“Viktor, you really think you can ruin me with some AI face-swap garbage? That video isn’t real. We weren’t even together last night. If you’re so sure, then show proof.”
His lips curved into that cruel smile I knew too well. “Proof? Don’t play dumb, Aurelia. There’s a flame-shaped birthmark on your thigh, high enough you thought no one would notice. I’ve traced it. I remember the fire clear as day…”
“Enough!” My body trembled with anger. My blood turned to ice.
There was no doubt now. He was reborn too. No one else could know that detail. No one but Viktor from my last life.
But this time was different. This time I was still untouched, still the Velasquez family’s daughter with her name spotless in New York’s high society. If his words spread, everything I had left would collapse.
Viktor’s gaze slid to Lucian. “So, Mr. Sullivan, do you get it now? When Aurelia and I hold our wedding, I expect you to show up and raise a glass.”
I turned to Lucian, ready to fight for the truth. I believed—no, I prayed he wouldn’t buy into Viktor’s poison.
But then I saw his face.
He was pale, his eyes rimmed red, staring at that cursed video like it had carved a hole straight through him.
“I understand. I hope the two of you… stay married for a lifetime.” His throat bobbed as if the words hurt him. “Excuse me. I’ve got somewhere else to be.”
Before I could breathe, he reached for my hand, slid the diamond ring off my finger, and placed it back in the box.
And then he turned.
The sight of his back walking away felt like my chest being split open.
“Lucian!” I tried to run after him, but Viktor’s grip clamped down on me like steel. He dragged me into his car and shoved me inside, slamming the door before I could scream.
“Stop chasing him, Aurelia,” Viktor growled, “In this life, you belong to me. You’ll marry me whether you want to or not.”
“Marry you? And what about the woman you claim to love so much? The one you’d give the world to?”
“Don’t worry. After you’re gone… after the poor little Velasquez princess dies young… I’ll marry her in the grandest ceremony New York has ever seen. She’ll inherit everything. But you, Aurelia…” his whisper curved into a hiss, “…you’re mine in life, and in death. Don’t even think about running to Sullivan or anyone else. I’ll never let you escape.”
The next second, he shoved me out of the car like I was nothing.
The Maybach roared and tore down the street, leaving nothing but exhaust and silence behind.
I lay there on the pavement, breath ragged, the cold biting into my palms.
Then I forced myself up, brushing the dirt off, steadying my lungs.
It’s fine. I’ve already died once. What do I have left to fear?
If Viktor thinks he can cage me again, he’s wrong. I’d rather break myself to pieces than ever wear his ring.
***
That night, Father called me into his study. Fatima, his mistress was already there, looking elegant as always, and Polly sat beside her, eyes sharp like she wanted to claw me.
Fatima put on her gentle, motherly voice. “Aurelia, you’re at the right age to settle down. Viktor seems very serious about you, and his family is strong. Don’t you think it’s time to consider marriage?”
I almost laughed. In my last life, this same woman and her daughter had done everything possible to stop me from marrying into a good family. They were terrified I might rise above them. And now? Now she was suddenly encouraging me to marry Viktor?
Of course. Viktor must have whispered in her ear.
When I glanced up, I caught the jealousy flashing in Fatima’s eyes, and Polly’s glare burned like acid.
So I lowered my lashes and played the obedient daughter. “I’ll listen to whatever Father and Fatima think is best.”
Father nodded in satisfaction, as though I’d proven myself docile, and waved me out.
Later that night, passing by Polly’s room, I heard her shrill, furious cry break through the door.
“She doesn’t even have a mother! How can that unlucky girl marry Viktor? If anyone deserves him, it’s me! Father loves me most!”
Outside, I dug my nails into my palm until it stung. Don’t worry, my good sister. I’ll make sure you get exactly what you want.
Back in my room, my phone buzzed. Surveillance footage came through from last night showing me playing arcade with friends until dawn. Finally, proof! Finally, I could clear my name with Lucian.
I opened our chat and hit send. But instead of delivering, a red exclamation mark flashed on the screen.
My stomach dropped.
‘Did Lucian… block me?’
No. No, I couldn’t believe it.
I didn’t even think. I grabbed my coat and rushed straight out to his high-rise apartment in the center of the city.
The butler met me at the door, blocking my way. “Miss Velasquez, I’m sorry. Mr. Sullivan has ordered he won’t receive you.”
“W-why? Did Viktor threaten him? Did—”
The butler cut me off. “Mr. Sullivan said from today onward, he and you will live separate lives, with no further ties.”
My ears rang. The world tilted.
But I forced myself to wipe my tears. It wasn’t over. Lucian was bound to show up at a mutual friend’s birthday party next week. That would be my chance.
