I never laid a hand on her. But she fell, disappearing over the edge of the cliff. Later, I found out she’d survived, cushioned by a tree branch just beneath the ledge. It had all been staged—her fall, her injuries, even the timing. She’d orchestrated it perfectly.
By the time I made it home, my fate was sealed. Vanessa had whispered her lies into Lucien’s ears, and he believed every one of them.
No questions. No defense.
Just punishment.
Strapping me to a chair and leaving me outside, on the edge of my worst nightmare.
Another crackle from the phone brought me back.
Vanessa’s voice—soft, pitiful, false. “Lucien… maybe she didn’t mean to do it. She’s been out there so long. She’s suffering.”
Even when she had everything, she still wanted to look like the saint.
Lucien’s voice shifted, gentler now. “She deserves everything she’s getting. You risked your life for me once, even though you hated heights. I owe you everything, Vanessa. I’ll protect you with my life.”
There was a pause. Then, she asked, “What about Mara?”
Me.
“She doesn’t matter,” he said without hesitation. “If she ever lays a hand on you again—even if she’s carrying my child—I’ll make her pay for it.”
The line went dead.