Chapter 42: A Friend’s Betrayal

The halls of Valemont Manor felt colder in Adrian's absence. His departure left behind a silence that wrapped around Seraphina like a vice, tightening with every passing moment. She should have felt relief—space was what she had wanted, wasn't it? But as she stood in the dimly lit corridor, heart pounding from their last exchange, the emptiness only made her feel more adrift.

She forced herself to move, retreating to the Duchess's chambers, seeking refuge in its gilded solitude. She had barely closed the door when a knock echoed behind her. Her stomach clenched. Had Adrian returned?

When she opened the door, she wasn't prepared for the figure standing before her.

"Genevieve?"

Seraphina barely had time to react before her childhood friend swept inside, her emerald-green gown swishing around her ankles.

"Finally," Genevieve breathed, closing the door behind her. "I was beginning to think Adrian had locked you away entirely."

Seraphina's brows drew together. "What are you doing here? It's late."

Genevieve lifted her chin, eyes scanning Seraphina's face with concern. "And yet, I hear rumors that your husband has been keeping far darker secrets than you realize."

Seraphina exhaled sharply, stepping back. "You've been listening to rumors?"

Genevieve crossed her arms. "I've been searching for the truth. For your sake."

Something in her tone sent a chill down Seraphina's spine. She knew Genevieve—knew the determined, reckless streak that had led them into trouble more times than she could count. If she had come here tonight, it wasn't just for gossip.

"You shouldn't be involved in this," Seraphina said warily. "My marriage, my life—it's not something you can fix."

Genevieve's expression hardened. "Seraphina, do you even know what Adrian is hiding? What he's capable of?"

Seraphina bristled. "I know enough."

"Do you?" Genevieve took a step closer, lowering her voice. "Because I've been speaking to someone who has very different answers than the ones Adrian is giving you."

Seraphina's pulse quickened. "Who?"

A pause. Then, a single name.

"Laurent."

The room tilted.

Seraphina's breath hitched as she recoiled. "You've spoken to Laurent?"

Genevieve nodded, watching her reaction carefully. "I had to. Because no one else will tell you the truth."

Seraphina turned away, her mind racing. Laurent had already sowed enough doubt between her and Adrian—now Genevieve had entangled herself in this web as well?

"You trust him?" Seraphina asked, her voice hoarse.

Genevieve's jaw tightened. "I don't trust anyone. But I do know this—if you keep pretending Adrian is innocent, you will be the one who suffers."

Seraphina swallowed the lump in her throat, struggling to steady herself. Adrian's words from earlier still echoed in her mind. Your father was no innocent man, Seraphina. And now, Genevieve was here, pressing the blade even deeper into the wound.

"Why are you telling me this?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

Genevieve hesitated. Then, softly, "Because I can't stand by and watch you get hurt."

Seraphina wanted to believe her. She wanted to cling to the friendship they had once shared, to the certainty that Genevieve was acting out of love. But there was a part of her—a part that had been burned too many times—that couldn't ignore the bitter taste of betrayal.

"You shouldn't have come here," Seraphina said at last, her voice guarded. "Adrian won't tolerate interference."

Genevieve's eyes flashed. "Let him try to stop me."

The defiance in her words sent a ripple of unease through Seraphina. Genevieve wasn't just here to warn her—she had already chosen a side.

And Seraphina wasn't sure if she could follow.