The Day He Let Me Go, I Let Him Go Forever

I spiked the drink of Daniel Falkner, Belcaster's big shot, three years ago. After that night of madness, he doesn't punish me. Instead, he takes my waist in his hands and drives into me until my legs go weak, calling me "princess", again and again. But just as I'm about to confess, Serena Jarman, the woman he never gets over, returns. For her sake, he lets me get hit by a car, makes me watch Mom's keepsake get left to a stray, and even throws me into jail with his own hands. By the time I'm shattered and boarding a flight to Velport to marry someone else, Daniel is tearing Belcaster apart just to find me. Chapter 1 To outsiders, I was the bright and brazen heiress of the Seymours. Daniel Falkner was Belcaster's big shot—disciplined, aloof, almost ascetic. Night after night, he took my waist in his hands and drove into me until my legs went weak, calling me "princess", again and again. He didn't know I'd be marrying someone else in just two weeks. The sheet was still damp. As I lay catching my breath, Daniel was already up, pulling on his clothes. I turned onto my side and watched him button his shirt. "You're not staying tonight?" "I have a meeting at the office. Be sweet," he said without looking back. There it was again. I sat up. The sheet slipped off me. His hands stilled for a heartbeat, then resumed at his tie. "Daniel." "Yeah?" "Nothing." He turned, brushed a kiss across my forehead, and murmured, "I'm leaving." When the door clicked shut, I reached for my phone and punched in a number I knew by heart. "Dad, I'll go through with the arranged marriage. I'll marry the dying Gaskell heir in Velport in two weeks, but I have one condition." His voice lifted at once. "Great! Name it. Whatever it is, I'll grant it!" "We'll speak in person." After I ended the call, Daniel's spare tablet on the nightstand lit, the screen flashing a new message from Serena Jarman. "Danny, thanks for coming with me to the hospital today. The doctor says I'm doing better. It's all because you've been taking such good care of me. Let's catch a movie tomorrow, like old times." A kiss emoji capped it off. I stared at the text, my fingers shaking. Daniel had never once gone with me to the hospital, not even when I broke a rib at riding practice. I threw on my clothes and slipped out, tailing his car. He stepped out in front of one of the city's finest restaurants. From a distance, I watched him walk to Serena in her white dress. She looked frailer than in the photos. He lifted a hand to smooth her hair, so gentle it seemed she might splinter at his touch. I'd only ever seen that tenderness on his face in bed. It was three years ago when Dad handed me to Daniel. One glance at that austere, handsome face and my knees betrayed me. Dad told him, "Freya needs to learn the family rules. She's too wild. Only you can keep her in line." I was then just back from boarding school—rebellious, untamed, unwilling to yield. Plenty of men had tried to tame me. I thought Daniel would be just another, but I was going to tame him first. The first time we met, I made sure to show up at his office in a microskirt. Daniel sat behind his desk, not even glancing up. "Close your knees, Freya." "Why?" "Because right now, you look like the Seymours forgot to teach you manners." I hitched my skirt higher. "How about now?" His eyes, icy behind gold-rimmed glasses, finally lifted to me. "Get out." I spent months throwing every provocation I could dream up at him. I slid notes into his files, sabotaged projects he'd set up, and even dosed his whiskey with a laxative. He'd just restore order, calm as ever, and say in that schoolmaster tone, "Freya, you're bright. Put that mind to better use." One night, I spiked Daniel's drink, wanting to see him without the reins. I hadn't expected it to kick in before I was out the door. He caught my wrists, breath uneven. "What did you put in my drink?" I held his gaze. "You've already guessed. Want to test it?" That night changed everything. When morning came, Daniel was already dressed. I braced for him to lose it, to send me back to Dad. "Daniel, I—" "Princess." He brushed my cheek. "This stays between us." That single word undid me. We kept up this strange relationship for the next two years. By day, he was the cold CEO. By night, he breathed "princess" in my ear and drove me weak at the knees. I believed Daniel loved me until my birthday that year. I spent hours getting ready, slipped into my best dress, and reserved the restaurant where we'd first dated. I meant to tell him I loved him, that I'd stand by him, whatever the price. But he never came. I waited three hours, alone, until even the waiters began watching me with pity. The next day, the internet lit up with photos of Daniel at the airport, picking up another woman. Serena leaned into his arm in the shots, the two of them looking every bit the couple. It turned out he'd forgotten my birthday because he was busy picking up another woman. I let out a bitter laugh and drank myself senseless. I wanted to ask him what I was to him. A bedmate? A prop? But I didn't dare. I was too lonely, too addicted to his warmth, too afraid that saying it out loud would drive him away. That night, I found Serena's photographs in his study and shattered every frame. Daniel came home to ruins but didn't so much as frown. He told the maids to clean the mess up and take care of me, then walked right by. I saw it then, plain as day. Daniel was the Falkner heir—distant, composed, untouchable. His patience was just his pride keeping him from arguing with me. After that, he still called me "princess" in bed as if nothing had changed, except that I'd already gone cold. At the restaurant, Daniel held the door for Serena. They spoke with an easy warmth. I looked away and drove to the Seymour residence. In the living room, Dad and my stepmother, Rowena Blanchard, were watching TV. He switched it off as I walked in. "Well? Name your terms. What will it take for you to accept the arrangement?" he asked. I sank onto the couch. "I'm cutting ties with you." Dad froze. "What did you say?" Rowena's eyes gleamed. "I'll marry the dying Gaskell heir. But in exchange, we're finished. I'm no longer a Seymour. Bring your mistress and your illegitimate daughter back if you want. "The day you staged that crash and killed Mom, you stopped being my father." His face darkened. "I told you. It was an accident!" I met his eyes and let out a humorless laugh. "Accident or not, Mom died while catching you with Rowena, right there on the road. So stop acting like the doting father. "You've spent five months plotting to sell me to the Gaskells, just so your mistress could waltz in and your illegitimate daughter could wear the Seymours' name. Isn't that the bargain?" Dad lurched to his feet. "You want to cut ties? Fine! From tomorrow, you're no daughter of mine!" "Deal." I turned toward the stairs. "And make sure the Gaskells hear it. Their bride won't be the Seymour heiress anymore. She'll be nothing but an orphan. Let's see if they will still pay your price." Once in my room, I shut the door and dropped the act. Curled on the bed, I let my tears spill, small and helpless as a wounded animal. Would Daniel even know? To leave him for good, I cut the last thread that bound me to the world. … Early the next morning, I woke to the sound of things being moved downstairs. I rose and moved to the landing. At the foot of the stairs stood a figure I knew all too well. Serena. My blood ran cold. Chapter 2 Serena stood at the foot of the stairs in a simple white dress, so fragile it hurt to look at her. When her eyes found me, she smiled sweetly. "You must be Freya Seymour. I'm Serena Jarman. Nice to meet you." I didn't answer. I just stared. Alfred Seymour emerged from the living room. At the sight of her, his expression melted in a way I rarely saw. "Rena, you must be exhausted. Let Freya show you to your room." "Thank you, Mr. Seymour," Serena said demurely. Alfred added, "Use Freya's room. It gets the best light and will be perfect for your recovery." I turned to him. "My room?" "Starting today, that's Rena's room. You'll move to the third floor. There's a vacant one up there." I gave a mirthless laugh. "I'll pass." I went upstairs and started packing. Half an hour later, I came down, suitcase in tow. Alfred saw it and frowned. "Where do you think you're going?" Without looking back, I said, "I'm leaving. I'm not a Seymour anymore. There's no reason for me to stay here." "Freya! The wedding's in two weeks. Don't be absurd!" "I know." I pulled the door open. "I'll show up on time in two weeks and keep my end of the deal." I slammed the door behind me and drove off from the Seymour residence. My destination was the most luxurious hotel in Belcaster. "I want your most expensive suite," I told the receptionist. "How many nights?" "Two weeks." I paid with the Seymours' secondary card, which had a 30 million dollar limit and had been barely touched until now. Today, I intended to burn through it. After checking into the suite, I unleashed a spree of revenge spending. I reached out to the consultant from the world's top wedding-dress label and ordered three gowns, all over a million a piece. Then came ten sets of jewelry and two limited-edition watches. By nightfall, I had blown nearly 25 million dollars. Alfred called not long after. "Freya! Are you insane? You burned through nearly 30 million dollars in a single day!" I stretched out on the hotel's leather couch. "What's the problem? I'm marrying into a family far away. I need to spend a little to look the part." "You need that much just to look the part?" I sipped my champagne. "Of course. I'm marrying the Gaskell heir. Do you expect me to show up looking cheap? Besides, they're putting three billion dollars on the table. Tens of millions doesn't even register." "You…" Alfred choked on his fury, unable to speak. I laughed. "Dad—no, I should say Mr. Seymour. Didn't we already cut ties? Technically, I shouldn't even be spending your money. Relax. Once the funds land, you'll be the first I pay back." I hung up and went straight back to my spending spree. Before the marriage funds landed, I'd bleed the Seymours' cash flow dry. Once those three billion dollars hit my account, Alfred would have to beg if he wanted even a crumb back. We'd see if he still dared to stand with Rowena and Serena then. I was about to launch into the final round of indulgence when my phone buzzed. Daniel's name lit up the screen. "You've not gone to the office for three days. What's going on?" I stared at the words. My pulse spiked, but I smothered it at once. He didn't care about me. He only cared when I strayed from his script. That was all. I texted back, "Family stuff. I'll be fine in a few days." He never replied. … The next morning, just as I was heading out for another round of shopping, the hotel receptionist stopped me. "Ms. Seymour, I'm sorry, but the card you've been using has been frozen. We can't process any more payments for your stay." "What do you mean?" "You'll need to settle the bill immediately, or…" He hesitated. "We'll have to ask you to leave the hotel." An hour later, I was outside, suitcase in hand—penniless and homeless. I couldn't bring myself to sell the luxury pieces I'd bought. They were meant for the wedding. For a moment, I thought of calling a friend. But then I remembered that I didn't have any. No one had ever cared for me. They'd only cared for the Seymour name. And now that I'd been cast out, who would even bother with me? Night pressed in as I dragged my suitcase through the streets. At last, I found a park bench and sank onto it. The silence was heavy, disturbed only by the low hiss of traffic far off. I hugged my knees, counting the days. Twelve left until the wedding. I couldn't survive on the streets that long. As I sat brooding, a group of drunks lurched into the park. One of them staggered closer, reeking of cheap alcohol. "Hey, gorgeous. All alone?" I shot upright, muscles taut. "Stay back." "Don't be like that." He reached for me. "Why don't you have a drink with us?" I stepped back, only to bump into the bench. Just then, a low voice cut through the night. "She's not alone." I turned and saw Daniel step out of the shadows, his expression so dark it was almost frightening. The weight of his presence sent the drunks slinking away. He stopped in front of me, his gaze flicking from my suitcase to the bench. "Homeless, and still you won't turn to me?" Chapter 3 Daniel drove me back to Falkner Estate in North Belcaster. I sat in the passenger seat, watching neon streaking past the window. I felt hollow inside. "We're here," Daniel said. After parking the car, he came around to open my door. Why did he always do this? He didn't love me, but he wanted me in his bed and treated me with such gentleness. My nose prickled as I climbed out, suitcase trailing behind. The house was too familiar, every corner steeped in memories of when we couldn't keep our hands off each other. Daniel reached for my suitcase, intending to take it to the room that was mine. "No, it's fine," I said, moving toward the guest room. "I'm only here for a few days. The guest room will do." He stopped mid-step. "You can stay as long as you want." I set my suitcase in the guest room and closed the door. Perched on the bed's edge, I stared at my phone. 12 more days, and I'd leave Belcaster, the city I'd grown up in, for good. … The next morning, I went downstairs to find Daniel already having breakfast in the dining room. He looked up and gestured to the seat across from him. A maid brought milk and toast as soon as I sat. "Daniel," I said. He glanced up, eyes calm behind his gold-rimmed glasses. "Did you know Serena is Rowena's daughter?" "I only learned yesterday," he answered evenly, without the faintest flicker of guilt. I let out a bitter laugh. "What is Serena to you?" Daniel set his coffee down. "A high school classmate. She once took a knife for me and saved my life. She's been recovering in Norvane ever since." "Really? Just a classmate? The one who saved your life? That's all?" His brow tightened. "Freya, I don't want you targeting her just because she's moved into the Seymour residence." I laughed, bitterness edging my voice. "Is that a warning?" His tone cut like ice. "It's a reminder. Rena's not well. She can't take any strain." I simply nodded. His blunt defense of her was more than I'd expected. What else was there to ask? "I understand," I said finally, standing. "I'm going upstairs." I spent the whole day in the guest room. The maids brought lunch and dinner up, and I didn't go downstairs. That night, I lay in bed, unable to sleep. This was usually when Daniel would push the door open and pin me beneath him without a word. He'd grip my waist and call me "princess". But tonight, the hallway stayed quiet. Of course, Serena was back at his side. Why would he think of me now? … The next day fell on the weekend, so Daniel didn't go to the office. At around 10:00 am, he knocked on my door. "Freya, there's a gathering tonight. Come with me." I opened the door to find he had already changed into a black suit. "What kind of gathering?" "A gathering with our circle." I really didn't want to be alone in this house full of memories, so I nodded. … At 7:00 pm, Daniel's car pulled up outside a private club. I followed him in and found the place warmly decorated, with flowers and ribbons everywhere. It was nothing like the business-circle gatherings I'd been to before. Before I could ask, a familiar voice rang out. "Danny! You finally made it!" Serena glided over in a white evening gown, light as a butterfly. When she saw me, her expression froze for a beat, then she lit up with a sweet smile. "Freya, you're here too! That's wonderful!" I glanced around and spotted a banner that read, "Welcome back, Serena." So this was what Daniel had brought me to—a party to celebrate her return to the country. I turned to leave, but Serena stepped in front of me. She looked at me with concern. "Freya, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well? I heard you moved out of the house. Was it because of me? I'm so sorry. I didn't know Mr. Seymour would put me in your room." Her voice was soft and gentle, yet loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. A few guests looked over at me with a hint of curiosity. "It's fine. It's just a room," I said. Serena's eyes filled with tears. "But Mr. Seymour said you'd even severed ties with him. It's all because of me. If I hadn't come back—" "Serena," I cut her off. "Whatever happened between Alfred and me has nothing to do with you. You're an outsider." Her tears spilled over, and she looked up at Daniel, tearful and fragile. He came over, shot me a warning glance, then said gently to her, "Don't cry. Your eyes will puff up." Then he took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her tears. She broke into a small, tearful laugh. "You're so sweet to me, Danny." I stood there watching the cozy little scene, my chest aching like it was sitting in an ice bath. I turned for the drinks table, picked up a glass of champagne, and downed half in one go. Chapter 4 It wasn't until the party really got underway that I realized how attentive Daniel was to Serena. He pulled out her chair and blew on the hot toasts for her. When her strap slipped, he set it back in place with a light touch on her shoulder. None of that was ever for me. In the two years I'd been with Daniel, he never once did those things for me of his own accord. I used to think that was simply his nature—cool, controlled, above such small courtesies. But it wasn't. He just wouldn't do them for me. In ten days, Belcaster would be behind me. And with it, any chance of him treating me that way. I held my glass of champagne, listening as Serena laughed softly and chatted with the other guests. She spoke about recuperating in Norvane and how she'd missed Belcaster—every line polished, graceful, perfectly right. Beside me, a woman whispered, "Rena's such a lovely young woman. With Daniel doting on her like that, the two of them are bound to end up together." My grip tightened on the glass stem. The host bounded up to lift the mood. "Alright, everybody, game time! We'll do a this-or-that round!" As the big screen flared on, the host explained the rules. "Two photos will appear on the screen, and you pick the one you prefer. Mr. Falkner, since you're the guest of honor tonight, you're up first!" First up was a pair of red wines. Without the slightest hesitation, Daniel chose the one on the left—the lower-alcohol one. "Rena can't drink anything too strong," he explained. The room whooped. Next came two bouquets—roses and lilies. Daniel picked the lilies. "Rena prefers white flowers." The third pair showed two getaway spots—Maravea and Veylund. "Veylund. Rena needs fresh air to recuperate," he said. Every pick he made was about Serena. I watched Daniel on stage and thought about our two years together. He never asked what I liked. He never remembered what I loved to eat or where I loved to go. The host's voice rang out, brimming with excitement. "And now, the final round! This one's a little special—two beautiful ladies!" The big screen lit with two photos. On the left was Serena, in a white dress. She was smiling softly in a garden, looking as pure as an angel. On the right was a photo of me, in a red evening dress at a party, my gaze bold and blazing. The room went quiet. All eyes turned to Daniel. He stood on stage, staring at the screen, saying nothing for a few seconds. Those seconds felt like centuries to me. I knew he'd choose Serena. Still, I clung to one last, fragile hope that he might pick me, even if it was just for show, or out of pity. Daniel's voice came over the microphone. "I choose… Rena." The room erupted in loud applause and good-natured jeers. I set my champagne down, turned on my heel, and bolted out of the private room. In the restroom, I faced the mirror and drew deep breaths, trying to calm myself. I shouldn't have expected anything from the start. Once I'd pulled myself together, I headed back out, ready to return to the private room. The hallway was dim, shadows pooling in the corners. I had just turned the corner when a few drunk men blocked my way. One of them staggered closer, reeking of liquor. "Hey, pretty thing. All alone? How about a drink with us?" I stepped back. "Move." Another reached for me. "Don't be so cold. We just wanna get to know you." I kept backing up and, out of the corner of my eye, caught sight of Daniel standing in the doorway of the private room. He was talking to a guest. I shot him a pleading look. Daniel saw me. His expression darkened, and he made his way toward me. Just then, a cry of pain rang out from inside the room. "Ouch! My foot…" Daniel spun around to find Serena clinging to a chair, her face white as a sheet. He hurried to her. "What happened?" With tears gathering in her eyes, she looked heartbreakingly delicate. "I think I twisted my ankle." Daniel crouched at once to check her ankle, forgetting I was there in the hallway. Serena whispered something to him, and without even looking back, he said, "Don't worry about her. She'll handle it herself." Right then, something in me died. I snatched a bottle of red wine from the table beside me and smashed it against the wall. With a bang, shards flew, and the drunk men were startled. I raised the broken bottle, its jagged mouth aimed at them. "Get lost!" They saw the menace in my eyes and slunk off at once. Shards dug into my palm, blood pattering onto the floor. I stared at the gash, felt the sharp burn, and told myself it was nothing. … After the party, I stood alone at the club entrance, waiting for a ride. Daniel came out, guiding Serena forward at a slow pace. She spotted me and came over. "Freya, I'm really sorry about earlier. I suddenly twisted my ankle. That's why Danny couldn't be there for you. But it looks like you handled it well." Her gaze dropped to my injured hand, smugness flickering in her eyes. I let out a cold laugh. "Yeah. I've always been good at handling things on my own." Serena's smile was all sugar. "That's good. Honestly, I worried a little when Danny brought you here tonight. After all, you two…" "What?" She leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't actually think Danny has any special feelings for you, do you? Freya, he only pities you. You're homeless now, and he's letting you stay out of kindness. That's all." "Is that so?" A flicker of malice showed in her eyes. "Of course. You saw the game tonight. Danny's heart has room for only me. He's been that way since high school and will never change." Just then, a black sedan veered out of control, hurtling straight at us. Daniel reacted instantly, lunging forward to pull Serena into his arms and shielding her. The car plowed into me, slamming me to the ground. Chapter 5 My mind went hazy when the car hit me. Pain flooded every part of me, but worse was the despair of being utterly abandoned. Fragments of memory flashed through my mind. Daniel sat behind his desk the first time we met, his gold-rimmed glasses catching a cold gleam. I tried to provoke him, and he didn't so much as flinch. The first time he pinned me beneath him, he called me "princess" in that rough, husky voice. I mistook it for love. Night after night, in his arms with his heartbeat in my ear, I believed I'd finally found home. Then everything froze at that very moment from just seconds earlier. Daniel lunged toward Serena, sweeping her into his arms without a second's hesitation. And me? I was just a stray soul, discarded in the path of danger. … I was lying in a hospital bed when I opened my eyes again. The room was so quiet I could hear Daniel talking on the phone. "Rena, does it still hurt?" His voice was so gentle it felt unfamiliar. Serena answered in a weak voice, "Much better. Thank you, Danny. If you hadn't caught me in time, I might have…" Daniel tried to calm her. "Don't dwell on it. The doctor said you were just shaken up. No external injuries." "Danny, if we had to do it over, you'd still save me first, right?" Daniel didn't hesitate. "Of course." "But Freya was hit…" Daniel's tone stayed even. "She has no reason to be upset. I'd naturally help the more vulnerable person first in an emergency. She knows that." I shut my eyes, as if a knife had been driven straight through my heart. So in his eyes, I didn't even have the right to be angry. I heard footsteps, and the privacy curtain was drawn back. Daniel stood at my bedside. Seeing I was awake, he showed not a flicker of guilt. "Awake?" I answered with a hum, my voice hoarse. "The doctor says it's just a mild concussion. There are also some scrapes on your leg, nothing serious. I've arranged for the best team, and I'll stay for the next few days to look after you." Staring at the ceiling, I said, "Thanks. I'll pay you back for the medical bills in ten days." Daniel frowned. "What are you talking about? In ten days?" I turned my head toward him. "I said I'd pay you back for the medical bills. And the cost of staying at your house, I'll settle those, too." His face went a little stiff. "Freya, you don't need to settle anything with me." My voice stayed calm. "Why not? We don't have any relationship to begin with, do we?" The room fell silent for a few seconds. Daniel seemed about to say something, but all he gave me was, "Get some rest." He really did stay at the hospital to look after me over the next few days. He'd come by on schedule to check on me, make sure the nurses gave me my medication on time, and even feed me himself. But I kept my distance—no tears, no fuss, no pouting, no tantrums. I treated him like a kindly stranger, polite yet detached. Daniel seemed unsettled by it. … That third afternoon, Daniel sat at my bedside, watching me flip through a magazine. "Freya," he said. I didn't look up. "Yeah?" "About that night…" Daniel hesitated. "I saved Rena first, not because I didn't want to save you. She isn't in good health. She couldn't have withstood the impact. It was the best choice—" I set the magazine down and cut him off. "I know." Daniel studied me, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "You're really not angry?" he asked. "Is that what you want?" Just then, a commotion broke out in the hallway. "Hurry! Get her into the ER!" "What happened?" "Ms. Jarman fell down the stairs. She's badly hurt!" Daniel's expression shifted at once. He shot to his feet and said in a rush, "I have to take care of something." He glanced back from the doorway. "I'll come see you later." I listened to his hurried footsteps fade down the hall and closed my eyes, exhausted. Once again, Serena had managed to pull Daniel away from me. And I didn't even have the strength to fight for him anymore. Anyway, he'd be free to be with Serena openly in a week. Chapter 6 I woke from a deep sleep to a sharp sting in my arm. When I looked down, bright red blood had backed up into the clear IV tubing. I pressed the call button by the bed. A nurse walked in, frowning at the tubing. "How come no one's keeping an eye on you? Where's your boyfriend?" "He's not my boyfriend. He had to leave," I said evenly. "How long ago?" she asked as she changed the IV. I looked at the clock on the wall. It was 2:00 am. Daniel had left at 7:00 pm. It had already been seven hours. "A long time," I said. The nurse shook her head. "That's just how the rich are. All they care about is appearances. When it counts, they are never around." After she finished, I couldn't fall back asleep. By dawn, I decided to get out of bed and stretch my legs. I pushed the IV pole into the hallway and overheard two nurses whispering to each other. "That young woman in the VIP ward is fortunate. Her boyfriend booked the entire floor for her." "They say he even brought in specialists from all over the world, and she has care around the clock." "The Falkner heir treats her well. He hasn't left her side." I stopped short. The VIP ward was on the tenth floor. I was on the eighth floor, in a standard room. I pressed the elevator button and went up to the tenth floor. The whole floor was sealed off, and only one room was lit. I went up to the door and peered through the gap. Daniel sat at the bedside, patiently feeding Serena spoonfuls of oatmeal. She leaned against the headboard, pale but content. "Does it still hurt?" Daniel asked softly. "I feel much better." Serena opened her mouth and let him feed her another spoonful. "I'm not afraid of anything with you around." Alfred sat on the couch, peeling an apple for her. When she finished the oatmeal, he handed her a small slice. "Eat slowly. Be careful so you don't choke," Alfred said, his voice warm with affection. Serena smiled sweetly. "Mr. Seymour, you are so kind to me. You are just like a real father to me." He patted her hand. "You are my daughter now. From now on, this family is yours." Daniel, too, smiled gently and reached out to smooth Serena's hair. "Still dizzy?" "No, just a little tired." He drew the curtains and dimmed the lights. "Then sleep a little longer. I'll stay right here with you." That tender scene was a knife driven hard into my heart. I bit down hard on my lip and forced myself not to let a sob escape. I turned and left the VIP area, then went back to my own room. I told myself not to cry. I told myself I couldn't cry. … Four days before I was scheduled to fly to Velport for the wedding, I checked out of the hospital. As soon as I walked out of the hospital, I saw Daniel leaning against a black sedan, waiting for me. "Get in," he said. "I'll just take a cab." "Get in." His tone carried a threat, leaving no room for refusal. I looked at his cold, hard expression and, in the end, got into the car. "Where are we going?" I asked. Daniel started the engine. "To clear your head. You've been cooped up in the hospital too long." Half an hour later, the car pulled up outside Whitman's Auction House in the financial district. I looked at the poster by the entrance. "An auction?" Daniel got out of the car. "There's an art auction today. Aren't you into this stuff?" I was about to refuse, but as I took the auction catalog he handed me, I saw a familiar item. Listed as Lot 47 was a pearl necklace. My hands began to tremble. I knew that necklace all too well. It was Mom's. Noticing the change in my expression, Daniel asked, "What's wrong?" I clutched the catalog. "Nothing. Let's go in." … In the restroom, my fingers shook as I called my lawyer. "Sell everything I'd set aside. Right now. Immediately." "Ms. Seymour, those are the assets you said you were taking to Velport—" "I've changed my mind," I said, my voice urgent. "How much can we get?" "About 100 million dollars." "That'll do." I hung up and took a deep breath. I must retrieve Mom's necklace. … Once inside the auction hall, Daniel found us seats in the front row. Just as I was about to sit down, a familiar voice called out, "Danny!" She had on a pale pink dress. A bandage was still on her head, yet she looked heartbreakingly beautiful in her own fragile way. She came over and slipped her arm through Daniel's arm, affectionate as ever. Serena looked at me with a sweet smile. "Freya, you're here too. I told Danny I wanted to apologize to you at the auction, and I didn't think he'd actually bring you." In that instant, everything became clear. Daniel hadn't brought me here to cheer me up or help me clear my head. It was only because Serena wanted to "apologize" to me, and I was just a prop he'd brought along on the way. Looking at Serena's smug smile, even the last trace of pain in me vanished. I was already numb. Chapter 7 The auction officially began. I gripped my paddle tightly, waiting for Lot 47. At last, the auctioneer raised the pearl necklace. "Lot 47, a pearl necklace. Opening bid, five million dollars." I raised my paddle immediately. "Five million dollars." "Ten million dollars," came Serena's voice from right beside me. I looked over. She was all smiles, her paddle raised. "15 million dollars," I said, raising my paddle again. Serena didn't even pause. "20 million dollars." The price started to soar. 30 million dollars. 50 million dollars. 80 million dollars… Sweat slicked my palms. My lawyer had said everything I owned was worth about 100 million dollars in total, but the price had already climbed to nearly 120 million dollars. "120 million dollars." Serena raised her paddle with ease, as if she were naming a trivial number. The auctioneer looked at me. "Ma'am, would you like to continue?" My hands trembled. I couldn't raise the paddle again. I didn't have enough. All eyes were on me, Daniel's included. Swallowing my pride, I turned to him. My voice shook. "Daniel, lend me some money, please. This necklace was my mother's. It's the only thing she left me." Daniel looked at me. Something complicated flickered in his eyes. Just as he reached for his black card, Serena turned to him as well. In a sweet, wheedling tone, she said, "Danny, I had nothing growing up. This is the first necklace I've ever truly loved. Could you ask Freya to let me have this one?" She caught his sleeve, her eyes bright with expectation. Daniel looked between Serena and me, silent for several seconds—seconds that felt like an eternity. "Let Rena have it," he said at last. A chill ran down my spine. My world collapsed around me. The auctioneer's voice rang out. "120 million dollars, going once! 120 million dollars, going twice!" I wanted to beg Daniel again, but when I opened my mouth, nothing came out. "120 million dollars—third and final call! Sold!" The instant the gavel fell, my heart went cold. Thrilled, Serena clapped and turned to me. "Freya, thank you!" Smug satisfaction was written all over her face. After the auction, Serena said she had a headache, and Daniel went to get her medicine. I sat alone in the lounge, watching the staff clear the items away. Ten minutes later, Serena came to the backstage area and stopped in front of me. I got to my feet to meet her. "Serena, would you trade me the necklace for something else?" She lifted a brow. "Trade it for what?" I forced myself to stay calm. "I have a sports car and a few high-end watches. The total doesn't come to 120 million, but if you give me a little time, I'll make up the rest. All I ask is that you return the necklace." Serena shook her head. "I don't need those." "Then what do you want?" She thought for a moment, then smiled. "I want you on your knees, begging." "What?" Something vicious flickered in her eyes. "Get on your knees, apologize, and beg me for the necklace. After how you treated me before, it's your turn to beg." I stared at her, my fists clenched. Thinking of Mom's keepsake, I sank to my knees. "Good. Let me show you where the necklace is," she said. Serena wore a triumphant smile as she took out her phone. She pulled up a video and handed it to me. On the screen, a dirty stray wagged its tail, a pearl necklace around its neck. It was Mom's. Serena's smile turned sickly sweet. "See? This is where it is now. I think it suits the stray perfectly. A bitch's things belong with a dog." My blood went cold. "What did you just say?" Serena put her phone away. "I said a bitch belongs with a dog. Wasn't your mother a bitch? She deserved to be hit by a car and die. Now her keepsake is on a stray. That fits, doesn't it?" "Which hand did you use to put the necklace on the dog?" I asked, my voice so soft I could barely hear it. Serena was still grinning. "My right hand. Why?" I snatched the dinner knife from the table and plunged it into her right palm. Blood spurted, and she let out a piercing scream. Chapter 8 Serena's scream tore through the auction's backstage area. The staff nearby froze. Some screamed. Someone was already on the phone, calling an ambulance. I let the dinner knife go and straightened up. I looked at Serena, who lay on the floor, clutching her hand and sobbing. "I, Freya Seymour, settle my scores then and there. Remember it." As I turned to leave, a commotion erupted behind me. I headed straight for the exit, my steps steady, as if nothing had happened. Just as I reached the doorway, Daniel blocked my path. He had a blanket in his arms and a thermos in his hand, clearly just back from picking up medicine. The moment he saw me, he went livid and barked, "What did you do?" I glanced at the thermos in his hand and gave a wry smile. "You went to get her medicine?" Daniel's voice went colder. "I'm asking you, what did you do?" I met his eyes. "She put my mother's necklace on a stray dog and called my mother a bitch. So I stabbed her." His face stiffened. "What did you just say?" I pointed at his earpiece. "Didn't you already hear it all? Your men should've reported to you by now." He was indeed wearing a discreet earpiece. It was obvious he already knew what had happened before. His voice was cold. "Even if she put the necklace on a stray, you don't get to lay a hand on her!" That line shattered me. I looked at him, tears gathering in my eyes. So that was how he saw it—I shouldn't fight back even if Serena insulted my late mother. My voice trembled. "Daniel, how exactly do you intend to put me in my place this time?" At the sight of my tears, a flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes. But almost at once, his expression turned cold again. "I can't deal with you anymore." Daniel pulled out his phone. "Mark, call the police and request officers at the auction hall. Freya is to be arrested for intentional assault and taken to the station." His voice was merciless, and my heart was already bleeding. Ten minutes later, two uniformed officers came in. "Ms. Freya Seymour, you're suspected of intentional assault. Please come with us." I didn't resist. I held out my hands and let them cuff me. As they led me away, I looked back. Daniel was holding Serena, her hand already bandaged. He was gently soothing her. "It's alright. I'm here," he said, stroking her hair. "No one will hurt you again." Serena cried in his arms, like a wounded little animal. And I was led off like a criminal. When I was pushed into jail, a group of women closed in on me. "New here? What are you in for?" The one in front was big, tattoos covering her arms. I frowned. "Mind your own business." She grinned. "Well, aren't you a feisty one? You know the rules? Newcomers pay for protection." "I don't have any money." Her face darkened. "No money? Then you'll have to pay another way." That night, they doused me with a basin of ice water. The next day, I found glass shards in my food. On the third day, they started beating me. Before they laid hands on me each time, the woman in charge would say the same thing. "Mr. Falkner said you need to be taught a lesson." It turned out Daniel had set the whole thing up. He didn't just want me locked up. He wanted me to suffer there. I was released three days later. It was my last day in Belcaster. I walked out of the jail covered in bruises, and the glare was so harsh I couldn't keep my eyes open. A wave of dizziness hit me as I reached the gate. The world spun, and I went down. … I woke to find myself in a hospital room again. Daniel stood at my bedside, hands in his pockets. He asked in a detached voice, "Did you learn your lesson this time?" Chapter 9 I stayed silent under Daniel's questioning. He stood by the bed, waiting for my answer. But I just stared at the ceiling. Then, his phone rang. Serena's tremulous voice came through the line. "Danny, my hand hurts so much…" Daniel's expression softened at once. "I'll be right there." He hung up, looked at me, and said, "Think hard about what you've done." And with that, he walked away, just like so many times before, leaving me behind for Serena. Once again, I was alone in the hospital room. The door swung open about an hour later. Serena walked in, her right hand heavily bandaged, though she seemed in good spirits. "Freya, how are you feeling?" she asked, concern edging her voice. I turned my head toward her, but said nothing. She pulled a chair over and sat, a sweet smile on her face. "Freya, I want to tell you a story." "I don't want to hear it." "But the story is about you." A glint of smugness flashed in her eyes. "It's about why Danny agreed when Mr. Seymour asked him to keep you in line." My hands clenched. Serena began, "Danny was my boyfriend in high school. Back then, we were close. He took care of me and remembered everything I liked. He even said he'd marry me after graduation. But then something happened." She paused, watching my face. "One night, people from a rival company cornered him. To save him, I stepped in and took a knife for him." She pointed at her left shoulder. "It went through here. I almost died. Since then, Danny's been eaten up by guilt. He swore he'd spend the rest of his life protecting me, making it up to me." I said nothing, but my heart kicked into a run. "After that, I went to Norvane to recuperate, and Danny promised he'd marry me as soon as I came back." Serena leaned closer, her voice turning venomous. "We stayed in touch the whole time. I told him my mother had married into the Seymour family, and that the Seymour heiress mistreated her day after day. "It broke my heart. So Danny said he'd get revenge for my mother. That's why he offered to keep you in line himself." Serena beamed. "You thought Mr. Seymour forced him? Wrong. Danny asked for it himself." My blood ran cold. "What did you say?" "There's more," she said, taking out her phone. "Did you know there was surveillance on you every time you were with him?" "What?" "Danny installed hidden cameras in the bedroom. He recorded it every time you were together." Her smile twisted further as she went on. "He said he'd hand me those videos as a weapon to keep you in line." The world started to spin. Serena stood up. "Freya, are you shocked? Danny never loved you. He was just doing a job. Now that it's done, he's going to marry me." She walked to the door and looked back at me. "By the way, I've already made a copy of those videos. Cross me again, and I'll put them online." After she left, I sat on the bed for a long while. Her words kept replaying in my head. Daniel had offered to keep me in line for Serena, to avenge her. He'd recorded all our private moments. All at once, I jumped up, yanked the IV out, and bolted out of the hospital room. A nurse called after me, but I ignored her. I burst out of the hospital, flagged down a cab, and told the driver to go as fast as possible toward Falkner Estate. I had to see for myself whether what Serena said was true. 20 minutes later, the cab pulled up at the gates of Falkner Estate. I used the spare key to unlock the door and headed straight for the study. There was a hidden room in the study. I knew the code. I keyed in the code, and the wall slid open, revealing what was behind it—several computers, a wall of surveillance monitors, and all kinds of recording equipment. I sat at the main computer and opened the file browser. Inside a folder named "F", I found an encrypted subfolder. It was called "FreyaPrivate". My hand started to tremble, but I opened it anyway. The screen brimmed with video files, neatly organized by date. From the first night we slept together to the last, every video was there. I opened the first one. Footage of Daniel and me flickered to life. We tangled together, every detail clearly recorded. It even caught me saying "I love you" in his arms, capturing every fragile moment of weakness and need. My legs went weak, and I fell to my knees. So what Serena said was true. Daniel really had recorded it all. I laughed at myself for being so foolish and naive, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face. Chapter 10 I knelt in front of the computer, staring at the video files on the screen, and called Alfred. I held back a sob. "Alfred." "What is it? Weren't you the one who wanted to cut ties with me?" he asked, sounding a little surprised. "I just need to ask you one thing. Three years ago, did Daniel ask to keep me in line?" He fell silent for a few seconds. "How did you find out?" I shut my eyes. "So it's true." His voice was cold. "Back then, Daniel traded a port project worth two billion dollars for the chance to put you in place. I don't know how you crossed him, but I figured having him teach you a lesson wouldn't hurt, so I agreed." I hung up. Whatever hope I had left went out. Daniel got close to me, slept with me, and controlled me only to get revenge. I laughed, quietly at first, then louder. I laughed until tears ran down my face and I could hardly breathe. When I'd finally had my fill, I wiped my tears and stood. I went to the guest room and dragged out the suitcase I'd packed long ago. From a drawer, I took out my passport and the ticket to Velport. I gave the room one last look—the place I'd once mistaken for home. Then I walked into the living room and took the lighter from Daniel's cigar box. It was the first gift he ever gave me. Back then, I thought it meant something special. Now I knew better. It was nothing but a hunter's mark on his prey. I flicked the lighter. A flame leaped to life. Then I threw it at the living room curtains. The fire spread fast, devouring every last memory in the house. I dragged my suitcase to the door and looked back at the room, now slowly lit by the growing flames. I bid Daniel farewell, and with him, my youth. Half an hour later, fire truck sirens echoed through the neighborhood. I sat on my suitcase across the street and watched in silence. The flames shot into the sky, painting half the night red. Soon, a black sedan came speeding down the road. Daniel jumped out of the car. When he saw the sea of flames, his face went ashen. He looked around and finally spotted me across the road. He rushed over. "Freya! Are you hurt?" I looked at him and said nothing. "Why did you set the house on fire? Forget it. Let it burn. Do you feel better now, princess?" he asked, sounding resigned. I remained silent. I stood, dragged my suitcase, and started to leave. Daniel blocked my path. "Where are you going?" "Home." "I will drive you back to the Seymour residence." He took out his phone. "Mark, get the car ready." "Don't bother." I went around him and kept going. Daniel's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, and his face darkened further. "I have an urgent meeting. Mark will drive you back. We'll talk about this later," he said. I ignored him and walked straight toward a cab at the curb. "Freya," Daniel called after me. I looked back at him. "Stay home and wait for me. I have something to tell you." With that, he got in the car and left. I watched the taillights slip into the night and murmured, "See you never." I got into a cab and told the driver to take me to the airport. On the way, I opened my banking app and totaled how much of Daniel's money I had spent over the past three years. I transferred the full amount back to him. The medical bills, the cost of staying at his house, and other expenses came to 93 million dollars. After the transfer went through, I threw my phone out the window. I watched it shatter on the pavement and breathed a sigh of relief. From now on, Daniel could no longer reach me. An hour later, the cab pulled up at Belcaster International Airport. I pulled my suitcase and walked toward the departure gate. "Ma'am, your flight leaves in half an hour," a staff member reminded me. I nodded and took a seat in the lounge to wait. Through the window, I saw several private jets on the tarmac. One was getting ready for takeoff, and I saw Daniel walking up the steps. He was probably headed to Graychester for a meeting. An announcement came over the speakers. "Flight to Velport is now boarding." I stood and took one last look at that private jet. My story with Daniel was over. After boarding, I settled into my window seat. Two planes were on the runway, facing opposite directions. One headed for Graychester, the other for Velport. It was like our lives, parting ways and never crossing paths again.