“And,” Orion picked up a set of blueprints from his desk, “I’m having your old study redecorated.”

My heart hammered against my ribs.

That study was my life’s work for the past five years. It held all my intelligence files, every smuggling route I designed.

And that antique Italian desk—it was the first gift Orion ever gave me.

“To Sienna’s taste,” he added, his voice casual. “She likes pink and white. Says it’s more feminine.”

Sienna slid off his lap, smoothing her skirt. “Thank you, darling. I never liked that dreary, dark decor anyway.”

She looked at me, her eyes glinting with triumph. “I hope you don’t mind. After all, it’s going to be my studio now.”

My nails dug into my palms, nearly breaking the skin.

I knew I would be replaced. I just didn’t think it would be this fast.

I stood there, frozen, my hands clenched into fists, a bitter smile on my lips.

It didn’t matter.

None of it mattered anymore.

I wasn’t going to make the same mistake again.

A passport can be replaced. A love that’s been tainted… can be thrown away.

“Do whatever you want.”

I turned and walked out.

Before heading back to the penthouse, I used my family’s channels to get an expedited replacement for my passport.

For the next few days, Orion didn't come back.

It was our first cold war.

The next time I saw him was at a massive charity gala.

Tomorrow was the day I would leave.

The gala was packed with the elite of Chicago and beyond.

I wore a simple, elegant black Valentino gown.

The moment I walked in, I saw Orion and Sienna.

She was in a fire-engine red, backless dress, clinging to his arm, her smile radiant.

It was the first time we’d seen each other since our fight. I said nothing. I wanted no more drama.

After the dinner, the ball began. Sienna immediately stood and offered her hand to Orion. “Orion, may I have the honor of the first dance?”

I saw Orion look at me. I knew why. On important occasions like this, we had always danced together.

But I was leaving tomorrow. I wasn’t going to get involved in whatever he had with Sienna.

I just sat there quietly, saying nothing.

Orion’s face darkened. He looked angry. He put his arm around Sienna and led her to the dance floor. “Of course. I’ll dance with you for as long as you want.”

As I forced myself not to watch them, a smooth voice spoke from behind me.

I turned to see a handsome man with blond hair and blue eyes.

“Miss Evangeline, I’m William Harrison, a reporter for the New York Times.” He offered his hand. “It’s an honor.”

“Hello.” I shook his hand politely.

“May I have this dance?”

I hesitated for a second, then nodded. “Of course.”

This time, I didn’t refuse another man’s invitation.

William was a wonderful dancer. As we moved across the floor, his witty conversation made me forget my troubles for a moment.

“You have a beautiful smile,” he whispered in my ear.

Just then, a powerful hand clamped down on my wrist.

“Excuse me.”

Orion stood before us, his face a dark storm cloud.

“Mr. Corvo—” William started to say, but Orion’s glare silenced him.

“We need to talk.”

He dragged me off the dance floor without another word, pulling me through the crowd to a deserted balcony.

The moonlight washed over us as he slammed me into his arms.

He gritted his teeth, his voice a vicious whisper in my ear. “Dancing with another man right in front of me? You’ve gotten bold.”

His grip on my waist was crushing, as if he wanted to merge my body with his.

“So what?” I broke free from his hold. “My private life is none of your business.”

“None of my business?” He sneered. “Evangeline, you are my—”

“I’m not!” I cut him off. “You’re getting married! I’m not anything of yours!”

He froze, then stalked toward me.

“Is that so? Let’s put that to the test.”

The next second, he pinned me against the balcony railing and kissed me, his mouth savage and demanding.

His kiss was full of possession and rage, as if he wanted to devour me whole.

All my recent pain and heartbreak boiled over. I shoved him away, my voice cold. “I told you, there’s nothing between us anymore.”

I turned and walked back to my dance partner, ignoring the burning gaze on my back.

The first dance ended.

A spotlight hit the stage, and Orion walked up with Sienna.

He stood in the center of the dance floor, his eyes locked on me.

“Tonight, I have some good news to share.”

“Next week, I will be marrying Miss Sienna Rossi. This is not just the union of two people, but an alliance between two great families.”

Sienna beamed, the massive pink diamond on her finger flashing under the lights.

The hall erupted in cheers and applause.

I watched calmly, even clapping along.

But my heart ached with a pain so sharp I could barely breathe.

No. He’s getting married next week, and I’m leaving tomorrow. This is a good thing.

I downed a glass of champagne and turned to leave.

As I passed the hotel garden’s fountain, Sienna blocked my path. “Miss De Luca. You’ve been with Orion for five years. It must hurt to see him marry me.”

I laughed, a cold, sharp sound. “You two deserve each other. One a gold-digger, the other a liar. A perfect match.”

“You can talk all you want. You’re just jealous Orion is marrying me,” she said with a raised eyebrow.

As she spoke, she took a few steps back, closer to the fountain’s edge. The moonlight reflecting on the water was eerie.

“I’ve always been curious,” Sienna said suddenly. “What are you and Orion like in bed?”

My face flushed.

“Did he ever tell you how boring you are?”

“You—”

“Because that’s what he told me.” Her smile turned wild. “He said you’re like a wooden doll. No challenge at all.”

My breathing grew ragged.

“And me? He can’t get enough of me.” She licked her lips. “Let’s see if you’re really as unfazed as you claim.”

Before I could react, Sienna screamed, stumbling backward. She grabbed my hand, pulling me with her. As she hit the water, her hand flew to her stomach. “The baby! Orion, save our baby!”

The next thing I knew, I was being dragged into the freezing water.

Water flooded my nose and mouth. I struggled, finally breaking the surface.

I saw Orion dive in. I instinctively reached for him, screaming for help. “Orion! I can’t swim! Help me…”

But I watched, horrified, as he swam right past me and pulled Sienna out of the water.

I started to sink again. Orion was already on the edge, holding Sienna.

For a split second, our eyes met across the water. His were cold. Empty. Like he was looking at a stranger already dead.

Then he turned his back on me and strode away.

A lungful of cold water choked off my breath. I closed my eyes in despair.

This is it. I’m going to die.

My consciousness began to fade…

I don’t know how much time passed before the estate’s security pulled me from the water.

I was soaked, my lips purple, coughing violently on the side of the pool.

Icy water poured from my lungs, tasting of rust.

Not far away, Orion was carrying Sienna into the manor.

“Get a doctor!” his voice was urgent, filled with worry. “Sienna is pregnant!”

Pregnant?

I froze, my mind a complete blank.

So last night… they didn’t just…

“Miss De Luca, are you alright?” a guard asked.

I shook my head and struggled to my feet.

My wet dress clung to my body. I wrapped my arms around myself and walked toward the house.

The doctor was already there, examining Sienna.

“The baby is fine, but Miss Rossi is in shock. She needs to rest.”

Orion let out a breath of relief, squeezing Sienna’s hand.

“Thank God.”

Just then, he noticed me standing in the doorway, drenched.

His gray eyes turned as sharp and cold as daggers.

“Evangeline.” His voice was devoid of any warmth. He pointed a finger at me, his voice a blade of ice. “Apologize. To Sienna.”

“What?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“You pushed her. You almost killed my child.” Orion’s voice was terrifyingly cold. “Apologize.”

“I didn’t push her!” I tried to explain. “She—”

“Enough!” He shot to his feet. “I saw you push her with my own eyes!”

“Orion, listen to me—”

“Apologize!” His roar made the windows rattle.

I looked at his twisted, furious face, and my heart turned to ash.

“I won’t apologize for something I didn’t do.”

On the bed, Sienna spoke weakly. “Orion, don’t blame Evangeline… She only did it because she loves you so much…”

Tears rolled down her pale, innocent face. She looked so pitiful.

“I know she can’t accept our marriage, but the baby is innocent… If she really can’t forgive me, I can leave…”

Her words sealed my fate. The jealous woman who tried to drown her rival.

Orion’s face grew even darker.

“No, you’re not leaving.” He looked at me, his eyes stripped of all their former affection. “She is.”

He stalked toward me, his voice a death sentence. “If you don’t apologize to Sienna, you can get the hell out of my world.”

I looked at the man who had once taken a bullet for me, and I started to laugh.

“Fine.”

I turned to leave.

“Evangeline!” Orion roared behind me. “You stop right there!”

I ignored them. I walked out, grabbed my coat, and though I was a shivering, soaking mess, I held my head high.

I walked away, one step at a time.

Back at the penthouse, I packed my last few things.

By the time I was done, the clock on the wall read 3 a.m.

It was Christmas Eve. Time for me to go.

Just as Orion wanted. I was getting out of his world.

Forever.

I numbly walked to the bed, picked up my encrypted phone, and called the extraction team my brother had arranged. “Get ready now. We’re meeting at the private airfield. I want to get to Switzerland sooner.”

The person on the other end must have heard the desperation in my voice. They agreed immediately.

I hung up, turned, and froze. Orion was standing in the doorway, his eyes like ice.

I didn’t know how long he’d been there, or how much he’d heard.

I didn’t care. I just picked up my suitcase and started to walk out.

He grabbed my wrist as I passed him.

He was a mess. His hair was disheveled, his eyes were bloodshot and filled with a storm of emotions.

His voice was hoarse. “I was angry. I said some things I shouldn't have. But you’re really leaving over this? Over a fucking apology?”

“It’s not about the apology, Orion,” I said, my voice dangerously calm. “It’s about who you chose.”

“Get what?”

“You chose to believe her, not me. You chose to save her, not me.”

He was stunned into silence.

“What does that tell you? It tells me she will always be more important than me.” I pushed him away. “So why should I stay?”

“Evangeline—”

“Move.”

He gripped my suitcase, refusing to let go.

“You can’t leave.”

“Why not?”

“Because…” He paused for a long time. “Because I won’t allow it.”

I laughed, a laugh born from absolute despair.

“You won’t allow it? Orion, I am not your prisoner.”

He pulled a gold-embossed invitation from his pocket and shoved it into my hand.

“Come to my wedding.” His voice was a command. “We both know you love me, and I love you. You can’t leave me. If you come, things will go back to the way they were.”

I looked down at the beautiful invitation.

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Orion Corvo & Sienna Rossi.

The words burned my eyes.

“Orion,” I looked up at him, a smile on my face. “You want me to attend your wedding to another woman? Are you that sure I won’t actually leave you?”

Maybe my gaze was too sharp, because he looked away.

He cleared his throat, his tone softening. “I’ll explain the thing with Sienna later. In my heart, you two are different.”

My calmness must have unsettled him. He pulled me into a hard embrace, as if to reassure himself. “I’m sorry I made you angry. It was my fault.”

“But trust me. I’ll give you the future you want. Eventually.”

Even now, he wouldn’t back down. He still expected me to just take it.

How arrogant. Was he that certain I would obey?

I composed myself, looked up at him calmly, and used the most affectionate tone I once reserved for him. “If you love me, then cancel the wedding.”

“Her or me. You can only pick one. Who is it going to be?”

Our eyes met. Slowly, he let me go. Disappointment and exhaustion filled his face. “The wedding can’t be canceled.”

I smiled. I already knew that would be his answer.

I hadn’t really expected him to choose me.

Two lifetimes of devotion, five years of chasing him. In this moment, I finally had my closure. I was finally letting go.

Still smiling, I picked up my suitcase one last time. “Fine, Orion. Then we’re done.”

“I wish you and Sienna a happy marriage. May you grow old together.”

I dragged my suitcase toward the door.

He roared, his voice cracking with rage. “If you walk out that door, Evangeline, don't you fucking ever come back!”

I stopped, my back ramrod straight.

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

The elevator doors slowly closed, and Orion’s furious face disappeared in the shrinking gap.

Downstairs, a black Mercedes was waiting.

The driver put my luggage in the trunk.

“To the airport,” I said, sliding into the back seat.

The car pulled away from the building, away from the city, away from the five-year nightmare.

I didn’t look back. I knew that everything behind me no longer had anything to do with me.

In my last life, Orion and I were not meant to be. In this life, it was the same.

As the sun broke through the clouds, bathing the world in gold, I looked toward the dawn.

From this day forward, I would have my true rebirth.

From now on, Orion Corvo and I would never meet again.

Orion's POV

The butler hovered nervously. “Boss, should we go after her? Miss De Luca seems serious this time.”

I stared out the floor-to-ceiling window, my face a mask of stone. “No.”

It wasn’t the first time she’d thrown a fit.

I lit a cigarette and took a long drag.

Her last words echoed in my head: I wish you and Sienna a happy marriage. May you grow old together.

That wasn’t like her. The Evangeline I knew would be heartbroken but defiant, stubbornly silent.

This… this was a challenge. A gamble. The most venomous curse she could think of.

Smoke curled from my lips as I let out a low laugh. I understood.

She was bluffing. Trying to force my hand.

She was so sure I couldn’t live without her, so sure I loved her more than anything. So she staged this dramatic exit right before my wedding, waiting for me to make a choice.

The moment I destroyed my own alliance for her, she would come running back.

“She’s just my spoiled little wildcat, throwing a tantrum,” I muttered, confidence flowing back into me.

She was my treasure, the woman I had cherished for five years. Where else could she go but back to me?

Her tears, her tantrums—they were all just little games to make me love her more.

“Let her go,” I told the butler. “Let her cool off for a few days. She’ll be back on my wedding day.”

The next day, St. Mary’s Cathedral was under heavy security.

The century-old Gothic church was a fairytale of white roses and crystal chandeliers.

Every person who mattered in Chicago was there.

Politicians, business tycoons, and the heads of the major crime families. All waiting for the wedding of the century.

But my mind was elsewhere.

I stood at the altar, checking my watch again and again.

Each time I looked, my frown deepened, the irritation on my face growing more obvious.

2:00 PM. The wedding was supposed to start.

But there was no sign of her.

“Boss,” Marco leaned in, whispering. “Should we start? The guests are getting restless.”

“Wait,” my voice was tight.

My eyes scanned every corner of the church, desperately searching for her.

She’ll come.

She has to come.

She was just throwing a tantrum, trying to make me prove how much I cared. Just like every other time for the past five years. No matter what I did, she would pout, but in the end, she always came back to me.

2:30 PM.

The guests were starting to fidget. The whispers grew louder.

Sienna’s father, old man Rossi, was starting to look furious.

“Orion,” he hissed, his voice laced with a threat. “What the hell are you waiting for?”

“Nothing. We’ll start in a minute,” I said, forcing a smile.

But my eyes were still glued to the entrance.

She had to be on her way.

Maybe there was traffic. Maybe she was getting ready, planning to make a grand entrance, to show me she was more beautiful than any bride.

3:00 PM.

The guests’ patience was wearing thin.

People were talking openly now, checking their phones.

“Orion!” Sienna stormed over to me, her beautiful face twisted in anger. “Who are you waiting for?”

“No one,” I said, avoiding her eyes.

“Are you waiting for that bitch?” she spat, her voice a venomous whisper. “She’s not coming! She ran away!”

The color drained from my face.

“Marco!” I yelled for my right-hand man. “Get every man we have out there! Find Evangeline! I don’t care if you have to tear this city apart, you find her!”

Marco hesitated. “Boss, we’ve already looked. She’s not at the penthouse, not at any of her usual spots.”

“Then widen the search!” I roared, my voice echoing through the church. Guests turned to stare. “Search all of Chicago!”

Sienna’s face was livid. “Orion, are you insane? It’s our wedding day!”

“I know!” I growled, yanking at my tie. “But I need to be sure.”

3:30 PM.

The atmosphere in the church was painfully awkward.

Some guests were getting up to leave.

Old man Rossi couldn’t take it anymore. He marched toward me.

“Kid, you better have a good explanation!” he bellowed. “You’re humiliating my entire family!”

Just then, Marco ran back in.

He was pale, like he’d seen a ghost.

“Boss…” his voice trembled. “Miss De Luca… she…”

“Spit it out!” I grabbed him by the collar.

Marco swallowed hard. “Her private jet took off from JFK an hour ago. Destination… unknown.”

My blood ran cold. The world stopped spinning.

“Impossible…” I muttered, my hand falling away from his collar. “Impossible…”

“Boss, what do we do now?” Marco asked timidly.

I acted like a madman. I bolted for the exit.

“Orion!” Sienna screamed from behind me. “Where are you going?”

But I didn’t hear her. I burst out of the church and jumped into my armored Cadillac.

“To the airport!” I roared at the driver. “Now!”