“Really?’ I searched his face for any hint of deception. “You’re sure he wasn’t injured?”
Dad’s gaze shifted toward the window, avoiding my eyes. ‘Yes.’
A cold finger of dread traced down my spine. ‘Dad, you look strange. What happened?”
“Nothing happened.”
“Then why isn’t he here? The words tumbled out faster now. He knows I’m awake, doesn’t he?
Dad remained silent, his fingers drumming nervously against the chair’s armrest
I closed my eyes and tried to min-link him.
Nothing.
My eyes flew open, panic flooding my system. The connection’s gone. He’s blocked our mind-link.”
I stared at Dad in growing horror. “Something’s wrong. Caelan never shuts me out unless…” I couldn’t finish the thought.
“Unless what?” Dad’s voice was barely audible.
“Unless he doesn’t want me to feel what he’s feeling.” My voice cracked. “Dad, what aren’t you telling me?”
He stood and began pacing to the window, running his hands through his disheveled hair. “Sabi, some things are more complicated than they seem.”
My phone sat on the bedside table. I reached for it. “I’m calling him.”
“Sabi, wait…Maybe you should listen to me first.”
“Listen to what?”
He stopped at the window, shoulders sagging. “I talked to Caelan last night. About your relationship, about what’s best for your future…”
Dread settled in my stomach like a stone. “What did you two discuss?”
Dad turned back to face me, and I saw tears gathering in his eyes. “He said maybe being together isn’t the right choice for either of you.”
“What does that mean?” My voice rose despite my efforts to stay calm.
“Sabi, look at yourself.” He gestured toward my bandaged head. “You’re lying in a hospital bed because of the danger that follows him-
“I don’t care about the risks-“
“But I do!” The words exploded from him with raw emotion.
Dad’s face crumpled as he fought for control. “Sometimes loving someone means knowing when to let them go.”
“No.” I shook my head violently, ignoring the spike of pain it caused. “I’m calling him.”
I unlocked my phone and found his number. “Dad, I need you to leave. This conversation is private.”
He looked like he wanted to argue, but something in my expression must have convinced him. With a heavy sigh, he walked out.
The phone rang once. Twice. Three times.
My heart hammered against my ribs, each ring feeling like an eternity. Sweat dampened my palmis.
On the sixth ring, someone picked up. But they said nothing
“Caelan? Is that you?”
“Hello, Sable. His voice was like winter wind cold and cutting
Not “Sabi.” Not the warm, loving tone I was used to. Just my formal name delivered with arctic indifference.
Relief flooded through me despite his cold tone. Caelan, thank God! I was so worried about you! Are you hurt? The explosion-“
Aug
“I’m fine.” He cut me off with brutal efficiency.
You sound different. What’s going on?”
Silence stretched between us for several heartbeats before he spoke again. “We need to talk.”
“Okay. I gripped the phone tighter. I’m listening.”
“I think we should end this relationship.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, couldn’t process what I’d just heard.
“What? What do you mean?”
“I want to break up with you. And dissolve our engagement.”
I felt like I was falling through space. “Break up? Dissolve the engagement? But why? Is this about yesterday? Are you afraid I’ll get hurt again because of you?”
“This has nothing to do with yesterday.”
“Then what?” Tears started burning behind my eyes. “Caelan, talk to me. Whatever this is, we can work through it together.”
“If you’re worried about my safety, I can get stronger!” The words poured out in a desperate rush. “I can learn better self-defense. I’m not afraid of Lucian’s threats or anyone else’s.”
“We can face everything as a team!”
“I’m tougher than I look, I promise. You don’t need to protect me by pushing me away-
“Stop.”
“This isn’t about your safety, Sable.”
“Then what is it?” I was begging now, and I didn’t care.
Another endless pause. Then came the words that shattered my world completely.
‘I never loved you.”
My heart stopped.
“You’re lying..
“Everything was just an act. A game. His voice held no emotion whatsoever. “When you ran away from our wedding three years ago, you humiliated me in front of everyone.
So i decided to get my revenge. Make you fall in love with me, then leave you.”
Each word was a dagger to my heart. Tears began streaming down my face, hot and unstoppable.
That’s not true… I subbed into the phone
All fake. The cruelty in his voice was worse than any physical pain. I’m a very good actor, apparently.”
“The game’s over now. I got my revenge, and frankly, I’m bored. I thought you’d be harder to win over, but you fell for it so easily. I’m done playing with you.”
I doubled over as if he’d punched me in the stomach. “Caelan, you’re lying. I know you are.”
“And my mother was right-since we’ve been together, my family’s been in chaos. You’re not suitable to be my Queen anyway.”
“I already have someone else in mind for marriage. The official announcement dissolving our engagement will be released soon.”
“No…” The word came out broken. “Please, don’t do this…”
“Caelan, please listen to me… I fought to control my sobs. I know you’re lying. I can feel it. The mate bond doesn’t lie.”
“Your eyes when you look at me, your touch, your heartbeat-none of that was fake.”
“Whatever’s really happening, whatever you’re trying to protect me from, we can face it together.”
I’m not afraid of anything as long as you’re with me.”
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