To the world, I became untouchable.
But Sebastian Rusnak’s betrayal never left.
It lived inside me like a splinter lodged deep in bone—small, sharp, impossible to ignore, no matter how much time passed.
And now—now I will be his wife.
The irony is exquisite.
I couldn’t have planned this better if I tried.
I smile at my reflection, slow and controlled.
Congratulations, Sebastian.
You finally came back to me.
There’s a knock on my bedroom door.
“Come in,” I say, my voice steady.
My father walks in.
Tall. Silver-haired. Impeccably tailored even inside his own home. His eyes are sharp in the way that has made grown men stammer through negotiations. Two guards flank him, stationed just inside the doorway. Even here, even now, he is never unprotected.
Power doesn’t sleep. Neither does paranoia.
“I’m here to remind you,” he says without preamble, “that the engagement soirée is in two days. But you have a private meeting with Rusnak scheduled for tomorrow evening. Just to acquaint yourselves before the soirée.”
I turn from the bed, crossing the room with unhurried grace. “Are you certain Sebastian Rusnak has agreed to the marriage?”
For the first time, he frowns, just slightly, like the question itself offends him.
“Of course,” he says. “The Rusnaks are fully behind it. I received confirmation directly from the Pakhan, Lukin. Sebastian is on board.”
On board.
I smile.
“Send me the address for the dinner,” I say calmly. “I’ll be there.”
He studies me for a beat, as if searching for hesitation, for doubt. He finds none. Satisfied, he nods once and turns, the guards moving in perfect sync as they leave.
The door closes softly behind them.
Silence returns.
I turn back to the bed where the documents lie waiting, pristine and damning. So Sebastian agreed. Amazing. After everything—after what he did—he agreed without resistance.
I let myself imagine tomorrow.
The room. The lights. The polite applause. And then him.
I imagine looking Sebastian in the eye again.
The flicker of recognition.
The momentary shock he won’t be able to hide.
