Chapter 3 The Night Everything Broke

Five years ago. The rain hadn't stopped that night. It clung to the windows of Dominic's penthouse, streaking the glass like something trying to claw its way inside. I stood in the middle of the living room, staring at the engagement ring on my finger. It felt heavier than gold. It felt like a countdown. "You're quiet."

Dominic's voice came from behind me. Warm. Familiar. Safe.

Back then, he still looked at me like I was his future. Not his enemy. "I'm thinking," I said softly.

He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. His chin rested on my shoulder. "About the wedding?" he asked. "Because if you're worried about the guest list, I'll cut it in half."

A small smile touched my lips. "I'm not worried about the guest list." "Good," he murmured. "Because in three months, you're not backing out." Three months. That was before the audit surfaced. Before the accusations. Before his father called me into his office. Before everything shattered. Dominic turned me gently so I faced him. "You're nervous," he said, studying my face. "Why?" Because your father threatened to destroy my family. Because he told me you were being set up. Because he said the only way to save you was to disappear. But I couldn't tell him that.

Not when his father made it clear what would happen if I did.

"I just feel like everything is happening fast," I lied.

Dominic smiled faintly. "We've been together for four years, Elena."

"I know."

"And I've wanted to marry you since the first."

His thumb brushed my cheek gently.

"Nothing is fast when it's right."

My chest tightened painfully. You don't know what's coming, I thought. A knock at the door cut through the moment. Dominic frowned. "At this hour?" "I'll get it," I said quickly, stepping away. My heart pounded because I already knew who it was. His father didn't wait to be invited in.

Mr. Russo walked inside with the same cold authority he carried into every room. Perfect suit. Perfect composure. Perfect calculation.

"Elena," he greeted calmly.

"Sir."

Dominic stepped forward. "Dad, what's going on?"

His father didn't look at him. Instead, his sharp eyes remained on me.

"We need a moment." Dominic's jaw tightened. "Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of me."

His father finally glanced at him.

"This concerns her."

Silence fell. Dominic looked at me, confused. "It's fine," I said quickly. "I'll be right back." The lie burned on my tongue. I followed Mr. Russo into the hallway outside the apartment. The door shut behind us. And his tone changed instantly.

"You have until midnight," he said.

My stomach dropped.

"You promised-"

"I promised to protect my son's reputation," he corrected. "The audit goes public tomorrow. When it does, Dominic will take the blame."

"He didn't do anything."

"That doesn't matter."

Cold. Heartless.

"Investors need someone to point at," he continued. "And right now, that someone is him." Tears burned behind my eyes.

"You said you could fix it."

"I can."

Hope flickered.

"If you leave."

The word echoed in the hallway.

"You walk away tonight," he said evenly. "No explanation. No contact. You disappear."

"And if I don't?"

His eyes sharpened. "Then your father's company becomes part of the investigation. Old tax filings. Old debts. I'm sure we'll find something." My breath shook. "You can't do that." "I can," he said simply. "And I will." The rain outside grew louder, like it was applauding his cruelty. "You're punishing me for loving him," I whispered. "I'm protecting him from choosing you over the company." The words hit like a blade. "If he stays with you," Mr. Russo continued, "he'll defend you. He'll fight the board. He'll destroy his own future." He stepped closer.

"And I will not allow that."

My chest felt hollow. "So you want me to break him."

"I want you to prove you're strong enough to do what's necessary."

Tears slid silently down my cheeks.

"You said you loved him," he added.

"I do."

"Then leave."

The hallway felt too small. Too suffocating.

"If I go," I whispered, "you'll clear his name?"

"Yes."

"And you won't touch my family?"

"Yes."

"And he'll never know?"

His expression didn't change. "He will believe what he chooses to believe." That wasn't an answer. But it was the only one I was getting.

Inside the apartment, I heard Dominic moving.

Waiting. Trusting me. I closed my eyes. "Midnight," his father reminded. When I walked back inside, Dominic looked up immediately.

"You okay?" he asked.

I forced my expression blank.

"I can't do this."

Confusion crossed his face. "Do what?"

"This. Us."

The words felt like acid.

"Elena-"

"I'm leaving."

Silence.

Heavy. Devastating.

"You're joking," he said softly.

"I'm not."

His eyes darkened.

"Why?"

Because I love you. Because I'm saving you.

Because your father gave me no choice. "Because I don't want this anymore," I said instead. The lie shattered something in his face.

"You're lying."

"I'm not."

"Elena."

My name sounded broken.

"I'm done," I whispered.

And then I took off the ring. I placed it on the table between us. And walked out.

Present Day. I hadn't thought about that night in years. Not in full. Not in detail. But standing in my apartment now, staring at my reflection in the mirror, it all came back. Dominic's face when I left.The disbelief. The betrayal. The hatred that must have grown in its place. My phone buzzed suddenly. A message from Dominic. Be ready tomorrow. 8 p.m. Sharp. Then another message came through immediately after. And this one made my blood run cold. Wear the ring. I stared at the screen. My hands began to shake.

Because I didn't have it.And there was no way he should think I did.