Chapter 41
Elaine’s POV.
As the car doors close and we move toward the reception, I force my mind back to my plan. A few months that all. I can survive a few months of this. And maybe, just maybe, the universe will tip the scales in my favor before it’s too late.
The car smells like leather and something sharp I can’t place.. Zane’s world. The door shuts and the sound feels final.
Zane loosens his tie the second we pull away from the curb. He coughs again, deeper this time, like it comes right from his chest instead of his throat. His fingers scrape at his collar, irritation written into the tight set of his jaw. I keep my face forward, eyes on the darkened window, watching the chapel lights blur as we move.
I shouldn’t feel this satisfied
But I do anyway
Lucas stands on the steps as we drive off, arms crossed, watching until we disappear down the road. Noah and Caleb linger behind him. I know that look, they all think I did something.
Zane shifts beside me, restless. “Did you take any anything before the ceremony p>
I glance at him, slow. “Yes Water”
It’s not really a lie is it?. I mean the apple drink has watery essence.
His breathing changes, shallow now. He presses his palm flat to his thigh like grounding himself. The driver’s eyes flick up to the rearview mirror, then back to the road.
“You alright sir!?” the driver asks.
Zane nods once, clipped. “Just allergies”
I hum softly. “That so”
He shoots me a sharp look.. Like something doesn’t add up and he hates not knowing what piece of on the chess board he’s missing.
“You’re enjoying this” he says under his breath.
I turn fully toward him now. “Enjoying what”
“This” he gestures vaguely to his chest, his throat. “You look pleased”
I lean back into the seat. Cross my legs carefully, deliberately. “You’re imagining things”
His lips thin. He coughs again, harsher. His knuckles are whitening where he grips the edge of the seat.
The car slows as it turns into the long drive leading to the reception venue. A hotel. Of course it is. Tall glass, valets and a bunch of people waiting.
Zane exhales through his nose, controlled but strained. “If this is one of your little games He threatens
“I don’t play little games” I say. “I don’t play games at all”
He laughs but it comes out wrong, short and tight. He rubs his throat again and for the first time I see it. Red creeping along his neck. Small hives just beneath his collar.
There it is
Apparently the driver notices too. “Sir p>
“Drive” Zane snaps.
The car rolls to a stop anyway. The car doors open and the outside noise rush in. People with flash lights positioned in our faces. Hands reaching to open doors.
Zane stiffens. His breathing stutters.
I watch his pride fight his body and lose.
He swallows hard. Fails. Coughs again, this time bending forward slightly. His hand scrapes at his throat harder now.l
The driver turns fully in his seat. “Sir your pen”
Zane’s eyes flick to him, then to me. For half a second, something like pure fury crosses his face.
“You” he rasps. “Did you You did something didn’t you p>
I smile sweetly. “Did I what husband “
The driver is already reaching into the glove compartment, pulling out the EpiPen with shaking hands. He thrusts it toward me since I’m closer to Zane.
“I I can’t” he stammers. “I’ve never done this before”
I stare at the pen. My pulse hums low and steady. This is what I wanted, just a little discomfort for him. A reminder th he’s not untouchable.
Zane’s head tips back against the seat. His jaw clenches. His eyes flutter just slightly.
Not that far
Not like this
I click my tongue softly. “You are so dramatic”
His gaze snaps to me, unfocused but furious. “You did this”
I lean closer, low enough that only he can hear me. “You married your enemy… what did you expect”
His breathing turns rough and uneven. His hand fumbles against the door like he’s losing coordination.
The driver’s voice cracks. “Ma’am please”
I take the pen.
Not gently.
“Relax” I say. “I’m not going to let you die. That would be inconvenient for my family p>
I press it hard into his thigh, harder than necessary. I don’t warn him and I ddmt hesitate, I wanted it to hurt him as much as he’s hurt me and my family.
He hisses through his teeth, a sharp sound ripped from his chest. His body jerks, then stills as the medication floods into his system.
For a moment, the only sound is his breathing. Then slowly, painfully, it steadies.
I pull the pen away and drop it back into the driver’s hand.
“There” I say, smoothing my dress. “You are both welcome”
Zane slumps back against the seat, eyes closed, jaw tight, chest rising and falling like he ran a mile he didn’t train for.
When he opens his eyes again, they lock onto mine.
There’s no gratitude in them.
Good.
“War it is” he says hoarsely.
I smile wider. “You started it”
Zane’s hand tightens on the back of the seat.
“Hospital,” he says, voice rough, breath uneven. “Now p>
The driver glances at him in the mirror, hesitation flickering for half a second. “Sir, the reception p>
“Cancel it,” Zane snaps, coughing into his fist. His jaw clenches like it takes effort just to keep upright. “Tell them there’s a medical situation. I don’t care what you tell them p>
I feel the car swerve slightly as the driver changes lanes. He nods once, already reaching for his phone. “Yes, sir p>
Zane leans his head back, eyes briefly closing. His throat looks angry, flushed, his breathing shallow. I guess the EpiPen was just slowing down the allergic reaction.
“Don’t slow down,” he adds, opening his eyes again. “And don’t call anyone until we get there p>
The driver’s voice is steady when he answers. “Understood p>
The car surges forward, and for the first time since knowing him Zane doesn’t look so untouchable anymore.