SARAH

I almost puked at Amara's pretense.

This was the highest form of betrayal she had seen?

I snorted.

I had seen worse. They were making out while I was drowning-moaning while I was dying.

What did she even know about betrayal? Anyone who saw Amara overreacting would think she truly cared about me, when it was all about her own interests. Their plans must have been ruined by me tonight. Yeah... they were supposed to make out after the engagement party, but I thought that wouldn't be able to happen because of Gerald's affected mood.

"End it with him, Sarah. Now." Amara's authoritative voice wafted into my ears, pulling me out of my thoughts.

One of my brows rose. "Huh?" I blurted out.

"Yes, Sarah. You will break up with him and accept Gerald's engagement ring. Gerald loves you. Knox doesn't. That man is a devil."

The last strand holding my patience snapped the moment she called Knox a devil. My hand moved before my mind could catch up, and the slap echoed between us. She staggered and slumped onto the floor, clutching her reddened cheek.

"You slapped me, Sarah," she cried out. "Because of that bastard? What has he done to you?" she shouted.

"If you weren't on the floor, I would have slapped you one more time for calling him a bastard," I threatened, and she gasped, her eyes widening. "Watch your mouth when you speak about my man, Amara. I don't care what you have against him, but you don't get to disrespect him," I shouted, pointing a warning finger at her.

She couldn't believe her eyes.

I also couldn't believe my hand could be so quick to hit her. Well, I was glad it did, even though it was nothing compared to the pain she caused me in my past life.

She stood up and pointed a finger at me. "You are making the wrong decision, Sarah. You chose a man over your sister. You are going insane." She took steps backward as she spoke. I guessed she was scared of another slap.

"Let me make the wrong decision, sister," I responded. "If you want him so badly, Amara... then have him. Marry him. I'm sure you both suit each other," I shot back.

Something shifted in her eyes the moment I said that, but it disappeared before I could name it. With gritted teeth, she made a "fuck you" gesture and bolted off.

I erupted into hysterical laughter as I watched her run away. She was terrified. That was enough for me for the day. My engagement party was successful.

I was still laughing when I felt a familiar grip around my waist. Before I could see who it was, he dragged me closer, my back hitting his chest. His scent hit me instantly-sharp, familiar, and grounding-and my lips subconsciously curled into a smile.

"I shouldn't say this... but watching you slap her was satisfying. I wouldn't mind seeing that again," he murmured in a breathy whisper against my neck.

A mixture of warmth and cold spread through my body. Closing my eyes, I inhaled his scent and nodded. "You were watching?"

"You didn't think I'd stay back as you told me, did you?" he replied, still holding me in place. We moved gently to the soft music drifting from the hall.

"Why?" I asked in a low voice. "You still don't trust me?"

Silence followed my question. I felt his hands grow cold, and our movement briefly halted before resuming.

"The one I have a problem with is Amara. She has your loyalty. Who knows what she might be telling you?" he mumbled.

He neither said he trusted me nor denied it, which meant he didn't. It stung, but I didn't expect his trust so easily, barely twenty-four hours after I chose him as my fiancé. My actions were suspicious, so his feelings were valid.

Turning, I faced him and placed my hands on his shoulders. "You don't need to worry about Amara, Knox. Focus on me," I assured him.

Silence followed. We moved rhythmically to the soft music, listening to each other's gentle heartbeat. The breeze blew softly, slow but steady. Everything seemed perfect in that moment. Maybe that was the reassurance I needed to remind myself that I had made the right decision.

"Sarah," my mother's voice called from behind me.

Knox and I broke apart, and I turned.

There they were... my parents, and from their expressions, I knew it was time to explain myself.

I turned to Knox and muttered, "Excuse me, Knox. I'll join you after I speak with my parents."

He nodded and gave me a reassuring smile.

"What is happening?" my mother asked as soon as we settled in the car. It was the only quiet place we could talk, since everywhere else was noisy and filled with people. Reporters could be lurking around, and being trending news was not the kind of drama my family wanted to be involved in.

"Mum, Dad... do you trust me?" I asked, studying their faces to gauge their reaction.

As expected, they remained neutral. That was typical of them. The truth was, they actually liked Knox. In fact, he had been their first choice, but I had been blinded by love and deceit and kept choosing Gerald. Since they loved me so much, they had no choice but to accept him.

Now, it seemed everything had worked out for the best. I had ended up with the first man my parents chose.

"You know we do, damsel. Talk to us. What's the problem?" my father urged. "Why him, Sarah? Why Knox instead of Gerald?"

"I don't think the one I truly love is Gerald," I replied truthfully. Or maybe it was a lie, because I had loved him until twenty-four hours ago. "I think I love Knox."

"You think?" my mother cut in. "Do you think so, or do you truly love him? Do you know jumping between both men will only bring disrespect to the family when people find out?" she added, her voice growing harsher. I saw Father tap her gently, signaling her to calm down.

"I know what I want, Mother. I was just confused for a moment because I thought he was the one who saved me from drowning."

My mind froze when I realized I had almost revealed the truth. My parents stared at me suspiciously.

"I... I mean... I was just attracted to him because he saved me. The one I truly love is Knox," I said quickly, throwing out whatever explanation I could think of and silently praying they wouldn't probe further.

"Are you sure, damsel? What if you change your mind tomorrow?" my father asked softly.

"I won't, Father. Trust me. There's no reason for me to change my mind when Knox treats me better," I said firmly.

The two of them exchanged glances, then looked back at me and nodded in unison.

"We will trust you one more time, damsel. But you know there are consequences for every action."

"I know, Dad. And I promise there won't be any regret. Just trust my decision," I urged, holding their hands and pouting.

They smiled and nodded in approval.

And that was it.

I had no concerns anymore.

This time, I wouldn't be the victim. I would be the one who destroyed everything.

GENERAL

The sound of shattering glass echoed across the mansion. The maid rushed to the scene, her eyes widening as she saw the messy floor. She quickly ran back and returned with a dustpan and broom. Just as she was about to start cleaning up, Gerald's mother snapped at her.

"Are you dumb? Did I ask for your help?"

Her body shook vigorously at the sharp, menacing tone. Her mouth parted, but before she could say a word, Gerald's mother lashed out again.

"Leave before I scrub the floor with your shapeless body." She glared at her.

The maid bolted away on weakened legs.

As soon as she left, Gerald's aunt moved closer to his mother and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't need this. You don't need to hurt yourself over this," she reminded her.

"I've never been this humiliated in my life, Barbara. My friends were there. They saw everything. I could see the mockery on their faces as they left," Gerald's mother cried out. "I'm sure that bastard Knox did that intentionally. He snatched her away from my son so he could avenge his parents' death." She bit her fingers as she paced around the room.

"I can't take this. We can't keep swallowing his disrespect and bullying. No," Gerald's mother shouted, shaking her head.

Her forehead was covered in beads of sweat. She shuddered slightly. "Who knows what he would do next? What if that bastard comes for our heads next?" Her voice croaked.

A flicker of fear crossed Barbara's eyes as realization dawned on her. They had been lenient with the situation, even though they knew who Knox truly was. He could come for them at any time to avenge his parents.

"We have to do something about this," Aunt Barbara said. "We can't keep feeding his madness. We have to curb this before it truly comes back to bite us."

Meanwhile, in one of the bedrooms in the mansion, Gerald paced back and forth, still unable to shake off the shock. He kept seeing images of Knox and Sarah smiling and holding hands, and it tormented him deeply.

How did everything happen so fast?

She had never slipped before. Never resisted. Never chosen anyone else. He could control her however he wanted.

So how did she slip away from him?

Different questions flooded his mind, but he had no answers. He never saw the switch coming. Everything had been fine between them. They had no fights or arguments. Even if there had been one, Sarah would have apologized and settled things before it escalated.

Amara stared at him unblinkingly, her vision gradually becoming blurry from his constant movement.

"You're making me dizzy, Gerald." She sighed, anger evident in her tone. Her face was still red from the slap.

Gerald rushed to her side, gripping her shoulders tightly. He searched her eyes. "Sarah didn't leave me for my uncle, right? Whatever happened at the event hall... it could be a prank." He swallowed. "Sorry, I mean... That wasn't real, Amara. Tell me you know that wasn't real." His lips quivered as the words left his mouth.

Amara was surprised by his denial. What did it matter to him whether it was real or not? Wasn't this what they had always wanted?

"What are you saying? You saw how excited she was when your uncle put the ring on her finger," she snapped, shoving his hands off her shoulders. "I just don't think Sarah, who always acts innocent, would be a cheater. I'm certain she planned everything with your uncle and didn't really date you because she wanted to," she added, rolling her eyes and folding her arms.

Gerald shook his head, refusing to accept the truth. There was no way Sarah would choose his uncle over him.

"She promised to stay with me since I was the one who saved her from drowning," he said.

"But you and I both know your uncle saved her, not you. You know the truth already. We just... used it to our advantage." she replied.

Then she paused, processing the situation. "Wait a minute, Gerald... I thought your relationship with her was fake, and the one you have with me is real? Why are you acting like she actually broke your heart?"

A flicker of realization appeared in Gerald's eyes. His body stiffened for a moment as he searched for an excuse. Then he turned and walked toward her.

"That's not it, Amara. I'm not heartbroken. I just find it crazy that she suddenly became smart. She's supposed to be our pawn until we accomplish our goals. What now?" he lied without hesitation.

Amara considered it and nodded.

She let out a breath. "I was scared for a moment. I thought you were actually in love with her," she mumbled.

"Do you know the craziest part? She slapped me. Me. Look at what she did to my face." she continued, showing him her reddened cheek.

Gerald's worry deepened when he saw the mark. He didn't know what was going through Sarah's mind, but could she really dump him?

"Don't worry, baby." He kissed her cheek. "I'll make sure she apologizes to you," he promised.

"And how will you do that?" she asked, her brows furrowing.

"I'll talk to her," he replied. "She'll come back. She always does. I don't know what she's doing with my uncle, but she can't slip away from me so easily." He paused, straightening. "Your sister is madly in love with me. Everyone knows that."

Amara chuckled. "You're still in denial, Gerald. Sadly, our little toy has become smart."

"No, Amara!" he snapped, his veins popping. "Don't say that again."

Amara almost jumped at the sudden outburst. She had never seen Gerald act this way before. He had never raised his voice at her, except when they were pretending in front of her sister. But this time, it wasn't an act. He was genuinely angry, just because she suggested Sarah had truly left him.

At that moment, she realized things weren't as simple as she had thought. Gerald might be lying about not loving her sister.

His actions said otherwise.

He was in love.

For the first time, fear settled deep in her bones.

This was never part of the plan.

GENERAL

When the car stopped in front of the mansion, Knox stepped out and rushed to the other side to open the door for Sarah.

It was the first time he had done that, and something about it made her smile.

Leonard and the other men around exchanged glances and blushed at their boss's not-so-gentlemanly action. They had never seen that side of him before. No one had.

The mighty Knox never opened doors for anyone. Instead, thousands of people opened doors for him, and would gladly lie on the floor for him to step on.

As soon as Sarah stepped out of the car, her phone rang. She brought it out to check the caller ID and realized it was Gerald. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly hid the screen before Knox could catch a glimpse. She knew exactly how he would react if he saw the name. And she had already had a long, hectic day; all she wanted was to spend the rest of the night in peace.

But unknown to her, Knox had already seen it and was now anticipating her next move.

"Who is that?" Knox asked as they walked into the house.

"My mother," she mumbled, causing him to stop in his tracks. Rage surged through him instantly, and his eyes darkened.

He smirked, suppressing the urge to explode.

The phone stopped ringing at that moment. However, before she could sigh in relief, it started ringing again.

"Didn't you already talk to her in the car?" he asked, still watching to see how far she would go with the lie.

"I... Maybe she just remembered something,"  She forced a smile. "Let me quickly take this." She rushed into the bedroom before Knox could respond.

As soon as she tossed her bag onto the bed, she picked up the call.

"Sarah... Sarah..." Gerald's voice echoed from the other end. It was shaky, as if he had been crying. "Today was supposed to be our engagement. Why my uncle? Why not me?"

Sarah rolled her eyes and sighed, suppressing the urge to snap at his annoying voice.

"I thought you loved me. I thought you wanted to spend the rest of your life with me." He paused. "We had plans, Sarah. We had so many plans. We promised to travel around the world together. To have our own garden and plant your favorite flowers everywhere..." His voice trailed off.

"Gerald, are you drunk?" one of her brows lifted. She didn't expect him to react this way. He never loved her. He should be relieved she didn't force herself on him. So why all the drama?

"Sarah, you can't do this to me. You know how much I hate Knox. Even if you want to leave me, Knox shouldn't be the next man you choose," he said.

Sarah snorted. "Calm down, Gerald," she muttered. "Things aren't what they seem. I might be engaged to Knox today, but it doesn't mean I love him. You need to understand that my engagement to Knox is to protect you," she explained, her eyes glinting with mischief.

She couldn't cut Gerald off yet. Letting him go now would mean letting him go unpunished. No. She didn't want that. They needed to feel everything she had felt-twice over.

"Are you serious, Sarah? What are you talking about?" The weakness in his voice vanished instantly.

Sarah's lips curled. The same voice that had sounded broken a moment ago was now firm and steady. Gerald, his manipulative skills were sharp, but not anymore. She would teach him how the game was really played.

"Yes, Gerald. He threatened me. He said he would kill you if I went ahead with the engagement with you." She paused and forced her voice to tremble, pretending to cry. "What was I supposed to do? Let him kill you? I had no choice but to accept his proposal." She lied and broke into sobs, though no tears fell from her eyes.

"I don't know if my sister told you this, but I slapped her when she tried to talk to me about you," she continued, laying everything out at once to avoid suspicion. "Knox was nearby at the time, and I had no choice but to slap her to convince him I was ready to be his." Her expression fell. "I made an unforgivable mistake. Do you think Amara will ever forgive me?"

Gerald gasped on the other end. "Knox, that bastard. I knew it. I knew you wouldn't betray me." His jaw clenched. "Don't worry, Sarah. Just stay with him for now. I'll find a way to save you from him," he assured her. "And don't worry about Amara. I'll talk to her. I'm sure she'll understand your intentions."

"I'm scared, Gerald. He could hurt me. What if I try to escape?" she asked. "But what if he decides to hurt you after I leave? Your uncle seems dangerous. What if he kills you because I escaped?"

Sarah asked deliberately.

"No, Sarah. No, please. Don't escape. Don't leave," he pleaded, panic lacing his voice.

Sarah almost laughed at his reaction. He proved her right.

"Just stay there. Stay with him until we find a way out of this mess. Please, babe. Just endure everything for me," he said, his voice trembling with fear and desperation.

"Alright, Gerald. I just want you to trust me. I have nothing-absolutely nothing-to do with your uncle."

"I trust you, babe," he replied immediately. "I fucking trust you with my whole life. You don't have to worry about anything, Sarah. I love you," he added softly.

Without responding, Sarah ended the call and tossed her phone onto the bed. She let out a deep breath.

"That was a lot of work," she murmured.

She wondered how Gerald and Amara had managed to act for years without getting exhausted. Maybe deception came naturally to them.

Meanwhile, the door hadn't fully closed, and Knox stood silently, having heard everything. He stood there, silent and still, as something dark settled behind his eyes.