Too Late Now, Ex Lover

Are you sure you want to erase your ID? my lawyer friend asked, her brows furrowed with concern.

Yes, I replied without hesitation.

But once you do that, everything you've achieved will vanish like dust. Itll be as if you never existed, she warned in low voice.

Thats the point, I said calmly.

Nothing mattered anymore.

Since my parents divorced fifteen years ago, I had lived like a ghost in my own lifeunnoticed and unwanted.

I thought marrying Jordan Young was my best decision, but the only result disappointed me.

A week ago, I opened the door to his study and found him kissing Adeline Stevens, my half-sisters photos.

He caressed it gently, whispering, I love you.

The next day, I found them tangled together in Adelines office.

Through the cracked door, Adeline looked right at me. Her lips curled into a smirk.

You were honest when you said you only love me, right?

Jordan didnt even glance up, kissing her neck. Of course. Only you are in my heart. Caseys nothing compared to you.

Nothing.

That word echoed like a scream in my head.

As if that betrayal wasnt enough, he later told me to step down as Vice President in Marsell Jewelry, the company we built three years ago, just so he could entangle with her as much as he liked.

You should focus on getting pregnant, Casey. Be a good housewife. Adeline can take care of things at Marsell.

But I didnt scream or shatter the room with rage.

I packed my silence and walked into my lawyers office.

I have nothing left to regret, I said flatly. So, can it be done or not?

She sighed, then nodded. It can. But first, youll need Jordans signature on the divorce papers.

Thats not a problem, I replied coolly, pulling a folder from my bag. He already signed it.

Her eyes widened. What? How?

I slipped it into a stack of documents he signed earlier. He was in such a hurry to leaveprobably couldnt wait to meet his mistress for lunch. My voice didnt crack.

She flipped through the papers, nodding slowly. Okay. Ill process everything. In five days, itll be finalized.

Perfect timing.

Not only would it be our first wedding anniversary, but also Adelines 23th birthday.

No wonder Jordan was so eager to get married on that day. He probably had it all planned.

But there would be no one-year anniversary for us. Just a forgotten name in a paper trail.

If you want her, take her. But lets see, who will beg in the end.

***

When I got home, Jordan was already waiting.

He rushed to me the moment I walked in, wrapping his arms around me. Where have you been? You missed your OB-GYN appointment. And you didnt return my calls.

That hug used to be my safe place. Now, it made bile rise in my throat.

His scent wasnt the usual crisp woody musk. It was tainted with soft floral notes, Adelines perfume.

I pushed him away. I went to a bar. I need to clear my head.

He cupped my cheek gently, as if he still had the right. I know giving up your position was hard, but our priority now is having a baby before our anniversary, right?

He paused, eyes searching mine. You shouldnt drink too much though. The doctor warned us. Promise me, this is the last time, okay?

He held out his pinky, but I didnt take it.

He then pulled me into another hug. Okay, fine. Drink today. But tomorrow, lets go to the appointment together, hmm?

I stayed silent in his embrace, stiff and distant.

Why was he so eager to have a child with me when hed already planned to divorce me for her?

But as I watched Jordan wrap me in concern, memories stabbed through me like shards of glass.

Three years ago, he was just a fresh graduate applying for a position in my company.

I had just graduated too, with one burning goal: to take over my mothers company, Marsell Jewelry, a business on the brink of bankruptcy.

My father, who was only obsessed with his mistress, Betti and her perfect daughter Adeline, handed it to me without hesitation.

He probably thought Id fail and never bother him again about my rightful place in the Stevens Group.

But then came Jordan Young.

He was bright, driven, and surprisingly kind. Together, we worked day and night, turning Marsell around.

One year in, we revived the company. One year later, we married.

I, the forgotten daughter of two divorced billionaires, believed I had finally found someone who truly cared.

But fairy tales lie.

A month ago, right after Adeline joined Marsell Jewelry as the new HR after graduation, Jordans attention slipped.

At first, it was subtlequick glances at his phone during meetings, whispered calls, and skipped lunches.

Then came the absurd excuses.

A cockroach in her room. A broken lightbulb. A lost earring.

Each time, he rushed to her like she was royalty in peril.

The worst came one evening in the countryside. After a dinner meeting with a client, we were supposed to drive back together.

But Adeline had a fever, and Jordan decided to leave me behind in a rural restaurant with no signal and no ride.

I waited in the pouring rain, soaked, heels sinking into mud. I ended up walking a mile in the dark to reach a bus station.

I was bedridden for a week, burning with fever, but Jordan didnt apologize. He simply said, Ill handle your workload.

That was the moment I knew, his heart had always belonged to Adeline.

Still, I forced a smile that night. Sure. Its been a while since we went on a date.

Right! he beamed. No more stress. After your OB-GYN appointment tomorrow, well go out and relax.

But sweet talk would only be a sweet talk.

The next day, he left me alone again at an amusement park before we were about to ride a roller coaster.

Adelines car got a flat, he said, unbuckling his belt. I need to help her. Dont worry, Ill come back right after.

He pushed through the crowd and vanished.

Jordan knew I was terrified of heights. I told him countless times I would only ride if he sat beside me.

But that day, he abandoned me again.

I passed out halfway through. When I woke up, I was lying in the clinic, alone.

Even after night fell, he never came.

I stared at my phone for a long time before dialing the one number I knew would answer.

Hi, Mom, I said. Is your offer from a year ago still valid?

Yes. It always is, dear.

I sighed and said clearly, Then Im moving to Monaco. Ive divorced my husband and am ready to marry whoever you choose.

My mother, who divorced my father fifteen years ago after he brought his mistress and illegitimate daughter into our manor, gasped in delight.

"That's good to hear, dear. Wrap up your business in Italy. Ill send a private jet in four days."

Okay.

I hung up and hailed a taxi.

My chest was tight and I couldnt think straight, so I needed a drink.

Just as I stepped into a VIP club, fate decided to twist the knife deeper.

I saw Jordan, already drunk, surrounded by his usual crowd. Adeline also sat beside him.

Her gossipy friends circled them like flies on sweetness, giggling and whispering behind their cocktails.

Adeline, one of the girls cooed while clinging to her boyfriends arm, how did your sisters husband end up so obsessed with you?

Adeline laughed, pressing a hand to her chest with false modesty.

Oh, dont say that. He just cares for me. Like a sister, she said coyly. I told him I was terrified of giving birth. I was worried that I couldnt give Young Master Walton a child if we ever married.

Then, with a soft smile, she added, But Jordan said hed make Casey pregnant soon and promised to give their first child to me. So, I wouldnt have to worry anymore.

A girl squealed, Oh my god, hes such a sweet brother!

The air knocked out of my lungs.

So that was why Jordan suddenly pushed so hard for a baby.

Not because he wanted a family with me, but he wanted a child to hand over like a trophy to her.

I grabbed the drink the waitress just placed before me and downed it in one gulp.

But as I reached for another, a group of Young Masters slithered toward me like snakes.

Well, well, what happened to the Ice Queen of the Stevens family? one sneered, tapping my shoulder.

Another wrapped an arm around my waist. Right? The Ice Queen finally thawed?

"Bored, Casey?" the third grinned, pinching my chin. Finally want to play with us, huh?

Dont touch me! I snapped, shoving them off with shaking hands.

My voice rose above the music, immediately caught Jordans attention.

His eyes sharpened the moment he saw me.

Maybe it was instinct, or guilt, he rushed over and yanked the men away, shielding me like he used towhen I was still someone he wanted to protect.

The others backed off, murmuring drunken apologies as they scattered.

Left alone with him, Jordan looked me up and down, confused. What are you doing here, Casey?

I let out a bitter laugh, my eyes narrowing. Really? You ask me why Im here?

I stepped closer, voice cold. Then tell me, where should I be? At the amusement parkwaiting like a fool under the summer sun for hours?

I poked his chest with my finger as I scolded him, You promised to pick me up, but you never came.

His eyes widened. He pressed his fingers to his temple, groaning. Im sorry, Casey I forgot.

My fists slammed against his chest, tears stinging but never falling. Youre a bastard. I hate you!

Then, like she had rehearsed it all, Adeline slipped between us, voice sweet.

Please dont punish your husband, Sister. He didnt mean it. After helping me, he drove me to meet my friends at the club. He just accidentally forgot.

I opened my mouth to scream at her. But before I could speak, someone shouted, Watch out!

A screech tore through the ceiling.

The massive disco ball chandelier shuddered, then broke loose.

It plummeted downstraight above us.

In the past, Jordan wouldve thrown himself over me without a second thought.

But that night?

I watched as he wrapped his arms around Adeline, shielding her entirely as they dove out of harms way.

And me?

The chandelier struck me and darkness was the last thing I could remember.

But the pain didnt stop there. Even in unconsciousness, they followed me into my dreams.

It was a scene from a week ago, when I had received a heartless HR notice, [Casey Stevens will be removed from her position as Vice President of Marsell Jewelry.]

Feeling confused, I stormed to the HR Directors office.

But as my hand reached for the doorknob, I froze.

Through the narrow crack, I saw them.

Adeline Stevensmy fathers illegitimate daughterlocked in a lovers grip with a man whose back was all too familiar.

Jordan Young.

Their mouths tangled in a slow, wet kiss, her leg hooking around his waist as he pinned her against the wall.

Shh, he murmured, kissing down her jaw. Dont make a sound. Someone might walk in.

Adeline giggled, breathless. Let them. I want her to see.

She looked straight at me and smirked. You were honest when you said you only love me, right?

Jordan didnt even glance up, kissing her neck. Of course. Only you are in my heart. Caseys nothing compared to you.

I stumbled back, dizzy.

I returned to the office I once called my sanctuary. The shared space Jordan and I once filled with laughter.

He said he liked it. Same house, same room, same office, he told me.

Now, it was suffocating.

His laptop sat open and a message popped up on WhatsApp Web.

[Rudy: You really are amazing, Mr. Walton. Pretending to be just an orphan, marrying that Ice Queen Casey just to take over Marsell Jewelry, and get close to your real crush, Adeline. Bravo!]

[Jordan: Adelines always been the bullied illegitimate daughter. She protected me thirteen years ago. Now its my turn. Marsell Jewelry is hers by right. Once shes Vice President, Ill divorce Casey and propose to Adeline.]

[Rudy: No need for a proposal, Mr. Walton. Just take your bride. Youve already announced the Walton-Stevens wedding plan, right?]

My vision blurred.

Jordan Waltonthe hidden heir of the Walton family, the very man my father once praised as Adelines future husband, was actually the soft-spoken husband who held my hand at night?

I wanted to scream. To break something. But I didnt.

Instead, I pretended I didnt know.

But during that week, my loyal team were fired one by one by Adeline.

Then she entered my office like a queen claiming her throne.

As long as you wont step down for me, sister, she said sweetly, Ill keep firing your precious little army. Lets see how long you last without them.

I gritted my teeth and immediately confronted Jordan. Shes firing people just because they support me!

He didnt even glance up. Adeline has evidence. If theyre incompetent, they deserve it.

Theyre not incompetent! Shes purging everyone loyal to me.

Shes restoring order, he replied coldly. Maybe its time for you to step back.

The next day, without warning, Adeline fired my assistant.

Adeline always had a way to threaten me, so I sighed and said to Jordan, "Fine, Ill step down.

Ill give the Vice President seat to that illegitimate daughter and be the housewife youve always wanted."

Good, he said. Finally, youre acting like an obedient wife. But Casey, how many times do I have to remind you? Adeline is your sister.

I stared straight into his eyes. No. Shes the illegitimate daughter of the Stevens family. Nothing more.

He sighed and rubbed his temples like I was a misbehaving child. Casey, I know youre angry. But this is for your own good. Once you leave, you can focus on getting pregnant. Adelines just worried about you.

So that you can screw her without guilt, I sneered silently.

But outwardly, I only smiled faintly. Thats so kind of you both.

I pulled out a stack of papers and placed them in front of him. Sign these. Ill leave once I finish this last task. But Jordan

I leaned forward slightly, my voice low and laced with something sharper.

You do realize I never played a game I couldnt win, right?

He chuckled, completely misreading my tone, his pen moving across the page without hesitation. He didnt even read them.

I know. Even if youre stepping down, the next heir of Stevens will be our son, right? He looked up with satisfaction. Thats why its best to get pregnant soonbefore Adeline marries into the Walton family.

As the last signature fell into place, I gently gathered the documents, storing them neatly into my folder.

"Yes," I said with a pleasant smile. Then I turned to leave.

Outside the door, Adeline stood waiting, arms crossed and lips curled into a venomous smirk.

As I passed her, she leaned in and whispered, Nothing in this world is truly yours. Everything you love eventually leaves you.

Then, I woke up.

Not without reason did I dream of that scene again.

As if my own mind whispered the cruel truth, if I had no one.

Then, as expected, I was lying on a hospital bed alone.

My head pounding fiercely from last nights fall, but I had no intention of staying any longer.

Just as I reached for the IV to pull it out, I heard the nurses talking outside.

"Even though Ms. Caseys the first daughter and hit her head so badly until she was unconscious for two days, shes just in a regular room. Meanwhile, Ms. Adeline, with just a scratch, is in VIP.

Right? And did you see her husband? Hes been with the younger sister the whole time. Honestly, those rumors about Ms. Casey being an Ice Queen must be true. Even her husband cant stand her.

Two days?

So, Id been unconscious for two days and Jordan never even came.

My lips moved with barely a breath, This kind of humiliation Ill never accept it again.

I clenched my jaw, ripped the IV from my arm, and stood up.

There was no pain stronger than betrayal.

With only two days left until everything would be finalized, I went back to the house I had once called home.

I erased every trace of myself, wiped my fingerprints from the smart lock, packed my clothes in silence, and burned every photo, note, and keepsake Jordan and I had once shared.

Just as I handed off the last package for overseas shipment, Jordans car rolled into the driveway.

He stepped out, surprised. Casey? What happened? I heard you suddenly left the hospital and now youre here, packing?

Just clearing out old things, I replied, my voice dull. Theyve gathered too much dust. And I left the hospital because I wasnt feeling at home there.

He nodded with barely a thought. I see. No problem. You can always buy new oneswhatever you like.

That was it.

Not a single question about my injuries, not even a concern about my attitude.

That night, he came out of the bathroom, hair damp, carrying that same woody musk scent that used to make my heart race.

He sat beside me on the bed and wrapped an arm around my waist, like it meant something.

Is tonight the right time to make a baby? he murmured against my ear.

Once upon a time, I wouldve giggled and wrapped my arms around him. Yes! The sooner the better!

But tonight, I didnt even flinch.

Instead, my mind drifted to the first night we were together.

I had cried from the pain, yet I smiled through it, convincing myself that pain was part of love.

Even when it became routine, or turned into a duty, I endured it all.

But not anymore.

This marriage had died. One more night, and I would be free.

So, I let him hold me, just this once, knowing it would be the last time.

Jordan leaned in, ready to kiss me.

But the moment his scent filled my nose, I smelled Adeline. It made my mind threw back to the moment I saw them making out in the office last week.

My stomach turned violently and I jumped off the bed, rushed to the sink, retching.

Casey? Whats wrong? Jordans hands gently held my hair back, patted my shoulder, and calmed me down just like he used to.

But the nausea wasnt from illness. It was from the sickness of being fooled.

I held the edge of the sink, breathing heavily, until a sudden thought shot through me like lightning.

Wait, I hadnt gotten my period this month!

My eyes widened and I rushed to the bathroom drawer, fumbling through the storage box until I found the test pack. My hands trembled as I tore it open.

Wait... are you pregnant? he asked, voice almost breathless. Really?

Panic swelled in my chest, and I blurted, Im not sure. I just want to check.

While waiting for the result, his eyes lit up. As if this was good news for him.

Meanwhile, I was praying for a negative result, fingers shaking as I bit down on my knuckles to stay calm.

Jordan reached out my shaky hands and said with a soft smile, Youre always so nervous.

Its okay. Whatever the outcome is well go through it together.

Together?

How could he say those words with the same mouth that whispered to Adeline?

How could the man I believed in, the man who made me trust love again, now be the same person who ruined me this deeply?

Tears welled up in my eyes. I couldnt stop them.

I pulled my hand away sharply and stood up. Its time to check.

And when the result appeared, the tears that brimmed finally fell.

Without asking, he pulled me into his arms and held me tight, misreading my tears entirely.

Its okay, he whispered into my hair. Next time, okay? Weve waited a year whats a little longer?

I couldnt say a word. Because the test was negative.

Jordan thought I cried from disappointment. But the truth? I was relieved.

Relieved I wouldnt have to tie myself further to a man who broke me.

After the melodrama of the night before, we spent the breakfast in silent.

Jordan finally started the conversation. You must be sad about last night. But dont worry we can try again. We will.

I didnt respond.

He gently touched my fingers laid in the table. How about thislets fly to Maldives tomorrow, okay? For our anniversary, we deserve a break.

But today, we still have to go to Adelines birthday party. Just one day, then it's just us two in paradise.

Maldives was our honeymoon destination, where I once thought our forever began.

But that paradise meant nothing now.

Still, I forced a smile and murmured, Sure.

Breakfast went by with Jordan rambling about resorts and ocean villas, his voice animated as he scrolled through photos.

But somehow, Adeline kept slipping into the conversation.

"What kind of gift should we get her? he mused aloud. Shes into minimalism these days. Maybe that brand she likes from Paris?

Then he chuckled. Remember that pale pink dress she liked? That would look stunning on her.

Of course, he knew her better than I ever did. But I couldnt even feel angry anymore, since the exhaustion ran deeper than rage.

I stood up slowly, avoiding his gaze.

Im full, I said quietly, and walked into the kitchen, leaving his voiceand his fantasiesbehind.

Finally, he left for the office.

I stood alone in the bedroom, staring at the cold space we used to share.

There was no trace of me left anymore, and yet, Jordan never noticed. Or maybe, he simply didnt care.

I then sat at my desk one last time, picked up a pen and a paper.

This wasnt going to be a love letter. It was a farewell.

I folded the letter and put it in an envelope, ready to give it to my lawyer friend, Leah Cortez, to attach to the divorce papers.

Before leaving, I headed to a private lounge where my closest friends waited. They deserved my goodbye.

Youre too kind, Casey, one of them said, raising a glass. After everything youve built, how can you just give up?

Another added, We saw how you transformed Marsell from nothing. You built that empire with your bare hands.

I smiled faintly and took a sip of champagne, the burn on my throat nothing compared to the ache in my chest.

Right, rightjust drink today, Leah said, pulling me into a tearful hug. After tonight, everything will be different.

I knew she meant it, since my ID would never appear again starting tomorrow.

Dont worry, I said smoothly. Im fine.

On my way out, I passed another private box.

Laughter spilled from behind the half-open door and Adelines voice, unmistakable, floated out along with her friends.

Even your sisters husband is smitten with you, someone teased.

But Adeline, do you really want him?

Her voice was light, mocking. Of course not. Im going to marry Young Master Walton soon.

A giggle followed. Then what about Jordan?

Still holding her champagne, Adeline laughed airily. Hes handsome. I wouldnt mind keeping him as a little plaything. Thats not taboo anymore, right?

More laughter erupted.

I didnt flinch. I simply watched, through the crack in the door, as the man who shattered me was nothing more than a pretty toy in her eyes.

I wonder how youll react when you hear this, Jordan, I murmured, lips curling in a quiet sneer and I walked away.

That evening, I finished my makeup and slipped into the gown Id prepared a year agomeant to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

Outside, Jordan was waiting.

When he saw me, he grinned and held out his hand like some fairytale prince. Beautiful lady, ready to dazzle the party tonight?

I smiled, but only with my lips. My eyes stayed cold.

Stop the sweet talk, Jordan.

He chuckled, mistaking my icy tone for shyness, the way I used to blush at his flattery.

He rushed ahead to open the car door, expecting me to take his arm like always. But I brushed past him without a word and slid into the car.

He stood frozen for a moment, confused by the chill. Then forced a smile, pretending not to notice anything at all.

As we arrived at the banquet hall near the Grand Canal, Jordan kept glancing toward the entrance.

He wasnt there for me. He was waiting for her.

I swirled the wine in my glass, letting out a quiet sigh.

Then they came stepping in like Venices royal family.

Adeline, my father, and her mother walked in perfect unity, a portrait of happiness. And I, the first daughter, was once again left out of the frame.

The sight brought back the memory that had haunted me for years, a nightmare on loop.

Fifteen years ago, my mother had begged my father to abandon his mistress. Instead of protecting her, he beat her.

Broken and hopeless, my mother finally jumped from a cliff. They called it suicide, but I called it murder by cruelty.

From that day on, Adeline and her mother slowly stole everything from me. I became a ghost in my own house.

But they never knew, someone they tried to destroy was still alive and helped me in private.

Jordans voice snapped me back to the present. Adeline looks so beautiful tonight.

Then, noticing the glare in my eyes, he added quickly, But of course, youre the most beautiful woman here.

I rolled my eyes.

Around the room, guests gathered around Adeline like bees to honey.

Happy birthday, Ms. Adeline!

Congratulations on becoming the new Vice President of Marsell Jewelry!

You truly deserve it.

And then, the stares began.

Such an Ice Queen, shes clearly unfit to run the company.

Yes, its better for her not to come today.

Adeline waltzed toward me with fake warmth and a saccharine smile, patting the back of my hand like we were loving sisters.

Oh, sister, she whispered, please dont listen to them. Im happy you are here today

Then, as if by accident, she bumped my other hand and the wine splashed across her pastel pink gown, making the glass shattered at our feet.

Argh!

Adeline shrieked like I had thrown acid on her, not wine.

Jordan rushed in without hesitation and scoop her into his arms.

Adeline! he cried. He didnt even glance at the glass shards that had cut into my leg.

Then came the blow. Casey, what are you doing to Adeline at her birthday banquet?!

I didnt do anything, I said in shock.

Adeline, tears in her eyes, cried, Its okay, Jordan Im used to it. Shes always bullied me.

I lifted my chin, my voice slicing like ice. You think Id waste time plotting against you? If I really wanted to, you wouldnt have made it here.

The room erupted in murmurs.

Wow its true. The Ice Queen really does bully her sister in public.

I used to think it was a rumor. Turns out the First Daughter is exactly how they described her.

Jordans brows furrowed. I never realized how cruel you really are

What?! I gasped, fury burning in my chest. You dont know the facts, yet you pretend like you do?

I also turned to the crowd as I said that.

Betti, Adelines mother, stepped forward like shed been waiting. Everyone knows you hate her, Casey. Dont act innocent now.

I stared at her, then laughed. A cold, hollow sound.

So, this is the twist. The bunny plays innocent while the fox is painted as the villain. Even though it was the bunny who lured the fox in the first place.

SLAP!

My fathers palm collided with my cheek.

Casey! he roared. Watch your mouth in front of your mother! Youre nothing but a spoiled child!

I stood frozen, hand against my cheek, heart shattering far worse than the sting of his slap.

He had hit me before, behind the walls of the manor, whenever Adeline cried her fake tears. But now in public?

Tears stung my eyes as I said bitterly, You only ever see them, Dad. You always have.

Then I looked at Jordan still holding Adeline in his arms, gently calming her and whispered, Thats okay, I will protect you, Adeline. Thats okay.

I swallowed hard. Jordan I have never sunk to that level. But if you believe that kind of story, then fine, keep it. Just dont you dare regret it later.

He flinched.

Adeline clutched his sleeve. Jordan dont. Dont make a scene here. Everyones watching.

That was it.

The final spark that burned the last of my hopes to ashes.

Betti, always alert to Adelines unspoken cues, turned to my father with a fake sweet smile. Honey, we should get Adeline changed. The dress is ruined.

He nodded. Youre right. The partys about to start.

Jordan, holding her bridal-style, said, Okay, lets go. Ill carry you so you dont step on the broken glass.

As Jordan passed me, he whispered coldly, Let's talk privately after this.

Then they walked off. Adeline turned her head, just enough to flash me a victorious smirk.

I felt dizzy, so I walked out of the banquet hall.

Outside, by the Grand Canal, I broke down in tears just as the sky opened up and wept with me.

I cried for the foolish girl who once believed that love could save her.

I didnt know how long I stayed there until my phone buzzed. A message from my mother, [Ready for flight, honey?]

I typed back quickly, [Ready.]

Suddenly, a voice slithered behind me. Ready for what?

I jumped and hid my phone.

It was Adeline who had changed into a new pink gown, and around her neck was my mothers necklace, the only thing she left me.

Where did you get that? I hissed.

She smirked. Oh? I found it.

I lunged to snatch it, but she slapped my hand away.

Let it go! I warned.

She yanked the necklace from her neck and flung it into the canal. You want it? Go fetch it.

No! I screamed, reaching over the water, but it had already vanished into the depths.

She laughed, drunk on my pain, and turned to leave as the rain began to pour heavily.

But I grabbed her by the hair. You bitch! How dare you!

She thrashed in my grip. Let go or Ill scream!

Her threat only made me angrier. I pushed her closer to the waters edge.

Go ahead, scream! But once you do, youll be screaming underwater.

Adelines eyes widened in terror for a fleeting second. No, no, please.

Beg me after you fetch what you threw, I said coldly, loosening my grip.

Her fingers dug deeper into my wrist, desperate.

But as a bolt of lightning split the sky, illuminating her face, she suddenly smirked and released my hand deliberately, Fine

Splash!

The sound tore through the night. I lunged forward, but it was too lateshe had already vanished into the black water.

Gasps erupted behind me. Someones drowning!

Adeline! Betti screamed.

Jordans eyes darted to the canal. Without hesitation, he stripped off his jacket and dove in.

A stinging slap met my cheek. What did Adeline ever do to you that you wanted to kill her? Betti hissed.

My fathers voice followed, sharp as a whip. If anything happens to Adeline, you will be erased from Stevens family forever!

When Jordan dragged Adeline to the shore, she collapsed in his arms, coughing up water between gasps, and cried hysterically.

Jordan why did you save me? she whimpered.

Her wide, trembling eyes darted toward me before she buried her face in his chest.

Im scared scared of what Casey will do to me next, she cried, her voice cracking. Shes jealous that you care about me. Just because you helped me during the wine accident earlier she pushed me into the river!

Because of that, every pair of eyes locked on me, full of accusation.

Then came Jordan who scolded me angrily, Casey! I really can't stand your cruelty anymore. I guess youll only understand when you feel it yourself!

Before I could even open my mouth, his hands were on me, shoving me hard.

The icy water swallowed me whole. I kicked, flailed, tried to scream, but the rivers current was merciless, fueled by the storms rage.

On the embankment, no one came for me. Their attention clung to Adelineas if she were the only one worthy of being saved.

The last thing that caught my sight was the medical team lifting Adeline onto a stretcher, rushing her into the ambulance.

Then they were gone, leaving me adrift in the dark, cold canal.

I didnt know how far the current dragged me before strong arms pulled me to the shore. My lungs burned as I coughed up the river, my vision spinning.

A sudden vibration in my pocket.

Even though my phone was already broken from being submerged in water, I still could see my mothers name was on the screen.

[Send your location, dear. Ill send the driver to pick you up.]

As the car arrived, the driver was shocked to see me soaking wet. I just gave him a signal that I was fine and asked him to immediately send me to the airport.

As the car started moving, another message lit up my phone. This time from Jordan.

For a brief, foolish moment, I thought hed be worried. That maybe, despite everything, he still cared. But his words were a blade.

[You should be grateful Adeline is okay. If not, your fate might have been worse. Go to the hospital and apologize to her. Maybe then your family will forgive you. Hurry!]

A humorless laugh slipped from my lips. My fingers typed slowly, deliberately, [Never!]

Then I rolled down the window, letting the wind snatch my already broken phone from my hand.

It clattered onto the wet asphalt, disappearing under the hammering rain, like Casey Stevens that night.

Soon, my lawyer delivered the final divorce agreement and my final letter to Casey Stevens. By the time Casey discovered everything, I had gone.

The moonlight filtered through the leaves, streaming through the car window and onto my face.

Tonight, I walked under the endless starlight towards a new self and a new life.