XXXI. A Toast to Betrayal

I ran away, not even knowing where I was heading or where the exit to this palace-like place might be. My feet moved on their own, fueled by anger and heartbreak. Then, I saw a door in the corner and decided to hide there.

Funny how good I am at hiding.

The room was dark, but something about it felt… off. I searched for a light switch, and when I finally found it, the moment the lights flickered on, a massive family portrait was revealed in front of me.

I let out a crazed laugh, holding my stomach, ignoring the tears that had begun to fall. Then, as if snapping back to reality, I violently wiped my face, smiling bitterly at the picture before me.

"All this time, I let myself be played by this family. Lara is the sister Canim was talking about. And Lara is the sister who's been hiding her real identity from me. For what?"

I walked around the room, trying to steady myself despite the overwhelming realization.

Then, something caught my eye—a photo frame half-hidden in the corner. I stepped toward it and picked it up.

Taking a deep breath, I stared at the image. And then, with a single stomp, the glass shattered beneath my foot. Laughter mixed with sobs racked my body as I gazed at the woman standing next to Canim, wearing a cocktail dress nearly identical to mine. And there it was—the smile on his face. A smile I had never seen before.

"Hi, you must be Via." I let out a bitter chuckle, crouching down to look at the broken frame. "What makes you so special that Canim had to use me to fulfill his own desires?"

I unfastened the bracelet from my wrist, holding it between my fingers as if it were some lost relic of my own stupidity.

"It must be yours. Now, take what's yours."

I threw the bracelet onto the shattered glass and closed my eyes, trying to make sense of it all.

How weak must I be to have been used so easily?

A slow breath escaped my lips as I opened my eyes, forcing composure upon myself. I wasn't going to let them win. If they wanted to play games, fine. But this time, I would play as Kaesu—the Kaesu who is brave. The Kaesu who doesn't hold back. The Kaesu who doesn't get trampled on.

I left that room with a mixture of rage and hatred simmering beneath my skin. My feet carried me through unfamiliar hallways, yet somehow, I found myself back at the party.

It was beautiful. So, so beautiful.

Funny how easily people are fooled by beautiful things.

I had been fooled once. But fairy-tale endings? They're nothing but fiction.

Without hesitation, I grabbed a glass of wine, walking slowly down the aisle, relishing the way all eyes were suddenly on me. I saw their curiosity, their irritation, their anger. But more than anyone, I saw the two pairs of eyes I was aiming for.

Canim's—filled with fear.

Lara's—clouded with worry.

"Oh, come on, guys," I mused, stepping closer. "Let me enjoy the way you played me. Quite the schemers, but I must say… interesting."

I heard whispers. Someone had called security. But I knew they wouldn't dare approach—not when their precious, pristine reputation was on the line.

Then, I saw him. Their father. The man who couldn't stand a single stain on his so-called perfect world.

I gave him a mocking bow. "I'll just have a toast, sir."

With a smirk, I turned to the crowd, raising my glass high.

"I just want to make a toast to this beautiful friend of mine," I announced, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who was my friend… for a little while."

I let the words sink in before chuckling.

"It's a shame, really. But who cares, right? Cheers—to all the lies and exploitation."

Without hesitation, I downed the wine in one go, the burn in my throat barely noticeable compared to the fire in my chest.

Canim and Lara stood frozen, uneasy and restless.

I took a step closer, my voice turning cold.

"There will be no Kaesu who is weak. No Kaesu who can be easily defeated. And you? You have never met Kaesu. Because I swear, for the rest of my life, I will carry this hatred and anger toward you both."

And with that, I turned on my heel and walked away, making sure my exit was just as grand as my entrance. Let the whole town feast on this moment.

But just as I reached the exit, Lara stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

"I'm amazed at how fast you run," I said, tilting my head. "Do you love chasing people?"

"Please, let me explain," she pleaded, trying to reach for my hands.

A bittersweet smile formed on my lips, and she hesitated—pulling her hands back on her own.

"I know you won't believe me," she whispered. "But please, just hear me out."

I stood still, waiting. But before she could speak, a warm suit jacket was draped over my shoulders.

"Lara…" Antonio's voice was calm, but there was warning in his tone.

Lara sighed, nodding reluctantly before turning away.

And as she walked away, I felt it. The unbearable ache of losing something I never even had the chance to hold on to.

My tears threatened to fall again as I recalled our moments together. I wanted to stop her. I wanted to run after her, to tell her we could fix this somehow.

But my feet felt nailed to the floor, and my heart…

My heart was breaking all over again.

"Lara?" My voice came out steady, emotionless. I refused to let them see me as weak.

She stopped but didn't turn around.

"Tell your brother about the ten million I owe him," I continued, my lips curling into a smirk that didn't reach my eyes. "He can expect it in his bank account tomorrow."

Antonio suddenly pulled me away, and for once, I didn't resist. It was better this way. Better to walk away than to see her disappear from my life completely.

I had no idea where Antonio was taking me. All I knew was that I was crying, hugging my knees, feeling like I was suffocating under the weight of it all.

I wanted to scream—to let it all out until my voice was hoarse, until the pain finally disappeared.

Then, a voice broke through the silence.

"Has anyone told you how beautiful you are tonight?"

I flinched slightly, almost forgetting Antonio was still there.

I lifted my head, meeting his gaze. He was smiling. Why was he smiling in a moment like this?

"Have you found it yet?" I asked quietly.

He nodded. "Most people would say they saw an angel tonight."

I scoffed. "That's ridiculous."

"But I would dare say," he continued, his voice steady, "I saw the bravest woman I've ever met… walking down those stairs like the most mesmerizing masterpiece to ever exist in this universe."

I stared at him, my heart still aching.

"But," he added softly, "something was missing."

"What?"

"Her smile."