Chapter 2

2、

Gideon and I were raised as siblings, but we don't share a single drop of blood.

I used to be hopelessly in love with him and dreamed of being his wife.

My father, however, never approved.

A month ago, after I begged him relentlessly, my father finally gave in.

I wanted to tell Gideon the news myself, so I traveled to his territory in secret.

That was when I saw it―his wedding to Lyra.

The world felt like it was spinning out of control in that moment.

I wanted to confront him, but then I heard him talking to his men.

"My Lord, we'll be ready to move next month!"

"Good. I'll use Elara as a distraction to get us past the palace gates."

Someone asked him, "My Lord, can you really do it?"

"We've seen you with the Princess all these years. We were worried you'd actually fall for her and give up the throne."

Gideon let out a cold snort.

"Fall for her? Never."

"Acting for all those years was a nightmare. I felt disgusted every time I had to pretend."

"Lyra is the only one I love. Don't ever mention that girl in front of her again. I don't want her to be upset."

That was when I realized the truth.

Every promise, every tender word―it was all just a performance.

I looked at Lyra now and let out a mocking laugh.

"Is that so? As your former mistress, I should congratulate you."

"But Flora, you're still as stupid and arrogant as the day you left my service."

Lyra tried to keep her composure, but her face twisted.

"Elara, do you know what I hate most? That arrogant look on your face!"

"You're a prisoner now! Let's see how you like this!"

She raised her hand to slap me.

But then, the sound of footsteps approached the tent.

In a split second, Lyra slapped her own face and collapsed to the ground.

She looked up with tearful eyes as Gideon walked in.

"Gideon, I just wanted to check on the Princess. I didn't think she'd still be so violent."

Gideon rushed to Lyra's side and helped her up tenderly.

Then he strode over to me.

*Slap!*

The sound echoed through the tent. My cheek burned, and I tasted copper in my mouth.

The pain in my heart was sharper than the blow to my face.

He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes.

"Apologize to Lyra!" he barked.

My eyes welled up from the physical pain, but I refused to let a single tear fall.

I glared at him, every word dripping with defiance.

"I would rather die than apologize to a servant."

Gideon stared at me for a long time, then gave a chilling laugh.

"You want to die? I'll make that happen tomorrow."

He shoved me aside and led Lyra out of the tent.

But I called out to him.

"Gideon."

He stopped, but he didn't turn around.

"So, everything you did for me... every word you said... it was all a lie?"

"Obviously. Did you really think I could love the daughter of my greatest enemy?"

Even though I was prepared, hearing it from his own mouth made my heart shatter into a million pieces.

The love I once felt died in that instant.

I closed my eyes, forcing the grief down.

When I opened them again, there was only cold indifference.

"Gideon, aren't you afraid you'll regret this?"

"Never!"

He walked away, holding Lyra's hand tight.