Leave it,” I said.
Elara blinked at me. “What did you say, Adrian?”
“I said leave it.” I pulled out my chair and sat
She stared at me for a second longer, then gave a soft, polite laugh. “Of course. I was just curious, that’s all.”
My father cleared his throat and spoke, his tone heavy with formality. “We’re here to celebrate my son’s engagement to Elara
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I hope everyone enjoys the evening.”
But I barely touched my wine or food.
I just sat there, haunted by the image of Selene’s scar.
If only I’d known sooner. If only…
But there is no if in real life.
A part of me wanted to find her. To explain. To clear the air. Maybe–just maybe–if we could talk, there might still be a future.
But then there was Elara.
I used to think I loved her. I truly believed she was the one who pulled me from the waves, who bled for me. But now… it’s all unraveling.
She lied. She wasn’t who I thought she was.
I turned my head and looked at her–sitting beside my mother, all grace and softness and effortless charm.
She caught my gaze and tilted her head, concerned. “Adrian? Is something wrong?”
I forced a smile. “Nothing. Just a little dizzy. Maybe I drank the wine too fast.”
Perfect, poised Elara rose to pour me a glass of water, every inch the attentive fiancée.
But as she held it out to me, I hesitated. Could someone pretend goodness so flawlessly?
I took a sip, more out of courtesy than thirst, then stood.
“I’m sorry, everyone,” I said. “I’m not feeling well. I think I’ll head upstairs. Please enjoy the rest of your evening.”
But I didn’t go upstairs. I took a detour.
Soon, I found myself standing in front of the small villa on the edge of the estate. Once, it had been filled with laughter and chatter–girls training to be chosen.
Now it was silent. Empty. A ghost of what it used to be.
I climbed the stairs, my footsteps muffled by memory.
The door to Selene’s room was ajar.
Inside… nothing. Completely empty. The furniture gone. Clothes vanished. No photos. No scent. Not a single thread of her remained.
My chest tightened. Selene wouldn’t have done this herself. She didn’t have the authority–this villa was funded by my family.
So who…? Father? Mother? …Elara?
My pulse spiked.
Astormed back to the dining room.
Conversations faltered. All eyes turned to me.
“Adrian?” my mother asked gently “Weren’t you going to rest?”
I ignored her. “Did any of you go into the villa?” I demanded. “Selene’s room is empty. Her things–gone. All of them.”
Mother frowned, clearly confused. “Not me. I haven’t stepped foot in that place since she left. It broke my heart.”
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Father shook his head too. “Nor I.”
Then-
“It was me,” Elara said softly.
Her voice trembled as she looked at me, her big doe eyes shimmering with innocence.
“Selene said she was leaving the Vale,” she said with a small shrug. “So I figured… she didn’t pack anything, right? I thought she probably didn’t want them. I was just trying to help. Clear the space.”
I stared at her.
“You thought?” My voice sharpened. “Who gave you the right to touch her things? Did I?”
Elara flinched. Her face lost its color. “No,” she whispered. “I just thought-
“You thought what? That humiliating her at our engagement party wasn’t enough? That now you’d
erase her completely?”
