Raina Monroe got her hearing back. The first thing she did was try to tell her fiancé, Brandon Thorne. She rushed to his office, heart pounding, already picturing the look on his face. She'd even picked out the restaurant for their celebration. She stopped outside his door. Brandon was talking to a group of friends. He didn't know she was standing there. He didn't know she could hear. "I banged some chick behind my fiancée's back," he said. "I'm taking her to a hotel today." "My fiancée's deaf. I could flirt with the girl right in front of her and she'd never know." The words drilled into Raina's skull. Her mind blanked. Her blood stopped moving. The office erupted. Whistles. Shouts. Some guy slammed the table. "Brandon, you've got some serious balls, man." Another one laughed. "Brother, you're playing with fire." Brandon leaned back in his chair, drink in hand, a smirk cutting across his face. He lifted his glass for a toast. Then he caught a figure in the doorway. Raina. His face dropped. But the panic vanished fast. She couldn't hear. He set down the glass, walked over, and said, "Why'd you come here alone? I was supposed to pick you up for the dress fitting. You didn't even text me back." His hands moved with the words. "I thought something happened to you. I was so worried." The worry on his face looked real. She remembered being eighteen. Brandon fell for her at first sight. He chased her for two solid years. Flowers. Bags. Cash. Jewelry. He checked in every day. Every holiday, every birthday, he found a new way to surprise her. When her adoptive parents died, he never left her side. He held her through it, fed her, soothed her, walked her through the darkest stretch of her life. She finally said yes after his hundredth confession. Three years ago, she took a hit for him. The injury destroyed her auditory nerves. She couldn't hear anymore. She was devastated. She tried to end things. More than once. Brandon refused. He held her, begged her not to leave him, begged her to stay. He learned sign language. When the silence crushed her, he was there. The Thorne family fought the relationship. His father threatened to disown him publicly, cut him off from every network that mattered. Brandon didn't blink. He walked into the boardroom, slapped a trust fund waiver onto the table in front of his father, and said, "Fine. Keep the money. But you accept her." The standoff lasted months. They froze his cards. Took his car. Took his apartment. At the lowest point, he was crashing in a freezing studio with no heat near the office, living on whatever his friends spotted him, taking the subway to work. Raina cried and begged him to stop. He just held her and said, "Without you, the money means nothing." His father finally broke. Raina sobbed in his arms. "Why are you so stupid?" Brandon wiped her tears, gentle, and signed the words: I love you. The proposal was a spectacle. A mansion. A garden packed with her favorite pink peonies. The ring was Eternal Light, a diamond that had once belonged to European royalty. Priceless. He got down on one knee. The ruthless businessman who cut throats in the boardroom was trembling. His eyes were wet. He was terrified she'd say no. When she said yes, he jumped up. This man who never cried broke down completely. He held her for so long, wouldn't let go, like a kid who'd finally gotten the one toy he wanted most. The day after the proposal, someone knocked into her on the street. She hit her head. Her hearing came back. After a full checkup, the doctors confirmed it. She could hear again. Raina was overjoyed. She thought a life with Brandon's love was already more than she deserved. And now this. But when she went to tell him the good news, she learned about the other woman. No wonder. A month ago, the late nights started. He said work was crazy. His real work was between another woman's legs. He'd promised he would never betray her. A few short years, and his heart had already wandered. She dug her nails into her palm and forced herself out of the daze. The truth was there. A crack in everything. He had changed. She pulled herself back. Brandon was still signing. "Couldn't wait to see the dresses, could you? So you came without me?" After the engagement, he'd been obsessed with building their life. Their wedding was a month away. His dream. Raina knew there would be no wedding. The second she learned about his betrayal, she decided she was leaving.
She wasn't about to let him know she could hear. She gave a small nod. Relief washed over Brandon's face. He knew she was deaf. But those jackass friends of his were still in the office, and he didn't want them running their mouths. He took her hand and led her out. He signed as they walked. "Come on. Let's go look at those dresses." At the curb, a Mercedes S-Class was waiting. He reached for the passenger door. Someone was already in her seat. A girl. Gorgeous. Sharp, bright features. Raina knew her. Serafina Vance. She'd met Brandon in college. She'd just gotten back from overseas. Brandon froze. He'd made plans with Serafina for tonight. The hotel. He'd figured she'd show up later. Not this early. He forced his face neutral and signed to Raina, "Fina's on her way to the bridal shop too. We'll give her a ride." "She's getting engaged too?" Raina signed back. Before Brandon could speak, Serafina nodded, her gaze sliding over to him. "That's right. I'm getting engaged too." Brandon's expression twitched. He checked his watch, casual. "We should get going. The appointment." Then, like he'd just remembered, he pointed at Serafina and signed to Raina, careful, almost timid. "Fina gets carsick. She'll sit up front. Is that okay?" Raina remembered the rule. The passenger seat was hers. Only hers. He'd kicked out anyone who tried to sit there. She wasn't his exception anymore. She shrugged and climbed into the back. The car pulled away. The two up front knew she couldn't hear. They laughed and chatted like she wasn't there. "Brandon, that couple's meal at Moonlight last night was incredible. It's a little far, though. You're taking me again." Serafina's voice dripped sweetness. She flicked a glance at Raina in the rearview mirror. "Anything you want. I'll drive however far you like." He smiled at her, one hand on the wheel. "I knew it. You spoil me rotten." Serafina beamed. A spoiled little girl who always got her way. Before, Raina would've thought it was innocent small talk. Now she heard every word. They were flirting in front of her. Brazen. Shameless. Believing she was completely in the dark. Every syllable churned her stomach. Moonlight. The trendy new couple's restaurant in the city. She'd asked to go two weeks ago. He'd said he was swamped. Another time. He never mentioned it again. Too busy for her. But he had plenty of time for his little plaything. The man who used to share every meal with her now always had a client who couldn't get free. His client had a name. And a body. Wind came through the window. It scraped against her nerves. An hour later, they stopped at a bridal shop. Inside, the staff had lined up a hundred gowns. The latest couture. Brandon's eyes went soft, adoring. He signed, "Which designer do you like? I'll fly them in from Paris. Custom." "Raina, I'm giving you the most beautiful dress in the world. You'll be the most beautiful bride." The staff swooned. "Raina is so lucky. We see so many couples, but Mr. Thorne is the only one who always knows exactly what she wants. The styles. The sizes." Seven years together. He knew everything about her. Her measurements. Her cycle. He remembered it better than she did. The world saw a perfect romance. She knew it was rotting from the inside. She was barely interested. She pointed at a fishtail gown and stepped into the fitting room. She stared at her reflection. After losing her adoptive parents, her deepest wish was to build a family with him. A home. A happy one. She'd dreamed of putting on a white dress, holy and pure, and marrying him. Now the thought gutted her. She was about to step out when voices drifted in. "Brandon, you tore the last one. I bought a new set. Black lace. Your favorite. Tonight. Eight. My place." Serafina's voice was low. Her fingers traced up his chest. "Raina's in there. Not here." "What are you scared of? The staff's gone. And her?" She dragged out the pause, rising onto her toes, mouth close to his ear. "She can't hear. Unless… you don't want it anymore?" He laughed under his breath. A kiss. Soft. On her lips. "You're nothing but trouble. But my favorite look on you is nothing at all." "God, you're terrible." Low laughter. Murmured filth. Raina felt the bile rise. They'd been doing this in front of her the whole time. How many times? And she'd been too oblivious to notice. A fool. She couldn't stay in that room another second. She tore off the gown and walked out. Her face was pale. Brandon stood immediately, worry carved into his face. He stepped toward her, signing fast. "Raina? What's wrong? Is it your stomach again? Let me take you home."
He scooped her up and walked out. Serafina called his name behind them. He didn't look back. At the villa, he found her medicine. He made her a bowl of hot soup. She watched him rush around, and the weight of it pressed against her chest. He used to be the rich young master who'd never lifted a finger. She came into his life, and he stepped off his pedestal. He washed her clothes, cooked her meals, handled everything in the house. When she lost her hearing, he learned to sign. Just to speak to her. His friends always laughed at him. Whipped. Tamed. He didn't care. He wore it like a badge of honor. His woman deserved to be cherished. It made him proud. After the stomach problems started, he researched every bland recipe he could find. He didn't trust the housekeeper. He cooked all three meals himself. He swore he'd nurse her back to health. He had loved her that deeply. Down to the marrow. And now he was cheating behind her back. Her chest ached. His love, it turned out, could change in a heartbeat. She ate, then slept. When she woke, it was nearly eight. Brandon was still at her side. Waiting. He saw her eyes open and immediately brought her a glass of warm water. He held it to her lips. His phone rang. "Fina, relax. I'm heading out. Be a good girl and stay just like that for me." He turned his back. His voice had that edge of anticipation. Raina's heart pinched. She didn't want to count how many times he'd played this part. The doting boyfriend one second. The eager plaything the next. Who mattered more to him? She wanted to know. She caught his sleeve. "Brandon, stay with me tonight. Please?" He smiled. Doting. He stroked her hair and signed, "Baby, be good. Something urgent came up at work. The client really needs me there. I'll be back as soon as I'm done. Text me if you need anything." He put on his coat and left. Cold sank through her. There was a time when one word from her would make him drop everything. He'd walk away from a major deal just to be with her. Now he'd dump her for another woman without a second thought. Fine. She was done with him. She found the number she hadn't called in a long time. Her birth parents. She dialed. When the call ended, she opened her laptop. She studied maps of Europe, getting familiar with the place she'd soon call home. Her phone rang. Brandon. She stared at it. He hadn't called her since she went deaf. He always texted. She picked up. A moan spilled through the speaker. Breathy. Explicit. "Brandon, who makes you feel better? Me or her?" Serafina's voice. Sugary. "You. Obviously." Brandon's voice was thick with pleasure. No hesitation. "I knew it. Didn't you say it yourself? She's a dead fish in bed. Zero fun." "You're the only one for me. We fit." "You insatiable little demon." "Why do you keep bringing her up tonight—wait. Did you call Raina?!" His voice spiked. Panic. Anger. "She can't hear. This just makes it hotter, don't you think?" The line died. Raina's fingers whitened around the phone. She was under the blankets, but her body had never been so cold. It was almost funny. The injury she'd taken for him had become their foreplay. Brandon came home the next morning. He leaned in for his usual good-morning kiss. She turned away, smooth. The thought of his mouth on another woman last night sent a wave of nausea through her. He blinked. "You didn't change your clothes. You smell." She wrinkled her nose. Sex and strong perfume. It made her stomach turn. He caught himself and signed, "Late night at the office. I fell asleep at my desk. Must've bumped your number by accident." Lying. About last night. She didn't care anymore. She was leaving. No point in calling him out. At the table, he'd bought her favorite. Crab eggs benedict. She had no appetite. The place was in the opposite direction from his office. But it was right near Serafina's apartment. She'd seen Serafina's Instagram this morning. A photo of the same dish. The caption: "He said he'd wait two hours for me. Anything I want." Brandon had liked it. People in the comments asked if the guy was her boyfriend. She'd replied with a coy little emoji. One photo showed a man's hand feeding her. His face wasn't in the frame. But his fingers were long, a crescent-shaped scar on one of them. Exactly like Brandon's. He'd gotten it learning to cook for Raina. A burn. "Not hungry? What do you want? I'll make it right now." "At least have some milk. It'll settle your stomach." He saw she wasn't eating and went to warm a glass for her. "I'm not hungry. I'm going to the studio." She brushed him off and called a car. She'd loved to draw since she was a kid. After college, she opened her own art studio. By noon, the last painting was done. She was leaving soon. The studio needed to go. She pulled up a real estate agent's contact and sent a voice message. "I need to transfer my lease. I'm looking to sell the space. Before the end of the month." Footsteps. She looked up. Brandon stood in the doorway, brow furrowed. "Transfer? Why would you transfer it?"
He remembered she couldn't hear. He signed the question again. She answered without looking at him. "I'm relocating. So the space has to go." His face relaxed. The doting smile returned. "About time. With your talent, you should be in a bigger space. Just focus on your art. I'll find you the best location in LA. A huge studio. Don't stress about the little stuff." She didn't answer. She was relocating. But not in LA. She was leaving the country. "Why are you here?" she signed. He hadn't come to the studio since Serafina got back. "You mentioned that couple's restaurant. I've got a free afternoon. Thought I'd take you." He was all tenderness. He reached for her hand. She pulled away, smooth, and straightened her supplies. She wanted to say no. But her stomach was empty. She nodded. They sat down. A waiter hurried over, all smiles. "Mr. Thorne! The usual for you and your girlfriend? The ribeye and the red? We just got the freshest shipment flown in." Brandon's hand froze. Guilt flashed across his face. He glanced at Raina. She was still looking at the menu. She didn't seem to notice. He relaxed. He ordered efficiently, choosing all her favorites. He made sure the waiter knew the steak had to be medium rare. The way she liked it. The waiter knew him too well. They'd been here more than once. While they waited, she didn't want to talk. She excused herself to the restroom. When she came back, a server was holding a bottle of red wine. "Mr. Thorne, to celebrate you and your girlfriend becoming our VIPs, this is on the house. Enjoy your meal." Brandon's gaze cut past the server. Raina stood there, face blank. He knew she couldn't hear. But his heart still jumped. He forced himself calm and waved the server away. Raina sat down. She glanced at the wine. "I don't like red. And you're driving. Why'd you order this?" He pulled a smile together and signed, "I didn't. It's a gift from the restaurant." She made a cool, small sound and said nothing else. All those nights he'd said he was with clients. He'd been taking Serafina to dinner. The food arrived. He cut her steak into small pieces. He put them in front of her. He filled her plate, kept asking if everything was good, anxious she might not enjoy it. She gave him a few flat responses. He watched her carefully. She used to photograph every dish. She'd take selfies with him and post them on Instagram. Now she just ate, her face unreadable. An unease crept into his chest. "The food not good?" he signed. She shook her head. "It's fine." The food was fine. The company killed her appetite.
She finished fast and said she was going home. In the car, she stared out the window. His phone rang. He glanced at it and hit decline. The caller didn't give up. Three more declines. Then he answered. Serafina's syrupy voice filled the car. "Brandon, I'm at your office. Come find me." He lowered his voice, even though he thought Raina couldn't hear. "What are you doing at my office?" "The bedroom, the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, the car... you said you wanted to try the office. I'm here to make your wish come true. I've got on that tight little dress you love. And the set you like best. You've got thirty minutes. Otherwise I might have to find someone else..." Her voice was pure provocation. Brandon's expression shifted. His eyes darkened. His throat bobbed as he swallowed. "You wouldn't dare. You're mine, you little wildcat. Stay right there. I'm coming to deal with you." In all their years together, he'd been gentle with Raina in bed. Always careful. Always putting her comfort first. She'd never known he was chasing something like this. He hung up. He pulled to the side of the road and signed, "Baby, I'm so sorry. Work emergency. I need to get back right now. Can you grab a cab here?" His face was all apology. He didn't notice her fists. This was the highway. It was nearly impossible to get a car. He was dumping her here for another woman. She looked at him, calm. "Actually, I have something to do near your office. Let's ride together." He blinked. Panic stirred in his eyes. But he kept driving. When they pulled up to his building, she said, "It's been a while since I came up. I'll take a look around today." His face went pale. His signing turned sloppy. "I'm about to be really swamped. I probably can't give you a tour. Let's do it another day. I'll take you around myself." She smiled. "I'll just wander. You do your thing." He couldn't find a way out. He walked her up. Every step, his face was tight with anxiety. His eyes darted. They reached his office door. He opened it. A small, curvy figure launched herself at him. "Brandon! I've been waiting forever. I missed you so much!" He shoved her off. His face went white, then red. Serafina's pout melted when she saw Raina. Irritation flickered across her face. "Brandon, why'd you bring her? I got all ready. What a waste." "Not now. Let me send her off. Be good. Don't make a scene. I'll make it up to you later." Raina tilted her head. "What are you two talking about?" He turned to her fast, signing. "She was just passing by. Said it's been a while, wanted to say hi. You know how she is. She just got back from abroad. Very huggy. That greeting didn't mean anything."
Raina knew exactly how huggy Serafina could get. She'd been there at the airport when they picked her up. Serafina had wrapped herself around him, hugging, kissing, calling it European etiquette. It felt off. But she let it go. Until the group dinners started. The touches went past friendly. Serafina drank from his glass. She ate off his plate. Her hands were always on him. She pressed against him at every chance. Brandon used to keep a careful distance. He had boundaries. So Raina never questioned their relationship. She hadn't known they'd already been sleeping together behind her back. Her face stayed smooth. She nodded. "I'll head out, then." He escorted her down, all attentiveness, and got her a car. She climbed in. In the rearview mirror, she watched him spin around and rush back into the building. A dry smile touched her lips. He really couldn't wait. Back at the villa, she went to the studio on the first floor. It was full of Brandon. His portraits. Back when they burned hot, he was her only model. She loved painting him. Every brushstroke held the weight of her feelings. The largest piece hung in the center. A portrait of the two of them. Young. Leaning into each other. Eyes only for each other. His eyes had plenty of other things in them now. Clenched sand is best let go. A changed man is best thrown away. She carried Brandon's portraits to the garden. She threw them into the fire pit. Flames licked up the paper, hungry and fast. They ate through every memory. Last, the painting of them together went into the fire. "Raina! What are you doing?" Brandon. He'd come back. He saw what was burning. He lunged forward without thinking. He reached into the fire and pulled the painting out. But the flames were faster. Half of it was gone. Only his half remained. She watched him. "The paintings got old. They faded. No point keeping them." Like him. He'd spoiled. She didn't want him anymore. He clutched his burned hand, red and raw, and signed. "You still can't just burn them. You said this one was your favorite." Her eyes stirred. It had been. Now it was the one she wanted to see destroyed. She didn't speak. She just looked at him. She didn't understand what he was holding onto. He'd already given himself to another woman. These paintings were worth burning his hands for? He seemed to think she was angry. His face softened. Earnest. "No more, okay? These paintings were your love for me. It breaks my heart to see you throw them away." The hurt on his face was real. Beneath it, panic. She shrugged. No more. She'd paint again. New things. Nothing to do with the old him.
When Raina woke, Brandon was holding a dress. Red. It shimmered. "Baby, the company gala's tonight. Try this on. I had a Milan designer make it just for you." She'd forgotten about the gala. She didn't want to go. Before she could refuse, his phone rang. He took the call and signed at the same time. "Something at the office. I'll come back for you tonight." Then he was out the door. He returned to pick her up, already in his tux. He saw her in the dress. His face lit up. "Baby, you are the most beautiful woman on earth. Look, I chose a red tie. We match." He looked at her, eager for approval. She glanced at him and said nothing. At the venue, she didn't want to do the rounds with him. She made an excuse about getting food and slipped away to a corner. Serafina found her. A few of her friends trailed behind. She wore a gold backless gown tonight. Plunging neckline. Bare back. Curves on full display. Sexy. Provocative. Heads turned the whole way. Serafina's eyes skimmed over Raina, cool and dismissive. No greeting. "Fina, you look insane tonight. Every man in this room is glued to you. Your guy won't get jealous?" A friend sidled up with a wineglass, smirking. "Brandon picked this out himself. He spent all day with me. He said..." Serafina paused. She lowered her voice, just enough. "It's easy access. Gets him going just looking at it." "I told you. You're the one he wants. The deaf girl? That's pity. Put in some work. Get her gone." "Don't worry. Brandon will be mine soon enough." The friend pressed a hand to her mouth, a fake little giggle, and glanced at Raina. "The deaf girl's so stupid. We're saying all this right in front of her and she has no clue. Probably still dreaming about her big wedding." The group rippled with mocking laughter. Brandon finished his round and came over, pulling Raina along to greet everyone. One of his buddies leered. "Brandon, you lucky bastard. Look at Fina. That body's a crime. If she were mine, I wouldn't let anyone else see." "We only get to look. Brandon gets to look. And taste." Laughter exploded through the group. Serafina ducked her head, all coy, her eyes sliding over to Brandon. Everyone exchanged knowing glances. The looks bounced between the two of them. Raina had thought this was an affair. Hidden. Secret. But everyone around them knew. She was the only fool. The punchline. If she hadn't gotten her hearing back, how long would the lie have lasted? She might've married him and never known what was happening beside her in her own bed. Her face was calm. Beneath it, ice. Brandon kept his expression steady, as if they weren't talking about him. But when he spoke, his voice carried weight. "I told you. Not in front of Raina. If she finds out, I'll make you all regret it." He swept a cold look across the group. They shut up. Serafina's face tightened. She pouted. "Brandon, you're way too careful. What's there to be afraid of? She's deaf. She can't hear." The air changed. Everyone knew. Brandon's number one rule. You didn't mock his girlfriend's deafness. Anyone who did walked away with bruises. Or worse. He'd destroyed a man's business over it once. His best friend from childhood. Drunk. One comment. Brandon beat him so badly the guy couldn't leave his bed for a month. Then he cut him out of his life completely. It was the ultimate taboo in their circle. Now, everyone looked at each other. Someone opened their mouth, maybe to step in. Someone else pulled them back. Raina waited. Would he still defend her? Would he fight for her like before? Brandon's smile vanished. His eyes went dark. A long pause. Then, finally: "Don't say things like that again." No explosion. No violence. The crowd exhaled. Serafina practically glowed. She had her place in his heart. She knew it. The orphan girl was just a spell he'd fallen under. Give it time. She'd replace her. She came from the right family. She was his equal. So she took the out he'd offered. "Fine. Whatever you say." The mood loosened. Chatter resumed. Raina held her glass and watched the farce in silence. Serafina had carved out her spot. Brandon wanted to keep the mask on. He didn't want her to know. She wondered. If he found out she'd been able to hear this whole time, what would his face look like? Would he still stand there so calm, so composed? She was almost curious.
The speeches began. Brandon gave his remarks, polished and commanding. Then he called Raina to the stage. A thousand guests watched. He faced her, speaking and signing together. "Raina is the love of my life. My only love. She means more to me than my own life. Without her, nothing matters. I vow here, in front of everyone, to cherish her forever." Applause thundered through the room. Every gaze on her was full of envy. She felt nothing. She was thinking about how he did it. The tender words. The lies. How did he hold both at once? If she didn't know the truth, she'd believe she was the luckiest woman alive. His eyes burned with adoration. He expected her to light up. To tear up. Every time he made a grand gesture like this, she'd fall apart, laughing and crying, scolding him for ruining her makeup. This time, she just curved her lips. It looked like a smile. But what he saw in her eyes was cold. A flash of everything that had happened tonight cut through his mind. A nameless dread coiled in his chest. After the gala, she asked if he was coming home. He started to nod. His gaze caught something across the room. He paused. Then he signed. "I'm sorry. I've got more business tonight. You go ahead. Don't wait up." She nodded, indifferent. She turned toward the car. He grabbed her arm. His face was serious. "Once this stretch is over. After the wedding. I'll make it all up to you. Every minute. All my time. Yours." She gave him a faint smile. It meant nothing. She looked at him a moment longer, then shut the car door. In the mirror, she watched him climb into a red Porsche. The license plate was familiar. She'd seen it on Serafina's Instagram. That night, Serafina posted again. A photo of her and Brandon in bed. His face was still hidden. But the bare chest was unmistakable. Red marks covered their skin. The caption read: "Someone couldn't stop all night. His stamina is unreal. He told me I'm the only one who gets him this way. #blushing" Raina had thought this would still hurt. But staring at the screen, she felt nothing but stillness. That was what dead love felt like. She came downstairs the next morning. Brandon and Serafina were in the living room, talking. He saw her and hurried to explain. "Fina's place is getting renovated. She's staying with us. Just for now. Is that okay? If you're not comfortable, I'll figure something else out." He looked at her, half hopeful, half nervous. She glanced at the suitcases lined up. They'd already decided. If she said no, she'd be the unreasonable one. Besides, it was his house. He could invite whoever he wanted. She'd be gone soon anyway. "Whatever," she said. Relief broke across his face. He'd always known Raina was understanding. But something about her indifference unsettled him. He brushed it off. He grabbed Serafina's bags and headed upstairs. Serafina beamed, trailing after him. "Brandon, I finally get to live with you. Now everything's going to be so much easier." "Enough. Not in front of Raina." "What's the problem? She can't hear." Serafina looked back at Raina. Her eyes held a challenge. A smirk of victory. Raina met her gaze. Still water.
Raina woke in the middle of the night. The space beside her was empty. Thirsty. She got up for a glass of water. At the door, she heard noises. From the room next door. Serafina's door wasn't fully closed. Light bled through the gap. "Quiet, you little wildcat." Brandon's voice. Hoarse. Breathless. "You said she's a heavy sleeper. And she can't hear anyway. You love it when I'm loud. It drives you crazy every time." Serafina's voice. All pouty provocation. "Baby, don't you think this is so much hotter? She's right next door. We're in here. You like it. I can tell. Your body doesn't lie." A soft laugh. Absolute certainty. "You're going to kill me." Desire soaked his words. His hands gripped her waist. He didn't deny a thing. A crash of bodies. Her cries climbing. Raina lifted her phone. She pressed stop on the recording. She walked back to her room. Her face was blank. Brandon didn't come back to bed. When she went down the next morning, breakfast was already on the table. A bowl of easy-to-digest oatmeal. Made for her. And a plate of fried eggs and bacon. The kind she'd never liked. She knew without thinking. That plate was for someone else. He'd once sworn he'd only ever cook for her. Now his devotion had a second portion. It felt cheap. Worthless. A little while later, Serafina floated down. Glowing. She sipped her coffee and purred, "Brandon, you wrecked me last night. I can barely walk." "Delicate thing. You seemed to be having a pretty good time." He set down a plate of French toast. "You asked for this. I'm fueling you up. Don't tell me tonight you're too tired again." Serafina's lips curved. Her eyes glittered. "More. I want more." Brandon's gaze lingered on her. He didn't answer. He stood and ladled oatmeal for Raina. "I simmered this for an hour. I checked the temperature. It's perfect. Eat. Good for your stomach. You've lost weight lately. I haven't been taking care of you. Once this is all over, I'll make it up to you." He placed the bowl in front of her. Tender. Doting. The perfect boyfriend. She lowered her eyes. She was leaving. She didn't need his care. The oatmeal smelled good, but she had no appetite. She drank a glass of milk and stood. "Something to do. I'm leaving first." "Raina, please eat. I worry about your stomach." He caught her hand, face tight with concern. She pulled free. Fast. Didn't look back. "No need. I don't like it." He stared after her. The coldness in her voice sent a spike of dread through him. She'd never treated him like this. She used to love his cooking. Was he doing something wrong? Maybe he'd been distant lately. She was just sulking. She was easy to soothe. Once this was over, he'd buy her something nice. She'd come around. She always did. He exhaled. Raina did have business. The studio. Signing the transfer papers. The agent smiled. "Moving somewhere new? We cover the best listings in LA. Guarantee you'll love what we find." She shook her head, polite. "I'm leaving Los Angeles." The departure was days away. She met her best friend, Delia Lin, for lunch. She told her everything. The hearing. Leaving the country. Delia's face went from shock to joy to fury on her behalf. "Renie, I'm happy for you. Whatever you choose, I've got your back." They spent the whole day together. When Raina got home that night, Brandon was on the couch. His face was dark. He held a courier envelope. "Raina. What is this?" She looked. The passport. Sent from the visa office. She walked over. She took it from his hand. Calm. "It's a friend's. She's traveling. She had it mailed here for safekeeping." The suspicion in his eyes dissolved. He pulled her into a hug. "Baby, you scared me half to death. You can't leave me. I wouldn't survive it." Half joking. Half serious. His hands shook slightly as he signed. "By the way. I have a business trip. A week. You'll be okay on your own? I'll be back right before the wedding." He watched her, careful. Scared she'd object. She looked at him. Into his dark eyes. "Maybe we should cancel the wedding." He erupted. "No! Raina, what's wrong? You don't want to marry me? Or you're worried I won't make it back? I'll be there. I swear."
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