Sebastian
The street outside the Sebastian mansion was quiet—too quiet.
The kind of silence that presses against your ears and warns you that something irreversible is about to happen.
I noticed my mother's car the moment it slowed near the gate. My spine stiffened instantly. That posture. That controlled elegance. That cold dignity she wore like armor.
She wasn't here to talk.
She was here to fight.
The car came to a full stop.
She stepped out slowly, heels striking the pavement with sharp authority. Her gaze locked onto me with a mix of fury, disappointment, and something dangerously close to fear.
"Sebastian," she said, voice trembling beneath restraint. "Step out of the car. Now."
Cynthia's fingers tightened around my arm.
I felt it.
And deliberately, I didn't let go.
"Mum," I replied evenly, forcing calm into my tone. "You need to take this easy. There's no need for a scene. Nothing has happened yet."
Her eyes flicked to Cynthia—just for a second—but the damage was done.
"You call this nothing?" she snapped. "Standing openly with another woman when your bond—"
"I know why you're here," I cut in sharply. "You want me to marry Vivian."
The name dropped between us like broken glass.
Cynthia stiffened beside me, but I tightened my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. A silent message. A public declaration.
"I loved Vivian," I continued, voice steady, measured, rehearsed. "I loved her openly. I protected her. I waited. I gave her everything a man could give."
My mother's lips parted, but no words came.
"But she ran," I went on. "She shut me out. She chose silence over truth. Distance over communication. And worse—she chose another man instead of me."
"That is not true—" my mother tried.
"You saw the aftermath," I interrupted coldly. "Her pictures were everywhere. Online. On the streets. Shared like entertainment."
I let out a hollow laugh.
"A girl from a royal bloodline dragged through public shame like common gossip."
My mother's face drained of color.
"My friends called me," I added quietly. "They laughed. They mocked. They asked how someone meant to be my future Luna could fall so low."
Her hands began to tremble.
"I was ashamed," I said, lowering my voice. "Not of her—but of the disgrace attached to her name."
She swayed slightly, gripping the car door for support.
"And that," I concluded firmly, "is why marriage with Vivian is no longer an option."
"Sebastian…" she whispered brokenly. "The bond—"
"I know the bond," I snapped. "I know the promise made before birth. But listen to me carefully, Mother."
I turned slightly, positioning Cynthia fully at my side.
"I have already chosen my mate."
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"This is Cynthia Worthington," I said. "Daughter of Alexander Worthington. One of the most powerful families in Europe."
Cynthia lifted her head modestly, tears shimmering as she played her part flawlessly.
"She stood by me when Vivian abandoned me," I continued. "She wiped my tears. She gave me hope. She reminded me what love feels like when it isn't forced."
My mother staggered back as if struck.
"Please…" she whispered. "My son… you can't do this now. Vivian—"
"Vivian will remain my sister," I cut in mercilessly. "Nothing more. Nothing less."
Cynthia inhaled sharply, clinging tighter.
"No bond. No promise. No pressure will change my decision."
My mother turned to Cynthia, desperation naked in her eyes. "Please… I beg you. My son cannot marry you."
Cynthia stepped forward, voice trembling. "But Mother… I love him. We are meant to be."
That was the final blow.
"This ends tonight," I said calmly. "Vivian will not marry anyone now. Her reputation is stained. The world has already judged her."
I turned away before my mother could collapse completely and guided Cynthia toward the mansion.
The doors shut behind us.
Final.
Absolute.
Vivian
My chest felt hollow.
"My mother still hasn't picked my calls," I whispered, staring at my phone. "She left earlier… angry. I think she's with Sebastian."
Clara squeezed my hand gently. "Maybe we should drive there. If he sees you… maybe his heart will soften."
I hesitated, then wiped my tears and stood.
"You're right," I said softly. "We should go."
Hope—fragile and foolish—rose in my chest as we drove.
Clara had somehow gotten Sebastian's address. The closer we got, the louder my heartbeat became, pounding against my ribs like a warning drum.
Then—
"Clara," I gasped. "Stop the car."
There they were.
Sebastian.
Holding another woman.
His arm was wrapped tightly around Cynthia, her head resting against his chest as if she belonged there. As if she had always belonged there.
His mother stood before him—pleading. Begging. Broken.
But Sebastian didn't move.
He didn't loosen his grip.
He didn't hesitate.
He looked… decided.
Every word his mother spoke shattered against his silence. Every gesture screamed refusal.
Cynthia whispered something softly, clinging to him.
Then I heard it.
"I will not allow it," Sebastian said coldly. "Vivian will remain my sister. Nothing more."
My heart split open.
"She cannot marry now," he continued. "Her reputation… her face… the world has already judged her."
I covered my mouth to stop the scream clawing its way out.
His mother sobbed. "You are destroying her destiny—"
"I am protecting the family," he replied.
And then—he turned away.
With Cynthia.
The gates closed behind them.
Slowly.
Cruelly.
Final.
I froze in the seat, unable to breathe, unable to cry.
Clara touched my shoulder. "Vivian… destiny cannot be stolen. What is yours will return."
But I felt it.
Something had snapped.
Something ancient. Sacred. Broken.
I dialed my mother again. now my biological mother.
Once.
Twice.
The call connected.
"Mother…" I whispered, voice cracking. "Please… come quickly."
Silence.
My vision blurred.
The last thing I felt was the weight of betrayal crushing my chest as darkness swallowed me whole.
Somewhere above, fate shifted.
Because when bloodlines, promises, and lies collide—
The real war is only beginning.
The last thing I felt was the weight of betrayal crushing my chest as darkness swallowed me wwholewhSomewhere above, fate sshifteBecause when bloodlines, promises, and lies ccollidecollThe real war is only bebeginninbegiNo one walks away ununscathedunsca