"No."

My father laughed like I had told a joke, looking at Zade nervously. "She had always been unable to express herself openly. One of the many things about my daughter. She takes after her mother so much."

I felt a growth in my throat, and even swallowing it down felt too heavy. I’m ashamed to have this man as my father.

"Mr. Morri..." Zade said, amused, and something told me he was enjoying this. "I didn’t realize we’d be having a meeting. We handled the last part, did we not?"

"Yes... We did. However, this is not about that... I mean in a place like this, I wouldn’t dream of it."

I’m guessing they weren’t talking about shares. God, I don’t wanna be here right.

I have always hated everything about their world, but sometimes it gets harder, and you have no choice but to taste it because you were born into it.

"I just thought I should come greet you both. The moment you two stepped in, I think everyone would agree they didn’t come for the opera but to get a glimpse of you two."

He laughed again, but no one was sharing in his amusement. It’s either he was trying so hard to be funny, or he just wanted to maintain a more amiable air, but that wasn’t doing so much.

"How’s the evening going, really?"

Zade doesn’t respond, and I knew then they don’t share any air of benevolence. I wasn’t sure there was any relationship to begin with. Their deal was made, a daughter for his debts to be paid.

I don’t mean anything to him anymore. Doing this... talking as if we had some kind of relationship left was rubbing salt in an open wound.

"The main event is starting soon. We don’t wanna be late," I said, hooking my arm through Zade’s and tugging him forward.

I didn’t expect it to work, but it did, and I let out a relieved breath as we walked out.

We made our way back to the grand hall, and everyone was already getting seated for the main event to start, but still engaged in conversation.

Zade’s eyes burned through my skull, but I tried to ignore them as best as I could. We were stopped by a man who came to greet us, and they spoke briefly.

I forced a smile only when he introduced himself, dropping it when he went back to talking with Zade. It didn’t take too long before the man left.

I seized that opportunity to take my grip off Zade’s arm, clearing my throat and maintaining my smile at anyone who got close enough.

The atmosphere, once thickened by the absurd sense of lustful energy, was reduced to something discomfiting.

"You’ve gone strangely quiet on me, darling..."

Don’t look at him, Ana.

"I much preferred it when you were trying to bite my head off earlier."

I flicked my eyes to him quickly, and that smirk still spread across his face. I’ve no idea why I thought I’d meet with a concerned look... silly me.

That cursed look was only shown at the studio when he asked if I was alright. Maybe I hallucinated that. I wouldn’t be so surprised.

"Maybe I’m just tired."

"Or maybe this is about your father..."

"I don’t—"

"I imagined seeing the man who sold you to me would provoke quite the reaction. Sadly... I was expecting a Spitfire, not gloom."

I felt a twist in my chest, and all I did was pin him with a dark look.

That smirk only got more amused. "Mm. Does the sight of him make you sick?"

"The sight of both of you makes me sick. Because you’re all the same."

"That so...?"

"You’re both men who know only to satisfy your greed."

I attempted to walk ahead of him, but with a simple tug by my wrist, I was dramatically spun back into his arms like it was the only place he wanted me to be. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"There’s one huge difference you haven’t quite realized," he muttered. "Unlike your father... I don’t discard what I own."

My pulse raced, but I didn’t let his words get to me. "How original..." I said sassily. "I almost believe you."

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest. "You’re underestimating your importance to me... Do I need to erase that idea from your head?"

"And how are you gonna do that...?"

He dipped his head toward my ear slowly. "There are many... many... ways, my sassy kitten."

A hot shiver shot up my spine.

"Ana?"

I broke apart from Zade, and we both turned our heads toward the voice.

Clara Reid came closer, in a sleek red dress that hugged her figure with a white fur coat on top that rested elegantly along her arms.

She wore a flashy multi-row rhinestone necklace and a pair of diamond studs that caught the light exquisitely. Her brunette hair was curled and packed in a low bun.

"Clara?" I said in surprise.

I could barely recognize her.

Her red-painted lips curved in a smile. "It’s been what... A month? It’s good to see you."

I never imagined Clara would sound... classy, without sprouting gibberish. She tried so hard to bring down my image in the academy, spreading nasty things about my sister.

"And you must be Mr. Salvero, Ana’s husband. Pleasure." She shifted her eyes to Zade.

"I’m surprised to see you here..." I said, pulling her attention.

"Are you? Don’t be surprised, the invitation was sent. Oh, I heard you got with Mrs. Valmont. It’s the talk of the academy now..."

"Is it?" I spoke tightly, and suddenly, I’m the one acting like a bitch.

"I have been taking a break. I haven’t had the chance to tell you congratulations. Congratulations. I’m sure you will be the lead in the performance next month."

With a smile, she gave a polite nod and left, my lingering gaze on her.

I sighed, already exhausted before I looked at Zade. "What?"

"You have fascinating taste in friends."

"She’s not my friend." I gritted out, realizing my own words before I added. "We once were. Not anymore."