EIRA POV
I don't understand. What should I wear? Today, I have to go to that jerk Peter's house—for Tessy. She begged me to come to their family gathering. Adrain has been busy ignoring me for an entire week, and my head feels like it's going to explode.
I hate getting ready. Why is it so difficult to decide what to wear? Ugh. Finally—this one. Perfect. Thank God. But now my room looks like a hurricane passed through. I slipped into the dress, added a little makeup—just enough to look normal. Damn it, I'm late.
I rushed downstairs and caught a cab. The moment I stepped out, I froze.
The mansion. Peter's mansion.
The jerk is filthy rich. The place looked like a wonderland, glowing under the lights. My stomach twisted—I felt so out of place. Everyone was dressed in elegance, polished and perfect, and there I was… wandering around like a lost puppy.
Then I saw Tessy. My breath caught—she looked gorgeous in a royal blue gown. The second she spotted me, she rushed over.
"You look marvelous, like a princess!" she said, hugging me tight.
"You look adorable too," I replied, hugging her back.
Before we could say more, a woman whispered something in her ear. Tessy frowned apologetically.
"I have to meet someone—sorry, Eira, I'll be back."
I only nodded.
A waiter approached with a tray of drinks, but I refused. That's when I noticed her.
A girl in a long, dangerously revealing red gown. Her back was to me, but when she turned, my stomach dropped.
Victoria.
Of course.
Her lips curved into an evil smirk as she arched an eyebrow at me. She whispered something to the girl beside her, who immediately started walking in my direction.
Something wasn't right. She wasn't looking at me—she was looking past me.
When I turned, trying to see what she was staring at—cold liquid splashed across my dress.
"Ooops. I'm so sorry," she said mockingly.
Behind her, Victoria and her little minions burst into laughter. My fists clenched, but I said nothing. Not here. Not now.
I slipped away, climbing upstairs to clean myself. God, what a mess. I was looking for a washroom when a sound stopped me.
A girl's giggle.
I froze, then slowly pushed a door open just a crack.
And my blood boiled.
Peter. That filthy, lying bastard. He was kissing another girl—on the same night he was supposed to announce Tessy as his fiancée. My chest burned with rage and disgust. How could he? How could he do this to her?
I wanted to scream. To drag him out by his collar. But no one would believe me. Not without proof.
With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and started recording. My heart hammered so loud I thought they'd hear it. When I finally stopped the recording and tried to close the door quietly—
Bang.
The wood creaked louder than I expected. My blood ran cold.
I bolted, running as fast as I could. When I dared to glance back, Peter was standing in the doorway, glaring at me.
Shit.
I sprinted into the hall, frantically searching for Tessy. Where was she? I needed to show her—before it was too late.
Finally, I spotted her mother and rushed over. She told me Tessy was in a room down the hall, left side. I didn't waste a second.
I burst in. Tessy was in front of the mirror, perfecting her makeup.
"I… I need to show you something," I gasped, trying to catch my breath.
"Not now," she said, fussing over her reflection. "I have to look perfect for Peter."
"Tessy, listen!" But she wasn't even looking at me, too caught up in her excitement.
My heart broke. She looked so happy. So in love. But I couldn't let her walk into this lie. I grabbed her arm, forcing her to face me.
"It's important."
Something in my eyes must have shaken her, because she finally nodded. I fumbled with my phone, pulling up the video. But before I could hit play—
The door banged open.
Peter stormed in, his expression dark, fake concern painted on his face.
"My father's looking for you, Tessy. It's time for the announcement."
"Oh! I forgot!" she said with a smile, rushing toward him.
"Tessy—wait!" I begged.
She paused at the door, giving me an anxious glance. "Sorry, Eira. I have to go. This is important."
And then she was gone.
I turned back—and froze.
Peter was still there. That smirk. That damn smirk.
He stalked toward me, and instinctively I stepped back. My phone was ripped from my hands before I could react.
"No!" I screamed, trying to grab it back.
But he was taller, stronger. With a cruel chuckle, he played the video, then looked me dead in the eyes—before deleting it. The next second, he smashed my phone against the wall.
The sound made me flinch.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to interfere in my life?" he growled.
I backed up until my spine hit the wall. His hand shot out, gripping my jaw painfully, squeezing until tears stung my eyes. I clawed at his wrist, but he only tightened his hold. His other arm snaked around my waist, dragging me closer.
I struggled, pushing against him, but his grip only grew harsher. The pain was unbearable. Tears streamed down my face.
"Why, Eira?" His voice dripped venom. "Why don't you listen to me?"
Suddenly—another hand. Strong. Firm.
An arm wrapped around me, pulling me away from his grip, shielding me. My face hit a solid chest.
I looked up through blurred vision, and my heart stopped.
Adrain.
He was here. His arm was around me, steady, protective, his hand brushing my cheek so gently it made me flinch. He turned my face to the side, inspecting me—and his eyes. Oh God, his eyes. They darkened, filled with a rage so intense it made me shiver.
Before I could speak, before I could even breathe, Adrain's hand shot out. He grabbed Peter by the throat—lifting him off the ground with one hand like he weighed nothing.
Peter choked, thrashing, clawing at Adrain's grip. But Adrain didn't budge.
"How dare you touch her?" His voice was pure venom, his teeth clenched in fury.
"Adrain! Stop!" I cried, sobbing. "He'll die! Please, leave him!"
I tugged at Adrain's arm desperately, hitting his chest, but he was immovable. His fury was terrifying, unstoppable.
Peter's face turned red, then purple. His eyes bulged, his lips gasped for air. He was seconds from death.
"Adrain, please!" I begged again, choking on tears.
Finally—Adrain dropped him.
Peter collapsed to the floor, coughing violently, sucking in desperate gulps of air.
Adrain towered over him, his voice cold and sharp as a blade.
"Stay. Away. From. Her."
Then, without a glance back, he seized my hand and pulled me out of the room.
My legs stumbled to keep up with his furious strides. The second we reached the hall—he let go.
And walked away.
As if nothing had happened.