The home screen was a photo of Selene in profile. She stood in a jewelry showroom, beaming, her features bright with playful elegance.
No wonder his eyes always softened when he unlocked the tablet. That tenderness had never been for me.
My hands trembled as I opened the file folders. Every single one was named after Selene Blanc. Rows and rows of albums, so many they made my vision swim.
[Selene — Jewelry Expo]
[Selene — Gala Outfits]
[Selene — Raw Gemstone Tastings]
Photo after photo. Selene in couture gowns. Selene draped in dazzling jewels. Selene glowing at one grand jewelry event after another.
Over a thousand photos. Not a single one of me. Not even one of himself. From first to last, only Selene.
Just like his heart. From beginning to end, it had only ever belonged to her. I was nothing but a passing stranger, a tool for easing his guilt.
The car rolled through the gates of the Castle. I stared at the familiar grounds through the window and felt cold seep into every bone.