The sun was still low in the sky when Aeliana zipped up her black suitcase. Her room was neat, everything in its place. The only thing left on the bed was a simple hoodie and a canvas backpack. She pulled the hoodie over her head, tied her long hair into a ponytail, and slung the backpack on her shoulder.
It was time to leave.
She took one last look in the mirror. Her face was bare of makeup, but she looked strong, calm, and ready. She had joined the upcoming survival variety show, Island Trial, as one of the invited celebrities.
The public didn't know she was married to Reinhardt Razalo. That fact was carefully kept secret, shared only with trusted members of the upper-class families who supported both sides.
She didn't want to be known just as someone's wife. She wanted to live as herself. And no one had stopped her. Not even Reinhardt.
As she rolled her suitcase down the hallway of the mansion, a familiar voice called out.
"Aeliana."
She turned, only to see Tamara Razalo, Reinhardt's mother, standing at the bottom of the staircase, dressed in a high-necked cream blouse and pearls. Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes held a calculating glint.
"Lady Tamara," Aeliana said with a polite nod. The woman never told her to call mother, so she didn't out of respect.
Tamara stepped closer. "I hear you are joining a survival show. That kind of work is difficult, especially for someone of your background."
"I like challenges," Aeliana replied.
Tamara paused. "Good. Then I hope you succeed."
Aeliana raised an eyebrow slightly, unsure what the older woman meant.
Tamara continued, "The entertainment industry is not just lights and fame, Aeliana. It is full of influence and power. The right face can sway a nation. If you gain the public's love… You gain something more valuable than money."
Aeliana understood now.
"You hope I'll win more than a game," she said.
Tamara smiled faintly. "Exactly! If you do well, the Razalo family gains control in areas we haven't touched before."
Aeliana looked at her calmly. "And if I fail?"
Tamara's eyes glinted. "Then make sure you don't."
With that, she turned and left.
Aeliana stood there for a moment, taking in a slow breath. She had always known that marrying into a powerful family meant being watched, judged, and used like a piece in a larger game. But she had also learned how to play.
Meanwhile, Reinhardt sat in his office, his jaw tight and his eyes heavy from lack of sleep. He hadn't spoken to Aeliana since the night she'd pinned him to the floor. And now?
She was gone.
His secretary, Julien, walked in holding a tablet. "Sir, your wife has arrived at the Island Trial's base camp. The live broadcast begins in an hour."
Reinhardt sighed and rubbed his temple. "She didn't even tell me."
Julien cleared his throat. "Lady Aeliana prefers to keep her work separate. I only found out because one of the production staff leaked the celebrity list online."
Reinhardt didn't reply.
"She's using the name Aeliana Torres. No one knows she's your wife. Her fan page already has five thousand followers," Julien added.
Reinhardt waved a hand. "I'm not interested in watching her run around in the mud."
Julien hesitated. "I thought you might say that."
He placed the tablet on the desk and left.
Reinhardt stared at it.
A minute passed.
Then two.
His curiosity got the better of him.
He tapped the screen.
The live broadcast had just started. Twelve celebrities stood on a white boat, sailing toward a small island. The camera panned across them one by one, their names and titles flashing across the screen. Most were young stars, influencers, or athletes.
Then it landed on her.
Aeliana Torres.
Age: 22.
Occupation: Actress & Model.
She wore a black tank top and cargo pants. Her expression was serious but focused, like she didn't care about the cameras. A soft wind blew her hair across her face. Around her neck was a thin silver chain.
Reinhardt leaned forward.
The camera zoomed in for a moment.
And he saw it.
A jade pendant.
His eyes widened.
It was oval, smooth, and pale green. Exactly like the one he gave Carmela when they were thirteen. A rare piece carved by hand.
There had only been two, one for him, one for her. But she had told him she lost it years later when they met again. After the accident at a hiking site, it was never found.
So why was Aeliana wearing one?
His chest tightened. He sat back in his chair, confused and restless. Was it just a coincidence? Maybe the design was common. Maybe Aeliana liked jade.
Maybe...
But the chances were too small. He picked up his phone, hesitated, and then put it back down.
Aeliana hadn't told him where she got it. She hadn't told him anything at all. She had packed her things and left, as if she owed him nothing. And maybe she didn't.
Still, Reinhardt couldn't look away from the screen.
Aeliana was now speaking to another contestant, helping them set up a backpack. Her tone was calm, her movements were quick and easy to follow.
He remembered her deathly grip on his arms. The way she looked at him without fear. The way she said, Don't mistake silence for weakness.
Who was this woman?
How much had he misjudged?
For the longest time, he thought she was just another piece of the marriage contract. A noble girl from a respected family. Someone who would smile, obey, and stay in the shadows.
But now she was out there, ready to face storms, hunger, and cameras. Wearing the pendant of his lost love.
Reinhardt suddenly stood up and walked to the window. His thoughts were a mess.
Was it possible that Carmela had given the pendant away and pretended she had lost it? Was it stolen, found, or… gifted?
The questions piled in his mind, thick like mist. He glanced at the screen one last time.
Aeliana was smiling just now, just a little, as she tied a knot in a rope for the camp shelter. The wind blew stronger, but she didn't flinch.
Reinhardt pressed a hand to the glass. He wasn't sure if he was angry, curious, or something else. But one thing was clear.
Aeliana Torres was no ordinary woman, and he would find out who she was behind the lens.