The Unraveling

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📖 Until You Beg

Chapter Ten – The Unraveling

By Peace Lovie

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Zariah woke up in silk sheets and golden silence.

Cassian's arms were around her, steady and still—like the man beneath her chaos had finally found rest.

But the storm hadn't passed.

It had only paused.

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She slipped out of bed before sunrise, careful not to wake him.

In his closet, his watch ticked.

In the living room, the city lights flickered.

On the kitchen island…

Her phone buzzed.

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3 New Messages.

From: Elias

> "I don't want to do this to you, Zee, but you deserve to know."

> "Check the archives folder Cassian locked last week. It's not about your father."

> "I'm sorry."

Zariah's breath caught in her throat.

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She opened her laptop, hands cold.

Elias had given her a bypass key last month—for emergencies.

This felt like one.

Inside the folder:

Dozens of photos.

Emails.

Dates.

Money transfers.

And one contract.

Her name was on it.

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Cassian had forged a non-disclosure agreement using Zariah's signature.

He'd used it to cover the acquisition of a small firm under her name—without her knowledge.

Six months ago.

Before he ever said he loved her.

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Zariah slammed the laptop shut.

The burn in her chest wasn't new—but this one came with tears.

Not from betrayal.

From humiliation.

Because she had almost believed him.

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Cassian appeared in the doorway, shirtless, sleepy.

"Couldn't sleep?"

Zariah turned slowly.

Held his gaze.

Her voice was steady. "Did you forge my signature?"

Cassian stilled.

A long pause.

Then—

"Yes."

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Her heart cracked.

Not because he said it.

But because he said it so calmly.

Like it didn't matter.

Like it didn't destroy her.

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"You used me," she whispered.

"No," he said, stepping closer. "I protected you."

"By making me your puppet?"

"You were being watched. The company was under review. If I used my name, the deal would've failed."

"So you used mine."

He exhaled, frustrated.

"I didn't think it would matter."

Zariah flinched.

"Of course you didn't. Because I was just another piece to move on your chessboard."

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Cassian's jaw tightened.

"You want to hate me again, go ahead. But I did what I had to do."

"You always do," she spat. "And it always costs me."

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She walked past him.

He grabbed her wrist.

"Don't walk away."

"Let go."

"Zariah—"

"Let. Me. Go."

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She yanked free and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Tears blurred the hallway lights.

Not because he lied.

Because she almost forgave him.

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Back at her apartment, the silence was too loud.

Zariah ripped the blouse from her body and threw it on the floor.

She screamed into the emptiness.

She hated how much she loved him.

Hated how much of herself she'd given him.

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Elias called. She didn't answer.

He called again.

Then texted.

> "They're watching you now, Zariah. This goes deeper than Cassian."

> "Please meet me. You're in danger."

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Zariah stared at the message.

The anger faded—replaced by something colder.

Something heavier.

This wasn't about love anymore.

It was about survival.

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She texted back.

> "Send me the address."

And just like that, the girl who once ran from danger…

Started walking straight toward it.

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