Chapter 4

The halls of the Ravenshade estate were silent, but Sapphira’s mind was anything but.

Lucian Vale.

The mysterious man had unsettled her in a way she couldn’t explain.

It wasn’t fear. No, she had faced far greater monsters in her past life.

It was something more dangerous.

Intrigue.

And intrigue could be deadly.

As she lay in bed that night, staring at the canopy above her, flashes of her past life haunted her mind.

Her father’s cold stare as she was dragged away.

Her sister’s triumphant smile as she took everything that belonged to her.

Her best friend’s silence as she begged for help.

And worst of all…

Him.

That bastard.

Caspian Albrecht.

The man she had once loved. The man who had whispered sweet words into her ear. The man who had held her in his arms and promised eternity.

Only to turn around and betray her with Selena.

Anger burned in her veins.

She gripped the sheets tightly, her nails digging into the fabric.

This time, she would not be the foolish girl who trusted too easily.

This time, she would be the storm that drowned them all.

And if Lucian Vale thought he could enter her world without suspicion…

He was sorely mistaken.

The next morning, Sapphira entered the grand dining hall for breakfast, her expression composed.

Selena was already seated, sipping tea like a perfect noble lady, her emerald eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Sapphira smirked inwardly.

Let her be at ease for now.

But the real surprise came when she saw Lucian Vale seated at the head table—right beside her father.

How rare.

Her father never allowed outsiders this level of closeness.

Which meant Lucian had something valuable to offer.

What are you hiding, Lord Vale?

She took her seat gracefully, meeting Lucian’s gaze across the table.

"Good morning, Lord Vale," she greeted, a polite smile gracing her lips.

Lucian inclined his head. "Lady Sapphira."

His voice was as smooth as ever, but there was something undeniable in the way he watched her.

It wasn’t just curiosity.

It was assessment.

Selena, unaware of the tension between them, chimed in with fake sweetness.

"It is such a rare pleasure to have such a distinguished guest among us, Lord Vale," she said, fluttering her lashes.

Lucian barely spared her a glance. "Indeed."

Sapphira nearly laughed.

Selena’s beauty had charmed many men in the past—but Lucian was clearly not impressed.

Interesting.

Her father cleared his throat. "Lord Vale and I were just discussing the upcoming Winter Masquerade. He will be in attendance."

A masquerade.

A public event filled with powerful nobles, whispered secrets, and hidden dangers.

Sapphira tilted her head.

"What a delightful coincidence," she murmured. "I was just thinking about attending myself."

Lucian’s lips quirked up slightly.

"Then I suppose I shall look forward to our meeting, Lady Sapphira."

His crimson eyes gleamed.

And for the first time, Sapphira had the distinct feeling that this man was playing his own game.

That afternoon, Sapphira was strolling through the Ravenshade gardens when Marie rushed to her side, out of breath.

"My lady," she panted. "There is someone at the gate."

Sapphira frowned. "Who?"

Marie hesitated.

"It is… Lord Caspian Albrecht."

Everything froze.

A cold chill swept over her.

Her first love.

Her greatest betrayer.

The man who had once kissed her hand so tenderly—only to cast her aside like garbage.

Sapphira slowly turned, her expression unreadable.

She had waited for this moment.

She had dreamed of it.

And now, the man who had destroyed her…

Was standing at her doorstep.

A slow, dangerous smile spread across her lips.

"Let him in."

Sapphira stood at the entrance of the Ravenshade estate, the cold wind brushing against her skin. The sky was a dull gray, as if mourning the arrival of Caspian Albrecht.

And there he was.

The man who had once whispered love and devotion in her ears. The man who had kissed her under the moonlight, promising her a future.

The man who had shattered her heart and ruined her past life.

Caspian stood with his usual arrogant confidence, his blue eyes gleaming like jewels. He had the looks of a perfect noble—golden hair, sharp features, and an easy charm that had once stolen her heart.

But now, she only saw him for what he truly was—

A snake in noble’s clothing.

Sapphira let a slow, calculated smile grace her lips.

"Lord Albrecht," she greeted smoothly. "What an unexpected… surprise."

Caspian's smirk widened as he took a step closer, eyes roaming over her.

"Lady Sapphira," he said, his voice deep and smooth, as if they were old friends. "It has been far too long."

Sapphira tilted her head.

"Indeed. I had assumed you were too occupied with my sister to pay me a visit."

His smile faltered—just for a second.

But Sapphira saw it.

And she enjoyed it.

Caspian let out a low chuckle, as if amused. "Sapphira, must you always be so cold to me? We were once—"

"Do not finish that sentence," she interrupted, her tone still polite but laced with ice.

Caspian blinked, clearly not expecting her bluntness.

Good.

In her past life, she had been too soft, too naïve, too easily swayed by his charm.

Not anymore.

Caspian's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "You have changed, my dear."

Sapphira smiled, but there was no warmth in it.

"Have I?"

She took a step closer, lowering her voice.

"Or perhaps… I have simply removed the blindfold that once kept me from seeing the truth?"

Caspian's jaw tensed.

Ah.

He was not used to this version of her.

Good.

Let him wonder. Let him fear what she had become.

"You must be here for a reason, Lord Albrecht," Sapphira continued, keeping her tone light. "I highly doubt you traveled all this way just to admire the gardens."

Caspian let out a short laugh. "Straight to the point, as always."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"I came to see you, Sapphira."

She raised a brow. "See me?"

Caspian’s gaze darkened. "I have… been thinking about you. About us."

Oh?

She wanted to laugh.

Him? Thinking about her? After everything?

How utterly pathetic.

"I have realized my mistake," he continued, his voice soft, persuasive. "Selena… she is not the woman I thought she was."

Sapphira stared at him, amused.

He dared to stand before her and say this?

In her past life, he and Selena had mocked her. Humiliated her. Dragged her name through the mud.

And now?

He wanted to crawl back?

How typical.

"Is that so?" she murmured, tilting her head.

Caspian misread her expression.

He stepped even closer, daring to reach for her hand.

"I made a mistake, Sapphira," he whispered. "You were the one I should have chosen."

For a moment, she said nothing.

She simply watched him.

Let him believe she was considering his words.

Then, ever so slowly—

She let out a soft, mocking laugh.

Caspian stiffened.

Sapphira pulled her hand back, her expression turning sharp.

"Do you think I am some foolish girl who would run back into your arms the moment you speak sweet words?"

Her voice was soft, but her eyes held cold amusement.

"Tell me, Caspian—does Selena bore you already? Did she tire of you first?"

Caspian’s jaw clenched. "That is not—"

"You sicken me," she said simply.

His mouth fell open slightly.

Sapphira smiled.

"You betrayed me once, Caspian. Did you truly believe I would allow you to do so again?"

Caspian’s blue eyes burned with frustration.

He was used to women adoring him.

Not rejecting him.

Not mocking him.

"You were not always this heartless," he said bitterly.

Sapphira’s smile widened.

"You are right."

She leaned in slightly, her voice a whispered promise.

"In my past life, I was a fool."

Caspian frowned. "Your what?"

Sapphira ignored him, straightening her posture.

"But do not worry, Lord Albrecht." She gracefully curtsied, as if bidding farewell. "There will be no second chances for you. Not in this life. Not in any other."

Caspian’s anger was evident.

But Sapphira?

She had won this battle.

She turned on her heel, walking away without another glance.

As she did, she caught sight of a figure standing in the shadows.

Lucian Vale.

His crimson eyes watched everything.

Sapphira met his gaze.

And in that moment—

She knew.

Lucian Vale was not just watching her for amusement.

No, this man…

He was waiting.

For what?

She would find out soon enough.

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