Chapter 14: Whispers of Betrayal

Alexander

I leaned back in my chair, loosening my tie as he made himself at home. He sipped whiskey from my crystal glass, the ice clinking softly, and took occasional drags from his cigarette, filling the air with smoke. I had hoped that with Seraphina's return, the tension and anger I felt toward Xandriel would finally fade away.

But nope, it didn't happen like that.

Seraphina was hard to connect with, always seeming deliberately provocative. I could tell she had her defenses up, like she was shielding something deeper. Her fear of me, and men in general, was obvious. I kept trying to figure out why she acted this way, not sure if I really wanted to know the full story.

I feel the immense pain, stress, and suffering she must be going through. Even though she's often angry at me, I react the same way. I struggle to break this cycle, haunted by my own disappointment. I'm determined to ease her suffering and bring her some peace.

She thinks her actions frustrate or anger me. It's not