When The Fire Revealed His True Love Was Me

Axel Nelson's eyes held a blend of amusement and disdain. He smirked and said, "You want to leave? Then kneel before me, in front of the camera, and apologize. Admit you’re shameless for trying to seduce Clayton Reed."

"Do that, and I'll let you go."

Panicked, I looked up at him, seeing nothing but cold indifference on his face. My knees were injured; Axel used to gently massage them and even brought in top doctors to treat me. He must remember the doctor saying I shouldn't crouch or kneel—or risk the metal plates breaking, ruining my leg forever.

Resolutely, I dropped to my knees and bowed my head. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have shamelessly tried to seduce Clayton Reed."

I lost track of time, only aware that it lasted long enough for the skin on my forehead to split, sending a streak of blood down my cheek.

Axel stepped back in disgust. "Get out."

As if set free, I grabbed my torn clothes and started to leave. But then I paused and turned back. "Axel, do you remember Callie Stevens? Before she died, I was the one by her side. She promised she’d always save a kindness for me."

Axel laughed coldly and kicked me in the ribs. "It was all an act for you. How haven't you realized it yet? Clayton and I will only ever love Emerald. Let go of this fantasy—"

The pain knocked me down, but I stubbornly reached out my hand. "I just want the photos from the camera, all deleted."

His hard gaze lingered on me, perhaps bewildered by how the girl he once cherished had become this. He wanted to use those photos as revenge against me, but recalling his mother's last words, he grudgingly ordered the camera to be destroyed.

I felt relief wash over me, and I leaned against the wall, slowly making my way out. The biting cold wind cut through the frayed Victorian-style dress I wore. The drug Clayton gave me simmered in my veins again, and I bit my lips until they were raw to keep from crying out.

Descending the stairs, I rushed into the restroom and splashed water on my face. As the dizziness subsided a little, voices reached my ears. I quickly retreated into the stall and hid.