Rain tapped softly against the glass windows of the mansion—steady, rhythmic, like a ghost knocking to be let in.
Inside, the world was silent.
Raina sat alone in her study, a glass of red wine cradled in her hand. The fire crackled faintly, casting gold against her pale skin. Her black dress clung like mourning smoke, her silver rings reflecting the light in brief, sharp flashes.
Before her, a large screen flickered to life.
[VIDEO PLAYING: "Selene + Me | Studio Days"]
Two girls laughed on screen. One with a bright, wide smile—Selene. The other, quiet but smiling too—Raina. There was youth in their eyes. Hope. Color.
> "I swear, Selene, if you stab yourself with another pin, I'm cutting your fingers off."
> "Shut up and finish my hem, drama queen."
> "When I make it, you'll still be my assistant."
> "When you make it, I'll be too rich to need you."
They laughed so hard, the camera shook.
Raina blinked slowly, barely breathing.
The video ended.
She didn't move.
She poured another glass, but didn't drink. Just held it. Watching the reflection of herself in the black screen. A woman shaped by betrayal. Etched in grief.
Then, she spoke—softly.
> "You said we'd conquer the world together… but you left me alone in it."
She stood, walked to the fireplace, and stared into the flames.
> "Ten years, Selene. And still, no one speaks your name without choking on lies."
She clenched her glass tighter.
Then pressed play again.
A clip from their last summer appeared.
> Selene: "If we ever fight, promise me one thing—don't let anyone come between us."
> Raina: "I promise."
> Selene: "Not even love."
Pause.
Her grip tightened. The glass cracked.
> "You broke that promise first, Selene," Raina whispered. "But I'm still the one bleeding."
A single tear slipped down her cheek, but her face didn't change.
Emotionless.
Still.
The screen turned black again.
She whispered, "They think I returned to grieve. No. I returned to destroy."
She downed the wine in one motion, walked to the window, and looked out at the storm.
> "And I'll start with the one who fed your children lies about me."
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