The guests murmured, their eyes flicking to me with sympathy and curiosity. I was meant to be the star of the evening, but Daniel had turned the tables. He paraded Rachel through the hall, introducing her as his companion, as if our engagement, our history, and my own authority meant nothing.
——
Standing on the edge of the grand stage, I forced a smile, hiding the storm inside. Daniel’s words echoed through the hall: “A hero deserves a gentle, thoughtful partner. If she’s clever and considerate, I’ll grant her a respectable wedding. If not…” His gaze lingered on me. “…then no one else in the Harbor could marry her but me.”
Rachel nestled into his arms, a mockery of innocence. “I’ll obey you, Mr. Wright,” she whispered.
The insult stung like fire. Twelve bodyguards flanked me, guns ready, but my focus was only on Daniel. He was so blind to reality that he thought he could flaunt a maid as his companion, forgetting the docks, the families, and the years of loyalty that had defined us.
Then, chaos erupted. Fireworks exploded prematurely, blood spattered across the floor, and Rachel’s scream pierced the hall. Daniel’s face shifted in shock as he raised his gun, pointing it at me.