The Mafia King Chose My Brother’s Killer

On the night before our wedding, I saw my fianc kissing the woman who killed my brother.

The woman who had been obsessed with my fianc, Kaelis Virel, for years was Selene Ravka, the daughter of the most feared crime syndicate in Europe.

Back then, House Sorell and House Virel had already arranged our engagement. Every major syndicate knew that one day, I would become Kaelis Virels wife.

Only Selene refused to accept it, as she had set her sights on Kaelis shortly after our first anniversary.

To steal him from me, she bombed three Sorell safe houses, poisoned my fathers most trusted men, and had me kidnapped so many times that I stopped counting the scars.

When Kaelis refused to leave me, Selene ordered my brother, Orin Sorell, to be dragged into an underground fighting pit, where he died begging for mercy.

He wasnt made for the mafia world. He hated violence. He couldnt even pull the trigger of a gun without closing his eyes.

Yet on the night he disappeared, Selene invited him to what she claimed was a peace negotiation between our families.

It was a trap.

By the time Kaelis and I arrived, Orin was already lying in a pool of blood. He died protecting the engagement ring Kaelis had secretly entrusted to him.

I still remember his last words.

Dont let her have him

Those words haunted me every single night. Kaelis nearly lost his mind after Orins death. But fate wasnt finished with me.

Three months after Orins funeral, our convoy was ambushed while returning from a Commission meeting.

The explosion flipped three armored vehicles. I remember my father pulling me into his arms. I remember the flames.

Then Nothing.

When I opened my eyes again, five years had passed. I was the only survivor. The doctors called it a miracle. The underworld called it destiny.

For five years while I lay unconscious, the underworld changed.

Kaelis Virel became its king.

He dismantled the Ravka Circle piece by piece, executed everyone connected to the attack, and placed a bounty worth hundreds of millions on Selene Ravkas head.

He refused every political marriage arranged for him. He slept beside my hospital bed instead of his own mansion. He learned how to braid my hair, trimmed my nails himself, and never allowed anyone else to touch me.

When I finally woke up, he cried harder than I did. He proposed before I had even taken my first step. He designed my engagement ring. He built an entire cathedral for our wedding.

Everyone called Kaelis the only mafia king capable of loving just one woman.

I believed them.

Until the night before our wedding, when an unknown number called me.

Kaelis still kisses me the same way. He still starts with the corner of my lips.

The phone slipped from my fingers.

I knew that voice.

It was Selene Ravka.

The phone hit the marble floor with a dull thud. The call had already ended.

For several seconds, I stood there, staring blankly at the shattered screen.

No It couldnt be true.

I thought Selene Ravka was hiding somewhere far away.

For five years, Kaelis had searched every corner of Europe for her. He had destroyed the Ravka Circle piece by piece. He had sworn before my brothers grave that he would never rest until Selene paid for everything she had done.

How could he possibly be with her?

Before I could think any further, I gasped as two familiar arms wrapped around my waist from behind.

Whats wrong?

Kaelis buried his face against my neck, his warm breath brushing my skin.

Youve been standing here all alone. Ive been looking everywhere for you.

His voice was gentle, exactly as it had always been.

I missed you.

My tense shoulders slowly relaxed. He turned me around before smiling helplessly as he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

I thought He chuckled softly. Since tomorrow well be too busy with the wedding, maybe tonight we could stay home. Just the two of us, well order dinner, watch a movie, just you and me.

My heart, which had nearly stopped moments ago, gradually settled.

Maybe Maybe it really had been a prank. Someone knew tomorrow was our wedding and wanted to ruin it.

I forced myself to smile. Alright.

He leaned down and kissed my forehead.

Thats my girl.

An hour later, after eating dinner, we were curled up together on the sofa. The movie had barely reached the opening scene when my phone vibrated.

Once. Twice. Three times.

I glanced down. An unknown number showed again. A cold chill crept up my spine.

Kaelis was focused on television. Slowly, I unlocked my phone. A single message appeared.

Unknown Number: Come see for yourself.

Below was an address. My fingers instantly turned cold. Before I could process it, another notification arrived.

Unknown Number: Hes leaving now.

Almost at the same moment Kaeliss own phone lit up. His expression changed, the smile faded from his face, and he read the message once before quietly standing.

I have to go.

I frowned. So late?

He slipped his phone into his pocket.

The Commission called an emergency meeting.

My eyebrows knitted together. The Commission? But our wedding is tomorrow. Theyve known about it for months. Why would they suddenly summon you tonight?

For the first time that evening, Kaelis hesitated. Only for a second. Then he smiled again.

Ill make it up to you. He cupped my face between his hands. I promise. I even have a surprise for you tomorrow.

He kissed my forehead once more before winking. Youll love it.

I wanted to ask more questions. Instead I watched him walk out the front door.

The mansion fell silent. My eyes drifted back to my phone.

Come see for yourself.

The address was still there. I stared at it for nearly a minute before grabbing my coat. I wasnt proud of what I was about to do. But something deep inside me refused to stay behind.

By the time I left the estate, Kaeliss car was already several minutes ahead.

I kept my distance. Turn after turn, intersection after intersection, the route on my navigation matched the address perfectly.

My hands tightened around the steering wheel.

No Please Dont let this be true.

Nearly forty minutes later, Kaeliss car slowed before disappearing through the gates of an enormous mansion hidden behind rows of towering cypress trees. I parked far enough away that no one would notice me. My heartbeat thundered inside my ears as I stepped out.

The front door opened. A woman walked into the light, long black hair, crimson silk dress, the face I had seen only in nightmares.

Selene Ravka.

She walked straight toward Kaelis and struck him hard against the chest.

You made me wait.

Her voice carried through the still night. Kaelis caught her wrist before she could hit him again.

The next second, he pulled her against him. Then he kissed her. Not by accident. Not by force. Like two people who had done it countless times before.

Frozen behind the trees, I couldnt move.

Selene shoved at his shoulder with an irritated laugh, but she didnt walk away. Instead, Kaelis drew her back into his arms.

The villa door closed behind them.

I stood there alone, unable to breathe.

For five years The entire underworld believed Kaelis had been hunting Selene. They believed he wanted revenge for my brother. They believed he would kill the woman who had destroyed my family.

But now I finally understood.

They had been looking for Selene all this time Only for her to be hidden by the very man who had sworn to put a bullet through her heart.

The man I was supposed to marry tomorrow.

I didnt remember how I got back to the Virel estate.

Kaelis never came home.

I sat on the living room floor until sunrise, staring at the engagement ring on my finger as though it belonged to someone else. The television still played the movie we never finished. The popcorn had gone cold, and two untouched glasses of wine remained on the coffee table exactly where we had left them before he received that message.

Everything inside the mansion looked the same.

Only my world had changed.

I kept convincing myself there had to be an explanation. Maybe I hadnt seen clearly. Maybe Selene had threatened him. Maybe he had gone there for another reason.

But every excuse shattered beneath the same memory. Selene laughing. Kaelis pulling her into his arms. That kiss.

I closed my eyes. The past came rushing back.

I lost my mother before I was old enough to remember her face. After that, my father became everything to me.

To the underworld, Don Alessandro Sorell was one of Europes most feared mafia leaders. To me, he was simply Dad. Strict, demanding, and determined to prepare me for the life awaiting the future heir of House Sorell.

I learned to shoot before I learned to drive. I mastered negotiations before finishing school. Above all, I learned never to let fear show.

For years, I believed our family consisted of only the two of us.

Until Dad brought home a little boy.

I was five.

He was older, dressed in torn clothes, bruised from head to toe, and silent. Dad had rescued him during a raid on a human trafficking ring. No one knew his real name or where hed come from.

So Dad gave him one. Orin Sorell. He became my only brother.

Nearly a year passed before he finally spoke.

His first word wasnt Father.

It was Nyra. My name.

From that day on, he never left my side. As we grew older, I learned why he walked with a limp. When he tried escaping the traffickers as a child, they shattered his left knee. Although it healed, he would never walk normally again.

Dad offered to train him alongside the familys soldiers. Orin always smiled and refused.

I dont want to hurt anyone. Id rather grow flowers.

Everyone laughed. Except me. Because I knew he meant it.

He hated gunfire. He apologized for everything, even when it wasnt his fault. He fed every stray dog that wandered onto the estate, and whenever I couldnt sleep, hed sneak into the kitchen to bake pastries, insisting sweet things chased away nightmares.

He was too gentle for the mafia. Maybe thats why everyone in House Sorell loved him. Even our most ruthless men softened around Orin.

Unfortunately

Everything changed after Kaelis and I celebrated our first anniversary. There had been a Commission ambush, Kaelis rescued Selene simply because he refused to leave anyone behind. To him, it was nothing more than the duty of the future Don of House Virel and as a man responsible for everyones safety.

Selene saw it differently. She mistook compassion for love. From that day on, her affection became an obsession. And I became the obstacle she wanted to remove.

At first, it was harmless humiliation. Flowers Kaelis sent arrived crushed. My dresses were ruined before Commission banquets. Rumors spread that I wasnt worthy of becoming House Virels future queen. Whenever we met, shed spill wine over my gown or whisper insults only I could hear.

Then the harassment escalated.

My car was vandalized. Threatening letters appeared outside my room. Armed men followed me through the streets before disappearing whenever my bodyguards caught them.

Everyone knew Selene was behind it, but no one could prove it.

She also knew her limits. Killing the only daughter of House Sorell and Kaeliss fiance would ignite a war between Europes most powerful syndicates.

So instead

She targeted the one person who couldnt be protected every second of every day.

My brother.

She invited Orin to what she claimed was a peace negotiation between our families.

He went. Not because he trusted her. Because he believed peace was worth risking his own life.

When Kaelis and I found him, he was lying inside an underground fighting arena. His body was covered in blood. The leg that had already suffered enough had been broken all over again.

Yet his hand still clutched a small velvet box. Inside was the engagement ring Kaelis had secretly entrusted to him. He protected it until his last breath.

I dropped beside him.

Orin

He looked at me and smiled.

Even then He smiled.

I couldnt let hertake your future

Tears blurred my vision. No. Dont talk. Were taking you home.

He gently shook his head. Then he looked at Kaelis.

Protectmy sister

Finally, his eyes returned to me.

Dontlet herhave him

His hand slipped from mine.

Just like that

The gentlest soul Id ever known was gone.

Even now, I couldnt walk past a flower shop without thinking of the quiet life he never got to live.

Three months after Orins funeral, while my father and I were returning from a Commission meeting, our convoy was ambushed. Three armored vehicles were reduced to flames in a single explosion. Everyone knew the attack bore Selene Ravkas signature, but no one could prove it. My father and every Sorell escort died shielding me. I was the only survivor, trapped in a coma for the next five years.

After that, Kaelis changed.

The man who once smiled so easily disappeared.

He declared war on the Ravka Circle without waiting for the Commissions approval. Selenes allies vanished one after another. Warehouses exploded. Smuggling routes collapsed. Entire ports fell under House Virels control.

Every newspaper carried the same headline.

KAELIS VIREL SWEARS TO DESTROY THE RAVKA CIRCLE.

The underworld called him a monster.

At home

He was still my Kaelis.

He cooked whenever I skipped meals. He warmed my hands every winter. Every night, he repeated the same promise.

Ill bring Selene to Orins grave. Ill make her beg for forgiveness.

I believed him.

Until last night.

I reached for my phone. There was only one man outside House Virel who had warned my father years ago.

Cassian Drax.

The strategist of House Noctis.

He answered on the second ring.

I was wondering how long it would take before you called.

I closed my eyes.

You once told my father that if House Sorell ever needed House Noctis the offer would still stand.

It still does.

You also said that if I ever stood against House Virel youd give me everything you know.

I did.

Without any hesitation, I said clearly, I want the evidence. Every surveillance file, every recording, every document youve collected on Selene Ravka.

No answer from the other line, then And in return?

Ill give House Noctis everything I know about House Virel. Whatever secrets Kaelis has hidden from the Commission Ill uncover them and hand them to you.

Silence.

Cassian finally asked, Youd betray the man youre about to marry?

If it gets me the truth I said quietly. Ill betray anyone.

I accept, Cassian said quietly.

Before I could speak again, he added, But I have one condition.

I frowned.

What is it?

Youll hear it when we meet.

The call ended.

Tomorrow I was supposed to become Kaelis Virels wife.

Instead, I dialed another number.

Central Commission Intelligence Division.

I steadied my breathing.

My name is Nyra Sorell. I need to report the whereabouts of Europes most wanted fugitive.

A brief silence followed.

Who?

I looked toward the white roses decorating tomorrows wedding.

They suddenly looked like flowers prepared for a funeral.

Selene Ravka. I know exactly where she is.

I arrived at the Central Commission Intelligence Division just after dawn.

The police station was unusually quiet. Officers hurried through the lobby while detectives exchanged reports from the nights operations.

I barely noticed any of them. My eyes searched only for one person.

Miss Sorell?

An officer recognized me immediately.

This way.

I followed him toward the interrogation area. Before I even reached the room, I heard a womans laughter.

Then Click. The sound of handcuffs unlocking.

I froze.

The interrogation room door opened, and a woman stepped outside. Long black hair. A crimson dress. The same face that had haunted my nightmares for five years.

Selene Ravka.

The officer beside her removed the last handcuff before speaking politely.

Youre free to go, Miss.

The moment her eyes landed on me, she smiled. It was arrogant and mocking. As though she had already won before the game had even begun.

She tilted her head. You seem to have mistaken me for someone else.

She stepped closer. Who? Someone you despise so much

Her smile widened. that youd call the police on an innocent woman?

My lips parted, but no words came out.

Innocent?

Before I could answer Nyra.

I turned.

Kaelis had just walked out of another office. A senior officer accompanied him, shaking his hand respectfully before leaving.

Kaelis looked perfectly composed. Too composed. There was no surprise on his face. No confusion. No relief after hearing that Selene had supposedly been found.

Instead, he strode straight toward me.

Our wedding is today. Did you really plan to ruin it?

I stared at him.

What?

Today, of all days? There are hundreds of guests arriving from all over Europe. The Commission. Our allies. Our families. And you choose today to make this accusation?

I couldnt believe what I was hearing.

Was this really Kaelis?

The same man who had sworn before Orins grave that he would hunt Selene to the ends of the earth? The same man who spent five years beside my hospital bed?

My throat tightened.

Youre

I forced the words out.

Youre angry?

His silence answered me. A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

Then explain this.

I pointed directly at the woman beside us.

Isnt she Selene Ravka? I saw the two of you together last night. I saw you kiss her.

For the first time, something flickered across Kaeliss eyes.

Before he could speak, another voice interrupted.

Miss Sorell.

The senior officer stepped forward.

I recognized him instantly. He had been the lead investigator on Orins murder. He had also handled the convoy explosion that supposedly killed my father.

He was the one who stood before me at the hospital and apologized because they couldnt locate Selene Ravka.

Were you the one who reported todays case?

Yes.

He sighed. Im afraid theres been a misunderstanding.

He gestured toward the woman beside Kaelis.

This lady is not Selene Ravka.

The words echoed inside my head.

Not Selene?

No. Impossible. I knew that face. I would recognize it even after another fifty years.

I looked at her again.

She was already looking back at me, the corners of her lips lifting into the same mocking smile.

She was enjoying every second of my confusion.

I believe I owe Miss Sorell an explanation, she said softly.

Turning to the officers, she smiled.

Would you mind letting me explain everything privately?

The senior officer nodded. Of course.

She looked at me.

Why dont we continue outside?

A few minutes later, we stood in the parking lot. Rows of black luxury vehicles waited outside.

She smiled apologetically. This misunderstanding happened because I never introduced myself properly.

She opened the passenger door of her car.

May I borrow Miss Sorell for a moment?

Kaelis glanced between us before gently kissing my forehead.

Ill be right behind you.

His familiar warmth only made my heart ache.

Its alright. Listen to what she has to say. Then well go to the cathedral together.

He said it so casually, as though nothing had happened.

Still desperate for answers, I got into the passenger seat.

The door shut with a click.

The moment the car left the station, her smile disappeared.

She pressed harder on the accelerator. The city blurred past the windows. Then, without looking at me, she suddenly laughed.

A low, unrestrained laugh. Then she finally spoke.

I am Selene Ravka.

Silence. For several long seconds I couldnt even breathe.

She admitted it so casually. As though confessing to todays weather.

She laughed louder. I bribed that senior officer years ago.

My fingers curled tightly.

What?

The investigation into your limping brother. She shrugged. He closed it exactly the way I wanted.

My entire body trembled.

Orin

She nodded with a smile. Yes. The sweet little cripple.

My vision instantly turned red.

You

She continued speaking as though discussing something amusing.

I thought Id already made myself perfectly clear years ago. I wanted you dead. I wanted you to be miserable. I wanted you to suffer until you willingly handed Kaelis over to me.

She looked at me briefly before smiling.

But in the end, I didnt need to. I got him anyway.

Every word stabbed deeper than the last.

So it was true. Everything I had witnessed last night, every kiss, every embrace, every lie, Kaelis had known all along. He had been protecting her. Protecting the woman who murdered Orin.

My breathing became uneven.

Why

My voice shook violently.

Why would Kaelis help you?

She laughed again.

Maybe you should ask your fianc. She deliberately emphasized the last word.

Then, as though remembering something amusing, she snapped her fingers.

Oh. I almost forgot. She smiled sweetly. Do you know the bones buried beneath your brothers grave?

My heart stopped.

What

She smiled.

I had them replaced. With a cows bones.

The world went silent.

Orin. The brother I had mourned. The grave I had visited. Every promise I had whispered beside that headstone

There had never been anything of him left beneath it.

Something inside me shattered.

You monster!

I lunged across the center console and wrapped both hands around her neck.

You deserve to die!

She gasped but laughed anyway.

I knew

youd react like this.

The car swerved violently. Tires screeched across the pavement. Still I refused to let go.

You killed him! You destroyed my family!

Selene clawed at my wrists.

Ill kill you!

The steering wheel jerked sharply. The car accelerated even faster. A sharp curve appeared ahead.

The speed of the car got fast. Much too fast. Selene finally lost control.

No

The car slammed directly into a massive tree. The impact threw everything forward. Glass exploded around us. Metal twisted.

Pain shot through every part of my body. Warm blood trickled down my forehead. My vision blurred. Darkness slowly swallowed everything.

Just before losing consciousness

I made one final vow.

If I survived I would make every single person who betrayed my family pay. Even if that person was Kaelis Virel.

Then, somewhere nearby I faintly heard someone shouting.

Nyra!

Kaeliss voice sounded desperate. Then, I heard footsteps, people running, sirens, and an ambulance. The sounds blended together inside my dizzy mind.

Everything hurts. Especially my arm.

Then I heard another voice.

Mr. Virel! The collision trapped both womens arms beneath the dashboard! We dont have enough time! If we pull one free first, the others arm could suffer longer damage!

My heart pounded weakly. I tried opening my eyes. But I couldnt.

I tried calling Kaeliss name. No sound came out.

The medic shouted again. Please! You have to choose!

Seconds passed.

Then, Kaelis answered without even a moments hesitation.

Save her. His voice was firm.

If her arm is disabled, shell lose her mind.

I waited. I waited for him to say my name.

Instead

I felt him point somewhere else.

Save Selene first.

The first thing I felt was pain. It spread from my shoulder to my fingertips, so sharp that I couldnt stop myself from gasping.

My arms

I tried to move them. One responded weakly, while the other felt completely numb.

My heart sank.

I knew instantly that I had been the one saved last. The medics desperate voice echoed inside my head.

You have to choose.

Then came Kaeliss answer.

Save Selene first.

Nyra

A familiar voice filled my ears.

I slowly turned my head.

Kaelis had been sitting beside my bed the entire time. The moment he saw my eyes open, he shot to his feet so quickly that the chair behind him toppled over.

Youre awake.

Relief flooded his face.

You scared me.

He reached for my hand, but I pulled it away. His hand froze in midair.

For several long seconds, neither of us spoke.

Finally, I looked at him.

Do you still remember my brother?

His brows knitted together.

Of course. What kind of question is that?

Of course. How could he forget?

Years ago, before either of us even knew each others names, Kaelis had been nothing more than a quiet, timid little boy. A group of older boys cornered him in an alley and beat him simply because he was too small to fight back.

Then Orin appeared.

Without a second thought, my brother threw himself between Kaelis and the bullies. He shielded him with his own body, taking every punch, every kick, and every bruise without hesitation.

Neither of them remembered exactly how they escaped that day.

But fate had other plans.

Years later, House Sorell and House Virel met during a Commission banquet. The moment Kaelis saw Orin, he recognized him.

The boy who saved me

Orin recognized him as well.

From that day onward, Kaelis practically became another member of our family. Not long after, our engagement was arranged.

Back then, I thought fate had rewarded kindness.

Now I finally understood.

Sometimes, fate simply enjoys playing cruel jokes.

Back in the hospital room, tears blurred my vision.

If you still remember him

My voice trembled.

Then answer me honestly.

I looked straight into his eyes.

Was she Selene Ravka?

Without hesitation, he answered,

No. Shes a foreigner from Canada. She has nothing to do with Orins death.

A laugh escaped my lips, startling even me.

A foreigner? She confessed it herself. She told me she was Selene Ravka.

Kaelis remained calm.

Do you have proof?

The laughter vanished from my face.

What?

You said she confessed. He held my gaze, Do you have any evidence?

My breathing became uneven.

Then explain why she looks exactly like Selene.

Silence filled the room.

After a long pause, Kaelis finally spoke.

I never intended for things to happen this way.

His eyes lowered briefly.

When you were in a coma

My heart pounded.

she became part of my life.

Every word hurts.

I never planned to leave you.

He stepped closer.

Youll always be my wife. But I cant abandon her either.

The room fell into a suffocating silence.

I love you, he whispered, And I have responsibilities toward her.

My entire body turned cold as I stared at him in disbelief.

Shes your woman?

He slowly closed his eyes.

Yes. But youre the only woman Ill ever marry.

I couldnt breathe.

How ridiculous.

He wanted both of us. As if I should feel grateful. As if becoming his wife could erase every betrayal.

He reached toward me again, but I turned my face away.

After a long silence, he let out a quiet sigh.

The wedding will be postponed. You need time to recover. When youre healthy, well hold the ceremony.

Then he quietly walked out, leaving me alone.

Days passed.

Every morning, Kaelis came to visit me.

He brought breakfast, flowers, books, and desserts from my favorite bakery.

Every single gift ended up in the trash.

He never got angry. Instead, he returned the next day carrying something new.

The nurses whispered about how devoted he was.

Only I knew the truth.

Every time I saw his face, I remembered the ambulance. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Selene laughing. The hatred inside me grew deeper with each passing day.

I had survived another crash.

Again.

This time, I wouldnt waste my second chance. I would keep my promise. Everyone who destroyed my family would pay.

A week later, the hospital room door opened once again.

I expected another bouquet.

Instead, I saw her.

Selene.

She walked in wearing an elegant white dress. Not a single scratch remained on her body. She had completely recovered.

Unlike me, who was still trapped in this hospital bed.

My expression turned icy. Why is she here?

Kaelis looked at me quietly.

She wants to apologize.

I dont need her apology.

I do. His voice became unusually firm, I dont want you to hate me because of a misunderstanding.

Beside him, Selene let out a soft laugh.

See?

She folded her arms.

I told you. She doesnt even want to look at me.

She smiled at me. It was the same mocking smile. The one from the police station. The one from the car.

Kaelis glanced at Selene and she understood immediately. Slowly, she stepped forward. Then she bowed.

Im sorry.

Her voice sounded sincere enough to fool anyone.

Im sorry that I slept with your fianc.

Kaeliss expression shifted slightly.

She continued without hesitation.

Im sorry that he chose to save me before you.

Then she paused. A slow smile spread across her lips as she raised her head and looked directly into my eyes.

And Im sorry that I replaced your brothers bones with a beasts.

The room fell silent.

Hidden beneath the blanket, my phone continued recording.

Every single word

Had been captured perfectly.

The days after the accident blurred together.

Every morning, Kaelis came. Every afternoon, Selene followed.

Sometimes they came together. Sometimes they arrived separately. But neither of them ever stopped visiting. It was as though they believed enough gifts could erase betrayal.

I never accepted a single one. The flowers ended up in the trash or Id have them give it to the next ward room. The desserts remained untouched. Even the books Kaelis carefully selected stayed unopened beside my bed.

The nurses admired him.

Mr. Virel hasnt missed a single day.

Theyre so lucky to have each other.

Lucky.

If only they knew.

A week later, the doctor finally announced that I could be discharged.

Kaelis arrived early that morning carrying another bouquet. Selene stood beside him, smiling as though nothing had happened.

I picked these myself, she said sweetly.

Before I could answer, Kaelis placed the flowers on the bedside table. The fragrance drifted through the room.

Within seconds, my throat tightened. My skin began to itch and I struggled to breathe.

Nyra!

Kaeliss expression changed instantly.

The monitor beside my bed began beeping wildly.

Shes having an allergic reaction!

Kaelis immediately turned toward Selene.

What flowers did you buy?

Selene frowned.

I didnt know she was allergic.

You should have checked! His voice echoed through the room.

For the first time in days, they argued.

I pushed myself upright.

Im fine.

Ignoring both of them, I walked out of the room and headed toward the nurses station.

After taking my medication, my breathing gradually returned to normal.

When I felt better, I walked back to collect the rest of my belongings.

As I reached my room, I noticed the door wasnt fully closed. Moaning voices drifted through the narrow opening.

Selene sounded annoyed yet ecstatic.

You made me apologize to her.

A low chuckle answered. So?

You worried about her. You even blamed me over those flowers. Then what's the point of bringing me here? Ahh. Youre so big.

Kaelis groaned as he spoke.

I gave you two choices, he said. Apologize to Nyra or apologize to Orin instead.

Selene scoffed.

Over my dead body.

She laughed again as she rode him.

Id rather die.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. Selene went down and kissed Kaelis.

Then Kaeliss voice came again, quieter this time as he embraced her.

You really are a stubborn woman. Ive known that ever since the day you stood outside my mansion in that thunderstorm.

Selene laughed softly.

You remember that?

How could I forget? he replied. You took advantage of Nyras coma, stood outside in the pouring rainstorm, and refused to leave until I opened the door. You didnt even say a word. You just throw yourself immediately at me.

His voice carried a faint smile.

And from that night on, you refused to let me push you away.

She laughed and bounced her buttocks hard.

Kaelis Virel arent you the shameless one? You were the one announcing revenge while throwing me into that room full of toys, insisting Id regret provoking you.

She burst into laughter.

In the end, you were the one who couldnt stop coming back.

My body froze. So these two were complete psychos.

Selene challenged as she seductively bit Kaeliss nipples. So youre really marrying her?

The room became silent enough that I could hear my own heartbeat.

Finally, Kaelis answered.

I promised our families.

His voice remained calm yet slightly gasping.

The wedding will happen.

And me?

His reply came without hesitation.

Ill marry Nyra as promised.

There was another pause before he continued.

But the marriage registration with the government will be yours.

My breathing stopped.

Selene laughed triumphantly.

I knew it. I always knew youd choose me.

I couldnt listen anymore.

Whatever was happening inside that room, whatever promises they were making to each other, I didnt want to hear another word.

I turned and ran.

I no longer cared about the belongings I had left behind.

The image alone was enough.

My hospital bed, the room where I had cried, the place where I had struggled to survive, they had turned it into something so disgusting it makes me want to vomit.

My trembling fingers pulled out my phone as I hurried down the empty corridor.

The call connected after only one ring.

Please, take me away from here.

Moments later, several men disguised as doctors pushed an empty stretcher through the hallway.

Without attracting attention, they escorted me through a staff exit.

No one noticed I was gone.

I didnt return to the Virel estate. Instead, I went to Orins grave.

The cemetery was silent except for the sound of shovels striking the earth.

An inspector stood nearby as workers carefully dug through the soil. Every handful of dirt felt like another weight crushing my chest.

Please Please let her have lied.

The digging continued.

Minutes later

One of the workers suddenly froze.

Inspector

He carefully lifted several bones from the grave. His expression changed immediately.

Oh He swallowed hard, These arent human.

The inspector stepped closer. After only a brief examination, his face turned pale.

Theyre cow bones.

The world around me went silent. My knees gave way. Tears streamed down my face. I cried until there were no tears left.

Then I wiped my face.

This is the last time, I whispered to the empty grave.

The last time youll ever see me cry.

At that moment, my phone began ringing. It was from Kaelis. I watched the screen until it stopped.

A second later, a message appeared.

Kaelis: Where are you? Why arent you home? Are you checking your wedding dress again? Well continue the ceremony tomorrow. See you soon, future wife.

I stared at the words for several seconds. Instead of replying, I dialed another number.

Cassian answered almost immediately.

I couldnt wait any longer, I said. My decision hasnt changed.

A brief silence followed.

I want everything. The evidence. The truth.

I looked at the empty grave before me.

Lets meet now.

Morning arrived far too quickly.

Kaelis had barely slept. He had intended to spend the entire morning at the cathedral, making one final inspection before the wedding, when his phone suddenly rang.

It was Selene.

Im at the hospital.

Her voice sounded unusually weak.

Ive been throwing up since this morning.

Without another word, Kaelis abandoned the preparations and drove straight there.

By the time he arrived, Selene had just stepped out of the examination room.

The first thing he asked wasnt whether she felt better. Instead, his eyes fell on her stomach.

Are you pregnant?

For a brief moment, Selene simply stared at him. Then she looked away.

No.

Her answer was quiet. When she looked back, she caught the unmistakable relief that crossed his face. His shoulders relaxed.

He let out a slow breath. Good.

The word pierced her more deeply than she expected.

She forced a smile.

Youre that relieved? You really dont want me carrying your child?

Kaelis frowned.

I told you to wait.

His voice turned cold.

Dont test my patience, Selene. This is the last time you scare me with a fake pregnancy.

She looked at him for several long seconds before laughing bitterly. Sometimes, she wondered why she had fallen in love with a mafia man like him.

It all started five years ago. The night House Virel celebrated Kaelis and Nyras first anniversary.

The banquet had barely begun when assassins attacked. Chaos erupted. Gunfire echoed throughout the ballroom. Everyone fought to protect themselves.

Selene still remembered the moment a sniper aimed directly at her. She thought she was going to die.

Then someone grabbed her.

It was Kaelis.

He pulled her into his arms and shielded her from the bullets. For those few seconds, she felt safer than she ever had in her entire life. From that day onward, she could never forget him.

Back to the present, she smiled faintly before standing on her toes and kissed his cheeks.

It wont happen again, husband.

Her lips curved playfully, but Kaelis didnt react. He simply turned toward the exit.

Im busy. The wedding is today. Dont cause any trouble.

He walked away without looking back.

Just then, her phone vibrated. An unknown number. She frowned before opening the message.

A beautifully designed digital wedding invitation appeared on the screen. Beneath it was a single sentence.

Unknown Number: Make sure you come.

Selenes lips slowly curved upward. She recognized the sender immediately.

Nyra, you bitch

She quietly slipped her phone back into her purse. She suddenly remembered on the first night Selene and Kaelis got together, she had known Kaelis went to his mansion to get fresh clothes so she deliberately took the chance and pounded on his door until Kaelis opened the door.

When he did, she wasted no time and kissed him. At first, Kaelis resisted but as time passed by, he was responding to her.

The next night, she appeared as a nurse at the hospital. Kaelis was furious but ended up strangling her and did it again and again in the bathroom.

The next night, Selene appeared as a delivery woman, then the next night, she appeared as a room maintenance worker. Every encounter, Kaelis never turned her down.

Until, he sent her to that mansion under the big trees, hiding and protecting her from everyone, where they couldn't find her.

This is interesting.

By noon, preparations at the cathedral were complete. Guests from every major syndicate across Europe filled the pews. Commission elders. Mafia leaders. Politicians. Business magnates.

Everyone had gathered to witness what many called the wedding of the century.

Meanwhile

Inside the grooms waiting room, Kaelis adjusted his tie for what felt like the tenth time.

His assistant smiled.

You seem nervous.

Kaelis gave a faint smile.

I am.

He had faced wars, executions, commission trials, yet none of them had made him as uneasy as today.

Before leaving the mansion, Nyra wasnt home but his assistant reminded him that she had made only one request.

Dont come to escort me.

She wanted to walk into the cathedral on her own, so he respected her decision.

When the ceremony began, Kaelis stood waiting before the altar. The orchestra started playing. Everyone turned toward the cathedral doors.

One minute passed. Then five. Then ten.

The doors remained closed.

Whispers spread throughout the hall. Kaelis glanced toward the entrance again. Still nothing. His heart slowly tightened.

Wheres Nyra?

No one answered.

Just then, another figure entered instead.

Selene.

She walked calmly down the aisle as countless eyes followed her.

Kaelis immediately strode toward her.

What are you doing here?

She blinked innocently.

Attending the wedding.

Kaelis gritted his teeth. I didnt invite you.

No. She smiled. The bride did.

She held up her phone. Displayed on the screen was the digital invitation.

Kaelis frowned.

Before he could say another word, his assistant came running.

Don!

His face had turned deathly pale.

We have a problem!

What happened?

Our confidential files

He struggled to catch his breath.

Every classified operation every hidden transaction every underground secret belonging to House Virel has been delivered to House Noctis.

Kaelis froze.

What?

Just then, the cathedral lights suddenly dimmed. The massive projector behind the altar flickered to life.

A video began playing.

The date in the corner read Five years ago.

An underground fighting arena appeared on the screen.

Everyone watched in stunned silence as Orin Sorell was dragged into the center of the ring.

Punch after punch landed on his body. Blood covered the floor.

Standing above him Was Selene.

Her laughter echoed through the cathedral.

So this is the useless crippled brother? Hah! Keep going. I want him dead until she gets here.

Gasps spread through the crowd. Selenes face instantly turned pale.

Then, the video changed. Next was the dashcam footage.

Inside the speeding car, Selenes own voice filled the cathedral.

I am Selene Ravka.

Another recording followed.

I bribed that senior officer years ago. The investigation into your limping brother. He closed it exactly the way I wanted.

Then another.

Im sorry that I slept with your fianc.

Im sorry that he chose to save me before you.

And Im sorry that I replaced your brothers bones with a beasts.

The next recording played. This time, Kaeliss voice filled the cathedral.

She became part of my life.

I cant abandon her either.

Shes my woman now.

Then, another.

Ill marry Nyra as promised

A pause.

But the marriage registration with the government will be yours.

Silence consumed the cathedral.

Then, the entire hall erupted.

What is the meaning of this?

You protected Selene Ravka?

You lied to the Commission!

Commission elders stood from their seats. Mafia leaders shouted over one another. Selenes face twisted.

Thats fake!

She pointed wildly at the screen.

Im not Selene! Someone framed me! They edited everything!

She screamed until her voice became hoarse, but no one believed her.

Then, the cathedral doors burst open. Dozens of armed officers stormed inside.

Selene Ravka! Youre under arrest!

Handcuffs clicked around her wrists. She struggled violently.

Im innocent! I didnt do anything! You cant arrest me! Kaelis, do something!

No one listened because across the cathedral, Kaelis remained frozen.

Everything he had built, everything he had hidden, had collapsed within minutes.

His assistant grabbed his arm.

Don We cant find Miss Nyra.

Kaeliss heart stopped. What do you mean?

We searched the mansion, the hospital, every convoy Shes gone.

For the first time in years Fear finally appeared on Kaelis Virels face.

Everything collapsed exactly as I had planned.

I leaned back against the soft leather seat of the first-class cabin and quietly locked my phone. Outside the window, Europe was slowly disappearing beneath a sea of clouds.

A flight attendant approached with a warm smile.

Champagne, Miss?

I looked at the sparkling glass for a moment before accepting it.

Thank you.

And by the time Kaelis realized I was gone, the engines soared high to the sky. And I never looked back.