The Alpha's abducted toy: The devil for a mate

KELILAH'S POV

A sharp knock on my door jolted me from my haze.

"Kelilah?"

Groggily, I made my way to the door, but when I opened it, no one was there. A chill ran down my spine as I called out into the dimly lit hallway. "Dad?"

Silence.

I ventured to the living room, my heart pounding, only to find darkness. Just as my fingers touched the light switch, a sudden hand landed on it.

"Ahh!" I screamed, stumbling back.

"Kelilah, it's us!"

Mom and Loveth stood before me, faces lit with excitement.

"Mom? Loveth?" I gasped. Relief and joy flooded through me as they enveloped me in warm embraces.

"It's been four years now, Kelilah," Loveth added, her voice tinged with emotion. "Four years since we've all been together like this."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I pulled them both into another hug. Four years wasn't a short time.

Loveth had left to travel with Mom when she began her surgery in New York, and though we kept in touch, it was never the same.

"You look so different, Loveth," I said, holding her at arm's length to take her in. Her golden hair shone under the light, and her light brown eyes sparkled with mischief, just like always.

"And you look just the same, Spare," she teased,

Ah, yes, "Spare"-a nickname she'd given me, because, as she liked to say, I was her other half, her spare part. More like a spare tyre.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't start with that. Loveth"

As we moved to the couch at the living room, Loveth continued to tease me about the nickname, while Mom fussed over me.

Everything was going just fine, but then our joy was short-lived.

That night, Dad received a call. His serious expression as he read it stole the laughter from the room.

"What's wrong?" Mom asked, her voice laced with concern.

"The King has decided it's time for the bridal selection," Dad announced gravely. "Korvus is ready to claim a bride."

"What!!!", I gasped.

The air grew thick with tension, a weight settling on our shoulders.

Morning came with an unsettling quietness that only seemed to amplify the tension lingering in our home. For as long as I could remember, our family had been fortunate enough to avoid this cursed ritual. But today, the dread was palpable, so heavy in the air like an unspoken omen.

"We should be leaving soon," Father finally said, his voice breaking the silence.

Loveth looked at him, her eyes wide with fear. "Do you think it will be us?" she asked softly.

Father didn't answer immediately. "We will face whatever comes with it" he said at last, though his tone lacked conviction.

I felt a pang of guilt. Loveth had just returned from a long and exhausting trip, only to be thrust into this nightmare. It's not even been up to 24hrs that she arrived. She didn't deserve this. Nobody did.

When the carriage finally arrived, it took us on the ride to the temple, a suffocating one. No one spoke, even the clatter of hooves seemed muted.

Nathan, the high priest, greeted us at the entrance, but his calm demeanor did little to ease my nerves. "Only the princesses may enter the inner sanctum," he said firmly.

My heart sank as Loveth and I followed the hooded acolytes into the dimly lit temple, the scent of incense thick in the air. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of past selections, each one harrowing than the last.

We were led to a circular chamber where four other princesses awaited, their faces pale with dread. At the center stood a pedestal holding a faintly glowing crystal orb.

Just then, Nathan appeared and addressed us solemnly. "Each of you will place your hand on the orb. It will judge your suitability."

One by one, the princesses stepped forward, each passing the test without incident.

When it was Loveth's turn, she hesitated, glancing at me for reassurance. I nodded, my own nerves fraying. She placed her hand on the orb, and its light pulsed rhythmically. Nathan's furrowed brow betrayed his unease as he kept his gase on her, but said nothing.

Finally, it was my turn. My legs felt like lead as I approached the pedestal. I didn't want to touch it, but I had to. As soon as my hand touched the orb, it flared to life, bathing the chamber in brilliant light.

Gasps echoed around me.

My breath got caught in my throat. It shouldn't be me. It just can't be me.

Nathan's voice cut through the tension. "It is decided. The Anderson family will provide the king's bride"

The weight of his words crushed me as loveth and I exchanged horrified glances.

It's was over now. We were doomed.

Back at home, Mother sobbed in silence, her face a mask of emotions, too raw to show. Father had retreated to his room, no doubt to avoid confronting the inevitable. And Tyra, well, she was nowhere to be found.

I couldn't sit in my room any longer. I had to check on Loveth. Yes I was pained, but I was way stronger than Loveth– emotionally.

Opening her door, I found her wiping her eyes hastily.

"Loveth?, have you been crying?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"No... of course not," she stuttered, her voice shaky as she tried wiping off her tears for the second time.

I sighed, walking over to sit beside her on the bed.

"Don't lie to me, Loveth. I can see the tears."

She stiffened. "I told you, it's nothing."

"You're upset. I can tell. I'm sorry, it's all my fault," I persisted, trying to reach out to her, but her walls were firmly in place.

"Kelilah, stop it!!!." Her voice broke, and I could feel the tension in the air growing thicker. "It's not your fault. None of this is your fault."

It was clear that speaking to her right now wasn't a good idea, so quietly, I plopped In her bed. But she still remained seated with her back facing me. It was just like her to hide her tears away from me.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you", she apologized.

"No need to apologize, Loveth. I'm not even offended",

"Still. I shouldn't have. It's not like it's your fault", she said.

"What do you think is going to happen now?" I asked her instead, waving off the topic.

"We are the only daughters of king Anderson, so it has to be one of us", she said.

"But, I think something can be done about this. Maybe we can speak to Nathan and make him change his mind about it, maybe he can re-host the selection , and probably choose another family", I said and she scoffed.

"It doesn't work like that Kelilah", she said.

"But if...", I tried persisting, when she snapped at me again.

"Stop it Kelilah?!!!" she said angrily and sat up this time.

"Do you think the other families want to send their daughters too. You think any of the princesses will be willing to exchange places with us", she asked harshly.

"We..We'll never know if we don't try" I tried to reason with her, but it only made her angrier.

"Nothing can change our fate now. So It's better If you wake up from your silly dreams and face the reality. This is something bigger than any of us!!", she yelled.

She was breathing harshly when she finally finished talking, making me to feel really hurt.

Her words cut deep. Loveth had never spoken to me like this before, and the sting of it brought tears to my eyes. I rose from the bed, hiding my face from her, and without another word, I began walking out of her room.

"Spare, I.." she tried speaking, but I was hearing none of it as I made my way out of the door.

In the solitude of my own room, the tears I had been holding back spilled freely.

All I wanted was to make things better, to find a way out. But instead, she shut me down. It felt like everything was falling apart.

As the rest of the day blurred by, I kept myself busy; rearranging my room for what felt like the hundredth time. It has turned into a mindless undertaking I frequently do each time I was upset.

After what felt like an eternity, exhaustion over took me and I fell asleep, handiest to be woken through a surprising knock on my door.

It was Zara–my personal maid.

"Princess, dinner will be ready in thirty minutes," she called.

I dragged myself to the bathroom, showered, and changed into my nightwear. Before I should settle into bed, there has been another knock at my door. This time, Zara's voice changed into something demanding.

What's it this time?

"Princess, you are needed in the main hall. The leaders are gathered."

This wasn't about my family anymore; it had grown into something larger than I presumed.

I threw on a robe and made my way to the grand hall.

The grand hall was filled with the murmurs of community leaders and the royal family as they all gathered under the high vaulted ceilings.

Father had called for this assembly to talk about the looming matter of King Korvus and the marriage alliance.

Loveth sat beside me, her face pale but set with defiance. She avoided my gaze, but I could feel the anger radiating off her, and of course I shared in it. Neither of us had asked for this– a twisted sacrifice disguised as duty.

"You all recognise the situation at hand. The king of Bazil has demanded a bride for our nation, my Household to be precise. And of route, refusing him isn't always an option. One of my daughters shall be given out in marriage to stable peace among both kingdoms", father spoke

Murmurs of disapproval and concern spread through the hall, but father silenced them with a raised hand.

"This isn't a decision I take lightly. But it is the one we must make, for the survival of our kingdom",

The room went silent as his words sunk in. My fists clenched under the table, my anger boiling it's way to my chest.

"So, what are you going to do, Father?. You can't just send one of us away like this!!", I demanded, unable to remain silent any longer.

"Enough, Kelilah!", father snapped, his tone sharp. "This isn't a matter of choice but duty",

"But, why does it have to be us? Why does anyone have to go at all?", I argued, my voice trembling with raw emotions.

Father's eyes hardened.

"Because the wrath of King Korvus will be far worse than the sacrifice of one life. Do you think I want to send my daughter away? Do you think this is easy for me?"

I opened my mouth to argue further, but his next words silenced me.

"Loveth," he called, turning to my sister. "You will be the one to go. Prepare to be Korvus's bride"

KELILAH'S POV

The air was sucked out of the room. I heard a gasp-mine or Loveth's, I wasn't sure.

The wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd, but none dared to oppose father openly, not until Loveth's trembling voice broke the silence.

"No!" Loveth screamed, leaping to her feet.

Her voice cracked as she cried, "I will not go," she declared, standing from her seat. "I refuse to be bartered like a piece of livestock.

Her words hung in the air, a bold challenge to the unspoken rules of their world.

"Loveth!! Sit down!" Father barked, his voice echoing through the hall as his face darkened with anger.

But before he could say more, one of the community leaders, a stout man with a graying beard, stood and pointed an accusing finger at Loveth.

"How dare you defy your father and our traditions?" he snarled. "Do you think you're above the rest of us? Many daughters of ours have been sent before you, and none of them behaved with such insolence. You disgrace us!" the bastard spoke

Loveth didn't flinch, Instead; she pointed a firm finger at the man, her eyes blazing with fury.

"Shut your mouth, old man!" she snapped, her voice cutting through the room like a whip. "You have no right to speak to me like that! You may have been content to sacrifice your daughters to that monster, but I am not like you!"

A stunned silence fell over the room. The old man's face reddened with indignation, but he said nothing more, cowed by her outburst.

Before Loveth ought to say another word, Father rose from his seat, his face a mask of fury. In a speedy motion, he crossed the room and struck her across the face with a resounding slap.

The sound echoed within the corridor, and I gasped in surprise. Loveth stumbled back, clutching her cheek, her eyes wide with disbelief and pain.

"Father!" I cried, leaping to my feet.

Without thinking, I placed myself between him and Loveth, shielding her from further harm. My heart pounded in my chest as I glared at him, my own anger bubbling to the surface.

"You had no right father!" I yelled, my voice trembling with both rage and fear. "How dare you lay a hand on her? She's your daughter!"

Father's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, Loveth pushed past me, her hand still pressed to her reddened cheek.

Tears streamed down her face, but she didn't back down.

"Why me? Why not Kelilah? Why am I the one being sacrificed?"

"Because Kelilah is soon to be married," Father said, his voice cold. "She has a suitor, and this marriage cannot be undone. You know this, Loveth."

"But she's not married yet! She can still go!" Loveth cried bitterly.

The room erupted into murmurs again. I stood frozen, the weight of Loveth's accusations pressing down on me.

Father loudly shouted, completely silencing the entire room, stating,

"Enough! This discussion is absolutely over. The final decision has already been made."

"I hate you," she spat, her voice breaking with raw emotion.

I felt absolute dread when I saw all of the venom in her eyes as she looked at me.

"I hate every single one of you. Especially you, Kelilah. Do you truly believe that you are completely without flaws? Always playing the hero. Well, to me, you are nothing",

Her words cut much deeper than any sharpened blade. Before I could reply, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the hall, leaving behind her a massive silence and huge heartbreak.

Throughout all the corridors, her every sob echoed. I wanted to go and console her, but my feet felt rooted to the ground, My heart was audibly pounding in my chest.

With no warmth, Father stated,

"The meeting is adjourned."

Without another single word, I turned and stormed right out of the hall, my steps now heavy with total despair.

Morning came, but I barely had a good night sleep. Suddenly, I felt a mild touch brush my hair to my side, and I opened my eyes only to see Loveth sitting beside me.

"Loveth?" I whispered, startled.

Why would she come to my room this early?.

"I'm sorry for the hurtful words I said to you last night. I never meant any of it. I don't hate you and I'm sorry I sounded so selfish", she apologized.

"No, don't say that. I have already forgiven you for everything you said", I replied, leaning a bit closer to her.

"I was horrible to you" she cried and immediately I pulled her into a hug.

"I forgive you, Loveth. And yes, you won't be getting married to Korvus ", I said

"You want... to... you want to take my place", she asked

"No. None of us will have to. I'll find a way out for us", I said, sounding reassuring.

"You promise?", she asked with hopeful eyes, and I nodded.

"I promise" I replied.

I didn't know how I was going to make it work, but I was certainly going to do something.

"Want us to go to the office now?", she asked, now smiling at me

"Yes" I squealed and jumped from the bed.

I had taken a leave today, because I wanted to dedicate the day to Loveth.

"Let me get dressed and we can go together", she said

"I will wait for you out front" I replied.

Quickly, I got into the bathroom and brushed. I took a quick shower and wore a pink gown that ended just above my knees. Mother was in the kitchen when I got downstairs.

"Good morning mom",

"Good morning, princess. So where are you up to?",

"I'm going to the office with Loveth and after that, I will stop by Jackson's place. I had promised to meet him by the end of today",

"Okay then love. Say hi to Jackson for me and don't stay out late", mother warned.

"Okay Mom" I said.

The ride to Jackson's apartment was brief, and my excitement only grew as we pulled up to his grand duplex, complete with a white picket fence. This would be our home after the wedding.

Inside, the living room, I sank into the couch, feeling comfortable as Jackson settled beside me.

"So, what did your parents say?" he requested, his voice curious.

"Loveth will be going," I responded.

"Thank God," he muttered, a hint too speedy. My eyebrows furrowed, and I felt an unexpected wave of irritation.

"What do you imply by that?" I requested sharply as my gaze held his.

He took in my reaction, his expression softening.

"No, I meant it's better that she's going instead of you," he defended, putting his hand gently on my lap.

I pushed his hand away, my voice firm. "It's not better. My sister isn't going anywhere, and neither am I."

He blinked in surprise, frowning as he tried to comprehend my words. "But you can't keep the bride of King Korvus away from him. What do you plan to do?"

"There must be another way," I insisted. "But Loveth will not marry that man-not while I'm still alive."

His expression softened as he realized the depth of my resolve. "So, what are you planning?"

I looked him dead in the eye, my tone resolute. "I'm going to speak to the high priest. I'll convince him to choose someone else."

"And if that doesn't work?" he asked, his voice curious yet cautious.

"If it doesn't work," I said, my voice barely a whisper, "then I'll go to Bazil myself and make King Korvus understand that my sister will never be his bride."

Jackson's face twisted in alarm.

Are you insane? Why would you risk your life like that? It's not worth it!. What if he decides to assert you as his?"

"Your words are beginning to anger me, Jackson," I snapped. "Would you have allowed them take Kat if she was to be in Loveth's place?"

"Babe, I..." he commenced, but I wasn't interested about hearing him out.

"Well, if you'd allow them to take your sister, then that's on you. But I will never allow them take mine."

He sighed, reaching out once more. "I'm sorry, love. Don't be upset, please."

"Then don't ever imply my sister isn't worth it," I retorted, my voice sharp.

He pulled me close, cupping my face in his hands. "I'm sorry. Please, forgive me."

I rolled my eyes but softened slightly at his touch, even though he should have known better than to speak that way about my sister.

"Come on, love. I'm truly sorry," he murmured, pressing a light kiss to my forehead.

"Whatever," I mumbled, trying to stay upset.

"I have something for you," he said, disappearing into the other room for a moment. When he returned, he held a small, beautifully wrapped box.

"What's in here?" I asked, eyeing the package.

"It's a gift," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

I tore open the box and gasped. It was a rare collection of diamond accessories that I'd been yearning for. As a princess, I had plenty of treasures, but Jackson knew how much I adored diamonds.

"Oh my gosh, thank you!" I squealed, throwing my arms around him as he flashed a dazzling smile.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," I replied, feeling my heart swell.

After a moment's pause, he held out his hand. "Dance?"

"What kind of dance?" I asked, a playful smile forming on my lips.

"Any kind," he replied, shrugging as he turned on the stereo.

Soft music filled the room, and we swayed together, his hands guiding me gently. But as the dance continued, I felt heat rising within me. The air between us was thick with desire, and soon, his lips found mine, deepening the kiss.

In one smooth motion, he guided me onto the couch.

"Fuck Jackson" I moaned.

I was wet already, and his fingers were sliding in easily. He pumped steadily, while I lifted my hips to meet his thrusts.

But we couldn't go any further than this. I wanted to wait until our wedding night for the main act. I pulled away, glancing at the clock I discovered It was past three already.

I guess this was my perfect excuse.

"I have to get back to the office" I said, straightening my clothes

I arranged my dress and hair, while he looked at me. My eyes moved down his lower body and I could see the hard Imprint of his dick from his pants.

He looked at me, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Can't you stay the night?"

I shook my head, forcing myself to resist his pleading gaze.

"I promised Loveth I'd be home soon. Besides, I didn't tell Mom I'd be staying over."

He groaned. "You could just call them."

"It doesn't work like that," I insisted.

He sighed in defeat as I adjusted my dress and leaned in to kiss him. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Promise?" he asked.

"Promise."

I picked up my bag and started to leave, but then decided to leave the diamond box here-it was our future home, after all. No sense in moving things back and forth.

"I'll just drop this upstairs," I told him, heading toward his bedroom.

Once inside, I felt a thrill of excitement as I took in the familiar yet awe-inspiring space. This would be our future bedroom. I walked over to the wardrobe, placing the box inside, but as I turned to close it, my hand accidentally knocked over a stack of documents.

Papers scattered onto the floor, and I hurried to pick them up, not wanting Jackson to walk in on the mess. But then... my fingers brushed against something that made my heart stop.

A marriage certificate.

I stared at it, reading the words over and over, feeling the world tilt beneath me. Jackson's name was printed clearly on the document, but beside it was a woman's name-someone else. My mind went blank. My heart thundered, and I felt a hollow, numbing ache spread through me as the certificate slipped from my trembling fingers, fluttering to the floor.

Just then, Jackson entered the room, stopping dead in his tracks as his eyes met mine. He looked at the paper on the floor, and I watched as his expression crumbled. A tear slipped down my cheek, and my face, once filled with love and trust, now held nothing but betrayal and heartbreak.

"So I was nothing but a cheap mistress all these years?"

KELILAH'S POV

I gripped my bag tightly as I walked down the bustling sidewalk, each step heavy with heartbreak.

The day was still bright, but it felt like dusk in my mind. I could sense curious stares from people passing by, perhaps noticing my swollen eyes and tear-streaked face, but I kept my gaze fixed on the ground, unwilling to meet anyone's eyes.

My phone vibrated again, a persistent buzz from inside my bag, but I ignored it. I wasn't ready to face anyone-not yet.

Today, everything that once made sense had fallen apart in a single blow. My life, my happiness, my sense of peace-all of it shattered by a revelation I could never have prepared for.

For two years, I'd believed I was living a fairytale. Although, in the last few months, doubts had begun to fester.

The late-night phone calls, the excuses, the unexpected disappearances... my instincts had been screaming at me that something was wrong.

But each time, I'd silenced them, convincing myself I was paranoid. I'd wanted so desperately to believe in Jackson, in us. Now, it felt like I'd been living in a fool's paradise.

I could feel the weight of strangers' gazes on me, so I hurried into a nearby restaurant, scanning the tables until I spotted an empty one tucked into a quiet corner.

I sank into the seat, resting my bag beside me, and pulled out my phone. Tyra's name flashed on the screen. I hesitated, but finally pressed 'accept.'

"Hello?" I managed, my voice breaking as I spoke.

"Oh my God, Kelilah! Where have you been? I've been calling you for hours!" Tyra's voice was laced with worry, but all I could do was choke back another wave of tears.

"I... I'm sorry," I stammered. My throat tightened as tears threatened to spill again. How could I explain this nightmare to her? How could I even begin?

"Are you okay?" Her tone softened instantly, but I couldn't answer, so I nodded before realizing she couldn't see me.

"Yes," I whispered, though we both knew it was a lie.

"Kelilah, you know I can tell you're not okay. Where are you? I'm coming to you right now."

"I'm... at La Brise, the café we like," I replied, my voice barely a whisper.

"Stay there. I'm on my way," she said before hanging up.

Another message from Jackson lit up the screen, and I couldn't help but read it once more. He wanted to talk. Of course, he did-he probably realized I'd discovered everything.

Sighing, I powered off my phone and pushed it back into my bag. No more distractions.

All I needed right now was Tyra, and thankfully, I didn't have to wait long. Not ten minutes later, she walked in, scanning the room before spotting me and rushing over.

"Oh, honey," she breathed, pulling me into a hug the moment she reached me. "You look terrible."

Despite everything, I let out a bitter laugh. "Trust me, I feel worse than I look."

"What went wrong?" she asked, settling into the seat across me, her eyes filled with worry.

I took a deep, shaking breath.

"I turned out to be right all this while, Tyra. Jac.. Jackson has been lying to me all along. He has another woman"

Her expression shifted from surprise to anger in an instant.

"I knew it!!!. That bastard! I constantly had a bad feeling about him. How did you find out?"

I swallowed, feeling the sting of fresh tears as I expand the whole incident to her

My voice broke, and Tyra reached across the table to squeeze my hand, her touch grounding me. "Take it slow," she advised.

I took a shaky breath, seeking to constant myself.

"I had once found women's apparel... make-up, things that weren't mine. I forced myself to believe that there had to be some clarification, something that made sense. But deep down, I knew."

Tyra's eyes flashed with fury. "Kelilah, I'm so sorry. And you by no means thought to inform me what you have been feeling earlier than now?"

"I didn't want to jump to conclusions. I thought I was just being insecure. I didn't want to seem paranoid." The words tumbled out, each one bringing with it another pang of regret.

"But you had every right to question it! You already had enough evidence," she insisted.

My tears were flowing freely now.

"I didn't want to believe it, Tyra. I loved him too much. I thought maybe if I ignored it, it would go away."

She shook her head, exasperated yet gentle. "Kelilah, love should never make you feel like you have to turn a blind eye to the truth."

I took a long sip of water, trying to compose myself.

"Last week, I found a message on his phone-from a gynecologist. I think he was... he was trying to have a baby with her." I choked on the last word, my entire body trembling as the weight of that betrayal sank in.

Tyra's jaw clenched. "Wait, so he was planning a family... with someone else?"

I nodded slowly, wiping away a tear. "And I was still holding onto some shred of hope that it wasn't what it looked like."

"Kelilah, you should have confronted him the moment you saw those messages," she said, her voice low with anger.

"I know. But I didn't want to see the truth."

She let out a sigh, her grip on my hand tightening. "So, what finally made you believe he had another woman?"

I hesitated, feeling my stomach churn as I remembered. "A woman called me Five days ago. She said she wanted to meet. I almost didn't go, thinking it might be dangerous. But... I was curious."

Tyra's eyes widened. "And? Did you meet her?"

I nodded.

"She told me everything. She said Jackson belonged to her, Tyra. I was sharing Jackson with another woman." The word left a bitter taste in my mouth. "I was so blind, Tyra. I convinced myself he was my future, my happily ever after. When I met with her, she kept saying things that seemed unreal to me, so I concluded that she must be one of the ladies that has a crush on Jackson",

Tears streamed down my face again. My whole world had crumbled this morning.

"Are you serious?!" Tyra's voice was laced with fury.

"So if you didn't believe all the signs and evidences that was presented to you. What now suddenly made you believe that he had another side chick by his corner?"

Hearing the word side chick, I couldn't help the mirth laughter that escaped my lips.

"Theirs no side Chick, Tyra. But there is a mistress. I, princess Kelilah was the mistress flirting with a married man", I said in a whisper and let the oceans build up in my eyes all over again.

Her eyes went wide.

"Jackson is married!!?", She asked and I nodded weakly, already tired of crying.

She pulled me into another hug, her voice choked as she whispered,

"I'm so sorry, Kelilah. You are not to blame. He deceived you. He's the one at fault."

I finally let the tears come, no longer fighting them.

I bit my lip, fighting to keep silent as Tyra's expression morphed from surprise to unfiltered rage.

"I'm going to kill that bastard," she said, pushing herself out of her seat. I quickly reached out, gripping her arm.

"Don't."

"Don't ask me to sit here and do nothing, Kelilah." She yanked her arm free, glaring.

"Why are you still defending him? After everything he's done? The lies, the deceit! He's married, and he's trying for a child! You were just his other woman!" Her voice rose, and I felt eyes turning our way.

I cast a quick, embarrassed glance around, suddenly all too aware of our surroundings.

"I know, Tyra. I don't need the reminders." My voice was barely a whisper.

"Reminders? That man deserves a beating for what he's done," she spat, once again rising from her seat. I held her wrist, forcing her back down.

"Maybe he does. But he doesn't even know I've found out," I lied, knowing it was the only thing that might keep her from confronting Jackson head-on.

"Wait, you haven't told him?" Her voice softened, her eyes widening in shock.

I nodded, looking down, the weight of humiliation pressing on me.

"I'm too ashamed, Tyra. Too embarrassed to face him. It feels like everyone knows and is silently judging me for being with a married man."

"Oh, Kelilah. Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. He's the one who broke his vows."

I nodded, brushing a stray tear away. As a princess, the thought of scandal haunted me. People here would label me as the one at fault, and the shame would fall on me far more than on him.

"I know, Tyra, but... I just don't know what to do."

"You need to call him, confront him, and end it."

"It's not that simple."

Tyra scoffed. "Kelilah, it's as simple as it gets. He lied. You have every right to walk away."

"But I love him, Tyra. I've loved him for two years. My whole life was built around him. We were planning to get married by the end of the year. How do I just walk away?"

Tyra leaned in, her voice softer.

"I know it's hard. But staying will only hurt you more. If he truly loved you, he'd have left his wife by now. Instead, he's kept you as his mistress. Don't drag yourself through this, Kelilah."

Deep down, I knew she was right.

Ending things was the only way, but I couldn't shake the fear of facing my family with this failure. They already knew about Jackson, and my mother had started referring to him as her "only son." Worse, Loveth had taken the position of the king's bride because I was involved with him.

How could I face my parents and explain this humiliation?

"Try calling him. Arrange a meeting, or at the very least, break it off over the phone."

I shook my head.

"It's already over, Tyra. He just doesn't know it yet. When I'm ready, I'll tell him."

She sighed but let the matter drop. Our food arrived just as she ordered an Uber for me, sending me to my old apartment instead of home.

I couldn't bear to face my parents. The shame was overwhelming. I thought about going to Tyra's, but solitude was what I needed. Tyra offered to come along, but I refused. I needed to be alone, to think and, perhaps, to cry. She promised to cover for me with my family.

The quiet greeted me at my old apartment. I dropped my bag, stripped out of my clothes, and stepped into a long, hot shower. I let the tears fall, mingling with the water. By the time I finished, I felt a bit lighter. Wrapping myself in soft pajamas, I crawled into bed, exhausted despite the early hour. My head throbbed, the weight of heartbreak and betrayal making me crave sleep.

When I woke, my phone screen was flooded with notifications. Messages from my mom, Tyra, Loveth, and Caleb. Two from unknown numbers, which I deleted unread. Then came the messages from Jackson-gone with a swipe of my finger.

I opened my mother's text, noting her request to call her, and dialed her number. She picked up on the first ring.