Chloe woke up weightless.
Not because things were perfect. Not because everything was settled.
But because she wasn't carrying it anymore.
She exhaled, pushing the silk sheets off her legs, stepping onto the cool marble floor.
She wasn't staying. Not in Veyora. Not in this life she built out of pride and defiance.
She was going home.
To Marquesia.
To her family.
To herself.
But before that—one last piece to close.
She stepped out of the hotel, sliding into the sleek black car waiting for her, giving the driver an address.
Kevin's house. Not hers anymore.
She had left. But she needed to pick up the last pieces before she disappeared into the life she was truly meant for.
As the car rolled to a stop, Chloe exhaled, stepping onto the familiar pavement.
And then—movement at the door.
A figure standing there, just about to knock.
Sophia.
Chloe's lips curled slightly. Of course.
Sophia turned, eyes flickering in surprise before sharpening into something smug. Prepared.
"Well, well." She crossed her arms, tilting her head. "Look who came crawling back."
Chloe blinked, slow. Unbothered.
"Pick a new line, Sophia. You're embarrassing yourself."
Sophia inhaled sharply, stepping closer. Too close.
"You think leaving means you won, huh? Think Kevin's miserable? He isn't. He's happier than ever. Because unlike you, I don't make things difficult."
Chloe laughed softly. Not amused—hollow, disbelieving.
"Difficult? You mean expectations? Basic respect?" She leaned slightly. "I can see why you'd struggle with those."
Sophia's jaw tightened.
And then—theatrics began.
Right as the door swung open, revealing Kevin standing there, Sophia gasped—stumbling back, eyes wide—shoving herself onto the pavement.
Like she'd been hit. Pushed. Attacked.
Kevin froze.
"What the hell—?" His eyes darted between them.
Sophia clutched her wrist, eyes watering.
"She—she pushed me!"
Chloe exhaled slowly.
Then—she smiled.
"Kevin," she murmured. Calm. Amused. Utterly unimpressed.
"I hope you realize you're dealing with someone who's more committed to playing victim than actually being happy."
Sophia's breath hitched.
Kevin stared, unsettled, uncertain.
Because deep down, he knew Chloe wasn't the type to react.
And now? Now he was caught in someone else's performance.