He buried it instantly.
A dress landed on my bed.
"There's a charity gala tonight." His tone was flat, businesslike. "Rebecca specifically requested you accompany her."
I picked up the dress with trembling hands, but my gaze drifted to the clock on the wall.
Today was the last day of the week.
The last day of my life.
Mason watched me—my stillness, my lack of reaction. Something about it made him step closer. His hand shot out, fingers closing around my wrist like a vice.
"Chloe." His voice was low, dangerous. "If the knot between us can't be undone, then I won't let you go. Even if we're both trapped in this hatred forever, I will never release you. Don't ever think about escaping me."
I looked into those eyes—so familiar, yet belonging to a stranger.
Slowly, I nodded.
"This time," I whispered, "I won't run."
Because I'll be dead before the night is over.
That evening, I accompanied Mason to the gala.
The banquet hall was warm—heated to perfection—but cold seeped into my bones anyway, settling deep where no warmth could reach.
Mason glanced at me once, then turned and walked toward a server.
The pain churning inside me nearly made me black out. I forced myself toward the balcony, each step a small war.
"Chloe Harding, how much longer are you going to cling to Mason? Have you no dignity? No shame?"
Rebecca's voice cut through the noise. I'd barely turned when she shoved me—hard.
"As long as you're alive, I'll never be Mrs. Blackwell."
My foot slipped. Instinct took over—I grabbed for her, and we both tumbled over the railing.
My hands caught the guardrail. I held on.
A scream tore through the night. Mason appeared moments later, a scarf clutched in his hand.
Rebecca twisted to look at me, a mocking smile curling her lips.
"Chloe. Who do you think he'll save first?"
I watched Mason stride toward her without a heartbeat's hesitation.
Good, I thought. The relief that washed through me was almost sweet. He doesn't love me anymore.
Rebecca turned wide, wounded eyes up at him. "Mason, please—save me and our baby."
Her voice trembled. "I don't know what I did to offend her. She just... she tried to push me off."
Mason grabbed Rebecca's hand instantly, but his gaze stayed locked on me.
"Chloe. You're just as vicious as your mother."
The words sank into my chest like a blade.