Chapter 2
The moment I opened my phone, my eyes locked on a headline that struck me like a slap: “Isolde and Elena’s Relationship Revealed, Wedding Photos Leaked!”
The images were everywhere. Elena, smiling radiant and carefree, her hand adorned with the ring Isolde had picked for her.
I paused, then clicked ‘like‘–not because I wanted to, but because it was the final act of farewell.
The next morning, I saw yet another post on my feed–pictures of Isolde and Elena in their marital home. The life I thought was mine.
I deleted everything. Every photo, every memory. It felt like tearing out pieces of my
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soul.
Immoved through the motions of on the day- brushing my hair, putting on makeup, and sitting down to a meal with friendsdBuBut all I felttwas emptiness.
Whemlineturned home, I began packingng.
Isolde walked in, his gaze falling on thehe suitcase onttheffloor. “Where are you going??”
“Just needed sometime away. The weather’sr’s nice. Thought take a short trip.”
He glanced around the room, his eyes landing on the passport on the table.“Why is is your passporttoutt??”
“A friend recommended attravel agency.y They’ve got good deals. Iltthought I’d check it it out.”
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He didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, without warning, he reached out and pulled me into his arms.“I’ve been busy these past few days. But tomorrow, we’ll go to the stables. You’ve been wanting to ride again, haven’t you?”
The next day, we arrived at the stables. As soon as we dismounted, my eyes landed on Elena. She walked towards u. She slid into the space beside Isolde, her hand brushing his arm.
The entire day, Isolde barely glanced at her, his attention fixed on me. But Elena was
there.
After the ride, we went to the lounge area. I saw Elena surrounded by a group of people.
“Well, well, isn’t this our little You? The one
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who threw Isolde aside… now look at her, lost, pathetic.”
One of the men sneered, “I heard your father wants to marry you off to some old, washed–up gambler. You’re better off with us, girl. We have money, power–everything you need.”
I heard footsteps, and Isolde’s face appeared. He stormed over to the group, his hand moving like lightning. He kicked one of them harshly, his voice a low growl. “Shut your mouths, you worthless fools.”
“We’re sorry, Isolde! Please, forgive us!”
“Get out!” he snapped.
The men scrambled to flee.
Isolde’s attention turned to Elena, who clung
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ner,
Id,ld,
husus,
youu
,his is
lehe
Shutut
lunga
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to to him, tears streaeaming down her fa biburied herself in hischebest.
“I“I’m scared…” she sobblebed.
Istsolde’s eyes darkened,hisisisitences bebefore he quickly adjustedetener cloth wiwrapping her in his coat. “DoDon’t wor hehere”
Hele scooped her up and began pushsa thrarough the crowd. But in the chaloso! acaididentally knocked me downyn.
Panaishshot through my body asal hit th bloooopbopouring from my forehead. My blurredeanand the world seemed to spir felt cold sisweat run down my body.ly.
I thought backck to the times I’d fallen, | he’d been firanaitic to care for me. Now, though, he didntveven notice me.e
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The night dragged on, pain keeping me awake. Isolde didn’t return..
The next morning, Elena sent mecaavideo- a video of Isolde sitting by her bed,wipping sweat from her brow, his face full of foconcern.
Hours later, my phone rang. Isolde’s coldd voice cut through the line. “Hospital. Rooom 703. Get here now.”
I grabbed my bag and rushed to the hospital, the smell of antiseptic stinging my nose. When I entered the room, Elena was propped up in bed, bandaged and pale.
Isolde stood by her side.
“You’re here,” Isolde said.
“You called me. What’s going on?”
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“Ava, you sent those men aftere Elena, didn’t you?”
I froze, then laughed bitterly. “Whatarare you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb,” he snapped. “Theyeraramed you. You nearly got Elena killed.””
I glanced at Elena. A fleeting, triumphantnt smirk crossed her face.
“It wasn’t me”
“I don’t know them.”
Isolde’s gaze softened for a moment. “Ava, a, after ten years, you know what I think. Don’t t hurt her for me.”
I stumbled back, my back hitting the coldid
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pillar behind me.
I laughed bitterly, the sound breaking in the air. I remembered the boy by the river, his promise: “I’ll always believe in you.”
Suddenly, Elena lifted a glass of bright lime juice, swirling it gently. “Drink it, and I’ll forget everything.”
The lime juice–my worst fear. One sip and my throat would burn, my body reacting violently, as if each drop brought me closer to the edge.
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