I didn’t answer. I didn’t have the strength. Instead, I glanced at Darius, hoping for just a flicker of guilt. Maybe an ounce of shame. But he wouldn’t even meet my gaze. Instead, he laughed, like this was some sort of sick game. "Come on, Ember, we’re just here for a check-up," he said with that false charm of his, pulling Elara closer like it would smooth over everything.
My lips twisted into a bitter smile, though I was trembling inside. "Of course. Just a check-up."
Elara stepped toward me, her fury rolling off her in waves. "What’s that supposed to mean?" she spat, shoving me hard. "Darius and I are just friends!" The lie slid off her tongue so easily, it made me sick.
My body was still weak from the surgery, and I stumbled back, slamming into the cold stone wall behind me. Pain shot through my side, not just from the fresh wound, but from the realization that the man I thought was mine had betrayed me in the worst way.
Darius crouched beside me, putting on his fake concerned face. "Elara shouldn’t have done that," he murmured, but I saw the smirk playing on his lips. His fake sympathy was almost laughable.