The gilded cage of deception

“Camila, this must feel like heaven—9,999 roses just for you! You’re one lucky lady!”

The text from Mrs. Elkins, my nosy neighbor, arrived at exactly 12:02 a.m., brimming with exclamation points.

I glanced out the window. A truck was parked in front of my apartment, unloading massive bouquets of roses. The deliveryman struggled under their weight, while Mrs. Elkins stood by, phone in hand, snapping photos like a giddy journalist.

My heart fluttered. Had Kane planned this? After everything, could this be his way of making things right?

I stepped outside, the cool night air brushing against my bare arms. The heady scent of roses enveloped me, intoxicating but slightly overwhelming.

This is stunning, isn’t it, dear? Kane must adore you to do something so extravagant!

Mrs. Elkins practically beamed. I forced a polite smile, my chest tightening with an unfamiliar mix of hope and dread.

But the moment I caught sight of the card nestled among the petals, my breath hitched.

“To Veronica, my eternal muse. Forever yours, Kane.”

The words burned like acid. My fingers trembled as I clutched the card, disbelief giving way to a sinking realization. These weren’t for me. They were for her.

Veronica? Who’s Veronica?

Mrs. Elkins’s question hung in the air, her curiosity sharper than a knife. I swallowed hard, plastering on a smile that felt like it might crack at any second.

Just a… mistake, I murmured, retreating before the tears could betray me.

——

Back in my apartment, I dropped the card on the counter like it was poison. My phone buzzed, a notification flashing Kane’s name. My hand hovered over the screen, indecision weighing heavy.

Seven years. Seven years of standing by his side, sacrificing dreams and enduring countless sleepless nights to build the life we’d envisioned.

And for what? For Veronica?

My stomach churned as I opened the message.

“Dinner tomorrow, 7 p.m., Le Rosé. Be ready.”

No apology. No explanation. Just a command, like always.

I bit back the scream clawing its way up my throat. My phone buzzed again—another text.

[Wear that black dress I like.]

A growl escaped my lips as I flung the phone onto the couch. It didn’t deserve to be shattered, but God, I was tempted.

The next evening, I walked into Le Rosé with a steeliness I didn’t feel. Kane was already seated, his arm casually draped over the chair next to him.

Veronica was there too, her red lips curved in a smile that could curdle milk.

[Ah, Camila, finally. You’re late.]

His words cut, not because they held any real weight, but because they were laced with that same condescension I’d endured for years.

I sat down, my spine rigid.

So, what’s this about?

Kane smirked, his fingers tapping the rim of his glass. Veronica leaned forward, her manicured hand brushing against his.

[We thought it was time for some honesty.]

I froze. My gaze darted between them, trying to read the unspoken language in their smirks and shared glances.

[Camila, you’ve been… indispensable. But Veronica]

He paused, as if savoring the moment.

[She’s my future.]

The words hit like a physical blow. The room blurred, my pulse pounding in my ears. I gripped the table to steady myself, my nails biting into the pristine linen.

[Excuse me?]

My voice was low, dangerous. Kane didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned back, exuding the same smug arrogance that used to captivate me.

[You were perfect for building my image, Camila. But Veronica—she has heart. Passion.]

Laughter bubbled up from somewhere deep and dark within me. It was bitter, sharp, and unrecognizable.

[Heart? Passion? You mean]

My eyes locked onto his.

[You mean the things you drained out of me?]

Kane’s jaw twitched. Veronica’s smile faltered, but only for a moment.

[Let’s not make this ugly, Camila.]

I stood, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. The restaurant fell silent, dozens of eyes trained on our little tableau.

I leaned in, close enough to see the flicker of unease in Veronica’s eyes.

[Ugly? Honey, this is just the beginning.]

Kane smirked, clearly mistaking my words for empty bravado.

[Be reasonable, Camila. You’ve always been pragmatic. Let’s keep this civil.]

I nodded, a mirthless smile curving my lips.

[Oh, don’t worry, Kane. I’ll be very civil. Especially when I take you for everything you’re worth.]

The color drained from his face as I turned and walked away, my heels clicking against the marble floor.

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I held them back. Not here. Not now.

By the time I stepped outside, the chill of the night air felt like salvation. I tilted my head up to the sky, inhaling deeply.

Kane had stolen seven years of my life, but he would not steal a second more.

A new resolve settled in my chest. This wasn’t the end—it was the beginning.

I would rise from the ashes he tried to bury me in. And when I did, I’d make sure Kane Wayne regretted every single rose.