Chapter 464
Chapter 464
Chapter 262: Pinky Swear
Savannah
My thoughts refused to settle.
They spun endlessly, colliding into one another relentlessly. Every time I thought I’d reached some fragile understanding, another memory surfaced.
River was the one who finally broke the silence.
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“You mentioned earlier,” she began, her voice gentle and measured, as though she were stepping through a minefield, “that someone was injecting Roman p>
I nodded, slowly. My neck felt stiff, like even that small movement took effort.
“Did you see the person’s face?” she asked. “Did you recognize him p>
Another nod. This one was heavier.
“Yes,” I said quietly. “He was there when Roman was shot. In New Hope. I saw him that day. He was also in Italy. That was the first time I saw him.” My fingers curled into the fabric of my blouse. “He disappeared right after Roman was shot. I never saw him again until today.
That bastard p>
River’s lips pressed into a thin line as she processed that. Her gaze drifted, unfocused, staring at something far beyond the walls of the
room.
“Then how did he get here?” she murmured. “Do you have any idea?” She hesitated, then looked at me again, eyes sharp despite the softness. “You think he’s working for my father, don’t you?” The words landed softly.
I looked down at my hands, at how tightly I was gripping the hem of my blouse, my knuckles pale. I didn’t know how to respond.
Reginald was her father. Saying his name felt dangerous enough. Accusing him–especially to his daughter–felt like crossing an invisible line I wasn’t sure I was ready to.
Silence stretched between us. I could feel it weighing on her, on me, pressing into my lungs.
Then River laughed softly. Not amused. Not happy. Just … tired.
“I understand,” she said, as if she could hear the war raging inside my head.
12:54 Sat, Jan 31
Chapter 464
I swallowed but didn’t speak.
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I didn’t know what to say anymore. Not after everything. Not after realizing how easily loyalty could be faked, how quickly trust could
turn lethal. I didn’t know who was safe in this house. I didn’t know who was watching. I didn’t even know if I was allowed to breathe
without permission.
River seemed kind. She seemed sincere. But looks were deceptive. Those wide green eyes–soft, doe–like, almost innocent–could easily be
hiding something sharp underneath. Something vicious. Something trained.
Still, my silence didn’t discourage her. If anything, it seemed to make her more determined.
“My father engaged me to Arthur on my tenth birthday,” she said suddenly.
The words were so calm they made my chest tighten.
“I didn’t even know what that meant then,” she continued, staring down at her hands. “I thought it was something like a promise. Like a
pinky swear for grownups. Something adults talked about and forgot p>
She let out a quiet breath. “Now it’s been fifteen years. Fifteen years of knowing exactly what it means p>
I remained quiet, afraid that if I spoke, I’d stop her from going any further.
“I’ve had fifteen years to understand that I’ll be Arthur’s wife,” she said. “And the mother of his children. Regardless of how I feel.
Regardless of how he feels. Regardless of the fact that my heart wants-” She stopped herself, shook her head. “It doesn’t matter p>
My throat burned.
“I know I’m a terrible person,” she added softly, “for what I’m doing to Arthur. He’s been nothing but kind to me. Respectful. Gentle. He
hates this arrangement just as much as I do p>
I finally cleared my throat. “Then why-” My voice wavered. I tried again. “Why don’t you tell him you don’t want this? Why can’t Arthur
back out p>
She laughed but not softly this time. Bitterly.
“It’s not that easy, Savannah.” Her eyes met mine, sharp and knowing. “We’re pawns. Chess pieces on a board set up by wealthy men who got bored of playing fair. If either of us tries to step out of line, there’s no guarantee we’ll still be alive afterward p>
My stomach twisted.
12:54 Sat, Jan 31
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.