“You’re getting married tomorrow, Valeria. At least pretend to be excited.”
Esther’s voice echoed through the large, ornate dressing chamber, where fabrics in white, gold, and royal crimson draped every surface. Valeria stood on a raised pedestal, staring blankly at her reflection in the mirror as tailors flitted around her, making final adjustments to the intricate wedding gown. The gown was beautiful, undeniably so, an ethereal blend of lace, pearls, and silver threading that shimmered with every breath she took. Yet, Valeria couldn’t find the strength to care.
She didn’t smile. She didn’t frown either. She simply existed in the moment, her thoughts drifting far away from the gown, the ceremony, and the future she had sealed for herself.
Esther clapped her hands, drawing the attention of the stylists. “That’s enough for today. She needs rest.”
The tailors bowed and swiftly packed up their materials, leaving the two women alone. Esther turned to Valeria with a hopeful look.
“Alright,” Esther said, her tone softer now. “You’ve got to pick the dresses for the bridesmaids and the evening banquet. Everyone’s waiting on your final decision.”
Valeria exhaled slowly. “You pick them,” she murmured.
Esther blinked. “What?”
“You pick them. I trust your taste,” Valeria said, finally turning her eyes away from the mirror.
Esther stepped forward, concerned. “Valeria, I know this isn’t easy, but—”
“Just do it, Esther,” Valeria said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Please.”
Esther studied her for a long moment, then nodded silently. She helped Valeria down from the pedestal and gently wrapped a silk robe around her shoulders.
“I’ll walk you back,” Esther said.
Valeria didn’t respond. She let Esther guide her out of the dressing chamber, down the long, echoing hallways of the ancient castle, and finally to the velvet-draped doors of her chambers.
“I’ll be back in the morning,” Esther said quietly. “Try to get some sleep tonight, alright?”
Valeria managed a small nod before slipping into her chambers and closing the door behind her. As soon as she was alone, the mask of indifference she’d worn all day began to crack. She leaned her back against the door and closed her eyes.
It was quiet. Too quiet.
Her feet carried her to the bed, where she sat on the edge and stared at the glowing phone on the nightstand. Her fingers hovered above it before she finally picked it up and unlocked the screen.
23 missed calls and 17 unread messages. All from Tristan. Her heart clenched painfully. She tapped the messages, each one flashing across the screen like a dagger to her chest.
Val… what’s going on?
Why aren’t you answering?
Please just talk to me. I know something’s wrong.
Did I do something? Just tell me.
I’m losing my mind. I need to see you.
You promised me we’d face everything together.
You can’t just vanish like this, Val. Please. I love you.
A tear slid down her cheek.
‘I love you too,’ she thought bitterly, ‘so much that I’m walking into a future without you, just to protect you.’
Her grip on the phone tightened. She stared at the call button for what felt like forever. Her thumb hovered over it. Just one tap. Just one moment of weakness, and she could hear his voice again.
But hearing him would break her. She didn’t trust herself to hold back. And she had to. She had to protect Tristan, even if it meant tearing herself apart piece by piece.
Her finger trembled. Then, she opened a new message.
Her thumbs slowly began to type.
Tristan, I’m sorry for everything. Please forget me. Move on and live a happy life. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for everything.
She stared at the message, her vision blurred by tears. Her thumb hovered again, and then, she tapped send.
Immediately, her phone lit up. It was an incoming call from Tristan. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at the phone. The phone kept ringing. Her hands trembled.
A soft knock sounded on her door. Then the door flew open with a loud crash.
Lucien strode in, his expression dark and thunderous. “Who are you talking to?” he demanded.
Valeria’s heart sank. She jumped to her feet, shielding the phone instinctively.
“It’s none of your business!” she shouted, backing away.
Lucien reached her in two quick strides. Before she could react, he snatched the phone from her hands. She screamed, reaching for it, but he yanked it out of reach.
He stared at the screen, saw the name, Tristan. His face twisted in rage.
With a growl, he hurled the phone across the room. It hit the stone wall and shattered into pieces, the sound sharp and final.
“No!” Valeria screamed, rushing to the broken fragments.