"You'll have a follow-up appointment next week. And ensure you get plenty of rest for the next few days as emotional strain can trigger another episode." James Arthur handed her a small envelope containing her prescription.

Heira nodded faintly as she sat quietly on the hospital bed, her gaze fixed on the sunlight streaming through the blinds, drawing faint lines across the sterile floor.

The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor had become oddly comforting, steady but predictable, unlike the chaos that had landed her here.

It had been three days since she was admitted. Three long days of monitor beeping, nurses checking vitals, and footsteps fading into corridors.

Sebastian had been her only visitor. He showed up quietly each morning, sometimes bringing flowers. Bethy wasn't in town, but she never failed to FaceTime her daily. Her face glowed with worry through the screen, "I wish I were there to take care of my baby," her voice soft and heavy with guilt. "But I'm sure you understand why I can't come."

Bethy was on a business trip, and Heira had told her not to worry as she is properly taken care of. She didn't want her friend to feel worse than she already did.

She had received a lot of care from the doctor and nurses, and Sebastian had also been helpful.

A soft knock broke through her thoughts, followed by the creak of the door.

Sebastian stepped in, his familiar scent preceding him.

"You're ready to leave?" he asked, his voice low, as if afraid it might break the quietness in the ward. He must have gotten the text about her discharge.

Dr. Arthur had confirmed earlier that morning that her ECG results looked much better. The arrhythmia had settled, her heartbeat returning to its normal rhythm.

"Yes," she mumbled with a soft smile, forcing some light into her tone.

She began to pack her things into the same bag she had left home with when the nurse arrived with her discharge papers. She managed to sign where needed and made her way out, accompanied by Sebastian.

The world outside the building looked bright, but her heart still felt clouded with uncertainty. Still hurt by the betrayal, she decided she wasn't going back to the villa.

And though she knew Sebastian wouldn't mind if she stayed with him, she couldn't bring herself to accept it. She didn't want to be anyone's burden. So instead, she told herself she would find a hotel to lodge.

As they walked towards the car, Heira lost her balance due to how weak she was. Sebastian's arm caught her just in time, but another hand reached out too, firm and steady.

Her gaze dropped on polished black shoes, unmistakably expensive. Then slowly, her eyes lifted, only to see the last person she expected. Dante stood there in his immaculate build.

Their eyes met, and the air between them thickened with everything left unsaid. Shock flickered through her, followed by a sense of anger, sharp and unrelenting.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Only the hum of cars buzzed quietly across the hospital driveway.

Dante's eyes moved from her pale face to the band around her wrist, the IV tape still clinging faintly to her skin.

"Let's get you home. You shouldn't be walking in your condition, you need to rest," he said finally, his voice low but carrying that familiar authority she once found reassuring.

Heira's lips trembled before she found her voice. "And you shouldn't be here," She clapped back.

Her words came out quieter than she intended, but they still cut through the air like glass.

Sebastian stepped slightly in front of her after sensing the tension between the two. "She's alright, you don't have to worry," he said evenly, though there was a hint of warning in his tone.

Dante's attention was drawn to him. He took a proper gaze at him, as if only now noticing his presence. His eyes narrowed as he scanned him from head to toe.

He could feel the ease in his posture and the familiarity in the way he stood beside Heira. He found it infuriating to see his hands steady her.

A muscle ticked in his jaw. "Who's this?" he asked, the words coming out colder than he intended.

Sebastian met his stare without flinching. "A friend," he replied simply.

"Okay, friend," Dante said stiffly, his gaze still fixed on Sebastian. "I'll take care of my wife from here."

The atmosphere turned suffocating as they stood locked in a stare that could cut through stone. Neither spoke, but their eyes screamed the words they refused to say aloud.

The word 'wife' felt like a mockery and an insult dressed in concern for Heira. And it only made her heart ache more.

"Your wife?" she repeated bitterly. "You should probably say that to the woman in your bed, not the one you threw out of your house."

"You can hate me all you want, Heira," he muttered, "but you shouldn't be out here like this. You need rest."

Heira was done with his pretense. There is no way she would believe a word he says after what he did.

She turned to leave, leaning slightly against Sebastian's shoulder as he supported her with each step.

Restlessness crept upon Dante as he watched her slowly leave his view. His ego was bruised, and he realized his chances were slowly slipping away. All he knows is that he needed her to be home by that night.

"Heira," he called after her in desperation. "Name your price, I'll do anything. Please just come home with me."

She paused for a heartbeat with her back still turned to him. Disbelief clouded her pale face. "Is that what I am to you?" she asked quietly while slowly walking towards him. "A deal to close? Something you can bargain for when it's convenient?" her voice rising in anger.

Dante realized he might have said the wrong words. He was trying to get a favor from her, but ended up making the situation ten times worse by getting her angry.

"No, that's not what I meant." He winced, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

He then took a step closer, lowering his voice. "Please, just listen. My grandma's coming tonight." His tone softened immediately, gentle and almost pleading. "She's been so excited to meet you, Heira. She asks about you every time we talk."

His throat tightened as he spoke, the stiffness in his shoulders softening for just a fleeting second. "I can't let her know I pushed you away. That would hurt her feelings."

For the first time, Heira saw him being passionate about someone. The way his eyes melted when he talked about his grandma was cute. She saw the fear of disappointing the one person who had always loved him unconditionally in his eyes.

But that still doesn't change the fact that he didn't show remorse for what he did, he only cared about not hurting his grandma's feelings when he completely shattered hers. No matter how much his words tried to reach her, her heart was too bruised to let them in.

She wiped a tear threatening to fall. "That isn't enough for me to stay. You should have thought about that before compromising our marriage."

She walked away before he could say another word.

Dante stood there with each step she took tearing through the last shreds of his composure. "So you are staying with him, huhh? I guess I'm not the only one with an affair," he shouted just enough for his voice to cut through the distance.

There was no denying that he had his ego crushed, and the thought of losing her to another man made him sick.

Heira paid no attention to him as she stepped into the car. Sebastian shuts the door softly behind her just before he drives off.

Dante watched as the car disappeared from sight, and that was when the realisation hit him. Granny Mae was arriving that evening, and Heira wasn't coming back.

He pressed a palm against his forehead, shutting his eyes tightly. "What have I done..." he whispered. Almost regretting his actions.

Just then, he pulled out his phone and opened a chat. His thumb hovered briefly as he sent a message along with a photo.

[Handle this.]

His expression hardened again with his emotions buried beneath his composure.

He leaned against his car, jaw clenched with irritation. For once, he could feel power slipping away from him. Heira was gone and wasn't coming back. At least from the way her eyes went cold he was sure.

Her eyes had always softened whenever she looked at him, he'd always notice a faint smile play on her lips, and that man... he seemed almost perfect with her. What was he thinking? Nahh, he hated the thought of it. He alone gets to hold her that way.

Heira was everything he had ever found breathtaking. Her beauty was out of this world. Her chestnut brown hair and hazel eyes would make any man fall in love in seconds.

He still remembered the first day he saw her. He'd been mesmerized and completely taken aback. But he had to stay locked in. He couldn't afford to feel anything but resentment after the damage her father caused.

As much as he hates her, he doesn't want her near any other man. How else would she feel the heat?

Maybe this time, he had pushed it too far. He was supposed to keep her close no matter what.

His phone still held the last message from Granny Mae, telling him she was traveling in and would arrive by evening. Things seemed to have gone out of control now.

He surely went too far bringing Sylvia to his home. He remembered telling her he didn't want her there but as always, Sylvia had a way of bending his words.

"If you don't feel anything for her, you shouldn't mind me coming over," she said.

He had been foolish enough to let it slide. Though Sylvia wasn't his type, she was closest to it, not until Heira entered the chat.

Sylvia was beautiful, her brown hair almost similar to Heira's. Her makeup was always deliberate and the way she carried herself was rehearsed. Yet it was the simplicity of Heira that made her shine brightly.

With Heira, nothing felt forced. Her beauty was quiet and effortless, almost perfect. Her curves flowed naturally with just the perfect size of endowment a woman should have. She didn't beg to be seen, yet she managed to turn heads every space she steps into.

Sylvia stood out among the women he'd always slept with. Her bed game was top notch and the confidence she had was the cherry on top. She had managed to warm her way into his heart, not until then did he decide to keep her.

But Sylvia wasn't really the best at character. Dante knew she wasn't someone he could proudly introduce to his grandmother.

He let out a long sigh, realizing he was still in the parking lot. His thoughts had drifted too far. He leaned back in his seat, rubbed his temples, then reached for his car keys.

Just as he started the engine, his phone vibrated in his pocket. It was Sylvia.

"Hey baby," her voice came through sweetly. It sounded exactly like she was about to request something.

"I just came across this lovely jewelry store, and I would love to get a few pieces for myself."

Dante smirked at the irony. Typical. He was sure she had passed by that same store earlier, the thought made him scoff.

"How much are we talking about?" he asked.

"Hmm, around a hundred thousand dollars," she said casually.

Dante wasn't surprised. He didn't even flinch. He was used to her asking for such high prizes.

He had no problem spending on her, it wouldn't even move an inch in his account. Just that she would have to earn it this time.

"Alright," he said, his voice calm but cold. "You'll get it, but there's something I need you to do first."

​

Sylvia laughed softly. "Hmm, you're so naughty daddy. I know you want that piece of goody," she teased.

"You know I would always come over. But I really need to pay for it now. I'm at the store, and I promise I will come right after."

Dante was clearly not in the mood for that. "You'll come over tonight," he said firmly. "My grandmother's coming to visit, and you'll pretend to be Heira. Dress like her, act like her. That's how you'll earn it."

"What?" she snapped. "Why would I act like I'm that lowly bi*ch when she's there?"

"Heira's gone," Dante said flatly. "She hasn't come back since that night and the only way you can fix what you caused is to come stay at my place as my wife before my Nana comes over." he snarled.

He didn't wait for her reply. He hung up instead, staring at his reflection in the car window. He saw the face of a man who was slowly losing it.

His grandmother was a smart woman for her age so it might be hard to trick her. Although he wouldn't want to do that, he had no other way. This was the only way he could protect her heart.

He took a stop at his office, some unfinished business still left to do. He searched for the lucky pen he always kept by the side of his desk, but couldn't find it.

Though he had a bunch of pens in the holder, the particular one was his favorite. While still looking for it, he opened a locker in his desk. Inside, he found a folder that had always reminded him to stay cold and ruthless.

His thumb brushed against the edge where his father's name was printed.

Leonardo Moretti

Memories came rushing back. For years, he'd tried not to open it. He started to remember all the things Charles had taken from him.

His father had been a visionary man with hands always stained with ink and ideas too big for their workshop.

He had created a new eco-friendly construction system that could cut costs and reduce environmental damage by half. It was the kind of invention that could have changed their family's life forever.

Then Charles came in as an angel willing to help take his idea to the next level. He promised him a partnership and expansion. But he had a secret agenda instead.

He stole the prototype, patented it under his name, and sold it to a foreign investor for millions of dollars.

When Leonardo tried to fight back, Charles accused him of theft, saying he was trying to steal 'his' idea. Charles had the lawyers, the money and the influence which made him win the case in court.

Dante watched his father fall apart piece by piece every day. The sleepless nights, the unpaid bills, and the headlines that branded him a fraud.

By the time the lawsuit ended. Their house was gone, and his father's reputation was destroyed.

Dante had to work twice as hard to achieve all that he has now. And now that Charles was facing a backlash, it was him he turned to for help. Not realizing he is the son of an old friend.

Little did he know Dante had made Rowan work it out so he could propose his Daughter to him, with Rowan informing him of his search for a wife.

Charles must have thought he had hit a jackpot, he didn't know they had him just where they wanted. And now, he would make him suffer it all. He wanted him to feel the helplessness his father felt. His daughter would also feel the pain he had been forced to live with all those ten years that went by.

Granny Mae wouldn't be happy if she finds out he married his enemy's daughter although Heira is all she would ever want in a daughter-in-law.

He wasn't going to reveal why he married Heira to her, knowing fully well she would have wanted him to leave it in the past. But such a thing was too heavy to let go.

He found it odd that his daughter had somehow managed to woo him.

He quickly brushed his thoughts away, time was slipping away and he had to pick up his Nana from the airport.

***

Granny Mae was finally home.

The sound of her cane tapping gently against the marble floor as she stepped into the villa. Her silver hair was pinned neatly beneath a floral scarf. Her smile was wide and full of warmth that seemed to lighten up the entire space.

Dante guided her inside, careful with every step, and helped her ease onto the sofa. They picked up the conversation they had been having in the car, laughter occasionally breaking through the pauses.

"It's been too long, Nana," he said softly as he took a seat beside her.

"It has," she replied, patting his cheek affectionately.

"And I can see those frown lines haven't left you, hmm? You need to smile more often, my boy. You used to have the most charming smile when you were little."

"Guess I've forgotten how." He chuckled lightly, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Her gaze softened. "Then maybe it's time to remember. Where's that lovely wife of yours that I would like to meet?"

Dante's heart skipped a beat. He had told Sylvia to come by. She was probably upstairs getting ready. He gave a subtle signal to the maid nearby to call her down.

Two minutes later, the rhythmic sound of heels descended the staircase. Granny Mae turned her head toward the sound, smiling in anticipation.

Just as Sylvia reached the living room, the main door swung open.

The sound startled them both.

And there, standing in the doorway was Heira.

Her angry eyes flicked from Dante to the older woman seated on the couch. Then to Sylvia, who was just stepping into view at the bottom of the stairs.

The tension in the room thickened instantly.

Dante's breath caught in his throat.

Of all the times to show up Heira... why did you decide it would be now?

Heira got up from the bed she lay on, her eyes catching something familiar. A charm bracelet lying on the table.

She reached for it, her fingers brushing over the tiny silver charms dangling from the chain. It looked familiar. Then she remembered, it was the same one Sebastian had given her on her last birthday.

She smiled as she caressed it in her hand.

Each year, they exchanged gifts, a quiet ritual that had somehow become their thing. She had always looked forward to it, wondering what thoughtful gift he would come up with next. She remembered wearing this bracelet almost every day until she'd misplaced it a week ago.

Sebastian stepped into the room, his expression easing when he saw her awake.

"You're up," he said softly. "How are you feeling now?"

Heira nodded, brushing some strands of hair behind her ear. "I feel much better."

"Good. You had me worried for a bit."

She couldn't help but smile faintly. He had made her eat the meal he prepared, take her medication and rest after she complained of a throbbing headache following the altercation with Dante.

Heira could not help but wish Dante was like him. The man who loves her, she only saw as a friend, while the one she loves wasn't treating her right.

Though she appreciates how Sebastian treats her, she has fallen in love with Dante. He had the face, the confidence, and the presence that drew her in from the start.

"This looks so much like mine," she said, while still holding the bracelet.

"Yeah it's yours, I saw it on the floor when I went to your father's office," Sebastian answered.

"I was going to return it to you but I didn't get the chance to."

Heira remembered how things played out that day, how she shoved her hands in anger as her father reached for it. She must have dropped it during the argument.

"There's something you should see." Sebastian then dropped a file close to her on the bed. She looked at his face expecting him to talk as she picked it up in hesitation wondering what it might be.

"That's the new executive director."

Her eyes shot up in surprise.

"What!"

The name stared back at her in bold black print.

Fred Anderson

Her heart skipped a bit. "No... no, this can't be"

The last time he heard those names was years ago. How could she ever forget her high school bully?

The memories still haunted her. "You are too soft, Heira. Always crying," he would fake-pout, rubbing at imaginary tears while his minions cackled behind him.

If not for Bethy, she might never have survived those days. Bethy was the only one fierce enough to ever stand up against him. Always ready to fight and defend her when no one else would.

Heira shut her eyes, a wave of disbelief washing over her. Maybe if she slept, she'd wake up to find this all a dream.

Sebastian hesitated before speaking again. "I overheard your Dad speaking to someone on a call," he said gently.

"He thinks the company needs someone... more calculated and emotionally detached. He believes you're too soft-hearted and with your heart condition... he thinks it's too risky to let you lead."

The words burned more than any insult Fred had ever thrown at her.

Too soft

The same words her high school bully always used.

At this point, she was done being hurt. She was ready to tackle it all. She was sure life wasn't giving her what she deserved, but she wasn't going to keep tolerating it any further.

For a while, she thought clearly about what she could do. Her mind shifted to Dante. Surely he can help her even if he might not want to. His name carried weight in her father's company and thus, he has the right to impose what he wants in the company.

She remembered him promising to do anything as long as she came back home so she could meet his grandmother. Maybe that was the deal she needed.

Also, she genuinely wants to meet Granny Mae. The woman she had heard so much about. Everyone described her as gentle, warm, and full of grace. Maybe, Heira thought, she could use a little bit of that warmth right now.

It was getting late, so she decided to get back to the villa. Sebastian offered to give her a ride, but she turned down his offer. She surely doesn't want him in Dante's face anymore after what had happened earlier. Dante is ruthless and she knew what he was capable of doing.

She wasn't going to get him to hurt someone else, especially not Sebastian. He has been the sweetest to her.

By the time she arrived at the villa, the house felt cozy, too alive, like someone else had stepped in moments before.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. She was going to let Dante know exactly why she'd come back, and this time she wasn't going to be taken for granted.

Her hand gripped the doorknob and it felt heavier than usual, almost resisting her. When she finally managed to push the door open, it gave a long, creaking groan that echoed faintly through the hall.

To her surprise, she saw Dante sitting on the coach beside an elderly woman. That must be Granny Mae, she thought. Their eyes fell on her like they had seen a ghost. The door must have startled them.

But then her gaze drifted upward. Standing just below the staircase was the woman she had caught with Dante. The same woman behind the reason why she had left?

"Sylvia?" She whispered in disbelief.

Her mind spun, trying to piece it together. What game is this? She thought, her pulse quickening. What on earth is Dante up to?

Dante, who appeared to be shocked on her arrival, panicked and hurried towards her.

"Heira!" he blurted, his voice a little too loud. "You are back darling, meet my grandmother," he said, forcing a nervous smile as he reached for her hand.

Before she could process what was happening, he was already guiding her closer to the couch.

Granny Mae's face lit up the second her eyes fell on Heira. Her frail, wrinkled hands reached up, cupping Heira's cheeks with warmth that melted some of the tension in the room. "Ohh my dear, you are so beautiful. It's lovely to meet you. My son does have great taste." She said, adoring every one of her features before pulling her in for a gentle hug.

Then after, she looked in Sylvia's direction who was just standing there awkwardly.

Her lips pressed into a polite, puzzled smile. "And who might she be?" she asked.

The question hit like a spark as Dante searched his mind for words. "I.. huh.. she's..."

"She is my maid." Heira quickly jumped in.

Granny Mae's eyes wandered on Sylvia and she turned to Dante for confirmation. "Really?"

"Huhh... yes, that's right." Dante managed to say amidst his shock.

Granny Mae nodded, seemingly satisfied, though her eyes narrowed at Sylvia's glittering dress.

"Well then, my dear," she said firmly, "you shouldn't allow your maid dress like this. She's working under you, not competing with you."

"You have to be careful. These women nowadays are too desperate. You keep your eyes open, dear. Don't let anyone try to steal your man." Granny Mae said, with all concerns as she held Heira's hand.

"Oh don't worry ma'am, she wouldn't dare," Heira replied, locking eyes with Sylvia. Her calm, polite tone betraying the fire burning behind her gaze.

"Why are you standing there awkwardly? Come get Granny's bag." Heira beckoned to Sylvia, who looked damn pissed.

Sylvia's glare could have cut glass, but she didn't move until Dante signalled to her.

With a sharp breath, she stepped forward, snatched the bag, and stormed off to drop it. Her pride burning under the weight of Heira's quiet victory.

Dante looked like he was fuming with anger but he knew Heira had just saved him from getting into trouble, whether he liked it or not.

Granny Mae then grabbed Heira's hand and they both went into the room reserved for her. The old woman seemed to have grown fond of her as she spoke with gentleness. Her kindness made her heart ache.

But kindness was a luxury Heira couldn't afford that night. Not with Sylvia still in the same house.

Before Granny Mae retired to rest, Heira turned her attention to Sylvia. Her voice was calm and polite, but with a clear message.

"Sylvia, could you tidy the kitchen for me?" she began, taking advantage of the situation to teach her a lesson.

"And the dishes, make sure they're spotless."

Sylvia blinked, clearly offended. "Excuse me? You can't be serious."

"Do I look like I'm joking?" She tilted her head slightly.

Sylvia huffed, muttering as she stormed off to find Dante. But that only earned her a curt look from him, one that said 'do as you're told'.

Furious and humiliated, she had no choice but to obey.

One task led to another. And soon, Sylvia was darting between the sink and dining table, muttering under her breath while Heira watched with a faint and satisfied smile playing at her lips.

By the time night fell, Sylvia was exhausted. Her makeup had smudged, and her hands were red from scrubbing. She tried to spend the night but Heira stopped her.

"You can't stay here," She said, her voice soft but firm.

Sylvia turned, disbelief flashing on her face. "What do you mean I can't stay? It's late."

"Then you should hurry," Heira said evenly, folding her arms.

Sylvia's jaw tightened. Her teeth grinding as the sting of humiliation burned beneath her skin. She clenched her hands so hard that her nails began to dig into her palm. But she had no choice but to leave at that late hour, as the odds were not in her favour.

Heira closed the door behind her and exhaled deeply. For the first time in a long while, she felt good. She had taken control back and sent the woman ruining her marriage into the cold night.

And somehow, sending Sylvia out felt like justice served warm.