Chapter 4

The phone buzzed again, its shrill ring slicing through the silence. Only when I silenced it did peace return, fragile and fleeting.

I couldn't wrap my head around how Legacy and I, once inseparable, had spiraled to this low. Early on, he'd confessed to a past love—'the one who got away,' as they say. To soothe my insecurities, he'd vowed I’d be his only, his forever. He promised to be my family—a word that carried weight for someone like me, orphaned and alone.

For a while, we were happy. Truly happy.

But then Arabella returned from abroad, and everything fell apart.

I should’ve known better than to believe Legacy could ever truly commit to me.

Done with the heartache, I reached out to an old friend to draft a separation agreement. It was only when the papers landed in my hands that I felt a sliver of relief.

Sleep finally claimed me as dawn crept closer.

But just as I sank into oblivion, a rough shake jolted me awake.

My eyes fluttered open to Arabella’s saccharine grin. 'Estrella, you’re awake!' she trilled. 'Legacy and I brought your favorite spiced honey cake. Come on, have a bite.'

She fumbled with my bed, yanking at me carelessly. Her clumsy attempt to help me sit up tugged at my wounds, and I gasped, shoving her away instinctively.

Arabella stumbled back, but Legacy caught her swiftly. His voice was laced with panic. 'Are you okay, Arabella?'

She burst into theatrical sobs, weakly pushing him away. 'I’m fine, Legacy. Let go, or Estrella might get upset again.'

I watched her performance with icy detachment.

I knew Legacy’s anger was coming.

Sure enough, once he’d calmed her, he stormed over and struck near my wound. Pain stole my voice, leaving me gasping.

Legacy looked satisfied. 'Estrella Ruiz, you had this coming,' he spat.

Our eyes locked. My face was ghostly pale.

Legacy’s expression was cold, while Arabella flashed me a triumphant smirk.

The wound on my abdomen tore open, blood seeping through the gauze.

Legacy glanced at it, frowning. 'Arabella, you’re squeamish at the sight of blood. Don’t look; it’s gross.'

Then, shielding her with his body, he walked away, leaving me bleeding and broken.