Chapter 1 The Message

Come to Room 303 at Cascid Hotel.

That was all the message said. No emojis. No "see you soon." Just a plain, five-word text from Mark-my boyfriend of three years.

I stared at the screen, heart pounding. Something about the message felt...different. Not cold, but definitely not warm either. Still, I couldn't help but let my mind wander.

Maybe this was the moment. Maybe, after all the years we had spent together-after everything-we were finally stepping into forever.

Mark hadn't been himself lately. The distance between us was growing, like an invisible wall neither of us wanted to admit was there. He had been constantly tense, easily irritated, and often distracted. At first, I thought it was me. But then I remembered the King's Company deal.

He'd been chasing that contract for years. It was all he ever talked about when we first left school. Landing that deal would be the turning point for his family's company-and, in a way, his future.

So I gave him space. I told myself the mood swings, the arguments, the absence... were all temporary. Stress can change people. I convinced myself that when the deal finally came through, things would go back to the way they were.

And now, here it was. A message. An invitation to a hotel.

A proposal?

A celebration?

Maybe both.

"Oh my God," I whispered, staring at myself in the mirror. "What if it's a ring?"

I hadn't told anyone where I was going-not even my sister. I wanted this moment to be just for us. I'd spent nearly an hour getting ready, trying on four different dresses before settling on a silky peach one that made my skin glow. My hair was pinned back with soft curls spilling down, and my lips were painted the same coral shade Mark once said reminded him of summer.

I grabbed my small purse, slipped into my heels, and left my apartment with a heart full of hope.

---

The Cascid Hotel was stunning, a place that whispered luxury with every breath. The polished marble floors stretched endlessly under glittering chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds in a jewelry box. The air smelled like fresh-cut roses mixed with subtle hints of sandalwood and vanilla.

As I stepped through the grand entrance, I felt like I was walking into a dream. Every detail-from the gold-trimmed walls to the elegant staircase and velvet lounge chairs-screamed opulence.

Mark had gone all out.

At the front desk, the receptionist greeted me with a bright, professional smile.

"Good afternoon. I'm here for a reservation under the name Mark," I said, trying to keep my voice calm despite the flurry in my chest.

She tapped a few keys on her computer, then reached for the phone. After a moment, she frowned slightly. "His line isn't going through, but he left instructions. Here's your access card. Room 303."

I took the card from her, forcing a smile. "Thank you."

My fingers trembled slightly as I approached the elevator. Each step echoed in my ears. I pressed the button, and the soft chime felt unusually loud.

As I ascended, I couldn't help but picture it all. Would he be kneeling? Maybe the room would be filled with candles. Or rose petals. Or-

I shook my head, laughing softly. "Calm down, girl."

The elevator doors opened with a smooth whisper. The hallway was quiet, elegant, and stretched endlessly in both directions. My heels clicked softly on the polished floor as I walked down toward Room 303.

When I reached the door, I paused.

Just breathe.

I adjusted the strap on my dress and placed the card against the scanner. A small green light blinked. The door unlocked with a soft click.

I pushed it open, expecting music... maybe soft lighting... something romantic.

But instead-

I froze.

There, just a few feet away, on the bed I thought was reserved for celebration, was Mark.

Naked. Moving. Thrusting.

My brain shut down for a moment. The shock created a static hum in my ears. I blinked hard, thinking I'd walked into the wrong room. Maybe this wasn't Room 303. Maybe this was some twisted, unfortunate mistake-

But then I saw it.

The small, distinct mole on his back. Just below the shoulder blade. The same one I'd once traced with my finger, the same one I'd kissed on lazy Sunday mornings.

It was Mark.

"Mark?" My voice came out shaky, barely a whisper, but sharp enough to slice the air.

He froze.

Like a guilty man caught mid-crime, he scrambled off the bed, grabbing at sheets, pants-anything to cover himself. His face turned pale, mouth parting in shock and shame.

"I-I can explain-" he stammered.

But I didn't care about him anymore.

Not when I saw her.

The girl he was on top of. The girl who was now sitting up slowly, pulling the sheets around her body with zero shame.

My sister.

She stared at me, lips curled into a smirk, her eyes dark with satisfaction. She didn't even flinch. She didn't look sorry. If anything, she looked pleased. Like she had been waiting for this moment.

For me to walk in.

The betrayal hit like ice water poured over fire.

"No," I whispered, my hands trembling. "No. No, this isn't happening."

Mark tried to step toward me, but I took a step back. I couldn't breathe. My chest heaved, and my vision blurred.

"Zara, I'm sorry-"

"Don't," I hissed. "Don't say my name with that mouth. Not after this."

My sister lay there still, smug as ever. She leaned back against the headboard like it was her throne.

"Guess you weren't enough after all," she said quietly, her tone laced with venom.

My heart shattered.

I turned around, stumbling backward out of the room. The door slammed shut behind me.

And just like that, the night I thought would change my life did.

Just not in the way I ever imagined.

---

To Be Continued...