Seraphina’s POV

Vivienne was absolutely unhinged.

I turned without a word and started walking away.

I didn’t even make it ten steps before I heard the scream.

I spun around just in time to see Vivienne crumpling down the staircase.

And unfortunately, I was the only one standing nearby.

Kael came flying out of the adjacent hallway. His eyes scanned the scene, locked on Vivienne splayed on the floor—then immediately on me, standing next to the stairs.

“Vivienne!” he shouted, running toward her.

He didn’t even care when he nearly knocked me over.

Pain shot up my ankle as I hit the floor, a sharp, burning throb that made my breath catch.

And just like that, I knew— my last night in the States was going to be anything but peaceful.

…

I was already back in my room when I heard the door fly open.

I didn’t need to guess who it was.

But seeing him still made me flinch.

Kael looked angrier than I’d ever seen him. Angrier than when his casino staff skimmed ten million off the books. Angrier than when he found out his security chief had been leaking intel to a rival family.

“Kael,” I started, voice low. “Listen to me. I didn’t—”

He laughed. Sharp and humorless.

“Another accident?” he said, voice slicing through the air. “Another one of Vivienne’s elaborate performances? Really?”

He stepped closer, slowly, like a storm about to hit.

“She’s pregnant, Seraphina. Do you understand that? What kind of woman would risk her own child just to put on a show?”

His hand clamped around my chin—so hard it felt like he meant to break it. Pain bloomed sharp and hot along my jaw as I tried to jerk away.

“Kael,” I gasped, “I didn’t do this. You know me.”

“Do I?” he said, voice bitter. He released me like I’d burned him. “I thought I knew you. But these last few days… You’re not innocent, Seraphina. You’re calculating. You’re dangerous. And the worst part?”

His eyes flicked over me with open disgust.

“I just realized that I’d saved a monster that night. Not a victim.”

He yanked the pistol from his belt and leveled it at me.

“I’d really hate for it to come to this,” he said, voice cold. “But let me make one thing clear—if I ever catch you laying a hand on my woman or our baby again, I won’t hesitate. I’ll put a bullet in your head. Do you understand me?”

The barrel didn’t so much as twitch. Neither did his eyes.

Then—click.

The door creaked open.

Kael holstered the pistol smoothly, as if nothing had happened.

“Babe,” It was Lila, “I brought you some clothes. For tomorrow. In case it’s cold when you… fly.”

Kael turned slowly, narrowing his eyes. “You’re leaving?”

I met his stare evenly. “No.”

Kael hesitated, jaw working as if weighing a hundred things. Then he turned to leave.

He stopped at the door, one hand on the frame.

He didn’t even bother to look back.

“Will you come?” he asked. “To the wedding. Tomorrow.”

“Kael, you absolute asshole—I swear—” Lila shot up from the bed like she was ready to fight him right then and there.

I reached for her hand and gently tugged her back down.

“I’m not going,” I said, calmly. “Rest assured, Kael. I won’t ruin your happiest day.”

“But I do hope you and Vivienne live happily ever after.”

“You’d better not try anything else stupid,” Kael muttered without even turning back to look at me. “Or I won’t hesitate to follow through on my warning.”

Then he slammed the door behind him.

Lila let out a long breath and collapsed beside me again, wiping her face with the back of her sleeve. “Why won’t you just tell him that you’re leaving the country? That you’re never coming back?”

“What’s the point? It’s not like he ever cared.”

And I’m done with the drama. I don’t want anything more to do with Kael Viremont.

…

My mother sent the jet early. She couldn’t wait to see me.

And honestly? The feeling was mutual.

Lila was the only one who came to say goodbye.

“I’m definitely visiting,” she said, hugging me so hard I almost couldn’t breathe. “I already told my baby bear that our honeymoon’s in Italy. That way I get you and pasta.”

I laughed, burying my face in her shoulder. “I told my dad to give you a mansion,” I whispered. “Come whenever. It’s yours. Consider it your second home.”

Even as I boarded the plane, I could still see Lila waving from the window. Tears streaming down her face.

Just as I sat down in my seat, my phone buzzed. Kael.

His name on the screen nearly stopped my heart.

I hesitated for only a second then I pressed decline.

I powered the phone off, slid the SIM card out with practiced ease, and dropped it into the trash.

The engine roared to life. Lila’s figure blurred through the glass.

I looked out at the city—New York, in all its brutal beauty.

One last glance. One final exhale.

May we never meet again, Kael.

Enjoy your wedding. Just like you wanted.

There’ll never be a naive Seraphina Dusk bothering you again. I left her behind—dead and buried in New York.

And me?

I’m starting over.