Chapter Thirteen: Whispers in the Dark

The night was still, save for the distant rustling of leaves against the cold breeze. In the shadows of the grand estate, behind the veil of celebration and newly spoken vows, a plan was already in motion.

The villain—unseen, unsuspected—watched from the darkness. Calculated. Waited.

A flickering candle illuminated the room where whispers carried secrets. A figure leaned against the grand mahogany desk, a single letter resting in their gloved hand. The ink was fresh, the words precise—a message that would set the next step into motion.

"It's done. They are married. What's next?"

A soft chuckle filled the room.

Another voice, cool and composed, responded. "Now… we begin to unravel them."

The villain did not act alone. Allies were everywhere—in Lydia's family, in Adrian's business empire, even in their household staff. Carefully placed, carefully trained.

The goal was not immediate destruction. No, that would be too simple. Too predictable.

The goal was suffering.

To make Lydia regret ever stepping into this marriage. To make Adrian believe he had chosen the wrong woman.

To tear them apart, piece by agonizing piece.

A servant slipped into the dimly lit study, bowing their head slightly before setting down another letter—a message from someone close to Lydia's family. The villain picked it up, scanning the words with a satisfied smirk.

"The cracks are already forming. She does not trust him. He does not trust her. Soon, it will be easy."

Good.

With a careful hand, the villain lifted a goblet of wine, swirling the deep red liquid before taking a sip. The taste of victory, though still distant, was already intoxicating.

But patience was key.

The next step?

A carefully placed rumor. A small lie, planted in the right ear. A fabricated truth that would make Lydia question Adrian's intentions.

One betrayal at a time.

One doubt at a time.

And soon… the marriage would collapse under the weight of its own design.