Chapter 3
I started packing. I needed to leave before the walls of this house suffocated me. The door creaked open, and my mother stepped inside, her eyes narrowing when she saw the mess. “What are you doing?”
I zipped the suitcase with shaky fingers. “I’ve decided to accept the research project Professor Valenti offered me.”
She blinked, then broke into a bright smile. “That’s wonderful, sweetheart! I always knew you’d go for it. This is your dream, after all.”
It was. But I had almost given it up–for him. I had turned down that opportunity because I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Jayson for three years. But now? Now, I couldn’t leave fast enough.
My fingers brushed against the mask still covering my face. Even now, even with my scar finally gone, I hadn’t taken it off. I put on a fake scar. I still want Jayson to believe that he has ruined me. Let him think I was still useless and pathetic.
“I didn’t want to tell anyone yet,” I said quickly when she suggested we announce it at dinner. “Not even Jayson.”
Her brows lifted. “Why not?”
I forced a tight smile. “I just don’t want anyone to feel sad about me leaving. I might change my mind if they do.”
She nodded slowly, accepting my excuse. “Alright, but at least join us for dinner tonight. Your stepfather has an announcement to make.”
I nodded, though dread settled like a stone in my stomach. I swallowed hard, gripping the handle of my suitcase. The words sat heavy on my tongue, aching to be spoken. I wanted to tell her. To scream that the son of the man she loved had destroyed me. That Jayson had orchestrated my worst nightmare, shattered my trust, and made me fall for him just to break me.
But as I opened my mouth, something else came out instead.
“Mom… do you love him? Jayson’s father?”
She blinked at me, startled by the sudden question. But then, her face softened, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Of course, sweetheart. I’ve never been this happy.”
Her voice was so full of warmth, of certainty, that my heart clenched.
She was happy. She had found love again, rebuilt a life for herself after the pain of the past. And if I told her the truth–if I told her what Jayson had done–it would all come crashing down.
Her marriage. Her happiness. Our family.
I hesitated, the confession dying in my throat.
Jayson had ruined me. But I wouldn’t ruin her.
Forcing a smile, I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “I’m glad, Mom. I really am.”
She beamed at me, her eyes shining with love.
And just like that, I made my decision.
Chapter 3
333
10.03
7:27 pm G D
I wouldn’t say a word.
I would leave. I would disappear. And I would carry this secret with me–alone.
Later that evening, dressed in a simple black dress, I sat quietly at the long dining table, surrounded by smiling faces. My heart wasn’t in it. I just needed to get through the night.
Until I saw her.
Fiona.
She walked into the room like she owned it, her smile radiant as if she hadn’t left Jayson shattered all those years ago. And then–like a cruel joke–the announcement came.
“We’re thrilled to share that Jayson and Fiona are getting married!”
The room erupted in applause. Everyone cheered. Everyone except me.
I excused myself, fleeing to the bathroom, my chest tightening with every step. I splashed cold water on my face, gripping the sink, trying to steady my breath.
The door creaked open, and I didn’t have to look to know it was her.
Fiona’s reflection appeared in the mirror, her smile gone. “Stay away from Jayson.”
I turned slowly, forcing an innocent expression. “Why would I do that? He’s my brother. We’re family.”
She stepped closer, her eyes sharp and knowing. “Don’t play dumb. I know everything. Jayson told me how you’ve been flirting with him, how obsessed you are. If you don’t back off, I’ll tell
your parents.”
Her words were knives, but I refused to let them see me bleed. I turned to leave, but she grabbed my arm. I yanked it back instinctively, and she slipped–her heel catching on the wet floor.
She crashed down hard, letting out a dramatic scream.
The door burst open, and there he was.
Jayson.
“What is happening here?” His eyes darted from Fiona on the floor to me standing above her.
“She pushed me!” Fiona sobbed. “I don’t know why–maybe she hates me. I was just trying to be friendly.”
“That’s not true!” I snapped, my voice trembling with rage. “She’s lying. I didn’t-”
But Jayson didn’t even look at me.
He rushed to Fiona’s side, lifting her gently in his arms like she was fragile glass. As he passed me, our shoulders brushed, and the force of it sent me stumbling.
I hit the floor hard, the sharp sting of pain radiating through my arm. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the ache in my chest.
Jayson didn’t even look back.
