From His Woman to His Rival’s Queen

Lina’s POV

“Are you serious?” Daniel asked. “There's no going back after this, Lina.”

“I am serious,” I said without hesitation.

“What happened? If Kane has hurt you, I will end his pathetic existence. Just say the word.”

My grip tightened around my phone. “I will handle it myself. Also, prepare your lawyers. I'll be merging my dad's Mafia with yours.”

Later that evening, Kane got home. He rushed to me, his eyes full of concern.

“What happened to you, darling? I am so sorry. We were on a mission and our phones were compromised,” he breathed out smoothly.

I took a step back, my face straight.

“I was coming to tell you I was pregnant.” My hands trembled. “I have no idea what happened, but I got shoved into a van. It happened so fast. I woke in the hospital, and the doctor said I'd lost the ba—”

“Shhh, my love, please stop. It's okay, baby,” he whispered, embracing me. I stiffened in his arms, but he didn’t notice.

“We've been through this before. We can go through this again together as a family.”

His phone rang.

Kane pulled it out with furrowed brows, then suddenly jumped.

“Shit. Cara burnt herself earlier. She needs to take her medication now. I'll be back soon.”

I fisted my sheets, clenching my jaw as he ran off.

Two hours. It took two hours before a maid came to call me for dinner.

I sat at the table, my eyes fixed on our wedding picture on the wall. Five years, two ‘miscarriages,’ and a life wasted trusting my very own demons.

Cara walked in with a soft smile on her face. Her hand was wrapped in an exaggerated white bandage.

“Lina, oh sister. I am so sorry this happened again. Kane told me, and I've been so worried about you.” She hugged me. I went rigid, goosebumps rising across my skin.

The kitchen door opened, and Kane walked in carrying a tray.

“How's your hand? Still painful?” he asked Cara as he set down the tray.

She shook her head, giving him a small smile.

“Spend the night here. Let's look after you.”

My fingers curled around the edge of the table.

“Cara and I made your favorite dishes, so you can eat well.” He placed a plate in front of Cara first, then me.

The smell wafted into my nose. Butter shrimp and mushroom sauce. My favorite? These were Cara's favorites.

My chair scraped against the floor as I stood to leave.

Their heads snapped toward me.

“Where are you going?” Kane asked.

“To my room,” I replied. “I'm sleepy.”

“You need to eat,” he said sternly. “Cara spent a lot of time making these for you and even burnt herself. At least appreciate her efforts.”

I halted in my tracks. My eyes met his, and he gestured toward the table.

“Eat.”

“Darl–Kane, it's okay,” Cara smiled at me. “She's grieving her child. Any loving mother would.”

Her hands rubbed her stomach subtly.

“I know she is grieving, but you got injured doing this for her. She must eat.” His eyes hardened as he turned to me.

“Eat. Now!” Not a request. An order. As if I were his subordinate.

My nails dug into my palms.

“I said I am going to sleep.” I turned and walked away.

Kane moved to follow me, but Cara stopped him.

I wiped away a stray tear and took out my phone.

Daniel's message sat waiting for me: The papers are ready. Are you sure about this, Lina? After today, I'm not letting you go again.

I straightened my spine.

He still wanted me. Daniel and I wanted to get married six years ago, but my parents had chosen Kane.

My eyes drifted to them. They didn’t know I was still at the doorway. Kane laid a possessive hand on Cara's stomach.

I looked away.

Me: I've never been more certain in my life, Daniel. Get ready. We are getting married next week.

I turned off my phone and stared at them.

My husband.

My cousin.

My children's murderers.

My lips curved slightly. Go on, build your future. I'll ruin it like you ruined mine.