled faintly at the memory of the newborn baby wrapped in soft blankets. “He's so small, and when he smiles in his sleep, he's the cutest thing.” Jason chuckled. “Im looking forward to being called an uncle when he grows up.” My heart skipped a beat; this was the perfect timing. My fingers hovered over my stomach. Now, Adele whispered excitedly. Jason would be very happy, wouldn't he? “Jason, I actually have something I want to—” His phone rang suddenly, and the sharp sound cut through the car. Jason glanced at the screen and connected it to the bluetooth of the car before he picked up. “Hello,” I fell silent as the voice I dreaded rang out in the car. II LEFT IN THE RAIN. SARAH. “Jason…I don't feel well,” Rosalie’s voice said weakly. “My head hurts so much.” My fingers tightened slightly. Rosalie’s voice was soft and fragile, the kind that made people want to care for and protect her. “Did you see the doctor?” Jason asked. “No…i didn't want to bother anyone,” she said. “But I feel really dizzy.” A pause followed. My heartbeat quickened into dangerous beats. I stared down at my hands, my thumb gently rubbing over the knuckle of my finger. Jason would refuse; he had just picked me up from the clinic, and it was raining heavily outside. Plus, the pack house was still a long way from going. He would take me home first. Wouldn't he? “Where are you?” Jason asked. “At home,” Rosalie said softly. “Could you come check on me?” Silence filled the car as my breath slowed while I waited for him to answer. Then he spoke. “I'll be there soon.” Four words. Four words that made my chest tighten in pain. Jason ended the call and began turning the steering wheel, guiding the car toward a different direction. For a few seconds, i didn't speak. I was still processing what I had just heard. “We are not going home?” I finally asked quietly. Jason didn't even look at me; he kept staring at the road. “Rosalie isn't feeling well.” “I heard,” I said as I swallowed. The rain outside grew heavier, tapping against the windshield sharply. Water blurred the view of the road ahead, and I hesitated before speaking again. “Could you drop me off at home first?” I asked gently. It wasn't a demand, it was a small request—the barest minimum. Jason glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable. “That would take extra time.” I blinked, and for a moment, I thought I had misunderstood. “It's raining,” I pointed out, maybe he didn't know it was? “I know. I can see it.” his tone was simple, matter-of-fact. I looked out the window, and the rain still hadn't let up. Jason pulled to the side of the road. “We’re close enough to the pack house,” he said, and my heart sank. “You can walk the rest of the way.” The words were spoken without cruelty, but they hurt. So much. I stared at him, still at a loss for words. “Jason…. It's raining,” my voice trembled. “I know,” he repeated. He pointed toward the back of the car. “There is an umbrella in the trunk.” The car fell silent. I felt something twist painfully in my chest. For a moment, I wanted to say fvck it, and argue with him, I wanted to scream at him How does this make sense?’ I wanted to tell him that I had just left the doctor’s office, that I was pregnant. That I was carrying his child. But the words stayed trapped behind my lips, because deep down, I knew the truth. I knew nothing would change. Even if I said everything I wanted to say, Rosalie would still come first. Slowly, I opened the car door. The cold rain hit me immediately, soaking into my coat within seconds. I walked to the back of the car and opened the trunk. The umbrella was right where Jason said it would be. Prepared and thoughtful, just not towards me. I opened the umbrella and stepped back from the car. For a brief second, I looked toward the driver’s seat. Jason was already adjusting the gear; he didn't even look at me. The engine roared softly and The car drove away. Just like that. I stood on the roadside, watching the black SUV disappear. He didn't look back once. My wolf stirred faintly inside my mind. Adele’s voice carried a tone of sadness. Adele: He left us. I lowered my gaze, admitting to the pain. “Yes, he did,” I said aloud. The walk back to the pack house felt longer than usual. The umbrella helped, but the wind pushed the rain to the sides, soaking the edges of my clothes. Cold water seeped through my shoes as I stepped through puddles along the muddy road. Each step felt heavier than the last, my thoughts drifted backward, back to the moment my life changed. The day I discovered Jason was my mate. I had been so happy then, every girl dreamed about meeting her mate someday, and Jason…. He was the Alpha. Strong. Respected. Powerful. When their eyes had met during the ceremony, their wolves recognised each other immediately. Adele had howled with joy. But Jason’s expression had been completely different. Shock, disbelief, and something colder. Later that night, after the ceremony ended, he spoke to her privately. His voice had been cold and controlled. “Sarah,” he had said. “I will not reject the mate chosen by the Moon Goddess, neither will I reject my duty.” My heart had soared at those words, but then he continued. “At least, not all of them. I will not mark you,” he had said. The memory of those words still made my heart bleed. “The pack needs a Luna,” he had explained. “You are of a proper upbringing, and you understand pack traditions. You are suitable for that role.” Suitable, not wanted. “Beyond fulfilling your roles and duties as Luna, I hope you won't interfere with my personal freedom,” he had added. I had to stand there, absorbing every word he had said. “If you can't accept that, I can reject you now,” he had said. Reject me. The word had sent a chill down my spine because a rejected omega and their family would lose their standing in the pack. Not that omegas were respected; if I had been rejected then, we would have become laughingstocks of the pack. My parents would have been shamed, so I lowered my head and agreed. The rain grew colder as the memory faded. By the time I reached the pack house, I was soaked to the bone. I closed the umbrella and slowly stepped inside. Warm air wrapped around me immediately, but it didn't chase away the cold I felt in my bones. I changed into dry clothes immediately. Still, my body trembled. Curling up on the bed, I pulled the blanket around myself. My hand drifted to my stomach, my baby. Should I tell my mother? My mother had always been someone I could rely on, someone who would always listen to me. But before I could reach for my phone, my wolf spoke again. Adele: Remember what Mother said, Luna, you can't act impulsively. Adele reminded me. My mother had told me these things before I started living here. She told me that as a Luna, I must think about the entire pack before myself. Being Luna meant sacrifice, responsibility, and endurance. Even when it hurt, I put my phone down. “I won't tell her,” I whispered. Not yet. My hand rested protectively over my stomach. “I'll handle this myself.” III HOPE THAT BROKE AT THE DOOR. SARAH. The nausea hit me again, this time, violently. I barely made it to my room before I dropped to my knees beside the sink, gripping the edge tightly as another wave of stomach rolled through my stomach. My body trembled as I retched, the sour taste burning my throat. When it finally stopped, I leaned weakly against the cool wall, breathing heavily. The house was quiet, too quiet. I pressed a hand over my stomach, my fingers trembling slightly. Six weeks, there was a tiny life growing inside me, Jason’s child. The thought should have brought warmth; instead, it brought uncertainty, wrapping around my chest and tightening with each passing second. Jason always looked at her with indifference, and sometimes, irritation. If he knew about the baby, would he resent it too? I lowered my head, my damp hair falling across my face. “Moon Goddess….” I whispered, my voice sounding fragile in the empty bathroom. “Why would you give me a mate who doesn't love me?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. I didn't mean it as a complaint, more like a quiet plea. My voice shook, and I felt tears cloud my vision. I wanted to scream in pain, but I held it in, like I have been all these years. Remembering the words of my mother. Sacrifice. Endurance. Putting the pack before myself. Outside, the thunder rumbled in the distance. A moment later, the rain began to pour heavily against the windows, the storm arriving faster than I expected. The wind howled through the trees surrounding the pack house. I slowly stood up and rinsed my mouth, but the uneasy feeling in my chest refused to fade. The house suddenly felt too large. Too empty. My wolf stirred restlessly inside my mind. Adele: You're shaking. She said with concern. “Im fine,” I replied to her. But her hands were cold, and the storm outside didn't help; thunder rumbled loudly. I flinched slightly, and a soft sigh echoed inside my thoughts. Adele: Call Jason. I stiffened. “No.” Adele: You need him. “He's with Rosalie,” I replied quietly. The words tasted bitter. “He wouldn't want to be disturbed,” I added. Adele: But he's your own mate. She said, not sounding convinced. “Yes, he is,” I whispered, but it felt hollow. Because being a mate had never meant what i thought it would. But Adele persisted. Adele: You can contact Eric through our mindlink. Jason’s wolf. I hesitated. The mindlink allowed our wolves to communicate mentally if needed. But I had rarely used it. Jason had always preferred distance, and I always respected that. “I shouldn't bother him,” I said again weakly. Another loud thunderclap shook the windows. Adele: You're frightened. She said softly, but I didn't want to admit it. But the truth was obvious: the storm, the sickness, and the loneliness. Plus, the fragile life growing inside her made her feel small and uncertain. Finally, Adele spoke again. Adele: Let me try. I closed my eyes, and a moment later, I felt the unfamiliar sensation of my wolf reaching through the invisible thread that connected us to our mate. A gentle pulse spread through my mind. Then another presence appeared, strong and calm—Eric, Jason’s wolf. The connection settled quickly. Jason’s voice followed soon after. “Sarah? What's wrong?” Hearing his voice made her heart skip as usual. For a moment, she almost forgot what she wanted to say. “I…” I started softly. Then the silence stretched, and Jason spoke again. “Is something wrong?” His tone wasn't cold; it was just alert and concerned. “I just wanted to ask…” I said hesitantly, my fingers twisting together nervously. “Can you come home tonight?” I finally asked. My breath caught. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. Maybe he would think I was being too selfish and childish. Then he replied to me. “Im already on my way back.” I blinked in surprise. “You are?” “Yes.” Relief spread through my chest instantly, and the tight knot of anxiety loosened just a little. “Okay,” I whispered. The link faded soon after. I stood quietly in the living room, staring at the front door and waiting for my mate to come home. The house didn't feel as empty as before now, Jason was coming back for me. A small smile appeared on my lips. Maybe things weren't as hopeless as I thought they were. Maybe he still cared, even if he didn't show it. My hand rested gently over my stomach. “Did you hear that?” I muttered softly. “Your daddy is coming home for us.” Minutes passed slowly, and I paced near the window, glancing outside every few seconds. Finally, headlights appeared through the heavy rain. My heart lifted, Jason’s car. I hurried to the door and pulled it open before the vehicle even fully stopped. Cold wind rushed outside, carrying the scent of rain and wet earth. The car door opened, and I stepped forward slightly, her chest warming with quiet anticipation. But the moment I saw Jason, my heart stopped because he wasn't alone. Rosalie was in his arms, her body looked weak and limp, her pale face pressed against Jason’s shoulder. Jason carried her carefully toward the house. His expression was serious, completely focused on the woman he carried. For a moment, I stood there, simply frozen. Jason walked past me without stopping. Without even looking at me, the warmth I had felt earlier disappeared with immediate effect. Jason finally spoke; his voice was so calm. “Rosalie needs to be taken care of.” That was all, no greeting, no explanation—just those seven words. I stood by the door, rain blowing softly against my back. I wanted to scream, "What about me?” Did I not deserve to be cared for? Put the pack before yourself. Endure, sacrifice. My mother’s voice echoed in my mind as I curled my fingers into the fabric of my sleeve. The hope I had felt just minutes ago, shattered loudly in my chest. Behind me, thunder roared around the sky. And suddenly, the house felt cold again. IV A STRANGER IN MY OWN HOME. SARAH. The moment I stepped into the bathroom, my chest tightened. Rosalie was lying on my bed, our bed. The bed Jason and I shared since the day we were mated. Now, she lay there, looking pale and fragile, her head resting against the pillows as if she belonged there. Jason sat beside her, his eyebrows drawn together in worry, while he carefully adjusted the blanket around her. “Drink some water,” he said softly, lifting the cup to her lips. His voice was so gentle. Gentler than I had heard in a long time, something twisted in my gut, and Adele growled in my mind. She was furious. Adele: Kick her out. My fingers curled tightly around my sleeve, struggling to keep myself from probably crying or bursting out in tears. “You know I can’t do that,” I whispered silently. Adele: That is your bedroom. She snapped. I knew that, of course, I knew, but Rosalie isn’t just anyone. Her parents had done a lot for the pack over the years. They had supported Jason’s family during difficult times, and everyone in the pack respected them. Especially Jason. “I can’t throw her out,” I murmured in my thoughts. Adele huffed angrily but said nothing more. She was a fiercer version of me and wanted me to fight for myself each time, but I always remembered what my mother told me: endure and sacrifice. I needed to be a good Luna to the pack, so I needed to endure everything that was being thrown at me. Adele will understand someday. Rosalie shifted slightly against the pillows. “Jason…” she whispered weakly. “I’m here,” Jason replied instantly. His hand moved to her shoulder, steady and protective. I stood near the doorway, feeling like a visitor and a stranger in my own home. The storm outside had softened into steady rain, tapping gently against the windows, but the heaviness in my chest grew and tightened. Jason finally looked up and noticed that I was standing there. He stood up, his expression serious. “I’m going to take a shower,” he said. “Stay and keep an eye on Rosalie. Tend to her needs and give her anything she wants.” He said, and my heart paused for a moment. He didn’t ask, he told me. He commanded me to look after the woman I was competing with in my marriage. Still, I nodded with a crooked smile on my face. “Okay.” He walked past me without another word. A moment later, I heard the bathroom door close and the running of water. The room fell silent, and for a few seconds, Rosalie didnt move. Then, suddenly, her eyes fell open, and they landed on me. The weakness in her expression faded almost instantly, and a faint smile appeared on her face. I frowned because I was confused. She was groaning in pain just seconds ago. What changed? And the smile on her face wasn't a kind one, and my stomach twisted. I forced myself to stay calm and pick up the cup of water Jason left on the nightstand. “You should drink something warm,” I said gently as I moved closer to her. Rosalie pushed herself up slightly against the pillows. I held the cup towards her, she reached for it, and then suddenly, her hand jerked. The cup slipped, and hot water splashed on my hand, burning my skin. Pain shot through me. “Ah!—“ I gasped, instinctively pulling my hand back, making the cup shatter on the floor, and water spread across the wooden boards. Rosalie cried out immediately. “Jason!!!!” Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears, as if she were the one who was hurt. The bathroom door burst open seconds later, Jason rushed out, and his hair was still wet. “What happened?” He demanded. His eyes immediately moved to Rosalie. She held out her hand quickly while mumbling. “My hand…it hurts.” The water didnt even splash on her like that. I was the one with most of the burns. Jason’s expression turned dark as he grabbed her wrist and examined it carefully. The skin on the backs of her hands was slightly red. His jaw tightened, and he looked up. “What happened?” He asked again, his voice colder this time around. My burned hand still throbbed. “It was an accident,” I said quickly. “My hand slips—“ “She pushed it,” Rosalie said softly. My words stopped. Jason turned slowly to look at me. Rosalie's voice sounded so fragile that anyone would believe her. “I didn’t mean to upset her…” she murmured while wincing in pain. “I think—think she’s mad at me and doesn’t want me here.” My heart dropped immediately. “Thats not true,” I said quickly. But Jason’s expression had already turned into anger and irritation, his eyes were awfully cold now. “Enough,” he said sharply, and the word cut through the atmosphere like a blade. I froze. He believed her. “I didn’t—“ I tried again. “Stay out of this room,” Jason interrupted. For a moment, I simply stared at him. My chest felt hollow at this situation. “You think I did this on purpose?” I asked softly. He didn’t hesitate when he replied. “You’ve always disliked Rosalie.” The words landed like a slap to my face. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. Because I could see clearly in his eyes that he had already made up his mind, nothing I said would change it. Slowly, I lowered my head. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice sounded smaller than I expected, which I hated. I turned around and exited the room as he requested. The door closed behind me with a soft click. Ive been chased out of my bedroom, in my matrimonial home. The thought alone brought tears to my eyes, but I pushed them back and went to sit on the couch. Staring at my hands, the red mark from the hot water stung, but it didn’t hurt as much as the tightness in my chest. Adele was silent, and I knew it was because she was too angry to speak. A few minutes later, the front door opened, I looked up, and it was Simon. He walked in, carrying a small medical bag. Jason must have called him. Simon nodded politely when he saw me. “Good evening, Luna.” I forced a faint smile, which was my part as the Luna. Smile even when sad—the lessons branded into my brain by my mother. “Good evening, Simon.” He disappeared into the bedroom, and the door closed again. I sat there, listening to the muffled voices inside. Time passed slowly, so slowly. Eventually, the door opened again, and Simon stepped out, with Jason behind him. They paused near the entrance, and Simon glanced back toward the living room. His eyes rested on me for a moment, and I started panicking. Was he about to tell him about my pregnancy? I tried to beg him through my eyes not to tell him. He sighed before looking back at Jason. “You should keep an eye on the Luna’s health,” he said thoughtfully. Jason frowned slightly. “What do you mean?” “She looks a bit pale and lean lately,” Simon replied. “It might be a good idea to get her checked, too.” For a brief second, I thought I saw concern flash through Jason’s eyes, but as fast as I thought them, they were gone. And he let out a sarcastic laugh that made my heart bleed and made me feel like he was mocking me. I felt the tears well up again. “Sarah?” He said, his voice carrying a hint of the mockery I felt earlier. “She's perfectly healthy; she has plenty of energy to bully Rosalie.” He said calmly. The words drifted across the room, he said casually, but they struck me harder than anything else tonight. Simon frowned slightly, but he didn’t say anything and I bowed my head in shame. I felt embarrassed. “Just…keep it in mind.” He said before leaving. After the front door closed behind him, the house was silent again. I remained on the couch, staring at the door. My hand slowly moved to rest over my stomach. Six weeks. A bitter smile touched my lips. “Did you hear that?” I whispered in a trembling voice. “Your father thinks we are healthy.” V THE SECRET NEEDS TO STAY HIDDEN. SARAH. I stayed on the couch for a long time. My hand continued massaging my stomach, as if I was comforting my baby. Inside that bedroom, Jason was taking care of Rosalie, and out here, I sat alone with a secret he didn't know existed. Adele stirred faintly after her long silence. Adele: You should tell him. My throat tightened with the thought. “No,” I whispered. I stood up slowly and walked down the hallway; each step felt heavier than the last. When I reached the small guest room at the end of the hall, I slipped inside and closed the door behind me. The room was dark, and only the faint light from the streetlight outside filtered in through the curtains. For a moment, I simply stood there. Then my strength finally gave out. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. I pressed a hand over my mouth, trying to keep the sound in, because crying felt like a weakness. And lately….I had already felt too weak. My other hand slowly reached into my pocket, and I pulled out the small folded paper that I had kept with me all day because I was afraid of leaving it lying around for Jason to see. The test result, the doctor’s neat handwriting stared back at me. Six weeks pregnant. My vision blurred again. Jason didn't even believe me about а cup of water. If I told him about the baby, would he think I was lying, too? Or worse—would he think that I was trying to trap him or tie him down with a child? My chest tightened painfully. “No,” I whispered again. The word trembled in the quiet room. I carefully folded the paper and tucked it in my pocket. “I won't tell him.” Not now. Maybe not ever. Adele didn't argue with me this time; she only sighed in understanding in the back of my mind. Eventually, my tears stopped, and it was still raining outside, and the heaviness in my chest didn't reduce. ——————————— The next morning arrived quietly. I barely slept. When the sunlight streamed in through the curtains, I forced myself out of bed, showered, and then got dressed. Today, I had to go to Stella’s house. Jason’s grandmother. She was a nice woman who always looked out for me. The women of the family were gathering for a tea party. Normally, I would have looked forward to it, but today, my chest felt strangely tight and hollow. Still I couldn't refuse, it was my duty as the Luna, so I went. Stella’s house was warm and lively when I got there thirty minutes later. Soft laughter filled the garden where a long table had been set beneath a large tree. Tea cups, pastries, and flowers were laid out perfectly to decorate the table. Several women from the family had already arrived, and they greeted me warmly as I stepped in. “Sarah!” “Good morning, dear.” “Come sit with us.” I forced a smile as usual and greeted them politely. The cheerful atmosphere helped a little. For a while, I almost forgot the heaviness in my chest. Then Karina arrived. She stepped into the garden carrying her son. She just gave birth, and she looked like she was glowing. The round cheeks of the baby were pink, and his small hands clung tightly to his mother’s dress. “He's so adorable,” someone said. Karina smiled proudly as she sat down with her son, placed carefully on her lap. Karina sat beside me and offered that if I wanted to carry her baby, I couldn't say no, of course, plus he looked so cute, so I indulged in carrying him. He felt so small. “Hello,” I said gently. His hand wrapped around my pinky, and pink hues spread across his cheeks as he giggled. My heart softened at the sight. “He must like women, look at him blushing and holding tight to Sarah,” Stella said, and everybody at the table laughed.
I INTERRUPTED. SARAH. “Luna, you're six weeks pregnant.” The world stopped for a moment, and I thought I had misheard. The room suddenly felt too quiet, and the ticking of the wall clock was echoing louder than it should. I sat stiffly on the examination chair in the pack clinic, my heart beating rapidly and my fingers curling into the thin blanket that covered my lower body. “Pregnant?” I whispered in disbelief. Across from me, Simon, the pack doctor, nodded slowly while reviewing the documents in his hands. “Yes. The test results are clear,” he looked up at me with a happy smile. “Congratulations, Luna.” Congratulations. The word sounded foreign; I didn't know if I should be happy or if this was actually good news. I didn't know how to receive this news. My heart thudded heavily against my ribs as my hand instinctively drifted to my stomach. A baby was growing in my tummy. A baby. Jason’s baby. A strange warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading slowly as a full moon does after a long time. For years, I had imagined what it would feel like to carry the baby of my mate. Immediately, I felt the warmth, something else tangled up with it—fear. Jason. The joy in my chest dimmed almost immediately. “Are you alright?” Simon asked; he must have noticed the change in my mood. “I…yes. I'm just a little bit surprised. I wasn't expecting this at all.” I blinked, forcing myself to focus. “Thats understandable.” Simon set the report aside and focused on me. “I hope you understand why you've been throwing up for the past few weeks? Morning sickness is quite common during early pregnancy.” I nodded faintly. Morning sickness, so that was what it was. For the past few days, I had blamed it on poor digestion or exhaustion. I had never dared to consider this possibility. Not because we didn't have sεx, Jason and I have had sx just three times, and ur used co'ndoms two times, but not the last time. And because thinking about the fact that she might be pregnant included thinking about Jason’s reaction. Will he be happy about it? Will he hate— “I will inform the Alpha with immediate effect,” Simon said, clearing his throat, and I was thrown into panic mode. “No!” I blurted out, sitting up straighter. Simon paused, looking at me weirdly. My cheeks flushed at how suddenly I replied to him, and I met his gaze nervously. “Please…dont tell Jason yet.” Simon frowned slightly before he continued. “Luna, it is my duty to inform the Alpha about important matters in the pack; this news, especially, is the most important.” “I know. I know.” I muttered as I lowered my eyes. “But could you give me some time? I promise, I'll tell him soon.” Simon studied my face carefully. I prayed he would consider this, as I've never asked him for any favor. I hoped he knew I didn't have any bad intentions and that I was asking for this one favor. “I want to tell him myself,” I added. Simon leaned back slightly in his chair, squinting his eyes at me. “Is there a problem?” he asked. My fingers tightened together in my lap. For a moment, I didn't know how to explain the complicated knot of emotions sitting in my chest. Finally, I found the voice to talk. “Umm…Jason doesn't like me,” I said softly. Simon looked surprised, and I wondered why. We were not affectionate in public; we were just two people who agreed to play our roles and had a stable relationship. I forced a smile because I didn't want him to pity me. “He accepted me because it was his duty, because of the Moon Goddess, but that doesn't mean he wanted this bond,” I said. Simon remained silent as he listened to everything I had to say. “Im not sure he would want this child.” My voice dropped lower. The words tasted bitter, and saying them aloud made them feel real. It made the truth feel heavy. Simon leaned forward as his expression softened. “Luna, the Alpha is a responsible man. Regardless of personal duty, he would not ignore his duty to his child.” I nodded politely, but deep down, I wasn't so certain. Jason had never rejected me outright, but he had also never marked me. He had never called me 'mate' with warmth; our relationship existed somewhere between duty and distance. “Please,” I said again quietly. “Let me tell him myself.” Simon exhaled slowly; the wheels were turning in his mind, and I hoped he would understand. “Alright,” he said, and relief flashed through me. “But,” he said, and my chest started beating rapidly in anticipation of what he was about to say. “I can only keep this confidential until the pregnancy reaches twelve weeks. After that, I must inform the Alpha.” “Thats fair,” I said quickly. Twelve weeks. Three months. That was enough time to sort out my feelings and get my bearings before telling him. Time to gather the courage. “Thank you, Simon,” I said sincerely. He nodded. “Take care of yourself, Luna. Early pregnancy can be quite demanding.” I stood slowly, still feeling dizzy, not from the sickness, but from the news—a baby. I placed my hand ok my stomach again, a tiny life was growing inside me. For a second, my wolf stirred in my mind. Adele’s voice was soft but excited. Adele: Our Pup. My lips curved faintly as I walked out of the office. Yes. Our pup. ————————— Jason’s black SUV was parked outside the clinic. I spotted him immediately. He was leaning casually against the driver’s door, his tall figure commanding attention even in a place as ordinary as a parking lot. The wind slightly tousled his hair, and he looked so s6xy standing there. The glasses that made him look like a nerd were pushed up on his nose. My man. My mate. Even after all this time, seeing him still made my heart flutter. Jason looked up as I approached. “How did it go?” he asked, and I instinctively tightened my hold on the medical report folded in my pocket. “No serious diagnosis?” he added. I hesitated for half a second, deliberating whether I should tell him or not, but then I shook my head. “It's just a stomach bug.” Jason frowned slightly. “You've been throwing up for days.” “I guess my stomach has been sensitive lately,” I replied lightly. I got into the car and made myself comfortable. “Take better care of yourself. As Luna, looking so frail reflects badly on the pack’s image and also on mine. I can't have you looking weak,” he said in an indifferent tone. The warmth i felt earlier dimmed. Of course, this would be his reaction. “I understand. I'll be more careful.” Jason started the engine, and the car moved smoothly down the road. I watched the trees pass outside the window, my thoughts drifting back to the secret growing inside me. Should I tell him now? My wolf stirred softly as she answered me. Adele: Tell him now. She urged softly. Maybe Adele was right. Maybe Jason would be happy. After all, an heir was important to the Alpha. Gathering my courage, I spoke up again. “Karina’s baby is so adorable,” I said casually. Karina was Jason’s cousin who had just given birth. Jason glanced at me briefly. “You visited them recently?” “Yes.” I smiled faintly at the memory of the newborn baby wrapped in soft blankets. “He's so small, and when he smiles in his sleep, he's the cutest thing.” Jason chuckled. “Im looking forward to being called an uncle when he grows up.” My heart skipped a beat; this was the perfect timing. My fingers hovered over my stomach. Now, Adele whispered excitedly. Jason would be very happy, wouldn't he? “Jason, I actually have something I want to—” His phone rang suddenly, and the sharp sound cut through the car. Jason glanced at the screen and connected it to the bluetooth of the car before he picked up. “Hello,” I fell silent as the voice I dreaded rang out in the car. II LEFT IN THE RAIN. SARAH. “Jason…I don't feel well,” Rosalie’s voice said weakly. “My head hurts so much.” My fingers tightened slightly. Rosalie’s voice was soft and fragile, the kind that made people want to care for and protect her. “Did you see the doctor?” Jason asked. “No…i didn't want to bother anyone,” she said. “But I feel really dizzy.” A pause followed. My heartbeat quickened into dangerous beats. I stared down at my hands, my thumb gently rubbing over the knuckle of my finger. Jason would refuse; he had just picked me up from the clinic, and it was raining heavily outside. Plus, the pack house was still a long way from going. He would take me home first. Wouldn't he? “Where are you?” Jason asked. “At home,” Rosalie said softly. “Could you come check on me?” Silence filled the car as my breath slowed while I waited for him to answer. Then he spoke. “I'll be there soon.” Four words. Four words that made my chest tighten in pain. Jason ended the call and began turning the steering wheel, guiding the car toward a different direction. For a few seconds, i didn't speak. I was still processing what I had just heard. “We are not going home?” I finally asked quietly. Jason didn't even look at me; he kept staring at the road. “Rosalie isn't feeling well.” “I heard,” I said as I swallowed. The rain outside grew heavier, tapping against the windshield sharply. Water blurred the view of the road ahead, and I hesitated before speaking again. “Could you drop me off at home first?” I asked gently. It wasn't a demand, it was a small request—the barest minimum. Jason glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable. “That would take extra time.” I blinked, and for a moment, I thought I had misunderstood. “It's raining,” I pointed out, maybe he didn't know it was? “I know. I can see it.” his tone was simple, matter-of-fact. I looked out the window, and the rain still hadn't let up. Jason pulled to the side of the road. “We’re close enough to the pack house,” he said, and my heart sank. “You can walk the rest of the way.” The words were spoken without cruelty, but they hurt. So much. I stared at him, still at a loss for words. “Jason…. It's raining,” my voice trembled. “I know,” he repeated. He pointed toward the back of the car. “There is an umbrella in the trunk.” The car fell silent. I felt something twist painfully in my chest. For a moment, I wanted to say fvck it, and argue with him, I wanted to scream at him How does this make sense?’ I wanted to tell him that I had just left the doctor’s office, that I was pregnant. That I was carrying his child. But the words stayed trapped behind my lips, because deep down, I knew the truth. I knew nothing would change. Even if I said everything I wanted to say, Rosalie would still come first. Slowly, I opened the car door. The cold rain hit me immediately, soaking into my coat within seconds. I walked to the back of the car and opened the trunk. The umbrella was right where Jason said it would be. Prepared and thoughtful, just not towards me. I opened the umbrella and stepped back from the car. For a brief second, I looked toward the driver’s seat. Jason was already adjusting the gear; he didn't even look at me. The engine roared softly and The car drove away. Just like that. I stood on the roadside, watching the black SUV disappear. He didn't look back once. My wolf stirred faintly inside my mind. Adele’s voice carried a tone of sadness. Adele: He left us. I lowered my gaze, admitting to the pain. “Yes, he did,” I said aloud. The walk back to the pack house felt longer than usual. The umbrella helped, but the wind pushed the rain to the sides, soaking the edges of my clothes. Cold water seeped through my shoes as I stepped through puddles along the muddy road. Each step felt heavier than the last, my thoughts drifted backward, back to the moment my life changed. The day I discovered Jason was my mate. I had been so happy then, every girl dreamed about meeting her mate someday, and Jason…. He was the Alpha. Strong. Respected. Powerful. When their eyes had met during the ceremony, their wolves recognised each other immediately. Adele had howled with joy. But Jason’s expression had been completely different. Shock, disbelief, and something colder. Later that night, after the ceremony ended, he spoke to her privately. His voice had been cold and controlled. “Sarah,” he had said. “I will not reject the mate chosen by the Moon Goddess, neither will I reject my duty.” My heart had soared at those words, but then he continued. “At least, not all of them. I will not mark you,” he had said. The memory of those words still made my heart bleed. “The pack needs a Luna,” he had explained. “You are of a proper upbringing, and you understand pack traditions. You are suitable for that role.” Suitable, not wanted. “Beyond fulfilling your roles and duties as Luna, I hope you won't interfere with my personal freedom,” he had added. I had to stand there, absorbing every word he had said. “If you can't accept that, I can reject you now,” he had said. Reject me. The word had sent a chill down my spine because a rejected omega and their family would lose their standing in the pack. Not that omegas were respected; if I had been rejected then, we would have become laughingstocks of the pack. My parents would have been shamed, so I lowered my head and agreed. The rain grew colder as the memory faded. By the time I reached the pack house, I was soaked to the bone. I closed the umbrella and slowly stepped inside. Warm air wrapped around me immediately, but it didn't chase away the cold I felt in my bones. I changed into dry clothes immediately. Still, my body trembled. Curling up on the bed, I pulled the blanket around myself. My hand drifted to my stomach, my baby. Should I tell my mother? My mother had always been someone I could rely on, someone who would always listen to me. But before I could reach for my phone, my wolf spoke again. Adele: Remember what Mother said, Luna, you can't act impulsively. Adele reminded me. My mother had told me these things before I started living here. She told me that as a Luna, I must think about the entire pack before myself. Being Luna meant sacrifice, responsibility, and endurance. Even when it hurt, I put my phone down. “I won't tell her,” I whispered. Not yet. My hand rested protectively over my stomach. “I'll handle this myself.” III HOPE THAT BROKE AT THE DOOR. SARAH. The nausea hit me again, this time, violently. I barely made it to my room before I dropped to my knees beside the sink, gripping the edge tightly as another wave of stomach rolled through my stomach. My body trembled as I retched, the sour taste burning my throat. When it finally stopped, I leaned weakly against the cool wall, breathing heavily. The house was quiet, too quiet. I pressed a hand over my stomach, my fingers trembling slightly. Six weeks, there was a tiny life growing inside me, Jason’s child. The thought should have brought warmth; instead, it brought uncertainty, wrapping around my chest and tightening with each passing second. Jason always looked at her with indifference, and sometimes, irritation. If he knew about the baby, would he resent it too? I lowered my head, my damp hair falling across my face. “Moon Goddess….” I whispered, my voice sounding fragile in the empty bathroom. “Why would you give me a mate who doesn't love me?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. I didn't mean it as a complaint, more like a quiet plea. My voice shook, and I felt tears cloud my vision. I wanted to scream in pain, but I held it in, like I have been all these years. Remembering the words of my mother. Sacrifice. Endurance. Putting the pack before myself. Outside, the thunder rumbled in the distance. A moment later, the rain began to pour heavily against the windows, the storm arriving faster than I expected. The wind howled through the trees surrounding the pack house. I slowly stood up and rinsed my mouth, but the uneasy feeling in my chest refused to fade. The house suddenly felt too large. Too empty. My wolf stirred restlessly inside my mind. Adele: You're shaking. She said with concern. “Im fine,” I replied to her. But her hands were cold, and the storm outside didn't help; thunder rumbled loudly. I flinched slightly, and a soft sigh echoed inside my thoughts. Adele: Call Jason. I stiffened. “No.” Adele: You need him. “He's with Rosalie,” I replied quietly. The words tasted bitter. “He wouldn't want to be disturbed,” I added. Adele: But he's your own mate. She said, not sounding convinced. “Yes, he is,” I whispered, but it felt hollow. Because being a mate had never meant what i thought it would. But Adele persisted. Adele: You can contact Eric through our mindlink. Jason’s wolf. I hesitated. The mindlink allowed our wolves to communicate mentally if needed. But I had rarely used it. Jason had always preferred distance, and I always respected that. “I shouldn't bother him,” I said again weakly. Another loud thunderclap shook the windows. Adele: You're frightened. She said softly, but I didn't want to admit it. But the truth was obvious: the storm, the sickness, and the loneliness. Plus, the fragile life growing inside her made her feel small and uncertain. Finally, Adele spoke again. Adele: Let me try. I closed my eyes, and a moment later, I felt the unfamiliar sensation of my wolf reaching through the invisible thread that connected us to our mate. A gentle pulse spread through my mind. Then another presence appeared, strong and calm—Eric, Jason’s wolf. The connection settled quickly. Jason’s voice followed soon after. “Sarah? What's wrong?” Hearing his voice made her heart skip as usual. For a moment, she almost forgot what she wanted to say. “I…” I started softly. Then the silence stretched, and Jason spoke again. “Is something wrong?” His tone wasn't cold; it was just alert and concerned. “I just wanted to ask…” I said hesitantly, my fingers twisting together nervously. “Can you come home tonight?” I finally asked. My breath caught. Maybe I shouldn't have asked. Maybe he would think I was being too selfish and childish. Then he replied to me. “Im already on my way back.” I blinked in surprise. “You are?” “Yes.” Relief spread through my chest instantly, and the tight knot of anxiety loosened just a little. “Okay,” I whispered. The link faded soon after. I stood quietly in the living room, staring at the front door and waiting for my mate to come home. The house didn't feel as empty as before now, Jason was coming back for me. A small smile appeared on my lips. Maybe things weren't as hopeless as I thought they were. Maybe he still cared, even if he didn't show it. My hand rested gently over my stomach. “Did you hear that?” I muttered softly. “Your daddy is coming home for us.” Minutes passed slowly, and I paced near the window, glancing outside every few seconds. Finally, headlights appeared through the heavy rain. My heart lifted, Jason’s car. I hurried to the door and pulled it open before the vehicle even fully stopped. Cold wind rushed outside, carrying the scent of rain and wet earth. The car door opened, and I stepped forward slightly, her chest warming with quiet anticipation. But the moment I saw Jason, my heart stopped because he wasn't alone. Rosalie was in his arms, her body looked weak and limp, her pale face pressed against Jason’s shoulder. Jason carried her carefully toward the house. His expression was serious, completely focused on the woman he carried. For a moment, I stood there, simply frozen. Jason walked past me without stopping. Without even looking at me, the warmth I had felt earlier disappeared with immediate effect. Jason finally spoke; his voice was so calm. “Rosalie needs to be taken care of.” That was all, no greeting, no explanation—just those seven words. I stood by the door, rain blowing softly against my back. I wanted to scream, "What about me?” Did I not deserve to be cared for? Put the pack before yourself. Endure, sacrifice. My mother’s voice echoed in my mind as I curled my fingers into the fabric of my sleeve. The hope I had felt just minutes ago, shattered loudly in my chest. Behind me, thunder roared around the sky. And suddenly, the house felt cold again. IV A STRANGER IN MY OWN HOME. SARAH. The moment I stepped into the bathroom, my chest tightened. Rosalie was lying on my bed, our bed. The bed Jason and I shared since the day we were mated. Now, she lay there, looking pale and fragile, her head resting against the pillows as if she belonged there. Jason sat beside her, his eyebrows drawn together in worry, while he carefully adjusted the blanket around her. “Drink some water,” he said softly, lifting the cup to her lips. His voice was so gentle. Gentler than I had heard in a long time, something twisted in my gut, and Adele growled in my mind. She was furious. Adele: Kick her out. My fingers curled tightly around my sleeve, struggling to keep myself from probably crying or bursting out in tears. “You know I can’t do that,” I whispered silently. Adele: That is your bedroom. She snapped. I knew that, of course, I knew, but Rosalie isn’t just anyone. Her parents had done a lot for the pack over the years. They had supported Jason’s family during difficult times, and everyone in the pack respected them. Especially Jason. “I can’t throw her out,” I murmured in my thoughts. Adele huffed angrily but said nothing more. She was a fiercer version of me and wanted me to fight for myself each time, but I always remembered what my mother told me: endure and sacrifice. I needed to be a good Luna to the pack, so I needed to endure everything that was being thrown at me. Adele will understand someday. Rosalie shifted slightly against the pillows. “Jason…” she whispered weakly. “I’m here,” Jason replied instantly. His hand moved to her shoulder, steady and protective. I stood near the doorway, feeling like a visitor and a stranger in my own home. The storm outside had softened into steady rain, tapping gently against the windows, but the heaviness in my chest grew and tightened. Jason finally looked up and noticed that I was standing there. He stood up, his expression serious. “I’m going to take a shower,” he said. “Stay and keep an eye on Rosalie. Tend to her needs and give her anything she wants.” He said, and my heart paused for a moment. He didn’t ask, he told me. He commanded me to look after the woman I was competing with in my marriage. Still, I nodded with a crooked smile on my face. “Okay.” He walked past me without another word. A moment later, I heard the bathroom door close and the running of water. The room fell silent, and for a few seconds, Rosalie didnt move. Then, suddenly, her eyes fell open, and they landed on me. The weakness in her expression faded almost instantly, and a faint smile appeared on her face. I frowned because I was confused. She was groaning in pain just seconds ago. What changed? And the smile on her face wasn't a kind one, and my stomach twisted. I forced myself to stay calm and pick up the cup of water Jason left on the nightstand. “You should drink something warm,” I said gently as I moved closer to her. Rosalie pushed herself up slightly against the pillows. I held the cup towards her, she reached for it, and then suddenly, her hand jerked. The cup slipped, and hot water splashed on my hand, burning my skin. Pain shot through me. “Ah!—“ I gasped, instinctively pulling my hand back, making the cup shatter on the floor, and water spread across the wooden boards. Rosalie cried out immediately. “Jason!!!!” Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears, as if she were the one who was hurt. The bathroom door burst open seconds later, Jason rushed out, and his hair was still wet. “What happened?” He demanded. His eyes immediately moved to Rosalie. She held out her hand quickly while mumbling. “My hand…it hurts.” The water didnt even splash on her like that. I was the one with most of the burns. Jason’s expression turned dark as he grabbed her wrist and examined it carefully. The skin on the backs of her hands was slightly red. His jaw tightened, and he looked up. “What happened?” He asked again, his voice colder this time around. My burned hand still throbbed. “It was an accident,” I said quickly. “My hand slips—“ “She pushed it,” Rosalie said softly. My words stopped. Jason turned slowly to look at me. Rosalie's voice sounded so fragile that anyone would believe her. “I didn’t mean to upset her…” she murmured while wincing in pain. “I think—think she’s mad at me and doesn’t want me here.” My heart dropped immediately. “Thats not true,” I said quickly. But Jason’s expression had already turned into anger and irritation, his eyes were awfully cold now. “Enough,” he said sharply, and the word cut through the atmosphere like a blade. I froze. He believed her. “I didn’t—“ I tried again. “Stay out of this room,” Jason interrupted. For a moment, I simply stared at him. My chest felt hollow at this situation. “You think I did this on purpose?” I asked softly. He didn’t hesitate when he replied. “You’ve always disliked Rosalie.” The words landed like a slap to my face. I opened my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. Because I could see clearly in his eyes that he had already made up his mind, nothing I said would change it. Slowly, I lowered my head. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice sounded smaller than I expected, which I hated. I turned around and exited the room as he requested. The door closed behind me with a soft click. Ive been chased out of my bedroom, in my matrimonial home. The thought alone brought tears to my eyes, but I pushed them back and went to sit on the couch. Staring at my hands, the red mark from the hot water stung, but it didn’t hurt as much as the tightness in my chest. Adele was silent, and I knew it was because she was too angry to speak. A few minutes later, the front door opened, I looked up, and it was Simon. He walked in, carrying a small medical bag. Jason must have called him. Simon nodded politely when he saw me. “Good evening, Luna.” I forced a faint smile, which was my part as the Luna. Smile even when sad—the lessons branded into my brain by my mother. “Good evening, Simon.” He disappeared into the bedroom, and the door closed again. I sat there, listening to the muffled voices inside. Time passed slowly, so slowly. Eventually, the door opened again, and Simon stepped out, with Jason behind him. They paused near the entrance, and Simon glanced back toward the living room. His eyes rested on me for a moment, and I started panicking. Was he about to tell him about my pregnancy? I tried to beg him through my eyes not to tell him. He sighed before looking back at Jason. “You should keep an eye on the Luna’s health,” he said thoughtfully. Jason frowned slightly. “What do you mean?” “She looks a bit pale and lean lately,” Simon replied. “It might be a good idea to get her checked, too.” For a brief second, I thought I saw concern flash through Jason’s eyes, but as fast as I thought them, they were gone. And he let out a sarcastic laugh that made my heart bleed and made me feel like he was mocking me. I felt the tears well up again. “Sarah?” He said, his voice carrying a hint of the mockery I felt earlier. “She's perfectly healthy; she has plenty of energy to bully Rosalie.” He said calmly. The words drifted across the room, he said casually, but they struck me harder than anything else tonight. Simon frowned slightly, but he didn’t say anything and I bowed my head in shame. I felt embarrassed. “Just…keep it in mind.” He said before leaving. After the front door closed behind him, the house was silent again. I remained on the couch, staring at the door. My hand slowly moved to rest over my stomach. Six weeks. A bitter smile touched my lips. “Did you hear that?” I whispered in a trembling voice. “Your father thinks we are healthy.” V THE SECRET NEEDS TO STAY HIDDEN. SARAH. I stayed on the couch for a long time. My hand continued massaging my stomach, as if I was comforting my baby. Inside that bedroom, Jason was taking care of Rosalie, and out here, I sat alone with a secret he didn't know existed. Adele stirred faintly after her long silence. Adele: You should tell him. My throat tightened with the thought. “No,” I whispered. I stood up slowly and walked down the hallway; each step felt heavier than the last. When I reached the small guest room at the end of the hall, I slipped inside and closed the door behind me. The room was dark, and only the faint light from the streetlight outside filtered in through the curtains. For a moment, I simply stood there. Then my strength finally gave out. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. I pressed a hand over my mouth, trying to keep the sound in, because crying felt like a weakness. And lately….I had already felt too weak. My other hand slowly reached into my pocket, and I pulled out the small folded paper that I had kept with me all day because I was afraid of leaving it lying around for Jason to see. The test result, the doctor’s neat handwriting stared back at me. Six weeks pregnant. My vision blurred again. Jason didn't even believe me about а cup of water. If I told him about the baby, would he think I was lying, too? Or worse—would he think that I was trying to trap him or tie him down with a child? My chest tightened painfully. “No,” I whispered again. The word trembled in the quiet room. I carefully folded the paper and tucked it in my pocket. “I won't tell him.” Not now. Maybe not ever. Adele didn't argue with me this time; she only sighed in understanding in the back of my mind. Eventually, my tears stopped, and it was still raining outside, and the heaviness in my chest didn't reduce. ——————————— The next morning arrived quietly. I barely slept. When the sunlight streamed in through the curtains, I forced myself out of bed, showered, and then got dressed. Today, I had to go to Stella’s house. Jason’s grandmother. She was a nice woman who always looked out for me. The women of the family were gathering for a tea party. Normally, I would have looked forward to it, but today, my chest felt strangely tight and hollow. Still I couldn't refuse, it was my duty as the Luna, so I went. Stella’s house was warm and lively when I got there thirty minutes later. Soft laughter filled the garden where a long table had been set beneath a large tree. Tea cups, pastries, and flowers were laid out perfectly to decorate the table. Several women from the family had already arrived, and they greeted me warmly as I stepped in. “Sarah!” “Good morning, dear.” “Come sit with us.” I forced a smile as usual and greeted them politely. The cheerful atmosphere helped a little. For a while, I almost forgot the heaviness in my chest. Then Karina arrived. She stepped into the garden carrying her son. She just gave birth, and she looked like she was glowing. The round cheeks of the baby were pink, and his small hands clung tightly to his mother’s dress. “He's so adorable,” someone said. Karina smiled proudly as she sat down with her son, placed carefully on her lap. Karina sat beside me and offered that if I wanted to carry her baby, I couldn't say no, of course, plus he looked so cute, so I indulged in carrying him. He felt so small. “Hello,” I said gently. His hand wrapped around my pinky, and pink hues spread across his cheeks as he giggled. My heart softened at the sight. “He must like women, look at him blushing and holding tight to Sarah,” Stella said, and everybody at the table laughed.
"“You've got to be kidding me, Savannah.” Chloe twirled the diamond on her finger, her smile bright enough to cut glass. “I'm marrying Dean Archer.” For a second, I couldn't breathe. Dean. The man I thought I'd spend forever with, was marrying my sister. “Oh, and by the way,” Chloe added sweetly,""still single, huh? Don't worry, someone will want you… eventually.” Something in me snapped. “Who said I'm single?” I shot back. “I'm engaged.” Her brows lifted, amused.""To who?” I took a breath I didn't have. “To Roman Blackwood.” Her laughter was instant, sharp. “Roman? The guy who swore he'd never settle down? Wow, good luck with that.” *** A few hours later, I was pounding on Roman's door. He opened it barefoot, hair messy, wearing that smug grin I hated to love. “You've officially lost it,” he said.""Fake engagement? Really, Savannah?” “I need your help,” I blurted.""I want to ruin their wedding.” He stared for a moment, then stepped closer, a slow smirk spreading across his face. “You know what, sweetheart? You picked the right guy for the job.” Pause. His voice dropped lower. “But if we're gonna sell this, we'll need to… rehearse.” And so it began. Hand-holding. Flirty smiles. Public kisses that lingered too long. “Are you trying to get this close?” I hissed one night. Roman's grin was infuriating. “Just making it believable, darling.” By the time we walked into Chloe's wedding arm in arm, the whole room froze. Dean's face went pale. Chloe's jaw dropped. And me? I wasn't sure anymore when pretending had turned into something real. “Roman,” I whispered later,""when this is over, we go back to being friends. Right?” He looked at me for a long moment, eyes dark, voice low. “Maybe,” he said, “I'm not ready for this act to end.”" ************************* Chapter 1: You're Marrying My Ex? “I'm getting married!” I blinked. “Huh? You were dating?” “Of course I was, dummy. You know I love being in love.” My sister, Chloe laughed. She was glowing. That was the first red flag. “Is it to the guy named Zane with a silent G? The one you met at the three-month yoga retreat in LA?” “Ew no. Zane was a jerk.” She snapped. “Umm, congrats I guess… but who's the lucky guy?” Unlucky, if I was free to be honest. Chloe held out a crisp, green and cream-colored envelope with silver calligraphy. I took the wedding invitation and unfolded it, dread already settling in at the back of my head. “You are cordially invited to the wedding of Chloe Hart and Dean Archer.” My heart didn’t just sink, it free-fell through my stomach and straight out my body. “Dean Archer,” I said slowly. “My Dean?” Chloe swiftly snatched her wedding invite from my trembling fingers. “MY Dean,” Chloe chirped. “Isn’t it crazy? It all just… clicked. He came back to New Hope last Christmas, we reconnected, and—boom. Instant.” I stared at my sister like she was speaking in tongues. Dean Archer was my college ex. The one who left me without a real explanation. Dumped me via text on my birthday. The ex I never got over. The one who knew all the right buttons to push and disappeared just when I’d started to believe in him. “You're marrying my ex?” Chloe rolled her eyes. “Your ex? Was that actually a relationship? That old fling? C'mon sis.” My mouth went dry. Chloe rose from the couch and stepped forward as if to greet me, then stopped abruptly, her nose wrinkled in delicate horror. Oh. No, I don’t think I can hug you. You’ve got ink on your hands, and I just had this sweater dry-cleaned. She wore a pastel-pink cable-knit sweater over a white satin tank top, paired with pressed cream linen pants and ballet flats that had never seen a scuff. Her blonde hair was tucked into a perfect low bun. Every part of her screamed effortless grace. Me, in contrast, stood in the doorway in a rumpled button-down, a charcoal skirt that barely grazed my thighs, one heel hanging on for dear life, and black ink smudged across my three fingers. I stared at her, stunned into silence. Chloe sipped her wine. "You okay? You look a little pale. Is it the vertigo again? Maybe skip the champagne toast at the wedding. I’d hate for you to go down during the vows. That'd be embarrassing, Sav. Anyway, you’re gonna be my maid of honor. Fingers crossed, you catch the bouquet. My fiancé has good looking friends you could manage to impress.” I stared at her. “I left the office in a hurry, broke my freaking stiletto, ran three red-lights, fought with drunk drivers and nearly crashed my Audi, just to get home to you, Chloe. You said it was an emergency!” She paused mid-sip. “Oh… I'm sorry I had no idea. I just thought you were late because you got distracted by a Zara window again.” She giggled. “Nope.” “Well, if you did though it'd come in handy now because you know I'm quite particular about colours, shades and fabrics.” She rambled on. It was my turn to roll my eyes, “Let me hear it.” “It's green. But not the basic one… it's a bit more intense.” She describes. “You mean emerald green?” I asked flatly. “It’s not just emerald green, okay? God, do I look like someone who wears something off-the-rack? No. It’s more like… if envy and royalty had a scandalous love child. Think deep forest glimmering with silent judgment. Rich. Regal. But also don’t-touch-me sharp. Not teal. Not moss. Not jade. And absolutely not that murky mall-green you find in discount bins where your OOTD comes from. This shade says, ‘Yes, I’ve arrived, and no, I don’t care that you’re staring’.” My mouth hung up. “That's emerald, Chlo.” I argued. “No, it's not. That stuff is basic. For the fabric? Silk. Rich silk. Can you afford that, Sav? You're gonna be my maid of honor, you have to look presentable enough to play the part. Don’t bring your Walmart thrifts to my event.” Something snapped within me. If this is how you wanna play, then let's play, baby sis. “Can I bring a date?” She glanced up from her phone. “You haven't had a decent relationship in years. Who could you possibly be bringing?” I lifted my chin. "Actually, I've got big news to share too… wanted to keep it a secret but now? Not so much." “You got promoted at work?” “I'm engaged.” Chloe choked on her sip. "You?" I beamed, “Yes, I'm getting married too.” Chloe made a face as if her wine had suddenly turned bitter. “That's huge. And who's the brave guy?” Roman Blackwood. You know, my best friend. He works in finance. I lied without blinking. Chloe's brows shot up. "Roman? The one who always texts you during family dinners and sends Dad cigars at Christmas? That Roman?" I forced a smile. "The very one. We’ve kept it quiet. Didn’t want to steal anyone’s thunder." Chloe blinked. "Hmm. I mean... good for you. I didn’t think you were the relationship type, but here we are. Must be something in the air." “Must be." I turned toward the kitchen to grab a glass of water, my fingers trembling just enough to clink the glass against the tap. But, uh, let’s not tell the family just yet. We’re still figuring out the timing. You know Roman is always busy and only gets to take two vacations in twelve months and I'm always busy booking meetings and controlling schedules. We don't want to get overwhelmed with the whole process. You understand, right? Chloe rose and grabbed her purse, that same serene smile on her face as she headed for the door. “Crystal," she said in a voice like a sugar cube melting in tea. "I've got you. Love you, sis." And then she was gone. Leaving behind her perfume… and chaos. Immediately, my phone started vibrating in my bag. After rummaging for minutes, I finally found it and nearly dropped it instantly with a shriek. Chloe had opened her big mouth and told literally everyone from our genepool that I was getting married. The family group chat was heating up. Mom, dad, our older sister, Alyssa, Aunt Janice, Aunt Thelma, Uncle Jace…. Literally everybody that saw me in diapers! “Shoot!” I've got to warn Roman. Chapter 2: Let's Ruin A Wedding. I didn’t knock on the door, I pounded. Roman’s door swung open a few seconds later, revealing him in nothing but a pair of blindingly white Calvin Klein boxer briefs and sleep-tousled hair. I wasn't fazed. Roman usually sleeps without clothes. “Nice boxers. Very... spiritual monk energy you have going on,” I said, breezing inside. Roman rubbed his eyes, “It’s one in the morning. Did you set something on fire again?” I kicked the door shut behind me, my heel finally giving up and snapping clean off. “Just my life.” Roman sighed and knelt, without a word, helping me out of my shoes as usual. “Roman, I did something horrible.” Roman's face morphs into one of seriousness. He briskly walks to the widows, looks both ways then snaps them shut and proceeds to do that to all the windows. “How bad is it? Do I need to hide a body or bail you out of jail? Be honest.” He said. “My sister’s getting married,” I said, breathless. “I'm lost.” “To Dean Archer.” Roman frowned. “Wait, the Dean Archer?” I nod. He paused. ““Shoot, Can she do that? Isn’t there a code against that?” “She told me like she was announcing she made partner at Vogue. In freaking pastel.” Roman pulled me into a hug. “I'm so sorry, love. I'll make popcorn and ice-cream. We'll watch Scream and you can call in sick at the office tomorrow.” He suggested. I spun dramatically, dizzying myself. Roman reached to steady me instinctively, one hand at my waist. “Savannah—careful. Vertigo?” I collapsed to my knees in the middle of his kitchen, clapped my hands together like I was begging for a miracle. “Please don’t kill me. I lied. I did a very, very bad thing.” Roman squinted. “What did you do?” “Say you forgive me first.” “Savannah.” “Say it, Roman. Or I’m never getting up.” He groaned. “Fine. I forgive you. Now stand up before I have to carry you.” I stood, dusted myself off, and blurted, “I told Chloe we’re engaged.” Roman blinked. “You what?” “She was smug and shiny and waving her invitation card like a disco ball, and I panicked. I told her we’ve been secretly in love this whole time.” He rubbed a hand down his face, exhaled, and said, “You showed up here at midnight to ask me to be your fake fiancé because you lied to your entire family to one-up your sister?” “Yes.” He leaned against the counter. “I was supposed to be in Tuscany next week. There are hot models. Clubs. Parties. Cocktails. Poolside massages. Magnificent D cups … You know what happens in Tuscany.” I batted my lashes. “You could still have models. Just... add me to the mix.” He gave me a look. “Savannah.” “Roman.” “You couldn’t have said... like, Jake from accounting?” “You’re the only one they know.” “That’s fair.” “The more I think about this, the more ridiculous it sounds,” he said, finally walking to the kitchen. “You fake-engaged me to your entire family, to outdo your sister who’s marrying your ex, and now we’re driving to New Hope to pull off this epic lie?” I nodded. “Okay, okay, counteroffer—I give you my next paycheck. Just the one. And maybe my soul.” Roman snorted. “Love, your paycheck wouldn’t cover my shoelaces. I bought you a winter coat last Christmas that cost six times your rent.” “And I love that coat,” I said sweetly. “See? I’m grateful. Please, Roman… I can't survive one week in New Hope without you by my side. I need you with me to fight my evil sister.” He watched me, his eyes softer now. “You’re lucky you’re my best friend.” “I love you.” I squealed. Roman sighed. “When do we leave for New Hope?” “In two weeks.” He ran a hand through his messy hair. “Great. Let’s ruin a wedding.” I practically threw myself into his arms, wrapping my arms and legs around him like a koala. “Thank you! I knew you would agree!” “Yeah, don't get too excited.” I exhaled, finally allowing myself to sit down on his couch. Roman glanced at me, then walked to the kitchen. “I’m still making popcorn.” “Huh?” “And ice cream too. You need both. Preferably in the same bowl.” I smiled, heart swelling. “You’re the best fake fiancé a girl could ask for.” He returned minutes later with a giant bowl of buttered popcorn and another with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and crushed Oreos. He handed me a spoon and flopped down beside me. “Come on,” he said, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “You’re not making me cuddle alone.” I wrinkled my nose. “You’re in your underwear.” “And yet, still the more clothed one in this friendship.” I settled into his side, sighing. “You’re really going to do this for me?” Roman kissed the top of my head. “I’ve been doing stuff for you since the day we met. This one’s just got better snacks.” “Only if you ignore Chloe.” “Do we have to kiss?” Roman asked. The thought struck me like lightning,wakingme up in seconds. “Oh, shoot!” Roman smirked. “You really thought of everything but that?” “How'd I forget that?” “I’m sorry… Did you think engaged people do finger guns and fist bumps at dinner parties?” He joked. “Well, I didn’t think we’d need a full kissing strategy! But now I’m imagining us standing awkwardly next to the cake like coworkers who accidentally RSVP’d yes to the same wedding.” I cringed at the image. “I suggest we practice, Roman.” He shifts closer, slowly, like a lion circling an antelope. “Practice?” “Yes! This is a tongue-related crisis.” Roman laughed. “One trial kiss,” I insist. “A simulation. For science.” “You want to kiss me... for science?” “Don’t make it weird.” Roman stops just in front of me. There’s only an inch of space between us now, and suddenly the air is different—thicker, warmer, dangerous. His gaze flicks to my mouth. “Alright, Hart… Let’s practice.” He grins. “I must warn you, I'm sort of a pro at this.” My breath catches as I lean in. Closer. My eyes locked on his. Roman’s lips part slightly— Then I violently press my index finger and thumb down on my nose as if getting a bad whiff. Roman blinks. His face is a mashup of confusion and shock. “...Are you okay?” I gasped dramatically, nose pinched. “Is my cologne too strong?” “Your ego. It’s choking me. I needed to make sure I could breathe before I died mid-kiss.” I cackled. Roman just stares at me. I released my nose, looking proud. “You really thought this was the perfect opportunity for a prank?” Roman asked. “I’m legally obligated to humble you once a week. Consider this your dose.” He drags a hand down his face. “You’re the most chaotic fake fiancée on the planet.” “You’re welcome.” We were halfway through the movie when Roman picked up his phone and absently started scrolling. I was mid-rant about how I'd have to sell my kidney and my car to look on theme judging from how Chloe overemphasised on the colour and fabric for the wedding when Roman suddenly went quiet. Too quiet. “What?” I asked, glancing up at him. His expression was unreadable, then he turned the screen toward me. It was Instagram… A DM request to be specific. “Sav, why is your ex-boyfriend slash brother-in-law sending me a message request?” Chapter 3: Voicenote incoming… The Next Day… Mom: "Can't wait to see your fiancé, sweetie!!” Aunt Carol: Omg!!! Chloe said he’s GORGEOUS.""" Chloe: “Eeeee! So happy for you, Sav!” I rolled my eyes at the last two messages in the group chat. It's not as if Chloe knows what Roman looks like— except now that she's actively stalking him on social media. Just like her husband-to-be. The clatter of keyboards filled the office. Phones ringing left, right and center. The smell of caffeine and papers thick in the air. I sat at my desk, trying to look busy while my phone wouldn’t stop vibrating. If this continues, I'm certain my boss, Terry Goldberg wouldn't hesitate when handing me my sack letter. Another message popped in, my colleagues gave me the stink eye as I finally decided to turn it off. New Hope was on fire. Word had spread like pollen in spring… ‘Savannah Hart was coming back with a man. For the second time in her life’. With a fiancé this time. With Roman Blackwood. My ex was getting married and I’d panicked myself into the lie of the century. And now there was no turning back. A knock landed on my desk. I blinked up. An intern hovered with an elegant black box that looked heavy. The kind of box that whispered, there's wealth in here. But on a more intense look, bombs are usually packaged this way too. “Delivery for you.” I stared. “Is it ticking?” The intern shrugged. “If it is, it’s ticking in cursive.” I eyed the box suspiciously. “Does it say who it's from?” The intern shrugged. Again. My colleagues began whispering and craning their necks to get a better look. “Great. Thank you.” The box wasn't heavy as I expected as I looked for an empty cubicle to lock myself in. I set the box down in an empty stall and unwrapped the package that came with no card. It was a silk dress. The type that clung onto your skin like a good scent. This was not just any dress. This was THE dress. A stunning emerald green, low necked, bare-backed showstopping dress with a decent thigh slit that announced the wearer's arrival without saying a word. Wow Beneath the dress lay the note I was looking for earlier in smooth, clean strokes of ink that smelled expensive. “Figured if we’re going to sell this, you need to look like heartbreak in heels. You don't have to sell your car… – R.” My hands trembled as I read the note three times. Then I called him… He picked up on the second ring. “You got it?” My voice came out cracked. “Roman… This dress looks like it belongs on a red carpet. Not in New Hope.” “Exactly.” “I didn't even think you were listening to me last night.” “I'm always listening to you.” I swallowed. “How much did this cost?” “Enough to ruin your sister’s day.” I paused, then laughter slipped out of my mouth. “You’re insane,” I whispered. “You’re welcome,” he replied smoothly. “You’re not walking into that wedding looking like a cautionary tale. You’re walking in like a big event.” My heart thudded. “I could kiss you.” “You will,” Roman said, calm. Steady. “In front of your entire family. Repeatedly.” “Oh, God… you make it sound worse when you say it that way.” I groaned. “And your ex too.” Roman added. “That, I'm excited for.” We laughed. “He's still texting you?” “Surprisingly, yes. I get the vibe he suspects we're lying or one of us is using the other.” “What?” “The dude does know you though… on a much deeper level.” He winced. “What do you mean?” “He claims to be happy for us but he turns around and lets me know you used to tell him that you'd never date a guy like me. What's up with that?” My palms became sweaty. “And what'd you say?” “Me? I just told him how much fun he must be at therapy.” I burst out into laughter in the middle of the bathroom stall. “I can imagine his face.” “You know you could have picked Colin from Eastview Firm? Or Ethan from HR…” Roman suggested. “The more mysterious, the better.” “They're both my exes. Everyone on that darn group chat knows when I broke up with both of them. Besides, Ethan only lasted long enough to serve one purpose.” “Gross… don't remind me.” I can imagine Roman wrinkling his face in disgust. “Where are you anyways? You're not in your office, are you?” “Nope. Considering my leave was squashed two hours after it began, I'm savouring what I can before I move into Hart family drama.” I winced. “I'm sorry.” He playfully brushed it off. “All fun is good fun, love. I'll try to enjoy New Hope.” “I doubt that.” “Baby,” Roman said, voice warm and low, “I’m about to be the realest fake man you’ve ever had.” “I can't wait.” “Well, I gotta go, there's a hot blonde winking right at me. I'm about to get lucky… I’ll text you later, love!” He hurriedly said before hanging up. Typical Roman I placed the dress against my body in front of the office mirror and took a selfie, typing across a message to attach to it before sending it to the bride of nightmares. “Hey, Chlo, just checking—this the exact green you wanted, right? I know how you get about shades.” I pressed send and breathed out as the three dots danced across the screen. Suddenly… it disappeared. A mic icon appeared in its place… Voicenote incoming… I hesitated for a whole freaking hour, then hit play. Nothing good ever happens when Chloe sends voice notes. “Sav, I think that dress is a little too low-cut. It looks like you’re… seeking attention? You’re going to look like you’re trying to upstage me, Savannah. Not like that's even possible, but then… I just had to be honest. That color’s too… dramatic. I didn't know it'd be this prominent when I imagined it. But I'll take that fault. And honestly, sis, that dress looks too good for you. And what's with that slit? Would your pride survive if your vertigo knocks you around a little bit? Well, you're one tough old cookie, Sav.” Pause. “How did you even afford that dress? Never mind. I don't want to know the gory details. Gotta go! Love you, sis!” My hands trembled. My breathing turned erratic. How dare that little witch. Oh, Chloe, this isn't a wedding anymore, this is war. And may the best groom win. Chapter 4: Trip To New Hope Two Weeks Later… “You’re wearing my hoodie.” Roman stated. “When did you steal that one?” “I didn't steal, I borrowed. Those are two different things.” I muttered, buckling in, “if I die on this trip, tell everyone I looked cute and smelled amazing.” “Will do. You sure you got everything?” He asked as he settled into the driver seat. “Anxiety? Check. Emergency snacks? Check. A dress that my sister says is ‘too good for me’? Triple check.” I counted off my fingers. “That was a low blow, by the way. I can't believe she said all that over a dress. You okay?” “I'll survive. She's said much worse to me.” “And the most important? Did you get it?” Roman started his sleek, black Aston Martin. His sunglasses perched perfectly atop his hair. I grinned wickedly. “You bet.” Roman laughed as he pulled away from the curb. “Remind me never to mess with you, Sav.” “Or buy you a wedding gift.” I added. “No need to worry about that. I'm never getting married. Ever.” He emphasised. I rolled my eyes. “Everyone says that. Then boom, suddenly they're happily married with twenty kids and a dozen dogs.” He scoffed. “Cute picture. But not for me.” I frowned. I've known Roman for five years and this is the first time he's ever spoken about this. “Why?” “Some things just aren't meant for some people. Sav, look at me, do I look like the type of guy that fits into that picture?” He asked with one hand on the steering. I took a good look at him. From his green eyes to his Adam's apple down to his ivory coloured cashmere sweater and black pants. “Sure.” He shook his head. “I don't think so. I like my life as it is.” “If you're anti-marriage, why are you going with me to New Hope?” He glanced at me before turning his attention back to the road. “Who knows? Maybe it's the spirit of adventure. Maybe for experience? Or just because I'd do anything for you.” I let that sink. “Why don't you wanna get married? I know I do want to settle down some day when I'm older.” I placed a hand on my chest. “You're turning thirty, Savannah.” He cackled. “I can still say when I'm older. There's no rule that prevents thirty-year olds from saying it.” I argued. “Besides, you never stated the reason why you swore off marriage.” “Let's not dig up dead bodies, love.” I playfully glared at him. “I'm still gonna get that story out of you, one way or another.” “Till then, love.” Roman smiled. An hour into the drive, the GPS announced: "Continue on I-95 North for 67 miles." I looked at him, head tilted. “Okay. It’s time.” “For?” I turned dramatically in my seat, pulling out my phone. “The road trip playlist. It’s a sacred ritual. First song sets the tone.” Roman arched an eyebrow. “If you play Taylor Swift, I’m driving us into a river.” I gasped. “You take that back.” “You take that playlist back.” We wrestled over my phone like children, with Roman not wanting to give it up. At one point, I climbed halfway into his lap trying to pry it back, giggling and shrieking. “I will end you, Blackwood!” I swore. “You’re gonna get us pulled over.” Eventually, I gave up, breathless and flushed. He handed the phone back with a smirk. “Fine. Play your heartbreak anthems.” “Darn right I will.” I queued up a dramatic song about betrayal and exes. We listened in silence for a beat. Then I said, softly, “Do you think they’ll believe us?” Roman didn’t answer right away. Then he said, “I think if we’re not careful… we might start believing it ourselves.” We looked at each other… Then burst into laughter. “You almost got me.” I giggled. ~~~~~~~~~ We've been driving for two hours. Conversation flowed like it always did with Roman—effortless, familiar, full of sharp banter and long silences that never felt awkward. “You sure you want to do this?” I asked as we passed the ‘Welcome to New Hope’ sign. “There’s still time to turn around. Fake a car fire. Say you got food poisoning. Or I can say I had a pregnancy scare.” “I canceled a relaxing vacation for this,” he said. “I’m not half-assing it, Sav.” “Right. Because this is a performance.” He didn’t answer right away. Just gave me that unreadable look again… the one that made me feel seen in ways I wasn’t ready for. “This isn’t just a performance, Sav,” he said finally. “It’s the start of a battle.” I nodded. “They're not gonna know what hit them.” The moment we crossed into New Hope, my stomach dropped. The group chat was still buzzing. I looked out the window to places I used to know. People I used to know. The houses grew more familiar, more homey, and more weaponized by nostalgia and memories I thought I'd successfully kept buried. By the time Roman turned into the gravel driveway of my childhood home, my hands were sweating. Can I really pull this off for one week? “Sav? You okay?” He reached over to place his free hand on my thigh. I smiled. “Of course. I just got swept into the music.” We both turned to the house. Me, with a glum expression. Him, with surprise. “Sav, are you sure we're at the right house?” I gulped. “Yes.” The Hart family home was nestled at the end of a winding, tree-lined driveway. A timeless monument made of stone, with ivy creeping along the edges like whispers of old secrets. Two tall brick chimneys crowned the sharply gabled roof, hinting at roaring fires that warm the silk-draped drawing rooms. The tall, amber-lit windows that still glow like honey at dusk, spilling golden light across the manicured hedges that flank the front entrance with a soft arch that cradles the wooden double doors, facing the wraparound porch with wrought-iron lanterns and polished oak railings And finally, to the left stood a blooming cherry tree bush with pink petals against the stone like a blush that won’t fade, no matter how many winters come and go. “Your house is quite bigger than I imagined.” “I forgot to mention my dad is a retired federal judge.” I ran my sweaty palms over my black joggers. “You skipped the part where you're supposed to let me know the Harts live in a fortress.” Nevertheless, Roman pulled into the gravel driveway like he owned the place. The welcoming committee was already waiting at the front entrance. My mom. My older sister, Alyssa. My aunties. My cousin, Lizzie, from Florida. My little niece. Chloe in head-to-toe white. And worst of all— Dean freaking Archer.
Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia
Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now.Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now. Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia Capítulo 1 ¡Bum! Las puertas de la sala del evento se abrieron de golpe. "¡Algo le ha pasado a Lydia!", gritó un hombre al entrar tambaleándose, con el pánico pintado en el rostro. Las palabras impactaron como una bomba. La sala —decorada con flores, lazos y música romántica, bullendo de emoción por la propuesta— quedó instantáneamente en silencio. El hombre en el centro de atención, aún de rodillas, con el anillo en la mano, se giró sobresaltado. "¿Qué acabas de decir?" Quade Zimmer, con su pelo teñido de azul tan estridente como su voz, soltó: "¡La señora Lancaster acaba de llamar! ¡Lydia ha tenido un accidente de coche! ¡Está en el hospital ahora mismo!" Apenas habían salido las palabras de su boca cuando estalló el caos: sillas arrastrándose, tacones repiqueteando, gente apresurándose hacia la puerta. No era una exageración decir que Lydia Wallace era la chica de moda de su círculo: hermosa, talentosa, frágil de esa forma desgarradora que hacía que la gente quisiera protegerla. Todos la adoraban, la compadecían, la veneraban. ¿Y ahora que su diosa estaba herida? A nadie le quedaba corazón para seguir celebrando una propuesta de matrimonio cuya respuesta todos ya conocían. Incluso el chico que proponía lo dejó todo y salió corriendo. "Jasper—" La voz que pronunció su nombre llegó por detrás —suave, apenas más que un suspiro. Fue entonces cuando todos finalmente se dieron cuenta: la mujer a la que le estaban pidiendo matrimonio no había dicho ni una palabra en todo este tiempo. Alguien debió de haber dado a los interruptores en el caos, porque la sala se oscureció. La única luz provenía de las suaves lámparas de la pared. En un rincón, mitad en sombras, mitad en luz, estaba Claudia Lancaster. Su belleza no era del tipo dulce y gentil —era marcada, impactante, inolvidable. Pero en ese momento, su calma resultaba inquietante. Su expresión no revelaba nada. "¿No quieres oír mi respuesta?", preguntó en voz baja. Hacía apenas un minuto, Jasper Fenton le había pedido que se casara con él. Ahora, a medio camino de la puerta, se detuvo en seco. Ni siquiera intentó explicarse. "Claudia, lo siento. Tengo que ir al hospital. Vete a casa primero, ¿vale?" "¿Y si no te dejo ir?" Su voz se mantuvo firme. "Jasper, sabes que la odio." Jasper suspiró, exasperado. "Claudia, ahora no. No es momento para empezar una pelea." "Mi respuesta… puede que solo la obtengas una vez", dijo, tan calmada como siempre. Algo en su tono le hizo hacer una pausa. Normalmente, en cuanto salía el nombre de Lydia, Claudia estallaba —espetando, poniendo los ojos en blanco, maldiciendo a Lydia entre dientes. Pero esta noche, estaba fría, distante. Casi como si lo hubiera estado esperando. Un destello de inquietud le recorrió la espalda a Jasper. "Oh, por favor", intervino Quade, poniendo los ojos en blanco. "Has estado obsesionada con Jasper desde, ¿qué, la secundaria? El tipo finalmente te propone matrimonio y ¿se supone que debemos creer que dirías que no?" "Sí, alguien podría estar muriéndose en serio. Te pueden proponer matrimonio cualquier otro día", añadió alguien más. "¡Exacto! Las familias arreglaron esto hace siglos, toda esta cosa es solo por apariencias." Los comentarios dolían, pero Claudia ni siquiera parpadeó. Sus ojos oscuros permanecieron clavados en Jasper. Esperando. Jasper dejó escapar otro suspiro y volvió hacia ella. Como siempre, le despeinó el cabello como si fuera una niña. "Pórtate bien, ¿vale? No montes una escena. Lydia podría estar gravemente herida. Este no es el momento para una rabieta." Siempre era así. Cada vez que Lydia estaba involucrada, Jasper nunca preguntaba quién tenía razón o no. Corría a consolar a Lydia primero, y luego volvía a regañar a Claudia, suave y paciente, como si fuera una niña mimada que simplemente no entendía. Así se sentía amar a alguien desde abajo. No importaba cuánto gritaras, tu ira era solo "graciosa". Nunca seria. ¿Esta propuesta? Nunca había sido una pregunta real. Jasper ya sabía cuál debería haber sido su respuesta. "¡Oh, al diablo con esto, no puedo quedarme callada más tiempo!" Whitney Sawyer golpeó su bolso de mano contra algo, con furia destellando en sus ojos. Había estado aguantándose desde que Quade irrumpió, pero ya era suficiente. "Jasper, ¿eres su novio o su ambulancia personal? ¿Cómo es que cada vez que Lydia sufre 'un accidente', te llama a ti? Siempre perfectamente sincronizado, siempre arruinando tus planes. ¡La última vez fue una cita, ahora es tu propuesta! ¿Qué, no podía esperar a morirse cinco minutos?" Como mejor amiga de Claudia, Whitney había pasado semanas planeando esta propuesta. Y ahora, una vez más, Lydia la había secuestrado, y Jasper había caído directamente en la trampa. La furia de Whitney se extendió como un incendio forestal. "¡Y el resto de ustedes! ¿Para qué corren, a visitarla o a planear su funeral? ¡A este paso, Lydia ya debería haber muerto cien veces!" "¡Whitney!" El rostro de Jasper se ensombreció; el hombre gentil y afable desapareció. Su voz sonó como un latigazo. "Mide tus palabras." "Oh, perdóname." La voz de Whitney subió de tono, aguda y furiosa. "¿No soportas oír criticar a tu preciosa Lydia? Jasper, ¿acaso recuerdas quién es tu novia?" Los ojos de Jasper se helaron. Claudia le agarró el brazo a Whitney, con voz tranquila pero firme. "Si sales por esa puerta, Jasper, terminamos." Ya se había perdido demasiado tiempo. Jasper se pellizcó el puente de la nariz y suspiró. "No digas algo de lo que te arrepentirás. Claudia, hablaremos cuando vuelva." Se dio la vuelta y salió con paso firme, sin mirar atrás. Ni siquiera sabía lo graves que eran las lesiones de Lydia, solo sabía que tenía que ir. Se dijo a sí mismo: Cuando vuelva, lo compensaré. Le haré una propuesta aún mejor. También tomó nota mental de decirle a Claudia que se alejara de Whitney; claramente esa chica le estaba llenando la cabeza de tonterías. La sala se hundió bajo el peso de todo. Incluso aquellos que pensaban que Claudia estaba siendo dramática se mordieron la lengua. Nadie quería contrariar a Jasper, ni a los Sawyer. Uno a uno, se escabulleron. En minutos, el lugar era irreconocible. Pétalos de rosa aplastados y lazos cubrían el suelo. Botellas de vino rodaban bajo las sillas. Glaseado embadurnaba la alfombra. Toda la escena parecía una parodia de lo que había sido, burlándose de lo ridículo que era todo. Mientras los últimos rezagados se quedaban, alguien frunció el ceño. "Esperen… Lydia es la hija adoptiva de los Lancaster, ¿verdad? Oí que es prima de Claudia. ¿Por qué nadie llamó a Claudia también?" "¿Llamarla? ¿Qué, quieren empeorar aún más las lesiones de Lydia?" "Vaya, ¿qué se supone que significa eso?" "Lo de siempre. Que la señorita Lancaster es fría, cruel, desagradecida… ya sabes cómo va." Los susurros comenzaron de nuevo, suaves, venenosos y familiares. Siempre lo hacían cuando el nombre de Lydia salía junto al de Claudia. El rostro de Whitney ardía de ira. Se volvió hacia Claudia, de repente preocupada. Los cotilleos de extraños no importaban, pero ¿la traición de alguien a quien amas? Eso siempre calaba más hondo. Claudia observó la espalda de Jasper mientras se alejaba, cada paso alejándolo más de ella. Era como ver los años escurriéndose entre sus dedos, el chico con el que había crecido desvaneciéndose a lo lejos. Whitney le había preguntado una vez: Si nada hubiera interrumpido esta noche, ¿habrías dicho que sí? Pero, honestamente: No importara cuál fuera su respuesta, el final habría sido el mismo. Lydia nunca la dejaría ganar. Y Jasper nunca la elegiría a ella. En el momento en que le dio la espalda, no se dio cuenta de que, aunque el futuro pueda parecer interminable, la mujer dispuesta a esperarte no dura para siempre. Jasper… esta vez, realmente te dejo ir. En la mesa, entre el desorden, el teléfono de Claudia vibró. Una notificación de WhatsApp apareció, breve y suficiente. "Perdiste." Capítulo 2 Tres días antes, Lydia había acorralado a Claudia. "Sabes que Jasper está a punto de proponerte matrimonio, ¿verdad?" Sus bonitos ojos brillaban, no de emoción, sino de celos y malicia. "Oí que ambas familias querían pasar directamente a la fiesta de compromiso, pero él insistió en hacerlo bien. Dijo que necesitaba oír tu 'sí' él mismo, o no significaría nada. Ayy, qué romántico, ¿no?" "¿Y qué?" Claudia levantó la vista, su tono plano, sin inmutarse. La sonrisa de Lydia se curvó, afilada y venenosa. "¿Y qué? Claudia, ¿qué hace que una pecadora como tú crea que merece felicidad?" Se inclinó más cerca, con voz azucarada pero goteando veneno. "¿Quieres apostar? En tres días, esa propuesta ni siquiera ocurrirá." Claudia solo la miró fijamente. Para todos los demás, Lydia era pura perfección: de voz suave, gentil, toda gracia y luz. Nadie creería que a puerta cerrada podía escupir veneno así. Podría haber detenido la propuesta en cualquier momento que quisiera. Pero no. A Lydia le gustaba el drama. Quería esperar hasta el acto final, para empujar a Claudia fuera del escenario ella misma. Como siempre hacía. … Después de que la propuesta se fuera al traste, el teléfono de Whitney sonó. Una mirada a la identificación de la llamada, y su rostro se demudó. Maldijo entre dientes y salió corriendo. Había planeado dejar a Claudia primero —Claudia había llegado en el coche de Jasper—, pero cuando Claudia se dio cuenta de que algo pasaba con la madre de Whitney, la instó a irse. Cuando todos los demás se habían ido, Claudia se quedó entre los escombros de flores aplastadas y copas de champán, con la cabeza agachada, su expresión ilegible. Dejó escapar una risita amarga. Era tarde. Las calles afuera estaban tranquilas y vacías. Claudia salió del club sin ganas de ir a casa. Vagó junto al río, el frío de la noche calándole la piel. Entonces, se detuvo en seco. Los vellos de su nuca se erizaron: alguien la seguía. Levantó su teléfono, fingiendo tomar una selfie, inclinándolo lo justo para ver el reflejo detrás de ella. Un grupo de hombres, sombras acercándose. Su pulso se disparó. Empezó a caminar más rápido. Ellos también. Su pulgar se cernió sobre su contacto de emergencia —el número que Jasper la había obligado a configurar hacía un año. En aquel entonces, le había roto el brazo a un acosador por molestar a una chica y había terminado en la comisaría. Jasper la sacó bajo fianza, regañándola durante todo el trayecto a casa por ser imprudente. Se había puesto a sí mismo como su contacto de emergencia, haciéndole prometer que si alguna vez estaba en peligro, lo llamaría a él, sin heroísmos, sin orgullo. Había jurado que sin importar dónde o cuándo, iría por ella. Nunca imaginó que la primera vez que llamaría sería así. "¿Claudia?" La voz de Jasper llegó, baja y cansada. Estaba en el hospital. El accidente de Lydia no había sido grave, pero ella era frágil —nacida prematura, se alteraba fácilmente. Solo él podía calmarla. Todo el clan Lancaster estaba acampado fuera. Lydia acababa de quedarse dormida cuando llegó la llamada, despertándola de un salto. "Jasper, alguien me está siguiendo." Silencio. Luego, su voz, fría, desdeñosa. "Claudia, realmente no puedo irme esta noche. No montes una escena." Pensó que estaba mintiendo, intentando alejarlo otra vez del lado de la cama de Lydia. Justo entonces, la madre de Lydia, Lottie Wallace, entró con un vaso de agua. Su rostro suave y elegante se endureció al ver el teléfono en la mano de Jasper. "¡Claudia!", espetó. "Lydia acaba de tener un accidente, y ni siquiera te molestas en visitar. ¿Ahora estás quién sabe dónde, inventando historias? ¿Cuándo vas a crecer? Escucha: nadie se va esta noche. Deja ya tus juegos mezquinos." Colgó sin dudar. En la cama, Lydia yacía pálida y temblorosa. Su voz era pequeña, vacilante. "Mamá, no te enfades. ¿Y si Claudia realmente está en problemas?" Lottie suspiró, la decepción grabada a fuego. "¿Qué problemas podría tener? Esta no es la primera vez que intenta algo cuando tú estás enferma." En la secundaria, Claudia una vez había llamado a casa en medio de la noche, diciendo que la habían secuestrado y exigiendo dinero de rescate. Esa misma noche, Lydia había caído enferma. La familia ya estaba en pánico, y la supuesta llamada de rescate casi le da un infarto a Lottie. Habían corrido a la ubicación, solo para encontrar a Claudia saliendo ilesa, sin un rasguño. Para cuando volvieron a casa, Lydia se había desplomado en el suelo, sola. Era demasiado tarde cuando finalmente la llevaron al hospital. El doctor dijo que con otro retraso, no habría sobrevivido. Esa noche, el padre de Claudia la había golpeado hasta dejarla sangrando. Pasó un mes en el hospital, y nunca se disculpó. La voz de Lottie se suavizó, cargada de decepción. "¿Cuándo se volvió así mi dulce niña?" Jasper conocía cada palabra de esa historia. Incluso había sido él quien llevaba snacks a escondidas a la cama de Claudia en el hospital después, contando chistes estúpidos para hacerla reír. Pero esta noche era diferente. Se dijo a sí mismo que solo estaba haciendo una rabieta por la propuesta arruinada. No tenía energía para sus pataletas. Mañana, cuando se calmara, hablaría con ella, la haría sonreír de nuevo. Colgó, apartó el cabello de la frente de Lydia y susurró: "Se te ha ido la fiebre. Pórtate bien. Duerme." Los ojos de Lydia brillaron con culpa y suavidad. "Jasper, lo siento por esta noche. Es toda mi culpa. Si no fuera tan débil—" "No. Nunca eres una carga." "Jasper…" "Duerme." Sus pestañas aletearon y se cerraron, y una pequeña sonrisa curvó sus labios. Dormiría tranquila esa noche. … Detrás de Claudia, los hombres se acercaban, lentos, perezosos, como gatos jugando con un ratón. Ella siguió corriendo, la voz de Jasper y el regaño de Lottie resonando en su mente. Tal vez había estado decepcionada demasiadas veces, porque ni siquiera se sentía triste ya, solo vacía. Hueca. La noche de abril era cálida, pero cortaba como cristal. La empujaron a un rincón oscuro. Claudia se detuvo bajo un árbol, su expresión calmada, los ojos bajándose al suelo. Entonces, se movió. Quince minutos después, los hombres yacían esparcidos por el pavimento —brazos retorcidos, piernas rotas, gimiendo de dolor. Claudia, sin aliento y sangrando, se dejó caer en el bordillo. Agarró su teléfono con una mano resbaladiza de sangre y marcó al 911. Después de ese lío en octavo grado, había empezado kickboxing y defensa personal. Había aprendido pronto: nadie vendría a salvarla. Uno de los hombres, con el brazo doblado en la dirección incorrecta, empezó a arrastrarse hacia ella. Los ojos de Claudia se posaron sobre él, fríos y afilados. Antes de que pudiera moverse, una bota cayó con fuerza, enviando al tipo volando. Una sombra se cernió sobre ella: un hombre alto con una sonrisa perezosa y el tipo de rostro que podría salirse con la suya cometiendo un asesinato. La miró desde arriba, haciendo un clic suave con la lengua. "Tss. ¿De dónde ha salido esta criaturita?" Capítulo 3 Sterling Romero salió de la Mansión Romero esa noche, lo suficientemente enfadado como para dejar su coche a medio camino a casa y sacar al perro a pasear. Lo que no esperaba era toparse con esa escena. Allí estaba ella, un capullo de rosa hermoso y malherido, acorralado por una jauría de callejeros desaliñados. Parecía frágil, pero la forma en que levantaba la barbilla, los ojos ardiendo de desafío, lo atrajo directamente de vuelta al cachorro de lobo huérfano con el que había vivido en las montañas casi un mes cuando tenía diez años. Todo fanfarronería y dientes al descubierto, guardando su pequeño trozo de tierra. Débil, pero ardiendo de vida. Ese lobo había muerto por sus manos al final. ¿Y esta chica? Era el mismo tipo de criatura: pequeña, espinosa y lista para hacer sangrar a quien intentara hacerle daño. Su rostro ni siquiera se inmutó mientras rompía los brazos de esos matones como si fueran ramitas. Nada la conmovía. Sterling, que rara vez se preocupaba por nada, sintió un destello de interés que no podía sacudirse. En contra de su mejor juicio, intervino. De cerca, era aún más difícil de olvidar. Esos ojos, oscuros, claros, brillantes como una noche después de la lluvia, se engancharon en algo enterrado profundamente dentro de él. Cuando ella levantó la vista, sobresaltada, había un destello de luz estelar que le hizo picar los dedos, con ganas de alargar la mano, de cubrir esos ojos afilados e intrépidos. Bien. Ya había intervenido. Mejor llevarlo hasta el final. Y, honestamente, necesitaba desahogarse. El callejón se llenó de gritos. Hacía un minuto, esos matones solo estaban demasiado heridos para arrastrarse. ¿Ahora? Estaban hechos pedazos: brazos inútiles, piernas rotas, el pánico espeso en el aire. Se arrepentían de todo. El trabajo había sido simple: golpearla un poco, nada grave. Su jefe incluso les había advertido que no dejaran marcas. Pero ella era demasiado hermosa, y unos cuantos se volvieron codiciosos. ¿Quién podría haber imaginado que la belleza delicada pegaba como un demonio, y lo que era peor, que un hombre como él aparecería de la nada? Frío, letal, como la Muerte misma con un abrigo de diseñador. Si el asesinato fuera legal, estaban seguros de que les habría roto el cuello sin pestañear. El cabecilla ya estaba perdiendo la cabeza. Sterling volvió paseando hasta donde la chica yacía observando desde el suelo. Su tono llevaba un rastro de diversión maliciosa. "Eres rápida, pero no lo suficiente despiadada. Si dejas cabos sueltos así, volverán para morderte. Entonces, pequeña callejera, ¿cómo piensas pagarme esta noche?" Claudia, que podría haber manejado la pelea bien por sí sola, y que ahora de alguna manera le debía algo a este extraño, guardó silencio. Tumbada de espaldas, el rostro surcado de sangre y polvo, de alguna manera parecía irreal en la oscuridad. Sterling frunció el ceño. Sucio. Se inclinó para levantar a la silenciosa rosa a sus pies, entonces algo lo empujó con fuerza. Tropezó, perdió el equilibrio y cayó justo encima de ella. Su peso aplastó su brazo herido; su mano izquierda aterrizó sobre algo más suave. Sus dedos se tensaron y apretaron antes de que su cerebro reaccionara. Se quedó helado. Ella también. Sus ojos se encontraron, muy abiertos en mutua conmoción. A unos metros de distancia, el perro pastor culpable se sentó parpadeando, como diciendo: Por favor, no me vean. Inmovilizada bajo un extraño, con todo dolorido, Claudia respiró hondo y tembloroso. Guapo o no, un grupo seguía siendo un grupo. Su expresión calmada se volvió feroz. Sterling oyó las primeras palabras de la rosa para él esa noche. "¿Nadie te dijo nunca?" "¿Decirme qué?" "Que no metas la nariz en los asuntos de otros." Antes de que la última palabra se desvaneciera, le rodeó el cuello con los brazos y lo tiró hacia abajo. Sus frentes chocaron con un crujido. El dolor se disparó. "¡Agente! ¡Por aquí!" Su voz sonó clara. Segundos después, las sirenas partieron la noche. Los policías vinieron corriendo. Sterling, al darse cuenta de que acababa de ser utilizado, dejó escapar una risa baja e incrédula. "¿Así tratas a tu salvador?" Terminó tumbado exactamente donde ella había estado, su voz goteando sarcasmo. Claudia se puso de pie, medio en sombras, y le dedicó una sonrisa delgada. "Obviamente. Soy la villana desagradecida, ¿recuerdas?" … Esa noche, el chico de oro de Liberty City, el heredero de Romero Corporation, fue llevado a la comisaría. Clint apareció rápido con un abogado, echando miradas furtivas a la chica que despertó la rara misericordia del Segador… y luego lo denunció por acoso. ¿Valiente, verdad? Era hermosa, y claramente no le temía a nada. Una vez que los matones fueron registrados, Clint se preparó, esperando a que Sterling dijera la palabra: Encárgate de ella. En cambio, Sterling dijo: "Averigua quién es." "¿Quién?" La palabra se le escapó antes de que Clint pudiera detenerse. Sterling nunca mostraba interés en ninguna mujer. La sola idea daba miedo. La mirada de Sterling se clavó en él, lo suficientemente afilada para hacerlo callar. "Sí, señor", murmuró Clint rápidamente. Mirando a la chica alejarse a zancadas después de lanzar una última mirada ardiente por encima del hombro, Clint sintió una punzada de lástima. Eso era todo. Ella y toda su familia estaban acabadas. … Ajena a la tormenta que acababa de desatar, Claudia se arrastró a casa al amanecer, perseguida por una ráfaga de llamadas. Su padre, Wilson Lancaster, la recibió en la puerta con una bofetada sonora. "¿Cómo he criado a una hija como tú?" No esquivó a tiempo. Su mejilla pálida enrojeció e hinchó. La habitación se quedó helada. Jasper frunció el ceño, con dolor destellando en sus ojos. Se obligó a no intervenir. Claudia había cruzado la línea esta vez; si no aprendía, quién sabía qué caos provocaría después. Aun así… Wilson había golpeado demasiado fuerte. La visión le retorció algo en el pecho. Lottie, Clarence y Zane llevaban la misma expresión enfadada y decepcionada. En el sofá, los ojos de Lydia brillaban con una alegría mal disimulada. Había estado furiosa la noche anterior porque los cretinos que contrató habían metido la pata y terminado en la comisaría. Por suerte, había cubierto sus huellas. Habían afirmado que fue solo un agarre "en un momento de arrebato", y como no pasó nada grave, no había nada que la vinculara a ella. Había sido dada de alta esa mañana y soltó el cebo que tenía preparado desde hacía tiempo. Los Lancaster se lo tragaron entero. Después de desaparecer toda la noche, nadie preguntó dónde había estado Claudia, ni notó sus heridas. La recibieron con una bofetada. Esa era su familia. Claudia no discutió. Caminó directamente hacia la pequeña Lydia, presumida y satisfecha.
Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now.Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now. Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia Capítulo 1 ¡Bum! Las puertas de la sala del evento se abrieron de golpe. "¡Algo le ha pasado a Lydia!", gritó un hombre al entrar tambaleándose, con el pánico pintado en el rostro. Las palabras impactaron como una bomba. La sala —decorada con flores, lazos y música romántica, bullendo de emoción por la propuesta— quedó instantáneamente en silencio. El hombre en el centro de atención, aún de rodillas, con el anillo en la mano, se giró sobresaltado. "¿Qué acabas de decir?" Quade Zimmer, con su pelo teñido de azul tan estridente como su voz, soltó: "¡La señora Lancaster acaba de llamar! ¡Lydia ha tenido un accidente de coche! ¡Está en el hospital ahora mismo!" Apenas habían salido las palabras de su boca cuando estalló el caos: sillas arrastrándose, tacones repiqueteando, gente apresurándose hacia la puerta. No era una exageración decir que Lydia Wallace era la chica de moda de su círculo: hermosa, talentosa, frágil de esa forma desgarradora que hacía que la gente quisiera protegerla. Todos la adoraban, la compadecían, la veneraban. ¿Y ahora que su diosa estaba herida? A nadie le quedaba corazón para seguir celebrando una propuesta de matrimonio cuya respuesta todos ya conocían. Incluso el chico que proponía lo dejó todo y salió corriendo. "Jasper—" La voz que pronunció su nombre llegó por detrás —suave, apenas más que un suspiro. Fue entonces cuando todos finalmente se dieron cuenta: la mujer a la que le estaban pidiendo matrimonio no había dicho ni una palabra en todo este tiempo. Alguien debió de haber dado a los interruptores en el caos, porque la sala se oscureció. La única luz provenía de las suaves lámparas de la pared. En un rincón, mitad en sombras, mitad en luz, estaba Claudia Lancaster. Su belleza no era del tipo dulce y gentil —era marcada, impactante, inolvidable. Pero en ese momento, su calma resultaba inquietante. Su expresión no revelaba nada. "¿No quieres oír mi respuesta?", preguntó en voz baja. Hacía apenas un minuto, Jasper Fenton le había pedido que se casara con él. Ahora, a medio camino de la puerta, se detuvo en seco. Ni siquiera intentó explicarse. "Claudia, lo siento. Tengo que ir al hospital. Vete a casa primero, ¿vale?" "¿Y si no te dejo ir?" Su voz se mantuvo firme. "Jasper, sabes que la odio." Jasper suspiró, exasperado. "Claudia, ahora no. No es momento para empezar una pelea." "Mi respuesta… puede que solo la obtengas una vez", dijo, tan calmada como siempre. Algo en su tono le hizo hacer una pausa. Normalmente, en cuanto salía el nombre de Lydia, Claudia estallaba —espetando, poniendo los ojos en blanco, maldiciendo a Lydia entre dientes. Pero esta noche, estaba fría, distante. Casi como si lo hubiera estado esperando. Un destello de inquietud le recorrió la espalda a Jasper. "Oh, por favor", intervino Quade, poniendo los ojos en blanco. "Has estado obsesionada con Jasper desde, ¿qué, la secundaria? El tipo finalmente te propone matrimonio y ¿se supone que debemos creer que dirías que no?" "Sí, alguien podría estar muriéndose en serio. Te pueden proponer matrimonio cualquier otro día", añadió alguien más. "¡Exacto! Las familias arreglaron esto hace siglos, toda esta cosa es solo por apariencias." Los comentarios dolían, pero Claudia ni siquiera parpadeó. Sus ojos oscuros permanecieron clavados en Jasper. Esperando. Jasper dejó escapar otro suspiro y volvió hacia ella. Como siempre, le despeinó el cabello como si fuera una niña. "Pórtate bien, ¿vale? No montes una escena. Lydia podría estar gravemente herida. Este no es el momento para una rabieta." Siempre era así. Cada vez que Lydia estaba involucrada, Jasper nunca preguntaba quién tenía razón o no. Corría a consolar a Lydia primero, y luego volvía a regañar a Claudia, suave y paciente, como si fuera una niña mimada que simplemente no entendía. Así se sentía amar a alguien desde abajo. No importaba cuánto gritaras, tu ira era solo "graciosa". Nunca seria. ¿Esta propuesta? Nunca había sido una pregunta real. Jasper ya sabía cuál debería haber sido su respuesta. "¡Oh, al diablo con esto, no puedo quedarme callada más tiempo!" Whitney Sawyer golpeó su bolso de mano contra algo, con furia destellando en sus ojos. Había estado aguantándose desde que Quade irrumpió, pero ya era suficiente. "Jasper, ¿eres su novio o su ambulancia personal? ¿Cómo es que cada vez que Lydia sufre 'un accidente', te llama a ti? Siempre perfectamente sincronizado, siempre arruinando tus planes. ¡La última vez fue una cita, ahora es tu propuesta! ¿Qué, no podía esperar a morirse cinco minutos?" Como mejor amiga de Claudia, Whitney había pasado semanas planeando esta propuesta. Y ahora, una vez más, Lydia la había secuestrado, y Jasper había caído directamente en la trampa. La furia de Whitney se extendió como un incendio forestal. "¡Y el resto de ustedes! ¿Para qué corren, a visitarla o a planear su funeral? ¡A este paso, Lydia ya debería haber muerto cien veces!" "¡Whitney!" El rostro de Jasper se ensombreció; el hombre gentil y afable desapareció. Su voz sonó como un latigazo. "Mide tus palabras." "Oh, perdóname." La voz de Whitney subió de tono, aguda y furiosa. "¿No soportas oír criticar a tu preciosa Lydia? Jasper, ¿acaso recuerdas quién es tu novia?" Los ojos de Jasper se helaron. Claudia le agarró el brazo a Whitney, con voz tranquila pero firme. "Si sales por esa puerta, Jasper, terminamos." Ya se había perdido demasiado tiempo. Jasper se pellizcó el puente de la nariz y suspiró. "No digas algo de lo que te arrepentirás. Claudia, hablaremos cuando vuelva." Se dio la vuelta y salió con paso firme, sin mirar atrás. Ni siquiera sabía lo graves que eran las lesiones de Lydia, solo sabía que tenía que ir. Se dijo a sí mismo: Cuando vuelva, lo compensaré. Le haré una propuesta aún mejor. También tomó nota mental de decirle a Claudia que se alejara de Whitney; claramente esa chica le estaba llenando la cabeza de tonterías. La sala se hundió bajo el peso de todo. Incluso aquellos que pensaban que Claudia estaba siendo dramática se mordieron la lengua. Nadie quería contrariar a Jasper, ni a los Sawyer. Uno a uno, se escabulleron. En minutos, el lugar era irreconocible. Pétalos de rosa aplastados y lazos cubrían el suelo. Botellas de vino rodaban bajo las sillas. Glaseado embadurnaba la alfombra. Toda la escena parecía una parodia de lo que había sido, burlándose de lo ridículo que era todo. Mientras los últimos rezagados se quedaban, alguien frunció el ceño. "Esperen… Lydia es la hija adoptiva de los Lancaster, ¿verdad? Oí que es prima de Claudia. ¿Por qué nadie llamó a Claudia también?" "¿Llamarla? ¿Qué, quieren empeorar aún más las lesiones de Lydia?" "Vaya, ¿qué se supone que significa eso?" "Lo de siempre. Que la señorita Lancaster es fría, cruel, desagradecida… ya sabes cómo va." Los susurros comenzaron de nuevo, suaves, venenosos y familiares. Siempre lo hacían cuando el nombre de Lydia salía junto al de Claudia. El rostro de Whitney ardía de ira. Se volvió hacia Claudia, de repente preocupada. Los cotilleos de extraños no importaban, pero ¿la traición de alguien a quien amas? Eso siempre calaba más hondo. Claudia observó la espalda de Jasper mientras se alejaba, cada paso alejándolo más de ella. Era como ver los años escurriéndose entre sus dedos, el chico con el que había crecido desvaneciéndose a lo lejos. Whitney le había preguntado una vez: Si nada hubiera interrumpido esta noche, ¿habrías dicho que sí? Pero, honestamente: No importara cuál fuera su respuesta, el final habría sido el mismo. Lydia nunca la dejaría ganar. Y Jasper nunca la elegiría a ella. En el momento en que le dio la espalda, no se dio cuenta de que, aunque el futuro pueda parecer interminable, la mujer dispuesta a esperarte no dura para siempre. Jasper… esta vez, realmente te dejo ir. En la mesa, entre el desorden, el teléfono de Claudia vibró. Una notificación de WhatsApp apareció, breve y suficiente. "Perdiste." Capítulo 2 Tres días antes, Lydia había acorralado a Claudia. "Sabes que Jasper está a punto de proponerte matrimonio, ¿verdad?" Sus bonitos ojos brillaban, no de emoción, sino de celos y malicia. "Oí que ambas familias querían pasar directamente a la fiesta de compromiso, pero él insistió en hacerlo bien. Dijo que necesitaba oír tu 'sí' él mismo, o no significaría nada. Ayy, qué romántico, ¿no?" "¿Y qué?" Claudia levantó la vista, su tono plano, sin inmutarse. La sonrisa de Lydia se curvó, afilada y venenosa. "¿Y qué? Claudia, ¿qué hace que una pecadora como tú crea que merece felicidad?" Se inclinó más cerca, con voz azucarada pero goteando veneno. "¿Quieres apostar? En tres días, esa propuesta ni siquiera ocurrirá." Claudia solo la miró fijamente. Para todos los demás, Lydia era pura perfección: de voz suave, gentil, toda gracia y luz. Nadie creería que a puerta cerrada podía escupir veneno así. Podría haber detenido la propuesta en cualquier momento que quisiera. Pero no. A Lydia le gustaba el drama. Quería esperar hasta el acto final, para empujar a Claudia fuera del escenario ella misma. Como siempre hacía. … Después de que la propuesta se fuera al traste, el teléfono de Whitney sonó. Una mirada a la identificación de la llamada, y su rostro se demudó. Maldijo entre dientes y salió corriendo. Había planeado dejar a Claudia primero —Claudia había llegado en el coche de Jasper—, pero cuando Claudia se dio cuenta de que algo pasaba con la madre de Whitney, la instó a irse. Cuando todos los demás se habían ido, Claudia se quedó entre los escombros de flores aplastadas y copas de champán, con la cabeza agachada, su expresión ilegible. Dejó escapar una risita amarga. Era tarde. Las calles afuera estaban tranquilas y vacías. Claudia salió del club sin ganas de ir a casa. Vagó junto al río, el frío de la noche calándole la piel. Entonces, se detuvo en seco. Los vellos de su nuca se erizaron: alguien la seguía. Levantó su teléfono, fingiendo tomar una selfie, inclinándolo lo justo para ver el reflejo detrás de ella. Un grupo de hombres, sombras acercándose. Su pulso se disparó. Empezó a caminar más rápido. Ellos también. Su pulgar se cernió sobre su contacto de emergencia —el número que Jasper la había obligado a configurar hacía un año. En aquel entonces, le había roto el brazo a un acosador por molestar a una chica y había terminado en la comisaría. Jasper la sacó bajo fianza, regañándola durante todo el trayecto a casa por ser imprudente. Se había puesto a sí mismo como su contacto de emergencia, haciéndole prometer que si alguna vez estaba en peligro, lo llamaría a él, sin heroísmos, sin orgullo. Había jurado que sin importar dónde o cuándo, iría por ella. Nunca imaginó que la primera vez que llamaría sería así. "¿Claudia?" La voz de Jasper llegó, baja y cansada. Estaba en el hospital. El accidente de Lydia no había sido grave, pero ella era frágil —nacida prematura, se alteraba fácilmente. Solo él podía calmarla. Todo el clan Lancaster estaba acampado fuera. Lydia acababa de quedarse dormida cuando llegó la llamada, despertándola de un salto. "Jasper, alguien me está siguiendo." Silencio. Luego, su voz, fría, desdeñosa. "Claudia, realmente no puedo irme esta noche. No montes una escena." Pensó que estaba mintiendo, intentando alejarlo otra vez del lado de la cama de Lydia. Justo entonces, la madre de Lydia, Lottie Wallace, entró con un vaso de agua. Su rostro suave y elegante se endureció al ver el teléfono en la mano de Jasper. "¡Claudia!", espetó. "Lydia acaba de tener un accidente, y ni siquiera te molestas en visitar. ¿Ahora estás quién sabe dónde, inventando historias? ¿Cuándo vas a crecer? Escucha: nadie se va esta noche. Deja ya tus juegos mezquinos." Colgó sin dudar. En la cama, Lydia yacía pálida y temblorosa. Su voz era pequeña, vacilante. "Mamá, no te enfades. ¿Y si Claudia realmente está en problemas?" Lottie suspiró, la decepción grabada a fuego. "¿Qué problemas podría tener? Esta no es la primera vez que intenta algo cuando tú estás enferma." En la secundaria, Claudia una vez había llamado a casa en medio de la noche, diciendo que la habían secuestrado y exigiendo dinero de rescate. Esa misma noche, Lydia había caído enferma. La familia ya estaba en pánico, y la supuesta llamada de rescate casi le da un infarto a Lottie. Habían corrido a la ubicación, solo para encontrar a Claudia saliendo ilesa, sin un rasguño. Para cuando volvieron a casa, Lydia se había desplomado en el suelo, sola. Era demasiado tarde cuando finalmente la llevaron al hospital. El doctor dijo que con otro retraso, no habría sobrevivido. Esa noche, el padre de Claudia la había golpeado hasta dejarla sangrando. Pasó un mes en el hospital, y nunca se disculpó. La voz de Lottie se suavizó, cargada de decepción. "¿Cuándo se volvió así mi dulce niña?" Jasper conocía cada palabra de esa historia. Incluso había sido él quien llevaba snacks a escondidas a la cama de Claudia en el hospital después, contando chistes estúpidos para hacerla reír. Pero esta noche era diferente. Se dijo a sí mismo que solo estaba haciendo una rabieta por la propuesta arruinada. No tenía energía para sus pataletas. Mañana, cuando se calmara, hablaría con ella, la haría sonreír de nuevo. Colgó, apartó el cabello de la frente de Lydia y susurró: "Se te ha ido la fiebre. Pórtate bien. Duerme." Los ojos de Lydia brillaron con culpa y suavidad. "Jasper, lo siento por esta noche. Es toda mi culpa. Si no fuera tan débil—" "No. Nunca eres una carga." "Jasper…" "Duerme." Sus pestañas aletearon y se cerraron, y una pequeña sonrisa curvó sus labios. Dormiría tranquila esa noche. … Detrás de Claudia, los hombres se acercaban, lentos, perezosos, como gatos jugando con un ratón. Ella siguió corriendo, la voz de Jasper y el regaño de Lottie resonando en su mente. Tal vez había estado decepcionada demasiadas veces, porque ni siquiera se sentía triste ya, solo vacía. Hueca. La noche de abril era cálida, pero cortaba como cristal. La empujaron a un rincón oscuro. Claudia se detuvo bajo un árbol, su expresión calmada, los ojos bajándose al suelo. Entonces, se movió. Quince minutos después, los hombres yacían esparcidos por el pavimento —brazos retorcidos, piernas rotas, gimiendo de dolor. Claudia, sin aliento y sangrando, se dejó caer en el bordillo. Agarró su teléfono con una mano resbaladiza de sangre y marcó al 911. Después de ese lío en octavo grado, había empezado kickboxing y defensa personal. Había aprendido pronto: nadie vendría a salvarla. Uno de los hombres, con el brazo doblado en la dirección incorrecta, empezó a arrastrarse hacia ella. Los ojos de Claudia se posaron sobre él, fríos y afilados. Antes de que pudiera moverse, una bota cayó con fuerza, enviando al tipo volando. Una sombra se cernió sobre ella: un hombre alto con una sonrisa perezosa y el tipo de rostro que podría salirse con la suya cometiendo un asesinato. La miró desde arriba, haciendo un clic suave con la lengua. "Tss. ¿De dónde ha salido esta criaturita?" Capítulo 3 Sterling Romero salió de la Mansión Romero esa noche, lo suficientemente enfadado como para dejar su coche a medio camino a casa y sacar al perro a pasear. Lo que no esperaba era toparse con esa escena. Allí estaba ella, un capullo de rosa hermoso y malherido, acorralado por una jauría de callejeros desaliñados. Parecía frágil, pero la forma en que levantaba la barbilla, los ojos ardiendo de desafío, lo atrajo directamente de vuelta al cachorro de lobo huérfano con el que había vivido en las montañas casi un mes cuando tenía diez años. Todo fanfarronería y dientes al descubierto, guardando su pequeño trozo de tierra. Débil, pero ardiendo de vida. Ese lobo había muerto por sus manos al final. ¿Y esta chica? Era el mismo tipo de criatura: pequeña, espinosa y lista para hacer sangrar a quien intentara hacerle daño. Su rostro ni siquiera se inmutó mientras rompía los brazos de esos matones como si fueran ramitas. Nada la conmovía. Sterling, que rara vez se preocupaba por nada, sintió un destello de interés que no podía sacudirse. En contra de su mejor juicio, intervino. De cerca, era aún más difícil de olvidar. Esos ojos, oscuros, claros, brillantes como una noche después de la lluvia, se engancharon en algo enterrado profundamente dentro de él. Cuando ella levantó la vista, sobresaltada, había un destello de luz estelar que le hizo picar los dedos, con ganas de alargar la mano, de cubrir esos ojos afilados e intrépidos. Bien. Ya había intervenido. Mejor llevarlo hasta el final. Y, honestamente, necesitaba desahogarse. El callejón se llenó de gritos. Hacía un minuto, esos matones solo estaban demasiado heridos para arrastrarse. ¿Ahora? Estaban hechos pedazos: brazos inútiles, piernas rotas, el pánico espeso en el aire. Se arrepentían de todo. El trabajo había sido simple: golpearla un poco, nada grave. Su jefe incluso les había advertido que no dejaran marcas. Pero ella era demasiado hermosa, y unos cuantos se volvieron codiciosos. ¿Quién podría haber imaginado que la belleza delicada pegaba como un demonio, y lo que era peor, que un hombre como él aparecería de la nada? Frío, letal, como la Muerte misma con un abrigo de diseñador. Si el asesinato fuera legal, estaban seguros de que les habría roto el cuello sin pestañear. El cabecilla ya estaba perdiendo la cabeza. Sterling volvió paseando hasta donde la chica yacía observando desde el suelo. Su tono llevaba un rastro de diversión maliciosa. "Eres rápida, pero no lo suficiente despiadada. Si dejas cabos sueltos así, volverán para morderte. Entonces, pequeña callejera, ¿cómo piensas pagarme esta noche?" Claudia, que podría haber manejado la pelea bien por sí sola, y que ahora de alguna manera le debía algo a este extraño, guardó silencio. Tumbada de espaldas, el rostro surcado de sangre y polvo, de alguna manera parecía irreal en la oscuridad. Sterling frunció el ceño. Sucio. Se inclinó para levantar a la silenciosa rosa a sus pies, entonces algo lo empujó con fuerza. Tropezó, perdió el equilibrio y cayó justo encima de ella. Su peso aplastó su brazo herido; su mano izquierda aterrizó sobre algo más suave. Sus dedos se tensaron y apretaron antes de que su cerebro reaccionara. Se quedó helado. Ella también. Sus ojos se encontraron, muy abiertos en mutua conmoción. A unos metros de distancia, el perro pastor culpable se sentó parpadeando, como diciendo: Por favor, no me vean. Inmovilizada bajo un extraño, con todo dolorido, Claudia respiró hondo y tembloroso. Guapo o no, un grupo seguía siendo un grupo. Su expresión calmada se volvió feroz. Sterling oyó las primeras palabras de la rosa para él esa noche. "¿Nadie te dijo nunca?" "¿Decirme qué?" "Que no metas la nariz en los asuntos de otros." Antes de que la última palabra se desvaneciera, le rodeó el cuello con los brazos y lo tiró hacia abajo. Sus frentes chocaron con un crujido. El dolor se disparó. "¡Agente! ¡Por aquí!" Su voz sonó clara. Segundos después, las sirenas partieron la noche. Los policías vinieron corriendo. Sterling, al darse cuenta de que acababa de ser utilizado, dejó escapar una risa baja e incrédula. "¿Así tratas a tu salvador?" Terminó tumbado exactamente donde ella había estado, su voz goteando sarcasmo. Claudia se puso de pie, medio en sombras, y le dedicó una sonrisa delgada. "Obviamente. Soy la villana desagradecida, ¿recuerdas?" … Esa noche, el chico de oro de Liberty City, el heredero de Romero Corporation, fue llevado a la comisaría. Clint apareció rápido con un abogado, echando miradas furtivas a la chica que despertó la rara misericordia del Segador… y luego lo denunció por acoso. ¿Valiente, verdad? Era hermosa, y claramente no le temía a nada. Una vez que los matones fueron registrados, Clint se preparó, esperando a que Sterling dijera la palabra: Encárgate de ella. En cambio, Sterling dijo: "Averigua quién es." "¿Quién?" La palabra se le escapó antes de que Clint pudiera detenerse. Sterling nunca mostraba interés en ninguna mujer. La sola idea daba miedo. La mirada de Sterling se clavó en él, lo suficientemente afilada para hacerlo callar. "Sí, señor", murmuró Clint rápidamente. Mirando a la chica alejarse a zancadas después de lanzar una última mirada ardiente por encima del hombro, Clint sintió una punzada de lástima. Eso era todo. Ella y toda su familia estaban acabadas. … Ajena a la tormenta que acababa de desatar, Claudia se arrastró a casa al amanecer, perseguida por una ráfaga de llamadas. Su padre, Wilson Lancaster, la recibió en la puerta con una bofetada sonora. "¿Cómo he criado a una hija como tú?" No esquivó a tiempo. Su mejilla pálida enrojeció e hinchó. La habitación se quedó helada. Jasper frunció el ceño, con dolor destellando en sus ojos. Se obligó a no intervenir. Claudia había cruzado la línea esta vez; si no aprendía, quién sabía qué caos provocaría después. Aun así… Wilson había golpeado demasiado fuerte. La visión le retorció algo en el pecho. Lottie, Clarence y Zane llevaban la misma expresión enfadada y decepcionada. En el sofá, los ojos de Lydia brillaban con una alegría mal disimulada. Había estado furiosa la noche anterior porque los cretinos que contrató habían metido la pata y terminado en la comisaría. Por suerte, había cubierto sus huellas. Habían afirmado que fue solo un agarre "en un momento de arrebato", y como no pasó nada grave, no había nada que la vinculara a ella. Había sido dada de alta esa mañana y soltó el cebo que tenía preparado desde hacía tiempo. Los Lancaster se lo tragaron entero. Después de desaparecer toda la noche, nadie preguntó dónde había estado Claudia, ni notó sus heridas. La recibieron con una bofetada. Esa era su familia. Claudia no discutió. Caminó directamente hacia la pequeña Lydia, presumida y satisfecha.
Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now.Single and ready to mingle? The hottest singles in your area are online now. Chapter 1Bang!The doors to the event room burst open."Something happened to Lydia!" a man shouted as he stumbled in, panic all over his face.The words hit like a bomb.The room—decked out in flowers, ribbons, and romantic music, buzzing with excitement over the proposal—instantly went still.The man in the spotlight, still down on one knee, ring in hand, spun around in shock."What did you just say?"Quade Zimmer, his blue-dyed hair as loud as his voice, blurted, "Mrs. Lancaster just called—Lydia's been in a car accident! She's at the hospital right now!"The words had barely left his mouth before chaos erupted—chairs scraping, heels clacking, people rushing for the door.It wasn't an exaggeration to say Lydia Wallace was the it girl of their circle—beautiful, talented, fragile in that heartbreaking way that made people want to protect her. Everyone adored her, pitied her, worshipped her.And now that their goddess was hurt?No one had the heart to keep celebrating a proposal everyone already knew the answer to.Even the guy proposing dropped everything and bolted."Jasper—"The voice that called his name came from behind—soft, barely more than a breath.That was when everyone finally realized: the woman being proposed to hadn't said a single word this whole time.Somebody must've hit the lights in the chaos, because the room dimmed. The only glow came from the soft wall lights.In the corner, half in shadow, half in light, stood Claudia Lancaster. Her beauty wasn't the sweet, gentle kind—it was sharp, striking, unforgettable.But right now, her calm was unnerving. Her expression gave away nothing."You don't want to hear my answer?" she asked quietly.Just a minute ago, Jasper Fenton had asked her to marry him.Now, halfway out the door, he froze.He didn't even try to explain. "Claudia, I'm sorry. I have to go to the hospital. Go home first, okay?""What if I don't let you go?" Her voice stayed steady. "Jasper, you know I hate her."Jasper sighed, exasperated. "Claudia, not now. This isn't the time to start a fight.""My answer… you might only get it once," she said, calm as ever.Something about her tone made him pause. Normally, the moment Lydia's name came up, Claudia would explode—snapping, rolling her eyes, cursing Lydia under her breath.But tonight, she was cool, detached. Almost like she'd been expecting this.A flicker of unease crawled up Jasper's spine."Oh, please," Quade cut in, rolling his eyes. "You've been obsessed with Jasper since, what, middle school? The guy finally proposes and we're supposed to believe you'd say no?""Yeah, someone might actually be dying. You can get proposed to any other day." Someone else chimed in."Exactly! The families arranged this ages ago—this whole thing's just for show."The comments stung, but Claudia didn't so much as blink. Her dark eyes stayed locked on Jasper. Waiting.Jasper let out another sigh and came back to her. Like always, he ruffled her hair like she was a kid. "Be good, okay? Don't make a scene. Lydia could be seriously hurt. This isn't the time for a tantrum."It was always like this. Whenever Lydia was involved, Jasper never asked who was right or wrong.He'd run to comfort Lydia first—and then come back to scold Claudia, soft and patient, like she was a spoiled child who just didn't understand.That was what loving someone from below felt like. No matter how you screamed, your anger was just "cute." Never serious.This proposal? It had never been a real question. Jasper already knew what her answer should've been."Oh, screw this—I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!"Whitney Sawyer slammed her clutch down, fury flashing in her eyes. She'd been holding it in ever since Quade barged in, but enough was enough."Jasper, are you her boyfriend or her personal EMT? How is it that every time Lydia gets into 'an accident,' she calls you? Always perfectly timed, always ruining your plans. Last time it was a date, now it's your proposal! What, she couldn't hold off dying for five minutes?"As Claudia's best friend, Whitney had spent weeks planning this proposal. And now, once again, Lydia had hijacked it—and Jasper fell right into the trap.Whitney's fury spread like wildfire. "And the rest of you! What are you running for—visiting her or planning her funeral? At this rate, Lydia should've died a hundred times already!""Whitney!" Jasper's face darkened; the gentle, mild-mannered man vanished. His voice snapped like a whip. "Watch your mouth.""Oh, spare me." Whitney's voice rose, sharp and furious. "You can't stand to hear your precious Lydia criticized? Jasper, do you even remember who your girlfriend is?"Jasper's eyes iced over. Claudia caught Whitney's arm, voice quiet but firm."If you walk out that door, Jasper, we're done."Too much time had already been wasted. Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed."Don't say something you'll regret. Claudia, we'll talk when I get back."He turned and strode out without another glance.He didn't even know how bad Lydia's injuries were—he just knew he had to go.He told himself, When I get back, I'll make it up to her. I'll give her an even better proposal.He also made a mental note to tell Claudia to stay away from Whitney; clearly that girl was filling her head with nonsense.The room sagged under the weight of it all. Even those who thought Claudia was being dramatic kept their mouths shut. No one wanted to cross Jasper—or the Sawyers.One by one, they slipped away.In minutes, the place was unrecognizable.Crushed rose petals and ribbons littered the floor. Wine bottles rolled under chairs. Frosting smeared across the carpet. The whole scene looked like a parody of what it had been—mocking the ridiculousness of it all.As the last few lingered, someone frowned. "Wait—Lydia's the Lancasters' adopted daughter, right? I heard she's Claudia's cousin. Why didn't anyone call Claudia too?""Call her? What, you want to make Lydia's injuries even worse?""Whoa, what's that supposed to mean?""The usual. Miss Lancaster's cold, cruel, ungrateful… you know how it goes."The whispers started again—soft, poisonous, and familiar. They always did whenever Lydia's name came up next to Claudia's.Whitney's face burned with anger. She turned to Claudia, suddenly worried.Strangers' gossip didn't matter—but betrayal from someone you love? That always hit deeper.Claudia watched Jasper's back as he walked away, each step pulling him further from her. It felt like watching the years slip through her fingers—the boy she'd grown up with fading out of reach.Whitney had asked her once: If nothing had interrupted tonight, would you have said yes?But honestly?No matter what her answer was, the ending would've been the same. Lydia would never let her win.And Jasper would never choose her.The moment he turned his back, he didn't realize—while the future might feel endless, the woman willing to wait for you doesn't last forever.Jasper… this time, I'm really letting go.On the table amid the mess, Claudia's phone buzzed. A WhatsApp notification popped up, short and smug."You lost."Chapter 2Three days earlier, Lydia had cornered Claudia."You know Jasper's about to propose, don't you?"Her pretty eyes sparkled—not with excitement, but with jealousy and malice."I heard both families wanted to skip straight to the engagement party, but he insisted on doing it right. Said he needed to hear your 'yes' himself, or it wouldn't mean a thing. Aww, how romantic, isn't it?""So what?" Claudia looked up, her tone flat, unbothered.Lydia's smile curved, sharp and poisonous. "So what? Claudia, what makes a sinner like you think you deserve happiness?"She leaned closer, voice sugary-sweet but dripping venom. "Wanna bet? In three days, that proposal won't even happen."Claudia just stared at her. To everyone else, Lydia was pure perfection—soft-spoken, gentle, all grace and light. No one would believe that behind closed doors, she could spit venom like this.She could've stopped the proposal anytime she wanted. But no—Lydia liked drama. She wanted to wait until the final act, to shove Claudia off the stage herself. Just like she always did.…After the proposal went up in flames, Whitney's phone rang. One look at the caller ID, and her face fell. She muttered a curse and bolted. She'd planned to drop Claudia off first—Claudia had arrived in Jasper's car—but when Claudia realized something was wrong with Whitney's mom, she pushed her to go.When everyone else was gone, Claudia stood in the wreckage of crushed flowers and champagne glasses, her head bowed, her expression unreadable. She let out a small, bitter laugh.It was late. The streets outside were quiet and empty. Claudia left the club with no desire to go home. She wandered along the river, the cold of the night seeping into her skin.Then, she froze.The hairs on her neck stood up—someone was following her.She raised her phone, pretending to take a selfie, tilting it just enough to see the reflection behind her. A group of men, shadows closing in.Her pulse spiked. She started walking faster. So did they.Her thumb hovered over her emergency contact—the number Jasper had made her set up a year ago.Back then, she'd broken some creep's arm for harassing a girl and ended up at the police station. Jasper bailed her out, scolding her the entire ride home for being reckless. He'd put himself down as her emergency contact, made her promise that if she was ever in danger, she'd call him—no heroics, no pride.He'd sworn that no matter where or when, he'd come for her.She never imagined the first time she'd call would be like this."Claudia?" Jasper's voice came through, low and tired. He was at the hospital. Lydia's accident hadn't been serious, but she was fragile—born premature, easily shaken. Only he could calm her down. The whole Lancaster clan was camped outside. Lydia had finally drifted off when the call came in, jolting her awake."Jasper, someone's following me."Silence.Then, his voice—cold, dismissive."Claudia, I really can't leave tonight. Don't make a scene."He thought she was lying, trying to drag him away from Lydia's bedside again.Just then, Lydia's mother, Lottie Wallace, walked in with a glass of water. Her soft, elegant face hardened when she saw the phone in Jasper's hand."Claudia!" she snapped. "Lydia just got into an accident, and you can't even be bothered to visit. Now you're out God-knows-where, making up stories? When will you grow up? Listen—no one's leaving tonight. Stop your petty games."She hung up without hesitation.On the bed, Lydia lay pale and trembling. Her voice was small, hesitant."Mom, don't be mad. What if Claudia really is in trouble?"Lottie sighed, disappointment etched deep. "What trouble could she possibly be in? This isn't the first time she's tried to pull something when you're sick."Back in middle school, Claudia had once called home in the middle of the night, saying she'd been kidnapped and demanding ransom money. The same night, Lydia had fallen ill. The family was panicking already, and the so-called ransom call nearly gave Lottie a heart attack. They'd rushed to the location—only to find Claudia walking out unharmed, not a scratch on her.By the time they returned home, Lydia had collapsed on the floor, alone. It was too late when they finally got her to the hospital. The doctor said another delay, and she wouldn't have made it.That night, Claudia's father had beaten her bloody. She spent a month in the hospital—and never once apologized.Lottie's voice softened, heavy with disappointment. "When did my sweet little girl turn out like this?"Jasper knew every word of that story. He'd even been the one sneaking snacks to Claudia's hospital bed afterward, cracking stupid jokes to make her laugh. But tonight was different. He told himself she was just acting out after the ruined proposal. He didn't have the energy for her tantrums. Tomorrow, when she cooled off, he'd talk to her, make her smile again.He hung up, brushed Lydia's hair off her forehead, and whispered, "Your fever's gone. Be good. Sleep."Lydia's eyes shone with guilt and softness. "Jasper, I'm sorry about tonight. It's all my fault. If I weren't so weak—""Don't. You're never a burden.""Jasper…""Sleep."Her lashes fluttered shut, and a tiny smile curved her lips. She'd sleep easy tonight.…Behind Claudia, the men closed in—slowly, lazily, like cats toying with a mouse. She kept running on, Jasper's voice and Lottie's scolding echoing in her mind. Maybe she'd been disappointed too many times, because she didn't even feel sad anymore—just empty. Hollow.The April night was warm, but it cut like glass.They pushed her into a dark corner. Claudia stopped under a tree, expression calm, eyes dropping to the ground.Then she moved.Fifteen minutes later, the men were sprawled across the pavement—arms twisted, legs broken, groaning in pain. Claudia, out of breath and bleeding, dropped onto the curb. She grabbed her phone with a blood-slick hand and dialed 911.After that mess in eighth grade, she'd taken up kickboxing and self-defense. She'd learned early: no one was coming to save her.One of the men, his arm bent the wrong way, started crawling toward her. Claudia's eyes flicked over, cold and sharp—Before she could move, a boot came down hard, sending the guy flying.A shadow loomed over her—a tall man with a lazy grin and the kind of face that could get away with murder. He looked down at her from above, tongue clicking softly."Tsk. Where'd this poor thing come from?"Chapter 3Sterling Romero left Romero Manor that night, pissed off enough to ditch his car halfway home and take the dog for a walk. What he didn't expect was to stumble into that scene.There she was—a gorgeous, battered little rosebud—cornered by a pack of mangy strays. She looked fragile, but the way she lifted her chin, eyes blazing with defiance, yanked him straight back to the orphaned wolf pup he'd once lived with in the mountains for almost a month when he was ten.All bluff and bared teeth, guarding its tiny patch of earth. Weak, but burning with life.That wolf had died by his hands in the end.And this girl? She was the same kind of creature—small, thorny, and ready to bleed whoever tried to hurt her.Her face didn't even twitch as she broke those thugs' arms like twigs. Nothing touched her.Sterling—who rarely cared about anything—felt a flicker of interest he couldn't shake. Against his better judgment, he stepped in.Up close, she was even harder to forget. Those eyes—dark, clear, bright as a night after rain—hooked into something buried deep inside him. When she looked up, startled, there was a starlit glint that made his fingers itch to reach out, to cover those sharp, fearless eyes.Fine. He'd already intervened. Might as well see it through. And, honestly, he needed to blow off some steam.The alley was filled with screams.A minute ago, those thugs had just been too hurt to crawl. Now? They were in pieces—arms useless, legs broken, panic thick in the air.They regretted everything. The job had been simple—rough her up a bit, nothing major. Their boss had even warned them not to leave marks. But she was too beautiful, and a few of them got greedy.Who could've guessed that the delicate beauty punched like a demon—and worse, that a man like him would show up out of nowhere? Cold, lethal, like Death himself in a designer coat. If murder were legal, they were sure he'd have snapped their necks without blinking.The ringleader was already losing it.Sterling strolled back to where the girl lay watching from the ground. His tone carried a trace of wicked amusement."You're fast, but not nearly ruthless enough. Leave loose ends like that, and they'll come back to bite you. So, little stray—how're you planning to pay me back tonight?"Claudia—who could've handled the fight fine on her own, and now somehow owed this stranger—went silent.Flat on her back, face streaked with blood and dust, she somehow looked unreal in the dark.Sterling's brow furrowed. Filthy.He reached down to pull the quiet rosebud to her feet—then something shoved him hard. He stumbled, lost his balance, and went down right on top of her.His weight crushed her injured arm; his left hand landed on something softer. His fingers tensed and squeezed before his brain caught up. He froze. So did she. Their eyes locked, wide in mutual shock.A few feet away, the guilty shepherd dog sat blinking, like, Please don't notice me.Pinned under a stranger, everything aching, Claudia drew a long, shaky breath. Handsome or not, a group was still a group. Her calm expression sharpened to something feral.Sterling heard the rosebud's first words to him that night."No one ever told you?""Told me what?""Not to stick your nose in other people's business."Before the last word faded, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him down. Their foreheads collided with a crack. Pain spiked.“Officer! Over here!" Her voice rang out clear. Seconds later, sirens split the night. Cops came running.Sterling, realizing he'd just been played, let out a low, disbelieving laugh."That's how you treat your savior?"He ended up sprawled exactly where she'd been, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Claudia stood, half-shadowed, and gave him a thin smile.“Obviously. I'm the ungrateful villainess, remember?"...That night, Liberty City's golden boy—the heir to Romero Corporation—got hauled down to the station.Clint showed up fast with a lawyer, sneaking looks at the girl who sparked the Reaper's rare mercy… and then nailed him for harassment. Bold enough, right? She was gorgeous—and clearly afraid of nothing.Once the thugs were booked, Clint braced himself, waiting for Sterling to say the word: Handle her.Instead, Sterling said, "Find out who she is.""Who?" The word slipped out before Clint could stop it. Sterling never showed interest in any woman. The idea alone was terrifying.Sterling's gaze cut his way, sharp enough to shut him up. "Yes, sir," Clint muttered quickly.Watching the girl stride off after throwing one last, blazing look over her shoulder, Clint felt a pang of pity. That was it. She and her whole family were done....Unaware of the storm she'd just kicked up, Claudia dragged herself home at dawn, chased by a barrage of calls.Her father, Wilson Lancaster, met her at the door with a ringing slap."How did I raise a daughter like you?"She didn't dodge in time. Her pale cheek bloomed red and swollen.The room froze.Jasper's brow furrowed, pain flashing in his eyes. He forced himself not to interfere. Claudia had crossed a line this time; if she didn't learn, who knew what chaos she'd stir up next? Still… Wilson had hit too hard. The sight twisted something in Jasper's chest.Lottie, Clarence, and Zane all wore the same angry, disappointed look. On the sofa, Lydia's eyes gleamed with poorly hidden glee.She'd been furious last night that her hired creeps had blown it and ended up at the station. Luckily, she'd covered her tracks. They'd claimed it was just a "heat-of-the-moment" grab, and since nothing serious happened, there was nothing to tie back to her.She'd been discharged that morning and dropped the bait she'd prepped ages ago. The Lancasters swallowed it whole.After disappearing all night, nobody asked where Claudia had been—or noticed her injuries. They greeted her with a slap. That was her family.Claudia didn't argue. She walked straight up to smug little Lydia Capítulo 1 ¡Bum! Las puertas de la sala del evento se abrieron de golpe. "¡Algo le ha pasado a Lydia!", gritó un hombre al entrar tambaleándose, con el pánico pintado en el rostro. Las palabras impactaron como una bomba. La sala —decorada con flores, lazos y música romántica, bullendo de emoción por la propuesta— quedó instantáneamente en silencio. El hombre en el centro de atención, aún de rodillas, con el anillo en la mano, se giró sobresaltado. "¿Qué acabas de decir?" Quade Zimmer, con su pelo teñido de azul tan estridente como su voz, soltó: "¡La señora Lancaster acaba de llamar! ¡Lydia ha tenido un accidente de coche! ¡Está en el hospital ahora mismo!" Apenas habían salido las palabras de su boca cuando estalló el caos: sillas arrastrándose, tacones repiqueteando, gente apresurándose hacia la puerta. No era una exageración decir que Lydia Wallace era la chica de moda de su círculo: hermosa, talentosa, frágil de esa forma desgarradora que hacía que la gente quisiera protegerla. Todos la adoraban, la compadecían, la veneraban. ¿Y ahora que su diosa estaba herida? A nadie le quedaba corazón para seguir celebrando una propuesta de matrimonio cuya respuesta todos ya conocían. Incluso el chico que proponía lo dejó todo y salió corriendo. "Jasper—" La voz que pronunció su nombre llegó por detrás —suave, apenas más que un suspiro. Fue entonces cuando todos finalmente se dieron cuenta: la mujer a la que le estaban pidiendo matrimonio no había dicho ni una palabra en todo este tiempo. Alguien debió de haber dado a los interruptores en el caos, porque la sala se oscureció. La única luz provenía de las suaves lámparas de la pared. En un rincón, mitad en sombras, mitad en luz, estaba Claudia Lancaster. Su belleza no era del tipo dulce y gentil —era marcada, impactante, inolvidable. Pero en ese momento, su calma resultaba inquietante. Su expresión no revelaba nada. "¿No quieres oír mi respuesta?", preguntó en voz baja. Hacía apenas un minuto, Jasper Fenton le había pedido que se casara con él. Ahora, a medio camino de la puerta, se detuvo en seco. Ni siquiera intentó explicarse. "Claudia, lo siento. Tengo que ir al hospital. Vete a casa primero, ¿vale?" "¿Y si no te dejo ir?" Su voz se mantuvo firme. "Jasper, sabes que la odio." Jasper suspiró, exasperado. "Claudia, ahora no. No es momento para empezar una pelea." "Mi respuesta… puede que solo la obtengas una vez", dijo, tan calmada como siempre. Algo en su tono le hizo hacer una pausa. Normalmente, en cuanto salía el nombre de Lydia, Claudia estallaba —espetando, poniendo los ojos en blanco, maldiciendo a Lydia entre dientes. Pero esta noche, estaba fría, distante. Casi como si lo hubiera estado esperando. Un destello de inquietud le recorrió la espalda a Jasper. "Oh, por favor", intervino Quade, poniendo los ojos en blanco. "Has estado obsesionada con Jasper desde, ¿qué, la secundaria? El tipo finalmente te propone matrimonio y ¿se supone que debemos creer que dirías que no?" "Sí, alguien podría estar muriéndose en serio. Te pueden proponer matrimonio cualquier otro día", añadió alguien más. "¡Exacto! Las familias arreglaron esto hace siglos, toda esta cosa es solo por apariencias." Los comentarios dolían, pero Claudia ni siquiera parpadeó. Sus ojos oscuros permanecieron clavados en Jasper. Esperando. Jasper dejó escapar otro suspiro y volvió hacia ella. Como siempre, le despeinó el cabello como si fuera una niña. "Pórtate bien, ¿vale? No montes una escena. Lydia podría estar gravemente herida. Este no es el momento para una rabieta." Siempre era así. Cada vez que Lydia estaba involucrada, Jasper nunca preguntaba quién tenía razón o no. Corría a consolar a Lydia primero, y luego volvía a regañar a Claudia, suave y paciente, como si fuera una niña mimada que simplemente no entendía. Así se sentía amar a alguien desde abajo. No importaba cuánto gritaras, tu ira era solo "graciosa". Nunca seria. ¿Esta propuesta? Nunca había sido una pregunta real. Jasper ya sabía cuál debería haber sido su respuesta. "¡Oh, al diablo con esto, no puedo quedarme callada más tiempo!" Whitney Sawyer golpeó su bolso de mano contra algo, con furia destellando en sus ojos. Había estado aguantándose desde que Quade irrumpió, pero ya era suficiente. "Jasper, ¿eres su novio o su ambulancia personal? ¿Cómo es que cada vez que Lydia sufre 'un accidente', te llama a ti? Siempre perfectamente sincronizado, siempre arruinando tus planes. ¡La última vez fue una cita, ahora es tu propuesta! ¿Qué, no podía esperar a morirse cinco minutos?" Como mejor amiga de Claudia, Whitney había pasado semanas planeando esta propuesta. Y ahora, una vez más, Lydia la había secuestrado, y Jasper había caído directamente en la trampa. La furia de Whitney se extendió como un incendio forestal. "¡Y el resto de ustedes! ¿Para qué corren, a visitarla o a planear su funeral? ¡A este paso, Lydia ya debería haber muerto cien veces!" "¡Whitney!" El rostro de Jasper se ensombreció; el hombre gentil y afable desapareció. Su voz sonó como un latigazo. "Mide tus palabras." "Oh, perdóname." La voz de Whitney subió de tono, aguda y furiosa. "¿No soportas oír criticar a tu preciosa Lydia? Jasper, ¿acaso recuerdas quién es tu novia?" Los ojos de Jasper se helaron. Claudia le agarró el brazo a Whitney, con voz tranquila pero firme. "Si sales por esa puerta, Jasper, terminamos." Ya se había perdido demasiado tiempo. Jasper se pellizcó el puente de la nariz y suspiró. "No digas algo de lo que te arrepentirás. Claudia, hablaremos cuando vuelva." Se dio la vuelta y salió con paso firme, sin mirar atrás. Ni siquiera sabía lo graves que eran las lesiones de Lydia, solo sabía que tenía que ir. Se dijo a sí mismo: Cuando vuelva, lo compensaré. Le haré una propuesta aún mejor. También tomó nota mental de decirle a Claudia que se alejara de Whitney; claramente esa chica le estaba llenando la cabeza de tonterías. La sala se hundió bajo el peso de todo. Incluso aquellos que pensaban que Claudia estaba siendo dramática se mordieron la lengua. Nadie quería contrariar a Jasper, ni a los Sawyer. Uno a uno, se escabulleron. En minutos, el lugar era irreconocible. Pétalos de rosa aplastados y lazos cubrían el suelo. Botellas de vino rodaban bajo las sillas. Glaseado embadurnaba la alfombra. Toda la escena parecía una parodia de lo que había sido, burlándose de lo ridículo que era todo. Mientras los últimos rezagados se quedaban, alguien frunció el ceño. "Esperen… Lydia es la hija adoptiva de los Lancaster, ¿verdad? Oí que es prima de Claudia. ¿Por qué nadie llamó a Claudia también?" "¿Llamarla? ¿Qué, quieren empeorar aún más las lesiones de Lydia?" "Vaya, ¿qué se supone que significa eso?" "Lo de siempre. Que la señorita Lancaster es fría, cruel, desagradecida… ya sabes cómo va." Los susurros comenzaron de nuevo, suaves, venenosos y familiares. Siempre lo hacían cuando el nombre de Lydia salía junto al de Claudia. El rostro de Whitney ardía de ira. Se volvió hacia Claudia, de repente preocupada. Los cotilleos de extraños no importaban, pero ¿la traición de alguien a quien amas? Eso siempre calaba más hondo. Claudia observó la espalda de Jasper mientras se alejaba, cada paso alejándolo más de ella. Era como ver los años escurriéndose entre sus dedos, el chico con el que había crecido desvaneciéndose a lo lejos. Whitney le había preguntado una vez: Si nada hubiera interrumpido esta noche, ¿habrías dicho que sí? Pero, honestamente: No importara cuál fuera su respuesta, el final habría sido el mismo. Lydia nunca la dejaría ganar. Y Jasper nunca la elegiría a ella. En el momento en que le dio la espalda, no se dio cuenta de que, aunque el futuro pueda parecer interminable, la mujer dispuesta a esperarte no dura para siempre. Jasper… esta vez, realmente te dejo ir. En la mesa, entre el desorden, el teléfono de Claudia vibró. Una notificación de WhatsApp apareció, breve y suficiente. "Perdiste." Capítulo 2 Tres días antes, Lydia había acorralado a Claudia. "Sabes que Jasper está a punto de proponerte matrimonio, ¿verdad?" Sus bonitos ojos brillaban, no de emoción, sino de celos y malicia. "Oí que ambas familias querían pasar directamente a la fiesta de compromiso, pero él insistió en hacerlo bien. Dijo que necesitaba oír tu 'sí' él mismo, o no significaría nada. Ayy, qué romántico, ¿no?" "¿Y qué?" Claudia levantó la vista, su tono plano, sin inmutarse. La sonrisa de Lydia se curvó, afilada y venenosa. "¿Y qué? Claudia, ¿qué hace que una pecadora como tú crea que merece felicidad?" Se inclinó más cerca, con voz azucarada pero goteando veneno. "¿Quieres apostar? En tres días, esa propuesta ni siquiera ocurrirá." Claudia solo la miró fijamente. Para todos los demás, Lydia era pura perfección: de voz suave, gentil, toda gracia y luz. Nadie creería que a puerta cerrada podía escupir veneno así. Podría haber detenido la propuesta en cualquier momento que quisiera. Pero no. A Lydia le gustaba el drama. Quería esperar hasta el acto final, para empujar a Claudia fuera del escenario ella misma. Como siempre hacía. … Después de que la propuesta se fuera al traste, el teléfono de Whitney sonó. Una mirada a la identificación de la llamada, y su rostro se demudó. Maldijo entre dientes y salió corriendo. Había planeado dejar a Claudia primero —Claudia había llegado en el coche de Jasper—, pero cuando Claudia se dio cuenta de que algo pasaba con la madre de Whitney, la instó a irse. Cuando todos los demás se habían ido, Claudia se quedó entre los escombros de flores aplastadas y copas de champán, con la cabeza agachada, su expresión ilegible. Dejó escapar una risita amarga. Era tarde. Las calles afuera estaban tranquilas y vacías. Claudia salió del club sin ganas de ir a casa. Vagó junto al río, el frío de la noche calándole la piel. Entonces, se detuvo en seco. Los vellos de su nuca se erizaron: alguien la seguía. Levantó su teléfono, fingiendo tomar una selfie, inclinándolo lo justo para ver el reflejo detrás de ella. Un grupo de hombres, sombras acercándose. Su pulso se disparó. Empezó a caminar más rápido. Ellos también. Su pulgar se cernió sobre su contacto de emergencia —el número que Jasper la había obligado a configurar hacía un año. En aquel entonces, le había roto el brazo a un acosador por molestar a una chica y había terminado en la comisaría. Jasper la sacó bajo fianza, regañándola durante todo el trayecto a casa por ser imprudente. Se había puesto a sí mismo como su contacto de emergencia, haciéndole prometer que si alguna vez estaba en peligro, lo llamaría a él, sin heroísmos, sin orgullo. Había jurado que sin importar dónde o cuándo, iría por ella. Nunca imaginó que la primera vez que llamaría sería así. "¿Claudia?" La voz de Jasper llegó, baja y cansada. Estaba en el hospital. El accidente de Lydia no había sido grave, pero ella era frágil —nacida prematura, se alteraba fácilmente. Solo él podía calmarla. Todo el clan Lancaster estaba acampado fuera. Lydia acababa de quedarse dormida cuando llegó la llamada, despertándola de un salto. "Jasper, alguien me está siguiendo." Silencio. Luego, su voz, fría, desdeñosa. "Claudia, realmente no puedo irme esta noche. No montes una escena." Pensó que estaba mintiendo, intentando alejarlo otra vez del lado de la cama de Lydia. Justo entonces, la madre de Lydia, Lottie Wallace, entró con un vaso de agua. Su rostro suave y elegante se endureció al ver el teléfono en la mano de Jasper. "¡Claudia!", espetó. "Lydia acaba de tener un accidente, y ni siquiera te molestas en visitar. ¿Ahora estás quién sabe dónde, inventando historias? ¿Cuándo vas a crecer? Escucha: nadie se va esta noche. Deja ya tus juegos mezquinos." Colgó sin dudar. En la cama, Lydia yacía pálida y temblorosa. Su voz era pequeña, vacilante. "Mamá, no te enfades. ¿Y si Claudia realmente está en problemas?" Lottie suspiró, la decepción grabada a fuego. "¿Qué problemas podría tener? Esta no es la primera vez que intenta algo cuando tú estás enferma." En la secundaria, Claudia una vez había llamado a casa en medio de la noche, diciendo que la habían secuestrado y exigiendo dinero de rescate. Esa misma noche, Lydia había caído enferma. La familia ya estaba en pánico, y la supuesta llamada de rescate casi le da un infarto a Lottie. Habían corrido a la ubicación, solo para encontrar a Claudia saliendo ilesa, sin un rasguño. Para cuando volvieron a casa, Lydia se había desplomado en el suelo, sola. Era demasiado tarde cuando finalmente la llevaron al hospital. El doctor dijo que con otro retraso, no habría sobrevivido. Esa noche, el padre de Claudia la había golpeado hasta dejarla sangrando. Pasó un mes en el hospital, y nunca se disculpó. La voz de Lottie se suavizó, cargada de decepción. "¿Cuándo se volvió así mi dulce niña?" Jasper conocía cada palabra de esa historia. Incluso había sido él quien llevaba snacks a escondidas a la cama de Claudia en el hospital después, contando chistes estúpidos para hacerla reír. Pero esta noche era diferente. Se dijo a sí mismo que solo estaba haciendo una rabieta por la propuesta arruinada. No tenía energía para sus pataletas. Mañana, cuando se calmara, hablaría con ella, la haría sonreír de nuevo. Colgó, apartó el cabello de la frente de Lydia y susurró: "Se te ha ido la fiebre. Pórtate bien. Duerme." Los ojos de Lydia brillaron con culpa y suavidad. "Jasper, lo siento por esta noche. Es toda mi culpa. Si no fuera tan débil—" "No. Nunca eres una carga." "Jasper…" "Duerme." Sus pestañas aletearon y se cerraron, y una pequeña sonrisa curvó sus labios. Dormiría tranquila esa noche. … Detrás de Claudia, los hombres se acercaban, lentos, perezosos, como gatos jugando con un ratón. Ella siguió corriendo, la voz de Jasper y el regaño de Lottie resonando en su mente. Tal vez había estado decepcionada demasiadas veces, porque ni siquiera se sentía triste ya, solo vacía. Hueca. La noche de abril era cálida, pero cortaba como cristal. La empujaron a un rincón oscuro. Claudia se detuvo bajo un árbol, su expresión calmada, los ojos bajándose al suelo. Entonces, se movió. Quince minutos después, los hombres yacían esparcidos por el pavimento —brazos retorcidos, piernas rotas, gimiendo de dolor. Claudia, sin aliento y sangrando, se dejó caer en el bordillo. Agarró su teléfono con una mano resbaladiza de sangre y marcó al 911. Después de ese lío en octavo grado, había empezado kickboxing y defensa personal. Había aprendido pronto: nadie vendría a salvarla. Uno de los hombres, con el brazo doblado en la dirección incorrecta, empezó a arrastrarse hacia ella. Los ojos de Claudia se posaron sobre él, fríos y afilados. Antes de que pudiera moverse, una bota cayó con fuerza, enviando al tipo volando. Una sombra se cernió sobre ella: un hombre alto con una sonrisa perezosa y el tipo de rostro que podría salirse con la suya cometiendo un asesinato. La miró desde arriba, haciendo un clic suave con la lengua. "Tss. ¿De dónde ha salido esta criaturita?" Capítulo 3 Sterling Romero salió de la Mansión Romero esa noche, lo suficientemente enfadado como para dejar su coche a medio camino a casa y sacar al perro a pasear. Lo que no esperaba era toparse con esa escena. Allí estaba ella, un capullo de rosa hermoso y malherido, acorralado por una jauría de callejeros desaliñados. Parecía frágil, pero la forma en que levantaba la barbilla, los ojos ardiendo de desafío, lo atrajo directamente de vuelta al cachorro de lobo huérfano con el que había vivido en las montañas casi un mes cuando tenía diez años. Todo fanfarronería y dientes al descubierto, guardando su pequeño trozo de tierra. Débil, pero ardiendo de vida. Ese lobo había muerto por sus manos al final. ¿Y esta chica? Era el mismo tipo de criatura: pequeña, espinosa y lista para hacer sangrar a quien intentara hacerle daño. Su rostro ni siquiera se inmutó mientras rompía los brazos de esos matones como si fueran ramitas. Nada la conmovía. Sterling, que rara vez se preocupaba por nada, sintió un destello de interés que no podía sacudirse. En contra de su mejor juicio, intervino. De cerca, era aún más difícil de olvidar. Esos ojos, oscuros, claros, brillantes como una noche después de la lluvia, se engancharon en algo enterrado profundamente dentro de él. Cuando ella levantó la vista, sobresaltada, había un destello de luz estelar que le hizo picar los dedos, con ganas de alargar la mano, de cubrir esos ojos afilados e intrépidos. Bien. Ya había intervenido. Mejor llevarlo hasta el final. Y, honestamente, necesitaba desahogarse. El callejón se llenó de gritos. Hacía un minuto, esos matones solo estaban demasiado heridos para arrastrarse. ¿Ahora? Estaban hechos pedazos: brazos inútiles, piernas rotas, el pánico espeso en el aire. Se arrepentían de todo. El trabajo había sido simple: golpearla un poco, nada grave. Su jefe incluso les había advertido que no dejaran marcas. Pero ella era demasiado hermosa, y unos cuantos se volvieron codiciosos. ¿Quién podría haber imaginado que la belleza delicada pegaba como un demonio, y lo que era peor, que un hombre como él aparecería de la nada? Frío, letal, como la Muerte misma con un abrigo de diseñador. Si el asesinato fuera legal, estaban seguros de que les habría roto el cuello sin pestañear. El cabecilla ya estaba perdiendo la cabeza. Sterling volvió paseando hasta donde la chica yacía observando desde el suelo. Su tono llevaba un rastro de diversión maliciosa. "Eres rápida, pero no lo suficiente despiadada. Si dejas cabos sueltos así, volverán para morderte. Entonces, pequeña callejera, ¿cómo piensas pagarme esta noche?" Claudia, que podría haber manejado la pelea bien por sí sola, y que ahora de alguna manera le debía algo a este extraño, guardó silencio. Tumbada de espaldas, el rostro surcado de sangre y polvo, de alguna manera parecía irreal en la oscuridad. Sterling frunció el ceño. Sucio. Se inclinó para levantar a la silenciosa rosa a sus pies, entonces algo lo empujó con fuerza. Tropezó, perdió el equilibrio y cayó justo encima de ella. Su peso aplastó su brazo herido; su mano izquierda aterrizó sobre algo más suave. Sus dedos se tensaron y apretaron antes de que su cerebro reaccionara. Se quedó helado. Ella también. Sus ojos se encontraron, muy abiertos en mutua conmoción. A unos metros de distancia, el perro pastor culpable se sentó parpadeando, como diciendo: Por favor, no me vean. Inmovilizada bajo un extraño, con todo dolorido, Claudia respiró hondo y tembloroso. Guapo o no, un grupo seguía siendo un grupo. Su expresión calmada se volvió feroz. Sterling oyó las primeras palabras de la rosa para él esa noche. "¿Nadie te dijo nunca?" "¿Decirme qué?" "Que no metas la nariz en los asuntos de otros." Antes de que la última palabra se desvaneciera, le rodeó el cuello con los brazos y lo tiró hacia abajo. Sus frentes chocaron con un crujido. El dolor se disparó. "¡Agente! ¡Por aquí!" Su voz sonó clara. Segundos después, las sirenas partieron la noche. Los policías vinieron corriendo. Sterling, al darse cuenta de que acababa de ser utilizado, dejó escapar una risa baja e incrédula. "¿Así tratas a tu salvador?" Terminó tumbado exactamente donde ella había estado, su voz goteando sarcasmo. Claudia se puso de pie, medio en sombras, y le dedicó una sonrisa delgada. "Obviamente. Soy la villana desagradecida, ¿recuerdas?" … Esa noche, el chico de oro de Liberty City, el heredero de Romero Corporation, fue llevado a la comisaría. Clint apareció rápido con un abogado, echando miradas furtivas a la chica que despertó la rara misericordia del Segador… y luego lo denunció por acoso. ¿Valiente, verdad? Era hermosa, y claramente no le temía a nada. Una vez que los matones fueron registrados, Clint se preparó, esperando a que Sterling dijera la palabra: Encárgate de ella. En cambio, Sterling dijo: "Averigua quién es." "¿Quién?" La palabra se le escapó antes de que Clint pudiera detenerse. Sterling nunca mostraba interés en ninguna mujer. La sola idea daba miedo. La mirada de Sterling se clavó en él, lo suficientemente afilada para hacerlo callar. "Sí, señor", murmuró Clint rápidamente. Mirando a la chica alejarse a zancadas después de lanzar una última mirada ardiente por encima del hombro, Clint sintió una punzada de lástima. Eso era todo. Ella y toda su familia estaban acabadas. … Ajena a la tormenta que acababa de desatar, Claudia se arrastró a casa al amanecer, perseguida por una ráfaga de llamadas. Su padre, Wilson Lancaster, la recibió en la puerta con una bofetada sonora. "¿Cómo he criado a una hija como tú?" No esquivó a tiempo. Su mejilla pálida enrojeció e hinchó. La habitación se quedó helada. Jasper frunció el ceño, con dolor destellando en sus ojos. Se obligó a no intervenir. Claudia había cruzado la línea esta vez; si no aprendía, quién sabía qué caos provocaría después. Aun así… Wilson había golpeado demasiado fuerte. La visión le retorció algo en el pecho. Lottie, Clarence y Zane llevaban la misma expresión enfadada y decepcionada. En el sofá, los ojos de Lydia brillaban con una alegría mal disimulada. Había estado furiosa la noche anterior porque los cretinos que contrató habían metido la pata y terminado en la comisaría. Por suerte, había cubierto sus huellas. Habían afirmado que fue solo un agarre "en un momento de arrebato", y como no pasó nada grave, no había nada que la vinculara a ella. Había sido dada de alta esa mañana y soltó el cebo que tenía preparado desde hacía tiempo. Los Lancaster se lo tragaron entero. Después de desaparecer toda la noche, nadie preguntó dónde había estado Claudia, ni notó sus heridas. La recibieron con una bofetada. Esa era su familia. Claudia no discutió. Caminó directamente hacia la pequeña Lydia, presumida y satisfecha.
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