I Was the Secret, She Got the Ring

For my 18th birthday, Andre threw me a lavish party. With so many guests around, I was eventually coaxed into having a few glasses of wine.

I had never touched alcohol before, so it didn't take long for the world to start spinning.

After seeing everyone off, I stumbled back to my room. As soon as I collapsed onto the bed, I felt the warmth of another body.

I stared at Kieran's face, which was looming so close to mine, and convinced myself it was a dream. As I leaned in, I muttered, "Birthdays really are the best. I'm even having beautiful dreams."

The moment the soft touch reached my mind, I snapped awake. I widened my eyes, scrambled out of bed, and stammered an apology, "I-I'm sorry! I thought it was a dream. I didn't mean to…"

But Kieran didn't look angry. In fact, he looked like he had been expecting this. He began to lean in.

"You know what they say about dreams reflecting your inner desires. Esty, do you have feelings for me?"

That was the first time Kieran had ever called me "Esty". I had heard Mom say my name a thousand times, but coming from him, it sounded intimate. It made my skin flush.

I couldn't find the words to deny it. I could only watch as he backed me toward the edge of the bed.

Kieran wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me against him until there was no space left between us. "Esty, why don't I make your dream come true?"

His heat made me go weak. Lost in the haze, I nodded.

A moment later, he claimed my mouth in a suffocating, overwhelming kiss.

We didn't sleep at all that night.

When I woke up the next morning, my legs were so sore I could barely walk. And yet, my heart was overflowing with happiness. The person I loved actually loved me back.

From that day on, Kieran and I began a secret relationship. In public, we were distant, estranged siblings. At night, we were inseparable in the same bed.

I truly believed that one day, our relationship would be out in the open and blessed by everyone.

I didn't realize until today that Kieran never loved me. To him, I was nothing more than a pawn for revenge.

That was why every time I begged him to go public, all he ever said was, "Just wait."

What was he waiting for?

He was waiting to find the woman he actually wanted to marry so he could tell me I was nothing but a mistress kept in the dark to complete his revenge.

And I had to admit that Kieran succeeded.