My gaze darted towards the doorway, a desperate hope that Regan might somehow show up and intervene. And then, as if on cue, the doors swung open, revealing both Regan and Zarina stepping through the threshold. They entered side-by-side, their expressions unreadable. Regan's eyes met mine, surprise replaced by worry crossing his features.The world seemed to tilt on its axis. My breath hitched in my throat, a strangled gasp that escaped my lips before I could stifle it. Pain, raw and searing, ripped through my chest. My mind was a chaotic mess. Hurt mingled with anger.Before I could even contemplate a response, the emcee called my name again, his voice booming through the silent hall. "Miss Anastasia?"A hand, cool and firm, materialized on my arm. I looked down to see my stepmother, her face plastered with a wide, predatory smile. The smile didn't reach her eyes, though, and the grip on my arm was like a vice, her perfectly manicured nails digging into my flesh. I knew ex
Last Updated : 2025-01-15 Read more