The End of a Naïve Heart

[Scene: In the Grand ballroom at the Everhart mansion. Liana sips her wine while observing the crowd.]

Vivienne: [leaning closer] “Liana, stop staring at Rowena. You’re overthinking again.”

Liana: [sighs] “I can’t help it. Something feels..... off. She’s been too close to Alex all evening.”

Vivienne: [rolls her eyes] “Rowena loves attention. That’s nothing new. You’re just tired, Liana. Tonight’s all about celebrating you.”

Liana: [forcing a smile] “You’re right. I’ll try to enjoy myself.” [glances toward Rowena and Alex, who are laughing together]

[Scene shifts: Later that night, Liana walks through the garden, trying to clear her mind. She hears voices nearby.]

Rowena: [softly] “Alex, you’re sure about this? We can’t afford any mistakes.”

Alex: [coldly] “I’m sure. Once Liana is out of the picture, the Everhart fortune is ours. And you’ll finally have the company under your control.”

Liana: [freezing in place, her heart racing] What... What is this?

Rowena: [smirks] “She’s too trusting. She won’t see it coming.”

Liana: [stepping back in shock, whispering] “No... this can’t be happening...”

Suddenly, a hand grabs Liana from behind, muffling her scream.

[Scene shifts: Liana struggles as two men drag her into the shadows.]

Man 1: “Stop fighting, little princess. It’s no use.”

Liana: [kicking and biting] “Let me go!!!”

Man 2: [laughing] “Feisty. Too bad your dear sister doesn’t feel the same about keeping you around.”

Liana: [glaring at them] “Rowena... sent you?”

Man 1: “Of course. Sweet, innocent Rowena. She doesn’t need you ruining her plans.”

[A shadowed figure steps into view, his voice cold and commanding.]

Damian: “Let her go. Now.”

Man 2: [startled] “Mr. Blackwood? We didn’t know—”

Damian: [interrupting] “I won’t say it again.”

The men release Liana and flee. She collapses to the ground, gasping for air. Damian kneels beside her, his piercing eyes scanning her face.

Liana: [weakly] “Damian... why are you here???!”

Damian: [helping her up] “You shouldn’t be wandering around alone. It’s not safe.”

[Footsteps echo as Rowena and Alex appear, feigning concern.]

Rowena: [rushing over] “Liana! What happened? Are you alright?”

Alex: [placing a hand on Liana’s shoulder] “We were looking everywhere for you. You look pale.”

Liana: [staring at them, her mind swirling with their betrayal] “I... I’m fine.”

Damian: [his eyes narrowing at Alex] “Take better care of her, Alex. You’re slipping.”

Alex: [forcing a laugh] “Of course. Thanks, Damian.”

[Scene shifts: Hours later, Liana lies in a pool of blood inside the mansion. Damian fights off armed men trying to reach her.]

Liana: [whispering weakly] “Damian... you tried to save me...”

Her vision blurs as Rowena’s triumphant smirk flashes in her mind....

Liana: [with her last breath] “I swear... if I live again... I’ll destroy you all...”

[ “I swear,” she whispered with her last breath. “If I get another chance, I’ll make them pay. I’ll destroy them all...”]

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