Chapter 3

Don't believe everything Serena tells you.

It had been hours since lunch, yet those words continued to circle through her mind.

She sat at her bedroom window, staring at the city lights below.

Serena had been her cousin, confidante, and closest friend for years.

They had grown up together.

Shared clothes.

Shared secrets.

Shared dreams.

Aurelia had trusted her more than almost anyone.

So why had Damian warned her about her?

Her phone vibrated.

Serena: Can I come over? I need to talk to you.

Aurelia stared at the message.

Normally, she would have immediately agreed.

Tonight, she hesitated.

After a few seconds, she replied.

Aurelia: Sure.

Thirty minutes later, Serena arrived.

She walked into Aurelia's room carrying a small handbag and wearing the same sweet smile she always wore.

"You look worried," Serena said.

"I'm fine."

Serena sat on the edge of the bed.

"Is this about Damian?"

Aurelia raised an eyebrow.

"Why would it be?"

"Because you're marrying him."

"I haven't forgotten."

Serena laughed softly.

"You know what I mean."

Aurelia watched her carefully.

"Do you think I should marry him?"

Serena became quiet.

"Honestly?"

"Yes."

"I don't think he's the right man for you."

Aurelia leaned back.

"Why?"

"Because Damian doesn't love you."

Aurelia almost smiled.

"That's not exactly news."

"But he doesn't love anyone."

Aurelia's expression changed.

"That's not true."

Serena looked down.

For the first time, her confidence seemed to disappear.

Aurelia noticed.

"Serena."

"What?"

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

Serena looked up quickly.

"No."

The answer came too quickly.

Aurelia studied her.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

Serena stood.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt."

Aurelia nodded slowly.

"Thank you."

Serena smiled.

"I'll always protect you."

Aurelia watched her leave.

Something didn't feel right.

She waited until the front door closed.

Then she walked toward the window.

A few minutes later, she saw Serena getting into her car.

Aurelia expected her to drive away.

She didn't.

Instead, Serena made a phone call.

Aurelia couldn't hear what she was saying through the glass.

But then Serena's expression changed.

The sweet smile disappeared.

She looked angry.

After several minutes, she drove away.

Aurelia frowned.

Who had she been talking to?

She didn't have time to wonder for long.

Her phone rang.

It was an unknown number.

She answered.

"Hello?"

Silence.

"Hello?"

A man's voice finally came through.

"Stay away from Damian."

Aurelia's expression hardened.

"Who is this?"

"Someone trying to save you from making a terrible mistake."

The call ended.

Aurelia stared at the screen.

What was going on?

The next evening, she decided to visit her father's office.

She needed something to occupy her mind.

As she stepped out of the elevator, she noticed someone familiar walking toward the private parking area.

Serena.

Aurelia stopped.

Why was Serena here?

She followed discreetly.

Serena entered the parking garage.

Aurelia stayed behind a concrete pillar.

Then another car pulled in.

A man stepped out.

Aurelia couldn't see his face clearly.

Serena immediately approached him.

"You said this would be finished by now."

The man's voice was low.

"Your cousin is getting married sooner than expected."

"I know."

"Then you need to move faster."

Serena folded her arms.

"What about Damian?"

"He's becoming suspicious."

Serena's face tightened.

"Damian doesn't suspect me."

"He warned Aurelia about you."

Serena went completely still.

"What?"

Aurelia's heart pounded.

She leaned closer, trying to hear.

The man continued.

"Damian knows something isn't right."

Serena shook her head.

"Then we'll have to make sure he doesn't have time to find out."

Aurelia covered her mouth.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Serena—the woman who had just told her she wanted to protect her—was secretly plotting something.

But before Aurelia could hear more, her phone slipped from her hand.

It hit the concrete floor.

The sound echoed through the garage.

Serena turned.

"Who's there?"

Aurelia's heart jumped.

She quickly picked up her phone and ran toward the elevator.

Behind her, Serena shouted.

"Stop!"

Aurelia pressed the elevator button repeatedly.

The doors opened.

She rushed inside.

Just before they closed, she saw Serena running toward her.

Their eyes met.

For the first time in years, Aurelia saw something completely different in Serena's eyes.

Not concern.

Not love.

Fear.

The elevator doors closed.

Aurelia leaned against the wall, breathing heavily.

Her hands were shaking.

Serena had been lying to her.

But that wasn't the worst part.

The worst part was Damian.

Because now Aurelia had no idea which side he was on.

When the elevator reached the ground floor, she hurried outside.

Her phone rang again.

This time, the caller's name appeared on the screen.

Damian Cross.

Aurelia stared at it.

Then she answered.

"Hello?"

His voice was calm.

"Where are you?"

Aurelia looked back at the building.

"Why?"

"Because we need to talk."

"About what?"

There was a brief silence.

Then Damian said quietly,

"About Serena."

Aurelia's blood ran cold.

He knew.

But how much did he know?

And more importantly...

How long had Damian been playing his own game?