You Broke Me, Loved Her, and Left Me to Die

Wed been at war since the moment we exchanged vows. Eight years. Eight long, exhausting, miserable years.

Gio and I werent just a coupleeveryone whispered we were a disaster masquerading as a marriage, a storm trapped in rings and vows. But now it was ending. I could feel it in every nerve of my body.

I stared at the medical report clutched in my hands, the words blurring, dancing, then finally landing like a blade in my chest: Late-stage pancreatic cancer. A bitter smile twisted my lips. My phone erupted. Messages kept pouring in until the sound made my head throb.

[Liora! Check the group!]

[Is Gio out of his mind?!]

[Hes auctioning you! ONE NIGHT with another man!]

My hands went ice-cold. Gio Ramirezthe mafia boss of the Eastern Quarter, my husband, the man everyone fearedmy tormentor, my curse.

I got into the car and drove like a woman racing toward destruction. By the time I arrived, the auction hall felt like a temple built on greed. Sharp suits, sIsolde gazes, women with smiles that could cut. Henchmen lined the walls like statues. Cameras clicked. Smoke curled through the air. And there he was. Gio. Front row, broad-shouldered, the very air around him heavy with command. A woman in a crimson dress sat at his side.

Isolde. My blood ran cold. The woman he had chosen because she resembled my sister, twisted enough to feel like theft, like a mockery.

One by one, my private photos flashed across the massive screens. The crowd leaned in, hungry, calculating.

Twenty million.

Three.

One hundred million.

A bald man rose, his voice booming. One hundred fifty. Ill pay one hundred fifty million for a night with Miss Liora.

The room lifted phones and cameras. Perfume and ambition hung thick in the air.

I couldnt move. My legs went weak. Gio didnt even glance at me. He leaned back, expression unreadable, eyes half-lidded, watching as if observing some minor amusement.

Deal, he said casually.

The man grinned and stepped forward. So, Boss Ramirez, tonight shes mine?

Once the money clears, Gio said with a smirk, she belongs to you.

And that that was the sound of something inside me snapping.

The man reached for me. Instinct took over. I grabbed a wine bottle from the nearest table and smashed it against his skull. Glass shattered, blood splattered across the marble like some grotesque flower. Silence fell. My ears rang. The world narrowed to the heat of my own fear and fury.

TOUCH ME AGAIN, I hissed, voice shaking, AND I WILL MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE NEVER BORN.

No one moved.

Gios laughter cut through the tension, slow, deliberate. Applause that wasnt applause. He strode toward me, moving through the crowd of men whose faces betrayed nothing. Close enough for me to taste whiskey and expensive cologne. He leaned close, his breath brushing my ear.

If I can auction you once, he whispered, I can do it again. And again. Until theres nothing left of you to sell.

I tried to speak, words choking me. W-why? Do you really hate me that much?

Hate? He chuckled like a man long accustomed to hearing the dead speak. You killed the two people I loved most. How do you think that feels?

My heart seized. Pain shot through me like ice. The room tilted. Faces Id known, men Id smiled at, women who owed him everythingthey all watched. They watched their Boss humiliate his wife. To see how far she could fall, how low a person could sink before becoming nothing more than a commodity.

And my mind wandered, back into memory

Evander Ramirez. Gios twin, the gentler twin. The one who never raised his voice, whose smile could still the fiercest storm. He had always been patient with me, gifting chocolates in secret even when Gio forbade it. Falling for him had been effortless, inevitable.

Gio, on the other hand, was fire. Chaos incarnate. Cold eyes, cutting words, a man who could command a room without saying a word. Running the familys mafia operations before he even hit twenty. Feared by everyone, even his own blood.

He liked my sister, Sabrina. Gentle, graceful, the kind of woman whose very presence could make dangerous men forget themselves. The four of us spent time together; I fought with Gio like sparks on gunpowder while Evander and Sabrina watched, calm, knowing what was coming.

Then it all collapsed. Evander took Sabrinas hand and announced their engagement. The world shifted. Quietly, destructively.

That night, I locked myself away and wept until my ribs ached. The next morning, I ran from home, hoping distance could numb the heartbreak. Evander and Sabrina went after me. They never returned. The police called it an accident. But in the Ramirez family, accidents were never accidents.

For days I knelt beside their coffins, gasping for air through grief. I thought I would die there. And then Gio appeared.

He carried me when I fell, wiped my tears silently, stood by as I shattered. When nightmares clawed at me, he turned on the lights before I could scream. When I refused to eat, he forced me, threatening his men. He was cruel, controlling, but he stayed. And slowly, in the suffocating shadows, I began to cling to him. Mistaking his dominance for care. Mistaking control for love.

One night, he asked me to marry him. I froze. He smiled, but the warmth didnt reach his eyes.

Youve started loving me too, havent you? he said. No one else is needed. Ill take care of you for the rest of your life.

I said yes. Somewhere between grief and madness, I had begun to love him. He had rescued me when I was drowning, and I had mistaken his hold on me for salvation.

On our wedding day, I stood trembling, clutching my bouquet. A fragile hope flared in my chest. Evander would have wanted me to be happy.

Then the lights dimmed. The screen behind us flared to life. My private photos, displayed for everyone to see.

The room went quiet, then laughter erupted.

Everyone, Gio said, voice calm, almost teasing, enjoy your wedding giftMrs. Ramirezs private treasures.

A chill ran through me. My body felt like it had turned to ice.

Gio what what is this? My voice barely left my throat, trembling.

He stepped down from the stage and gripped my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his. You really dont know? His voice was low, venomous. You killed my twin. You killed Sabrina. Did you think Id ever love you? I married you so youd rot beside me, suffer forever by my side.

Something inside me cracked. I laughedbitter, jagged, and hollowand, without thinking, I smashed the nearest champagne bottle against his head right there, in front of everyone.

After that night, our marriage became nothing more than punishment. Thats when I finally saw the truth. The man I had married wasnt my savior. He was my jailer. Every time I tried to escape, every time I dared to whisper the word divorce, hed punish me until my body forgot how to move and my voice forgot how to speak. In his world, love was not love. Love was possession. And I was his property. For eight years, we destroyed each other, piece by piece.

Now, the end was near.

I stared at the cancer report in my hands. Gio, I said quietly, voice almost swallowed by the pain in my chest, can we just stop fighting for once? Just for half a month? Thats all the time I have left anyway.

He looked at me as if Id cracked a joke. Oh, now youre lying? Do you really think death absolves you of what you owe me?

I dropped my gaze. In half a month, youll see. Ill give you your answer then.

He laughed, low and cruel, like a blade scraping stone. Fine. Half a month. Lets see how you plan to pay for two lives.

Then, without another word, he took Isoldes hand and strode out of the auction hall. He didnt come home that night.

---

The next morning, every news outlet carried the same images: Gio Ramirez, the feared mafia lord of the Eastern Quarter, leaving a hotel hand-in-hand with Isolde. She wore white, a serene smile curving her lips the same way Sabrinas once had.

Of course they would. Isolde had never been born looking like Sabrina. She had carved herself into that shape. Surgery. Every angle, every curve copied from photographs and gossip magazines.

Isolde had been my enemy back in school. She hated me, always wanted what I had: Gio, money, power, attention. I had tried once to tell Gio the truth. That Isolde wasnt naturally like Sabrina; she had shaped herself to crawl into my sisters shadow. He didnt believe me.

Youre jealous, he said. Pathetic, for measuring yourself against a dead woman.

After that, I never spoke of it again.

I put my phone down and ate slowly, my stomach twisting, dull pain gnawing at me like it always did. Pain had become familiar.

The front door slammed. Gio entered, dark suit sharp, presence heavier than the air itself. His men waited outside, heads bowed, silent sentries.

He frowned when he saw me at the table. Why are you still here?

I stayed quiet.

He smirked, that cruel, calculated smirk. Didnt you say youd give me your explanation in half a month? Why arent you preparing for that?

Before I could respond, my stomach clenched violently. A sharp, metallic taste coated my tongue. I shoved my chair back and ran to the bathroom, barely reaching the sink before vomiting. And then blood came. Panic flared. I tried to hide it.

The maids gasp cut through the room. Madam! Are you pregnant?

Gios expression shifted instantly. He stormed forward and gripped my wrist with a force that made me wince. Pregnant? His voice dropped low, hard, lethal. Two months ago that night. Dont tell me this is your planto use a baby to make me forgive you?

I pulled free. Im not pregnant! And even if I were, Id never keep your child.

He didnt believe me. His jaw clenched tight. Were going to the hospital. Now.

I said no! I spat back, fear and fury tangled.

He grabbed my arm again, rougher this time. And in that moment, I realized it didnt matter how little time I had leftGio would never let me go in peace.

His brows drew together, that same dangerous look he gave men before ordering their execution. Since when are you afraid of hospitals? Whats wrong with you today? Truly sick in the head.

I laughed weakly. Yeah you finally got that right. I am sick.

He studied me, cold and calculating. Fine. Dont want to go? Then dont. He turned to the maid, voice flat and deadly. Bring the abortion pills.

My heart dropped. Gio, dont

But the maid was already moving. She returned with a dark, thick, bitter-smelling liquid.

Gio grabbed my chin. Drink.

I told you, Im not pregnant! I shouted, trying to push him away. He shoved the rim of the bowl to my lips, and the liquid burned as it slid down my throat before I could even spit it out.

The pain came instantly. Sharp. Twisting. Unbearable. My hands clutched my belly as sweat ran down my back. Then the metallic taste returned. Blood. Everywhere. My vision swirled. Darkness edged into my sight.

Distantly, I heard him shouting my name, muffled and underwater.

When I woke, I could barely move.

Shes not pregnant, a man said urgently. Why did she take the pills? Her stomach is badly damaged. We need to pump it immediately.

The cold tube slid down my throat. I tried to scream. Only a strangled sound emerged. The pain tore through me, inside and out. My stomach cramping, burning, twisting.

Hang in there, a nurse whispered near my ear. I bit my lip until I tasted blood and gripped the sheets like they were my lifeline.

By the time they rolled me out of the operating room, half-conscious, the lights above blurred into streaks. I heard the doctors voice again, cautious this time.

Mr. Ramirez your wifes condition is far worse than we expected.

A cold shiver ran through me, settling into my bones.

What what is worse? Gios voice was sharp, annoyed. Its just some pill. You pumped her stomach, didnt you? Shell live.

The doctor hesitated, uneasy. Its more than that tests show signs of late-stage

I already know, I croaked, cutting him off. Dont bother telling him. He doesnt care.

I turned my head, unwilling to meet Gios eyes.

He let out a small, humorless laugh. Youre right. I dont care. As long as youre alive, thats all that matters.

He started to leave, but his phone rang. Through the speaker, I could hear her voicesweet, soft, the kind that made me want to tear something apart.

Gio? Where are you? I miss you.

He glanced at me, lips twitching into a faint, cold smile. At the hospital. Come see me if you miss me so much.

After he hung up, he turned back to me, smirking. You wanted me around for the next two weeks, didnt you? Looks like your wish is coming true.

I didnt answer. I just closed my eyes, my body shaking with exhaustion and fear.

A few minutes later, the door opened, and Isolde walked in. Her eyes froze when they landed on me in the bed, then she quickly lowered her gaze and moved straight to Gio.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Come here, he murmured, pressing his lips to hers, right in front of me.

She kissed him back, deeper, and the sound of it made my stomach twist sIsolde than any medicine could. Something inside me broke.

I grabbed the vase on the bedside table and hurled it at them. Get out! Get the hell out of my room! My voice cracked and rattled with rage.

The vase shattered against the wall. Gio turned quickly, using his arm to shield Isolde, but a shard still sliced across her cheek. A thin line of blood appeared.

She gasped and clutched him like a frightened child. Gio my faceit hurts

I watched him freeze. His expression shifted, panic flashing through himthe kind of desperate panic I had never been allowed to see.

He rushed to her, lifting her as if she might break. Dont touch it! Youll make it worse!

Then he barked orders at his guards. Get the head of dermatology. Nocall the top international specialists. Use the helicopter if you must! Now!

The men scattered instantly, obedient as ever.

I leaned against the cold metal bedrail, watching him disappear down the hall with Isolde in his arms. His voice echoed behind him. Make sure she heals clean. No scars. Do you hear me?

The sound cut through me like a slow, grinding knife. I looked down at my hands. Tiny purple bruises dotted the backs, evidence of countless injections. My fingers shook, but I laughed anywayquiet, dry, bitter.

Isolde was only a shadow of Sabrina. Just enough to make him lose his mind. And me, the woman he married, could bleed, scream, collapse in front of himand he wouldnt even blink.

My stomach twisted, sharp pain radiating through me. I curled up, waiting for it to pass, the thin hospital gown clinging to my sweat-slicked skin.

The days that followed blended into one another: pills, injections, unbearable pain. My body wasted away until my ribs jutted sharply under my skin. Hair fell in clumps. Even the nurses looked at me with quiet pity, sometimes slipping extra painkillers into my IV. I accepted nothing, thanked no one.

Then, one afternoon, the door slammed open. Gio stormed in, thunder incarnate.

Before I could even lift myself, he yanked me upright by the arm. Isolde almost lost her face because of you! His voice was icy, cutting through me. Are you proud of yourself?

I barely managed to stand. It was just a scratch, I whispered.

His grip tightened. Shut up! You think you can hurt her and get away with it?

He dragged me down the hall. My legs trembled, too weak to resist. Two guards followed close, silent and imposing.

When we reached the staircase, broken glass glinted on the steps. My chest dropped.

Giowhat are you doing?

He didnt even glance at me. You like causing pain, dont you? Lets see how it feels when its your turn. He nodded to the guards. Do it.

I clutched the railing, breath ragged. Shes not Sabrina! Youre losing your mind!

Finally, he looked at me, eyes wild. She doesnt have to be Sabrina. She only has to look like her.

Gio

He gestured, and the guard shoved me hard.

Pain exploded through me as I hit the stairs. Glass tore into my skin. I couldnt scream, only choke out sounds that tasted of blood. Each push, each fall, left me weaker, until I couldnt move. My chest burned, my mouth filled with the coppery tang of blood. The world dissolved into pain and ringing.

When I awoke, I was back in the hospital, every inch of my body screaming. Breathing hurt. Moving hurt.

Outside the curtain, two nurses whispered.

Miss Isoldes fine already, one said softly. President Ramirezs been by her side every day. Treats her like shes made of glass.

The other sighed. And the woman in bed 302 look at her. Covered in bruises. No one even visits her. Isnt she his real wife?

Shh, dont speak so loud youll get in trouble.

Their voices faded. I closed my eyes. My throat ached, but no sound came. Tears slid down my face, soaking into the pillow.

I lingered there for days. Painkillers barely dulled the agony. The doctors could do nothing more.

So, one morning, I signed myself out.

If I was going to die, I refused to do it alone, under the harsh glare of white lights, waiting for him to remember I existed.

When I returned home, Gio lounged on the couch, scrolling through his phone. His eyes flicked to me briefly, flat and unreadable, then he rose and strode toward his study as if I werent even in the room.

Gio, I called softly, leaning against the wall for support. My voice cracked. Its my birthday in two days.

He paused, tilting his head. So?

I I just want to spend it with you. One last time.

His brow twitched. Last time? What, are you dying or something?

I forced a weak smile. Maybe. Can I?

He snorted and shook his head. Fine. Ill give you a surprise youll never forget. His tone was thick with sarcasm. I knew that look. He was plotting something cruel.

Two days later, I found myself at the hotel hed texted me about. The moment I stepped through the door, my legs nearly gave out.

The entire hall was stark white and frigid, draped in wreaths of chrysanthemums. A coffin sat at the center. My photo hung on the wall, framed with black ribbon. Guests in black suits turned to look at me, silent. Not a single word.

Do you like it? Gios voice slithered from the corner. He stepped forward, smirking. A funeral for your birthday. Thought it would suit you.

I stared at the photograph, lips trembling, then laugheda broken, hollow sound. Y-yeah. I love it.

For a moment, he froze. If you love it that much, stay still, he said, his voice icy, waving his hand.

His friends approached, incense sticks in hand, grinning like predators.

The sooner you go, the better.

Dont haunt Evander in your next life, okay?

Have a safe trip.

Their laughter echoed in the hall. I just stood there, smiling through it, feeling nothingor maybe everything. Pain had become a companion.

When it ended, I tried to leave, but Gios hand clamped onto my arm.

Whats your game? he hissed.

My game? I repeated softly.

Why arent you fighting back? You always scream, break things, cry. Why act pathetic now?

I met his eyes steadily. Its not humiliation anymore. I actually like what you did.

This time, it felt real. A rehearsal for what was coming.

He stared at me, confusion flickering, then scoffed. Youre getting creative. But it wont work, Liora. Ill never forgive you.

I said nothing, simply held his gaze until he looked away and stormed off.

---

Back at home, the pain hit me like a physical blow, leaving me breathless. I stumbled into the bathroom, barely reaching the sink before blood began spilling from my mouth, splattering across the tiles like scarlet paint.

I rinsed my mouth, took my pills with trembling hands, and sank into the bathtub. The hot water soothed me for a few fleeting moments.

Later, as I tried to comb my hair, a clump came away in my hand. Staring at my reflection, hollow cheeks and pale lips stared back. Bitterly, I smiled. Was this really me? Could I last another two weeks?

The next morning, I went to a small downtown photo studio. It smelled of aged wood and old film.

The old man behind the counter blinked, startled. You want what?

A memorial photo, I said simply. Something nice. Something that shows me when I was still alive.

He hesitated, then nodded slowly. Ill make it beautiful.

I wore a red dress I hadnt touched in years, painted my lips, and smiled at the camera as I used to: proud, bright, pretending the world hadnt broken me.

When it was done, he asked, Take it home after its developed?

I shook my head. No. Just fix it a little and send it to this address.

I wrote down my home address. I wanted my photo beside my sisters so even in death, Id still belong somewhere.

---

The ancestral hall smelled of dust and fading incense. I stood before Sabrina and Evanders portraits, fingers resting on the black frames as if they were the only thing tethering me to them. Sabrinas smile was soft, the kind that made the world slow down. Evanders eyes held the calm I had once hidden in as a child.

Ill be with you soon, I whispered. Pressing my forehead against the glass, I let a single tear fall onto the altar. This stupid feud its almost over.

You think you can come in here whenever you want? Gios voice cut through the quiet like a slap. He was behind me before I could turn. I jumped, my elbow smashing against the frame. Glass shattered with a sharp crack that echoed endlessly.

He didnt look surprised. He looked furious. His grip on my wrist bruised immediately. You already killed them! Now you destroy their things too?

I-I didnt mean to, I stammered, pulling back. You scared me. If you hadnt snuck up

Save it. He shoved me forward. You have no right to touch any of it.

I came to see them. Is that a crime?

He laughed, sharp and bitter. See them? You dont deserve to look at them.

Before I could regain my footing, two guards stepped up. I slammed into the doorframe with my knee, almost collapsing. Let me go! Gio, are you insane?

Youre the crazy one, he said, and before I could brace myself, one of the guards forced me down to the center of the hall.

Since you want to stay, stay here. And atone.

Ill atone in my own way. This isnt how

He didnt let me finish. His boot slammed down on my knee so fast and hard that the breath was knocked from me.

I screamed, slamming against the shards of broken glass. Hot lines cut across my skin. Blood soaked through my skirt.

A soft voice called his name. Gio? Isolde appeared in the doorway, her eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears. Im sorry Did I come at a bad time?

Her foot slipped. A candlestick toppled, the flame catching the scattered photos. The edges of the portraits curled, blackened, and smoke rose as Evander and Sabrinas faces disintegrated into ash.

Gio froze, his expression twisting into something Id never seen, something that tore at the edges of me. Then, almost gently, he scooped Isolde into his arms as if she were fragile glass.

I didnt mean to, she choked out, tears streaking her face. Please dont be angry.

For a heartbeat, he was nothing but panic. His hands moved over her cheeks, soft and careful, like a man trained to fix any hurt with soothing gestures. Its okay, he murmured into her hair. Its fine.

That lookhow he softened, how he rushedwas a blade turning in my chest. I ripped free from the guards grip and shoved him. Wake up! Shes not Sabrina! Shes a cheap imitation who had surgery just to look like my sister!

Gios expression hardened into ice. He gripped my wrist so tightly I feared he might snap a bone. I know she isnt, he said, voice low and controlled. I know. But can you bring Sabrina back to me? No!

I opened my mouth, wanting to scream that she was gone, that nothing could fix thisbut all I tasted was coppery metal. Tears stung my eyes. He was so close I could see the heat rising from his skin.

Tie her up, he ordered. He stepped back, watching me like a judge presiding over a verdict.

Rough ropes cut into my wrists as they forced me to my knees in the center of the ancestral hallthe place where I had once run free as a child. My dress was drenched with blood. Smoke from the burned photos stung my nostrils.

I knelt there, helpless, while he cradled the woman Id once loved him into hating. I knelt while Sabrina and Evanders portraits blackened into nothing. I knelt, thinking about how long I had been falling and how there might not be any ground left to hit.

When Gio finally walked out with Isolde, he didnt glance back. The door slammed so hard the floor shivered. Darkness swallowed the hall. My knees hit the cold stone as I collapsed. Tears fell freely, cutting paths through the grime and blood.

I looked at what remained of Sabrinas portrait. Half of it was gonethe part with her smile vanished. I laughed bitterly through my tears. See that, sister? He cant even tell whats real anymore.

I pressed my head to the floor, whispering to no one. Ill see you soon. When I get there, tell him yourself, okay? Show him how foolish hes become.

Outside, I could faintly hear Gios footsteps. The click of his lighter repeated, over and over. I imagined Isoldes sweet, high voice next, the one that used to make him melt.

Gio youre scaring me. Whats wrong?

Go home, he said flatly.

But I want to stay with you

I said go.

Eventually, she left. I heard her heels fading down the hallway. Then silence settled. He remained, though, somewhere near, perhaps staring at the door, perhaps thinking about breaking it openbut he didnt. He left me, as always, alone.

I dont remember falling asleep. When they finally untied me, the sun was already dipping low. My legs refused to move properly. My knees were black and blue, my back aching as if someone had beaten me with a bat.

A servant tried to help, but I waved them off. Dont. Im going out.

They looked frightened to argue. I didnt have much time left anyway. I just wanted to see my parentsjust once.

Across the street, the old house glowed with soft, warm light. For a moment, I almost turned back. But the door opened.

The old housekeeper gasped. Miss Liora? My God its really you

Before he could finish, my father appeared. Pale, then red with anger. Who told you to come here?

D-dad

Get out! he roared. You killed Sabrina, and you still have the face to come here?

My mother stormed out behind him, belt in hand. We dont have a daughter like you! Youre cursed! She swung hard, the belt lashing my back again and again. I didnt move. I didnt even try to block it.

I just wanted to see you, I whispered. Just for a minute.

Whats there to see? He kicked my leg. Go back to your husband. Go die there if you must!

Die? I smiled bitterly and nodded.

Rain fell suddenly, a relentless downpour that turned the street into mud. They shoved me, I slipped, the belt falling from my mothers hand but left unretrieved.

I stayed on my knees and bowed three times, forehead touching the wet pavement each time. Take care of yourselves, I murmured quietly. I wont bother you again.

Then I turned and walked. Rain soaked me, mingling with my tears until I couldnt tell one from the other. I walked without knowing where I was going.

A sleek black car slowed beside me, headlights slicing through the storm. The window rolled down. Gios face appeared, unreadable and stone-cold, a cigarette perched between his fingers.

He looked at me like I was a stranger.

Get in the car, he ordered.

I didnt want to get in the car. I might have ruined his seat with my wet clothes. So I kept walking in the rain, pretending I didnt hear him. The only sound I wanted was my shoes slapping against the pavement.

If you dont get in, Gio said behind me, Ill drag you in myself. Choose.

I froze. The car door clicked open. I didnt want to fight. I slid inside, water dripping from my hair onto the leather seat. I curled into a corner, hugging my knees, trembling.

He glanced at me and scoffed. You really are pathetic. Even your own parents kicked you out. Guess they finally saw what kind of person you are.

I didnt answer. I just stared out the window. Rain streaked the glass like veins, spreading everywhere, bleeding light.

We didnt go home. Instead, the car stopped in front of some fancy club.

Why are we here? My throat tightened.

He smirked and opened my door. Come on. Lets play.

I dont want to.

Didnt ask. He grabbed my arm. Dont act scared now.

Inside, the lights were dim, the music deafening. Isolde sat in the middle, in her usual white dress, smiling like she owned the room.

There you are! she cried when she saw Gio. Weve been waiting forever. Lets play some games!

Her friends screamed, half-drunk, Losers get punished!

The game begantruth or dare, or some twisted variation. Gio and Isolde accidentally lost the first round.

Make them drink the wedding cup! someone shouted.

Isoldes cheeks flushed pink from wine. Gio smiled at me, waiting for me to break, and raised his glass.

They lost again. This time, the girls drew a card. Five-minute kiss. Deep. No cheating.

The room erupted with cheers.

Before I could even blink, Gios hand was at the back of Isoldes head, and he kissed her like the world wasnt watching.

I sat frozen, hands trembling under the table. My stomach burned even though all I had was water.

The last punishment was worse. They made him lift Isolde and spin her like a princess. Her laugh filled the roomloud, sweet, triumphant, as if she knew I was watching. And Gio kept glancing at me, waiting for a reaction, waiting for me to scream or run.

I didnt. I sipped my water, stood, and muttered, Bathroom. The hem of my dress brushed his knee as I passed.

Inside the bathroom, cold water splashed across my face. The reflection staring back at me looked deadpale lips, empty eyes.

When I opened the door, Isolde blocked my path, twirling a strand of hair.

Still pretending to be calm? she sneered. Gio said he was going to make you lose face tonight.

I tried to sidestep her. Move.

She grabbed my wrist. You think youre still Mrs. Ramirez? He only married you for revenge. Youre just a placeholder.

I stepped closer, voice low and steady. He can hurt me all he wants. But you? Youre a stand-in for a dead woman. You really think thats something to be proud of?

Her smile twitched, then sharpened. At least Im alive. You wont be, not for long.

I narrowed my eyes. What did you say?

She leaned close, whispering like a serpent. You really think your pancreatic cancer was bad luck? Those vitamins you took every morning? I switched them months ago. Same brand, same bottle mine had a little something extra. A toxin. Slow poison. It burns your pancreas from the inside out.

My stomach turned cold.

Her eyes glinted with triumph. I wanted to watch you rot from the inside. And guess what? It worked.

How dare you!

Yes. How dare me.

She grabbed my collar, hand raised, ready to strikebut then her eyes flicked over my shoulder. She froze.

Gio.

Her face shifted instantly from venom to panic. She shoved backward, screaming. Ahhh!

She hit the floor, clutching her forehead, blood spilling between her fingers.

Gio rushed over, fury shaking his voice. Liora! You killed your sister, and now you want to kill her too? Do you even know shes the closest I could find to Sabrina?

He scooped Isolde up, holding her like fragile glass. The siren of an ambulance wailed in the distance.

Before getting into the car, he turned, eyes like ice. If she dies, Liora, Ill make sure you live wishing you didnt.

When the car drove off, I stood on the steps, rain hammering down, soaking me through. I laughed bitterly. Gio hated me. His mistress had poisoned me What was left?

Life worse than death, I whispered. You think I havent been living it already?

I walked home alone. Gio didnt call. Didnt show up. But I knew he would. He always did.

At three in the morning, the front door slammed open, jolting me awake. Gio was already beside the bed, eyes colder than ice. He yanked the blanket off and grabbed my wrist.

Get up, he ordered. His voice cut through me like a knife. Youre going to the hospital.

Why? I asked, half-asleep, confused.

He didnt answer. He pulled harder.

Gio, stop! Youre hurting me!

Isolde needs blood. You have the same type. Youre coming with me.

My stomach twisted. It wasnt me

Shut up. He shoved me toward the door. Youll do what youre told.

The ride was silent. Rain streaked the windows, and I counted each drop to keep from crying.

At the hospital, the fluorescent lights stabbed at me. Gio dragged me straight to a small room where a nurse waited.

She looked at me, hesitation flickering in her eyes. Sir shes too pale. We cant draw blood right now.

Why not? Gio snapped.

The nurse flipped through my chart, frowning. She has a serious medical condition late-stage cancer.

What?