Chapter 5 5

The next morning, school felt like a blur.

Daph and I made time for each other between classes, sneaking small laughs and sharing snacks like always. But we had different schedules now, barely catching each other in the hallways. Still, her smile kept me grounded.

Then the emails came in. College application results.

We both screamed when we got the notification. We ran out to the back of the school near the benches, barely able to contain ourselves. Our fingers trembled as we logged in.

She shrieked first. "Oh my God! I got in!"

"To where?" I asked, already feeling my heart slam.

"Luxe University," she beamed. "Fashion Design program!"

My breath caught. That was our dream school. I quickly checked mine. It loaded slower than ever.

Then it appeared.

Congratulations, you have been accepted into Luxe University – Business & Marketing Management program.

Tears instantly welled in my eyes. "Daph... I got in too."

We hugged, crying and laughing, spinning in circles like two kids who just got the world handed to them. But deep inside, a shadow lingered. Luxe wasn't cheap. My mother couldn't afford it. I could only pray Daph's parents would find it in their heart to keep sponsoring me, like they've always done.

That evening at home, there was celebration everywhere.Ken made sure to make it special. The workers did a lot of work, I stayed over and we really celebrated. We had cake, drinks. They toasted our futures.

But I couldn't enjoy it.

Because Ken was there.

And my heart was breaking in ways I couldn't hide.

I avoided him, barely meeting his gaze. I couldn't bear to see the light in his eyes fade when he found out the truth.

But Ken had never been the type to let things slide.

He cornered me in the backyard, where the soft lights of the party barely reached. I turned away, trying to hide my shame.

"Why are you avoiding me?" His voice was soft, but tight.

"I can't do this right now," I whispered.

He stepped closer. "Did I do something wrong?"

My silence said everything.

"Lia..." he reached out, brushing my cheek. "Talk to me."

I flinched. "Don't. Please. Don't touch me."

His eyes darkened. "Tell me what happened."

I swallowed hard, my throat burning. "It's Ruben."

He froze.

I pushed forward, my voice shaking. "We... we spent the night together."

I couldn't even say the word love. I didn't know what it was anymore.

His breath hitched, and I saw it raw, unfiltered heartbreak.

For the first time ever, tears slid down Ken's cheeks. "I knew it. I knew he'd always have a piece of you."

"I didn't mean to hurt you," I sobbed. "I didn't know what I was doing."

"You didn't hurt me," he said brokenly. "He did. Again."

Then his voice cracked into something colder, deeper. "Ruben doesn't love anyone, Lia. He never has. And he never will. He'll use your heart the same way he uses everyone until there's nothing left."

He turned and walked away, and I dropped to my knees. I had never seen Ken cry before. Never imagined I could be the reason.

I went inside, wiping my face and trying to act normal.

But then the television caught everyone's attention.

Breaking News: Billionaire Heir Ruben Saint Accused of Living Double Life

My heart stopped.

The news anchor's voice echoed across the room.

"A rival tech company has accused Saint Industries heir, Ruben Saint Delwunco , of lying to investors. Reports claim that Ruben is secretly involved in a same-sex relationship, despite public denials. The scandal comes just days before a billion-dollar endorsement deal with a conservative Asian conglomerate, known for its zero-tolerance stance on LGBTQ+ affiliations."

Gasps filled the room.

I didn't wait.

I ran up the stairs, straight to Ruben's private study. I didn't knock. I barged in.

"Ruben!" I cried.

He stood by the window, back turned to me. Distant. Silent.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, breathless. "I just saw the news. Are you okay?"

He didn't answer.

I stepped forward, trying to catch my breath and that's when I saw them.

Pictures. Dozens of them. Scattered all over his desk.

My body froze.

I walked closer, slowly, dread crawling over my skin like ice.

And then I saw them.

Me.

Naked.

From the night we spent together.

My scream tore through the air.

"What the hell is this?!" I cried, tears burning down my face. "You took pictures of me? Last night? Are you serious, Ruben?!"

Still, he didn't move. Didn't flinch. Finally, he turned around and his face was blank. Not regretful. Not angry. Just... cold.

Without a word, he reached for a document on the table and held it out.

I hesitated.

He kept his hand steady.

I snatched it from him, my fingers trembling.

It was a contract.

Clause One: Minimum of five years before either party may seek divorce. No exceptions.

I closed it couldn't read anymore, it was a marriage contract.

"What is this?" I choked out, eyes scanning the page. "What the hell is this?!"

He sat in his chair, calm. Composed.

"You sign the contract," he said, "and the pictures disappear. Forever."

I stared at him in disbelief.

"Congrats on your admission, by the way," he added with a mocking smile. "Once we're married, you'll never have to worry about tuition or money again."

He leaned back in his chair, smug. "Like I said you still haven't grown up. But I'll take care of you. You'll be mine, officially."

He placed a pen beside the contract.

"Sign it when you're ready."

I couldn't speak. Couldn't move.

My heart shattered into pieces too small to name, he didn't love me he's just playing with me, then it hit me...ken was right, I was just a pawn in whatever twisted game he was playing.

I didn't sign.

I just stood there, crying. Shaking.

Because deep down I knew I would.

Not because I wanted to.

But because I had no choice.