"Jack Ashford, I will never forgive you!"

His face snapped tight. Pupils shrank. His whole body went stiff.

I kept going. "I know everything. You want me to raise your son. Have it both ways. Keep Mary happy, but since your family won't let her in, you use me as the workaround. Not happening."

His hand closed around my throat. "Don't you dare—"

The baby wailed. He dropped his grip.

He lowered his voice, like that fixed anything. "You're not leaving. Focus on getting better. You'll be my only wife. I'm just giving Mary a wedding so she gets her dream. After that, I'm done with her."

Still living in a fantasy.

I laughed. "The second you chose her, you should've known—I don't do betrayal."

"Doesn't matter what you think. This isn't up for debate."

He flicked his hand. Over a dozen bodyguards stormed in and shoved me back into my room.

House arrest.

Did he really think that would break me?

Cute.

***

After everything blew up, Jack showed up every day.

No clue where he sent the baby. Honestly? The quiet was nice.

Whatever he said, I ignored him.

Eventually, he cracked. "Stella, do we really have to do this? You and Mary are sisters—"

"Shut up." My whole body shook. "You know exactly what we are. Sisters? She doesn't deserve that word. If you love her, give her the big wedding. Marry her in public. If you can't stand up to your family, don't use me as your backup plan. You're disgusting."

His face darkened. "Say whatever you want. I've already decided. You will keep the title of my wife. After the wedding, we'll live well together."

I said nothing. The way he said it, like I should be thankful.

He had to be out of his mind.

I closed my eyes and rested.

***

The wedding was close. Jack stayed busy, but the guards never let up.

On the big day, he got up early.

I sat at the table, eating. He walked in, suit sharp, reached for my forehead. I leaned away.

I smirked. "Big day. If Mary sees that, she'll throw another fit."

"Relax. I'll be back right after. It's just a formality."

"Sure. Happens once in a lifetime, right?"

That hit. His fists tightened, veins popping.

A beat. "Wait for me."

He paused at the door, looked back.

I didn't.

After he left, the guards stayed—but looser now.

Guess everyone thought once the wedding was over, everything would magically fix itself.

I glanced outside and smiled. Calm.

Less than thirty minutes later, the mansion went up in flames. Guards freaked and rushed in to fight it.

In the chaos, another team pulled me out.

By the time I hit the airport, I texted Mary:

[You won't get your happy ending.]

Maybe I wasn't his favorite. Not while I was still around.

But once I disappeared? His "true love" wouldn't hit the same.

I'd be the one he couldn't let go.

Before leaving, I glanced back at the mansion—black smoke choking the sky—then slid into the car. No hesitation.