JADED

CHLOE

I hate my life, I truly do.

I glanced down at my phone, half-distracted, half-hoping for something that might divert my thoughts from the mess my life had become.

The message blinked insistently, demanding my attention. It was from my informant at the court, the one I had tasked with keeping an eye on things. My eyes widened in disbelief as I read the update: someone had leaked a picture of Brad and Alanna on a date.

Alanna. The name alone was enough to sour my mood. I knew I was the only one privy to that information, which meant Brad had lied to me, he had other plans.

Again. I reminded myself, for the umpteenth time, that trusting Brad was akin to believing in fairy tales — all glitter and no substance.

Before I could even process this latest betrayal, Lucas appeared, his presence startling me out of my thoughts. He leaned in and planted a kiss on my cheek, a gesture so effortless it made my heart skip a beat despite myself. Damn Lucas and his charming ways.

I had come to v