Evelina’s POV

I returned to the Draycott Manor late at night.

Didn’t want to hear any more whispers. Any more moans through the walls.

The house was quiet. The Draycotts weren’t home. And it looked like Kaelen hadn’t come back yet either.

Good.

I slipped into my room and started packing. I figured I’d begin with the closet.

But the moment I opened it, the past came rushing in.

Nearly three-quarters of the dresses inside had been bought by Kaelen. One of his favorite things back then was going on a business trip and coming home with gifts—for the couple, and always, always for me.

I remembered the time Mrs. Draycott saw the pile of dresses Kaelen had brought back and teased him, “Hard to believe the little boy who cried over not getting a popsicle now spoils our Eve like this.”

Kaelen had blushed. But he didn’t deny it. “Eve’s special,” he said. “What else would I do but spoil her?”

Mrs. Draycott just laughed and hugged us both. “Of course she is. Everyone should spoil our Eve.”

My fingers grazed the fabric, one dress at a time. Some were from his trip to France, where he’d gone to negotiate an arms deal. Others from Italy—he'd gone there to sign a contract with the local mafia.

Once, when I called him during one of those trips, I heard a man’s voice shout through the phone, laughing, “Calling your little girlfriend again? Is that why you dragged me to shop for dresses? I swear, Mr. Draycott—you’re the first man bold enough to take me shopping. But I respect that. That’s love!”

I don’t remember what came after that. But that line stuck.

Do I hate Kaelen for what he did? For rejecting me?

No.

But do I still love him…?

I shook my head. Focused on the packing.

…

The next morning, I got up early. Finished everything I hadn’t the night before. Stacked the boxes. Then sat and waited for the moving company to arrive.

Just as I opened my door to step out, Kaelen opened his.

We both paused, caught off guard.

I recovered first. “Morning,” I said quietly, then turned to go.

His voice followed me. “You’re moving out already? I thought you said a few more days.”

I kept my tone light. “I packed last night. Sometimes when you wait too long to do something… you lose the energy to finish it at all.”

One of the maids walked over. “Miss Frost, will you be having breakfast? Or just coffee?”

“Just coffee,” I told her with a small smile.

Kaelen stepped closer. “Do you need help?”

I glanced at him. “Shouldn’t you be with Lilith today?” Then, softer, “It’s Valentine’s Day.”

He blinked. “Huh?”

I smiled, turning away. “I heard you put a set of couture jewelry in the casino vault. Are those for Lilith?”

Kaelen stiffened. “They were for—”

His ringtone cut him off. He picked up the call, and I took the chance to head downstairs.

By the time the maid brought over my coffee, Kaelen had followed and sat across from me.

“I can’t be at the casino today,” he said. “Can you supervise it during the day for me?”

I hesitated, then nodded. “Alright. I’ll call the moving company, rearrange the time.”

“I’ll drive you,” he added quickly.

I didn’t respond. Just went back to my coffee.

A while later, there was a knock at the front door.

Then Lilith’s voice: “Kaelen, babe?”

My fingers paused around the mug.

I’d accepted the engagement—at least on the surface—but whenever Lilith was here, it felt like she was putting up a performance for me. A deliberate one.

She walked in, straight to Kaelen’s lap, kissing him like no one else was in the room.

Classy.

“Hey, Eve,” she turned to me mid-smooch. “Got any plans today? Did you finally get yourself a little boyfriend?”

“Yep,” I said smoothly. “I have a date tonight. But first, I’m covering Kaelen’s shift at the casino.”

Kaelen’s jaw tightened. He stood abruptly, nearly knocking Lilith off his lap. “We have plans. Let’s go.”

I grabbed my bag and followed them out.

The car ride was unbearable—filled with their loud kisses and honeymoon plans.

The wedding was five days away. Also my birthday.

How poetic.

Did he really need to slice my heart open just to make a point?

I got it, Kaelen. I got it loud and clear.

Then Lilith’s phone rang. “Hey, girl. Yeah, I’m with Kaelen. Sure, we can stop by… He’s driving the Range Rover today—plenty of room for three. Oh wait, two. Kaelen’s little sister is in the car.”

I saw it coming before it even happened.

Kaelen spoke without turning. “I can drop Evelina off now. She can grab a cab, right?”

Lilith smiled sweetly. “Wouldn’t that be a bother, dear Eve?”

“Not at all,” I replied, matching her tone with practiced perfection. “You can drop me here. I’m not heading straight to the casino anyway.”

Kaelen glanced at me through the rearview mirror. His mouth was a tight, flat line.

The car stopped. I stepped out fast.

Before I could close the door completely, the Range Rover roared off, leaving behind a cloud of dust.

I didn’t linger.

Waved down a cab, got in, and kept moving.

Getting to the casino was easy.

Riding in Kaelen’s car wasn’t the only way.

…

Since that day, Kaelen disappeared from my life.

I assumed he was either knee-deep in wedding plans or tangled up with Lilith somewhere. Probably both.

Luckily, I didn’t have much time to dwell on it. I was too busy moving. It took five trips for the movers to clear everything out.

On the day I came back for the last suitcase, Kaelen and Lilith had returned.

The moment I stepped through the door, I heard laughter from the living room.

“Stop it, babe. You’re making me itchy,” Lilith giggled.

“I can make you itchier,” Kaelen teased back.

I didn’t hesitate. I turned, ready to walk out. That suitcase could wait. I wasn’t in the mood to witness another one of their love scenes.

But before I could slip away, Lilith appeared at my side, looping her arm through mine.

“Eve! Where have you been? I was thinking of inviting you on our pre-wedding trip, but you never answered your phone!”

I noticed her earrings and bracelet—gleaming under the light. The same set Kaelen had locked away in the casino vault.

They looked better on her. Brighter. Even shinier than the night I’d secretly tried them on.

Just like Kaelen’s love—meant to be worn in the light. But I only ever held it in the dark.

“Are you coming to our joint bachelor and bachelorette party?” Lilith asked, nudging me. “We’re hosting it at the casino. You know—it’s got everything. A ballroom, games, liquor, pretty girls. Wild fun before I’m officially tied to Mr. Draycott for life.”

I hesitated.

Kaelen added, “Come. It’ll be interesting.”

It was rare he asked me to join anything these days.

So I nodded.

If he wanted me there to witness his happiness—fine. I’d grant him that.

Evelina’s POV

The casino was closed for their party. A space built to hold five thousand guests now held maybe two hundred—laughing, drinking, dancing.

The lights spun overhead, dizzying.

A hand slid to my waist. “Miss,” a man’s voice murmured near my ear, “you here alone? Need some company?”

I turned to find a short, chubby man leering at me.

“Get the hell away from me.”

He grinned, unfazed. “Come on, don’t tell me you’re not feeling the vibe. It’s a bachelor party. Things get… wild. You know what I mean?” He winked.

I shoved his arm. “I’d rather die alone than spend a night with you, Mr. Asshole.”

He pushed back—just hard enough to send me stumbling into the crowd.

“Bitch,” he muttered as he disappeared into the crowd.

My drink had shattered, the wine soaking through my dress.

Perfect. Just perfect.

I pushed myself up. People stood all around me—but no one offered a hand.

I made my way through the blur of bodies, heading to the bathroom.

By the time I came out, I spotted Kaelen near the hallway. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

Our eyes met instantly.

“Evelina,” he said, “your grandfather called. Said he couldn’t reach your phone.”

Right. I’d turned on Do Not Disturb days ago.

“I’ll call him back,” I murmured, brushing past him.

He caught my arm. “Why is he calling now? I thought things were… strained between you two. Did something happen to the Frosts?”

I pulled my arm free. “My birthday’s in a few days. Not really a surprise.”

Kaelen blinked. Like he’d only just remembered. “Oh. Right… I forgot.”

I looked up at him, voice steady. “Understandable. You’ve got a wedding to plan.”

Then I walked off. I’d had enough drama for one night. I needed a hot shower and a soft bed—preferably one that would make me forget I ever showed up to this party.

…

But apparently, fate had one more trick.

Just as I was nearing the exit, the doors burst open.

A group of masked men stormed in—every one of them armed with either handguns or machine guns.

Screams erupted. Glass shattered. Chaos.

They must have found out the casino was closed for a private event. Fewer people, less resistance. The perfect night for a robbery.

The robbers herded us into the ballroom, cornered like cattle. Four men with rifles blocked every exit. The rest disappeared deeper into the building.

From the doorway, a tall, broad man chuckled, low and sharp. “I hear Kaelen Draycott’s fiancée and little sister are both here tonight. Since Mr. Draycott’s too much of a coward to show… maybe we give him a reason to come running?”

He stepped forward. “Where are the pretty ladies?”

Lilith stood, composed. “I’m his fiancée. Please—just leave everyone else alone. These are my friends.”

“Good girl.” He smirked. “Now… where’s the little sister?”

I rose slowly. “Here.”

His grin widened. “Perfect. Time to put on a show for Mr. Draycott.”

They dragged Lilith and me into the casino’s bar—the one with the stage usually reserved for strippers and singers. But tonight, we were the ones on display.

Our arms were tied behind our backs. No chairs. They just shoved us forward, and we hit the ground hard.

A sharp pain shot through my ankle. Great. Could this night get any worse?

I sucked in a few shaky breaths. Focus. Calm down.

The burly masked man returned, holding a phone. “Mr. Draycott,” he said smoothly, “glad we finally reached you. I think you’ll be interested in our offer. We’ve got your little sister and your lovely fiancée here. All we want is… let’s say two billion. One at a time. In cash.”

He chuckled. “Don’t lie—we know there’s over twenty billion in the vault. Just bring us a little taste.”

He paused, then nodded. “Our guy’s out back. We’ll wait.”

Time dragged. Minutes stretched like hours. Finally, the phone rang.

“Mr. Draycott,” the man said, grinning wide, “got the first drop. Now tell me… which one do you want to save first?”

He looked between Lilith and me, eyes gleaming.

Then he laughed. “Ah. True love.”

He turned the phone aside. “Fiancée, you’re free to go.”

I’d expected it.

Still, when I heard it, something inside me cracked. At the edge of death, Kaelen chose her.

…

Once Lilith was gone, the phone stayed silent. Kaelen didn’t call back. Didn’t send the second half of the ransom.

The man began to pace, growing impatient. “What’s your name?”

My voice came out rough. “Evelina.”

“Full name,” he snapped. “Evelina Draycott?”

“No,” I said quietly. “Evelina Frost.”

He froze. “You’re not his sister?”

“The Draycotts was only a friend of my family.”

“Fuck!” He stormed toward me, furious. “So I’ve been wasting time on the wrong girl?”

He raised his gun and shoved it at my face. “Call him. Tell him to bring the rest. Or I’ll kill you right now.”

He shoved the phone into my bound hands. I almost laughed.

Like Kaelen would answer now.

But he did.

His voice was cold, clipped. Detached.

I hesitated. “Hey. It’s me. They’re asking when you’ll be back with the other billion.”

Silence. Then the line went dead.

I handed the phone back. “He hung up.”

The man’s grin returned, even sharper. “He really hates you, huh?”

Evelina’s POV

He lifted the gun and pressed it under my chin. “Tell me—how do you want to die?”

I didn’t answer.

He didn’t wait.

The shot rang out, hitting my arm.

Pain exploded through me—white-hot, searing. Then numbness. Then a deep, bone-deep burn.

“Oops,” the man sneered. “Forgot to mention—I don’t like being told what to do.”

I clenched my teeth. “I have money. I can give it to you.”

Since the day I moved out, I’d sold everything Kaelen ever gave me.

At first, I thought about returning it all. But knowing him, he’d just toss it into the trash. So I sold it instead.

Not enough for a billion. But close—half a billion, give or take.

And then I sold the Frost mansion. The one my parents and I lived in. I hadn’t stayed there since moving in with the Draycotts. It had just sat there—empty, quiet. I visited now and then, but… it was time to let go.

The sale brought in another one and a half billion.

I’d planned to give that money back to the Draycotts when I left. A thank-you for all they'd done.

Now I’d have to use half of it to buy my own life free.

The masked man tilted his head. “How much?”

“One billion,” I said. “Like you asked.”

“In cash?”

“However you want it. If you need it in cash, I’ll need a little time.”

He went quiet.

But I didn’t have time. My arm had gone cold and numb.

I opened my mouth to speak again—but the doors burst open.

“Get down!” someone shouted.

Gunfire rang out. Chaos exploded.

Through the smoke, I saw Kaelen at the door. Calm. Polished. Untouched.

I looked down at myself—wine-stained dress, blood-soaked fabric, dust and footprints smeared across the hem.

I looked like hell.

After taking down every robber in the room, Kaelen finally stepped over, took hold of my uninjured arm, and turned to one of his guards. “Get Miss Frost to the nearest hotel.”

The guard nodded and stepped in to support me.

I brushed past Kaelen without a word.

His voice followed me. “Call my mother back. She’s worried.”

“Okay,” I murmured.

The guard left to fetch the car. I waited in the lobby, trying not to feel anything.

From across the room, I saw Lilith in Kaelen’s arms. People surrounded them, congratulating them on a safe night.

Kaelen leaned in and kissed her. Then lifted her off the ground like it was the easiest thing in the world.

“Miss Frost?” the guard called from the door.

I didn’t move.

Not yet.

I stood there one more minute—not to look at Kaelen. Not to look at her. Just to remember what it felt like.

To be a joke.

To be humiliated—down to the bone.

…

My birthday came fast.

So did Kaelen’s wedding.

And my departure.

That morning, I woke up feeling… empty. But calm.

The bullet wound didn’t sting like it had before. Just a dull throb now—fading, like everything else.

I looked in the mirror. Pale face, tired eyes. But steady.

I brushed on a little makeup. Light. Barely there. Then grabbed my bags.

In the back of the cab, I hesitated—one last time.

I guess… I wanted a proper goodbye. From Kaelen.

He’d been an asshole since the day I confessed my heart. Cruel, even. But before that—before all of it—he made my life bearable. Better. He was the closest thing to family after I lost everything.

I dialed his number.

Lilith picked up.

“Evelina?” She sounded surprised. “Kaelen’s in the bath. We just… had a very busy morning.”

She wanted me to know.

“Can you tell him to call me back today?” I asked, keeping my voice even. “We always spent our birthdays together. I guess we’re skipping this one.”

Lilith paused. Then her tone shifted—sharper now, unfiltered. “Sorry, honey. We’re heading straight to the venue. Kaelen won’t have time for chit-chat.”

And then, her voice turned colder. “Evelina, I know you’ve liked him for years. But Kaelen only sees you as a sister. Don’t you find it… repulsive? To fall for someone you grew up with?”

I didn’t even get the chance to respond.

She hung up.

But her words echoed.

“If I were you, I’d have disappeared a long time ago. It’s pathetic—chasing after a man who doesn’t even see you.”

“Miss?” the cab driver asked. “Where to?”

I looked down at my phone.

“The NYX airport,” I said quietly.

While he drove, I opened my email draft and finished typing.

“To: Mr. Kaelen Draycott

Attached is the check—one billion. Thank you for taking care of me when I had nothing. Take care of yourself. And I hope your wedding today is everything you wished for.

—Evelina Frost”

I sent it.

Then tossed the phone into a dumpster as we passed.

And slid back into the cab.

Goodbye, NYC. Goodbye, Kaelen Draycott.

And goodbye, twenty-seven-year-old Evelina Frost—the girl who was brave, even when it hurt.

You’re turning twenty-eight today. Everything changes from here.