Chapter 44

The phone screen glowed in Stefan’s hand, casting a dull light on his expressionless face. He read the message again.

"I don't love you. Not anymore. My dad promised to make me heir if I marry Julian, and that’s what matters to me. I can’t keep doing this with you. Take care of Elena for me."

His grip tightened around the phone until his knuckles turned white. There was a beat of silence, then footsteps echoed down the hallway. A knock, and the door creaked open. Elena stepped in.

Her face was pale, her eyes wide with worry. “I just got a message from Mia,” she said, walking...