After Rafael Holmes swept out with Tessa Guzman cradled in his arms, his friends trailed him to the hospital, all eager to hover and fuss over her. Before long, the lavish suite stood empty—everyone gone except Alora Moore and Patrick Dunn.

Patrick Dunn was the sole heir to the Dunn family, one of Washington, D.C.'s most powerful families. He and Rafael were like brothers, practically inseparable growing up. They'd lost touch for a few years while Patrick was abroad, but when he returned six months ago, he heard what Rafael had been through.

Rafael's other friends had written Alora off simply because they figured Rafael didn't care about her. Patrick's contempt ran deeper. It came from his fierce protectiveness of Tessa—a woman he loved like a sister.

When he was ten, on a volunteer trip with his father to a remote European village, Patrick survived a devastating earthquake and ended up trapped beneath the rubble beside Tessa. His injuries were so bad he couldn't even cry out. If not for her constant urging and comfort, he might never have made it until rescue came.

Tessa was sharp, radiant, regal—a proud, cold beauty. Next to her, Alora seemed to fade, striking face or not.

“Alora, how dare you send thugs after my Tessa? You deserve exactly what's coming to you!” Patrick's accusation sliced through the air while Alora stared, dazed, toward the door Rafael had disappeared through.

For a moment, she went still. Tessa? The name hit somewhere deep. It had been her childhood nickname, too. Only someone from her past—someone who'd been trapped with her in the rubble sixteen years ago—would ever call her that. But that boy hadn't been able to speak, and she'd never learned his name. The keepsake he'd given her had been stolen years ago, cutting the last thread between them.

Patrick's disgust deepened as he took in her bloodied face. To him, Rafael's involvement with her proved nothing but bad judgment—or desperation. His loathing boiled over. He snatched a glass of wine and dumped it over her head without a flicker of hesitation. “If you dare trouble Tessa again, I'll make you regret the day you were born!”

“I never harmed Tessa!” Alora shot back, her voice steady despite the throbbing wound on her forehead. The liquor burned her skin, and she trembled like a leaf in a storm. Still, that stubborn fire inside her hauled her to her feet. She summoned every ounce of strength and slapped Patrick across the face. “I said it before, and I'll say it again: one side of the story doesn't make me guilty! Call the police if you want—even they need proof, and Tessa's word isn't proof!”

“And you had no right to throw a drink in my face!”

Patrick froze for a full half minute. When his expression returned, he was seething. He was the epitome of privilege, always surrounded by sycophants and flatterers. The idea that someone would strike him—especially a woman he held in contempt—was unthinkable. If he weren't above hitting women, he would have enjoyed breaking her spirit.

His eyes burned into hers. Alora could feel the danger rolling off him, but she didn't regret it. She watched him warily, refusing to retreat an inch. “You started this,” she said. “I only hit back after you provoked me.”

Her boldness should have enraged him further, but somehow it amused him even through his fury. Rafael's taste in women got more questionable by the minute. Jaw tight, Patrick picked up another drink.

She was clearly terrified he might get physical, yet her stubborn pride kept her standing tall, unwilling to back down. Blood still trickled from her wound, streaking her pale face red, making her look even more pitiful. But her eyes blazed with defiance, cutting through the gloom around her. That spark stopped his hand. The drink never reached her.

Still, he couldn't let her off the hook for upsetting Tessa. He flung the glass to the floor. Shards skittered around her feet. “Stay out of Rafael's business,” he warned, his voice cold as ice. “Marrying him is Tessa's dying wish. If you get in the way of their relationship again, you'll regret it.”

Then he yanked the door open and stormed out, letting it slam behind him.

“Crazy,” Alora muttered. Patrick was unhinged. Four years ago, Tessa had abandoned Rafael when he was at his lowest—crippled and broke. Alora had only taken him in after their breakup. How could she have interfered in their relationship?

But none of that mattered anymore. She'd ended things with Rafael. These people were no longer part of her life. All she wanted now was to get back her parents' keepsake.

The alcohol and her injury finally caught up with her. Dizzy and unable to drive herself to the hospital, Alora waited until she'd regained enough strength, then hailed a ride to get her wound treated.

The hospital was unusually packed. By the time she was seen, it was late into the night. The doctor gave her two ointments and told her to apply them regularly to prevent scarring.

When she walked out, snow had started falling, blanketing the city in white. Through the swirling flakes, she spotted Rafael carrying Tessa on his back—a scene ripped straight from a romantic movie.

The sight stabbed at Alora's heart. She wanted to turn away, but Tessa's playful voice stopped her. “Rafael, the doctor said I'm healing well. You don't have to carry me.”

“Put me down, please! I can walk by myself!” Tessa insisted.

“Stop fussing,” Rafael said, his voice warm with exasperation. “It's freezing out here. Let me get you home.”

Tessa tightened her arms around his neck and gave a cheeky command. “If you're going to carry me, then you can only ever carry me. If you carry another girl, I'll be really upset!”

“Oh, look! There's a pastry shop across the street! Rafael, I'm suddenly craving strawberry cake. Would you buy me one?”

Alora glanced across the street at the bakery, famous for its irresistible cakes and open around the clock. Despite the snow, the line of customers stretched out the door.

Not long ago, Alora had come across a video of that popular pastry shop and mentioned wanting to try their strawberry cake. When she saw the long line, Rafael had scoffed and called waiting for cake a waste of time.

But tonight, as the line stretched even longer, he gently settled Tessa into his car and soothed her. “I'll wait in line for it. Cover yourself with the blanket and wait in the car.”

The blanket in his car was one Alora had bought.

“Rafael...” Tessa stopped him. She lifted a leg clad in bright red high heels, her tone teasing as she hooked her leg around him and pulled him down into the backseat with her. Their breath mingled in the close, heated air.

Alora braced herself for what would inevitably come next. Instead, Rafael's eyes cut sharply in her direction, piercing straight through the darkness.

Alora thought Rafael had spotted her. But his gaze slid right past her, and he carefully tucked the blanket around Tessa, completely unaware she was there.

A bitter, self-mocking smile curved Alora's lips as the truth hit her: the difference between being loved and being ignored was glaring. That kind of clarity made her unwavering devotion feel like one colossal joke. She swore she'd never be that foolish again.

Alora didn't glance back at Rafael—who was gently letting go of Tessa to join the line across the street. She just turned and walked the other way.

Leaving Rafael behind was the start of her pursuit of a dream career in voice acting.

She'd always adored the animated series Rebirth—especially the character, the Deep Sea Siren. When auditions for the role were announced, Alora sent in a recording as instructed. Soon after, she was invited to a studio audition the next day.

From now on, she wanted to shine in the field she loved. She had no desire to look back—or to reclaim any lost love.

The next morning, Alora arrived at the studio for her audition. The Deep Sea Siren was such a coveted role that nearly fifty voice actors showed up to compete. They drew lots to decide the order, and Alora pulled the last spot. That meant waiting over three hours.

Alora was nervous. The panel was led by the famous director Charles Quinn, a man known for his impossible standards and brutal critiques. The last person to leave the room in tears was a voice actor Alora actually respected. If someone that talented didn't make the cut, what chance did she have?

Even so, becoming an outstanding voice actor was her dream. She wasn't about to back down.

The moment she received the script for the Deep Sea Siren, she immersed herself in the character, shedding the last of her anxiety. She became the captive siren who refused to bow to fate—the one who challenged the heavens themselves.

“Unlike you, brother, I won't hide in the depths like a coward!”

By that morning, Charles had auditioned over forty voice actors—some of the most respected names in the industry, with impeccable voices and delivery. And yet, something was still missing.

After a morning of fruitless auditions, he was exhausted and numb. There was no point in dragging it out. It would only mean more disappointment and another wasted day.

Just as he was about to dismiss Alora without giving her a real shot, her voice cut through the fog in his head.

At first, he was slouched in his chair, eyes closed, totally checked out. But Alora's voice made him sit up. When he recognized her as Rafael's girlfriend, he was thrown.

The rumor mill had always painted Alora as Rafael's arm candy—pretty, sure, but no real talent. Who would've guessed she had skills like this?

Before he could recover from the shock, Alora's voice pulled him in again.

“What is destiny?” she challenged. “Is keeping my merfolk tribe imprisoned in the abyss destiny? If destiny is unjust, then I'll defy it. I'll overturn the heavens and rewrite the rules of this world!”

Alora had one of those faces—innocent and charming, like a flower blooming under moonlight. At past parties, Charles had only ever seen her sitting quietly beside Rafael, looking like a well-behaved girl. Or maybe just Rafael's shadow.

He never imagined that when she was absorbed in a voice role, she could unleash this kind of explosive power. Her voice captured all the arrogance and nobility of a mermaid princess, with a lively, feminine allure that was entirely her own.

Charles closed his eyes, entranced. It was as if the proud, coldly elegant Deep Sea Siren had appeared before him—tail swaying, head held high.

She was exactly the Deep Sea Siren he'd been searching for.

“Alora.” Charles's voice finally broke the silence.

Alora's palms were slick with nerves.

“You did an amazing job. Come back after two o’clock to sign the contract. I look forward to working with you,” Charles said.

Alora stared at him, stunned. Then, like dawn breaking across her face, her eyes lit up with brilliant light.

She pulled herself together fast. “Thank you, Mr. Quinn. I'll cherish this opportunity and give it everything I've got!”

“Good.”

Charles's assistant looked just as shocked, eyes wide. Charles was known for being brutally critical and almost never praised anyone. But Alora's talent? It deserved every word.

The studio was a long way from the luxury hotel where she was staying, so Alora decided not to go back. Instead, she planned to grab a bite at a nearby food court and come back early to sign the contract.

Her heart overflowed with joy and excitement at finally being acknowledged. She had no idea that Tessa Guzman was also dead set on snagging the role of the Deep Sea Siren.

Tessa had been a year ahead of Alora in college. Before going overseas, she'd already made a name for herself in voice acting. Confident in her skills—and as Rafael's cherished love—she thought competing with newcomers for a role was beneath her.

She and Charles had a mutual friend, so she knew his standards were impossibly high. She was sure none of the actors auditioning today would meet them.

She planned to call Charles once auditions ended and offer to step in. That way, she'd secure the role and make it look like she was doing Charles a favor.

Just as she was about to dial, a text came in from her friend: Alora had been chosen as the voice of the Deep Sea Siren.

The news sent a surge of rage through Tessa. She nearly shattered her phone in fury.

With the character's massive popularity, voicing the Deep Sea Siren promised acclaim and a whole new wave of fans. How dare that little upstart Alora think she was worthy of a role like that?

“Rafael...” Tessa murmured.

Tessa was in a hospital room with Rafael at her side. After finishing his call and returning to her, she wrapped her arms around his, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, her lips curved into a pout.

“I heard Charles is casting for the Deep Sea Siren. You know how much I love that character.”

“I really want to voice her,” Tessa pleaded softly. “I don't have much time left. I don't want to leave this world with regrets. Rafael, can I voice the Deep Sea Siren?”

“Don’t cry, Tessa.”

Tessa Guzman tipped her chin up in defiance, tears brimming but refusing to fall—fragile as crystal on the verge of shattering. It stirred something fiercely protective in Rafael Holmes. The sight of her like that tugged hard at his heart. He couldn’t let her down. Not now. Not ever.

Brushing the tears from the corners of her eyes, Rafael soothed her patiently. “I’ll call Charles right now.”

Charles picked up almost immediately. Assuming Rafael was calling about Alora Moore’s recent audition for Deep Sea Siren, he answered cheerfully. “Rafael, why are you keeping a star hidden?”

“You don’t have to worry. Your…” He was about to assure Rafael that he’d keep an eye on Alora, recognizing her remarkable talent. But before he could finish, Rafael cut him off. “Tessa wants to voice the Deep Sea Siren.”

“What?”

Charles froze, caught completely off guard. When he recovered, he said quickly, “The voice for the Deep Sea Siren has already been cast. It’s Alora.”

“Alora’s voice and performance are perfect for the Deep Sea Siren. I can’t just replace her.”

Alora…

At the sound of her name, Rafael’s mind drifted back to the suite last night. She’d looked so defeated, blood on her forehead. Were her injuries still hurting her? He remembered her eyes—so full of disappointment and sadness she couldn’t hide—and his chest twisted painfully.

But Tessa might not have much time left. He hardened his resolve. “Tessa will be the voice actor for the Deep Sea Siren.”

“Rafael, you—”

Charles started to argue, but Rafael added, “I’ll invest an additional ten million.”

Charles shut up fast.

He’d listened to Tessa’s voice samples. She was talented, sure, but her vocal depth and range didn’t quite match Alora’s. He hated compromising. Yet animated films cost a fortune, and an offer like that was hard to turn down.

“Fine. I’ll go with Tessa.”

Charles usually stayed out of personal business, but Alora’s audition had been outstanding. He valued talent—genuinely—and couldn’t help saying, “Rafael, I already finalized everything with Alora this morning. Switching to Tessa is going to make her feel cheated.”

“She’s your girlfriend, after all. Honestly? This feels unfair to her.”

Rafael didn’t answer right away. He knew how much Alora had loved voice acting long before they were together. She used to watch the Rebirth animation with him, going on and on about how captivating and incredible the Deep Sea Siren was. She’d been thrilled at the chance to voice that character in an animated film.

And now that chance was within her reach… The thought of her pain, of her crying if she lost it, made his chest tighten until he could barely breathe.

But he couldn’t change his mind.

“This is what Tessa wants.”

After a long pause, he said with finality, “I don’t want Tessa to have any regrets.”

“Alora’s only twenty-two. She’ll have plenty of chances to voice the characters she loves. But if Tessa misses this one, it’ll be a permanent regret.”

On the other end of the line, Charles’s brows furrowed deeply.

He strongly disagreed with what Rafael was doing. “But Rafael, you’re taking a role that rightfully belonged to Alora and handing it to Tessa.”

“Aren’t you worried you’re going to make Alora angry?”

“That she might hold a grudge? Pull away from you?”

“Once someone’s heart goes cold, it doesn’t warm up again easily. Rafael, aren’t you afraid Alora might leave you one day?”

Alora leaving him…

His heart wrenched at the thought, an uneasy feeling crawling under his skin. He instinctively rejected the idea. Alora would never leave him.

As Charles kept pushing, Rafael cut him off sharply. “Alora won’t leave me.”

“She has no family. No friends. I’m all she has. How could she possibly leave me?”

Rafael didn’t like what Charles was implying. He hung up without another word.

Charles stared at the darkening screen and let out a helpless sigh.

Everyone in their circle said Alora was blindly devoted to Rafael—more loyal than the most faithful pet—and that she’d never leave him.

But hearts change. Nothing in this world stays the same forever.

He had a feeling his friend would regret this one day.

---

Charles’s assistant told Alora to come to the conference room to sign the contract. After lunch, with time to kill before the appointment, Alora sat in the hallway and scrolled through her phone.

She came across a post from Tessa—one that was visible only to her.

“If I want it, it’s mine. Hello, Deep Sea Siren.”

The photo showed two hands intertwined, with an image of the Deep Sea Siren beside them. The woman’s hand was unmistakably Tessa’s, wearing a custom diamond ring Rafael had once ordered for Alora. The man’s hand—elegant, long-fingered—wore the matching ring. She recognized it as Rafael’s.

She and Rafael had already broken up. So no matter how much Tessa flaunted their relationship, it shouldn’t have mattered. But paired with the Deep Sea Siren image, the post sent a clear message: Tessa was claiming the role.

Charles had just finalized the role with her. So why was Tessa posting this?

“Miss Alora, I’m sorry.”

The assistant’s voice cut through her confusion.

His face was flushed with embarrassment. “I just got word that we won’t be able to sign the contract with you.”

“The Deep Sea Siren role has been reassigned. It was an investor decision.”

The investor, obviously, was Rafael.

“It’s okay.”

Alora knew it wasn’t the assistant’s fault. She tried to force a polite smile, but her heart ached, full of frustration and resentment. She couldn’t make herself smile.

The assistant saw the sadness and disappointment in her eyes.

He’d also heard that the investor who pushed Alora aside was supposedly her boyfriend.

What kind of boyfriend didn’t support his own girlfriend? Instead, he was helping someone else. It was baffling.

“I’ll get going. I hope we can work together another time.”

Alora’s eyes welled up. Not wanting to break down in front of him, she turned quickly and headed for the elevator.

Of course, fate had other plans. When she reached the ground-floor lobby, she ran straight into Rafael and Tessa.

Tessa clung playfully to Rafael’s arm. “Rafael, thank you for letting me voice the Deep Sea Siren. You’re so good to me. I’ll be good to you, too.”

“Hmm.” Rafael’s response was noncommittal, his gaze dark and unreadable.

It was obvious he was there to accompany Tessa to sign the contract.

Tessa snuggled closer, and he naturally laced his fingers through hers—just as Alora stepped out of the elevator.