IN LOVE WITH THE DEVIL

Chapter 3

I walked into the dining hall.

The maids were already serving breakfast.

The atmosphere was unusually quiet.

Mom looked exhausted, her eyes swollen from crying all night.

Dad sat at the head of the table, reading a magazine as though everything was perfectly normal.

I quietly took my seat without greeting anyone.

My eyes were puffy from a sleepless night. Dark circles framed them, and when I'd looked in the mirror that morning, I barely recognised myself.

The maids served my breakfast.

"Thank you," I muttered.

They bowed slightly before leaving.

Without touching my food, I could feel Mom watching me as she ate. She seemed to have decided to give me space.

Maybe that was for the best.

"I'll marry Brian Tyler."

My voice was quiet, yet the words echoed through the silent dining hall.

Nobody spoke.

Mom's spoon slipped from her hand onto the plate.

Dad slowly lowered the magazine.

Both of them stared at me in surprise.

Apparently, neither of them had expected me to agree—especially not this soon.

After the tantrum I'd thrown yesterday, they both knew how stubborn I could be.

But now...

This was the only choice I had left.

I'd spent the entire night thinking about it.

I didn't want more blood on my hands.

Mom looked at me suspiciously.

"What happened? Did your father threaten you?"

"I've thought about it."

I lied.

"That's good news," Dad said as he folded the magazine.

A dry laugh escaped my lips.

"Of course you'd be happy."

The sarcasm in my voice didn't seem to affect him.

He calmly took a sip of his tea before clearing his throat.

"We can begin the preparations. The Tyler family has invited us for dinner this evening."

I scoffed.

"I'm busy."

Dad interrupted before I could say another word.

"It's to formally discuss the marriage. Chairman Tyler personally requested your presence."

He paused.

"You don't want to leave a bad impression on your future in-laws, do you?"

With that, he stood and walked out of the dining hall.

Mom looked at me with pity.

I hated that look.

She was blaming herself for being powerless.

"Fiona..."

I clenched my jaw and stormed out.

I walked into my bedroom and opened my wardrobe.

My gaze fell on an old family photograph.

My fingers gently brushed across the frame.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?"

Mom's soft voice startled me.

I gasped.

I hadn't even noticed she'd followed me.

"Mom... when did you come in?"

"Just now."

She smiled faintly as she picked up the photograph.

"It was your fifth birthday."

"I still remember the look on your face when we surprised you with that cake."

"You've always loved vanilla..."

She chuckled through her tears.

"...but your eyes were fixed on the chocolate one."

I looked at the photograph.

I was smiling brightly, holding a chocolate cake while Mom and Dad stood on either side of me for a family picture.

"Honestly..."

She lowered her head.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to help. I..."

"Mom, it's okay."

I interrupted her gently.

"I'm fine."

I forced a smile.

"I'll marry him."

"It's not like he's going to kill me or anything."

"But he's..."

"Maybe the rumours aren't completely true."

I tried to sound convincing.

"I'll survive this."

In truth...

I was trying to convince myself.

Mom cupped my face with both hands.

"Are you sure your father didn't say anything to you?"

Her eyes searched mine for even the slightest lie.

I forced myself to hold her gaze.

"I'm fine, Mom."

I wiped away the tears rolling down her cheeks.

"So stop crying."

"If you cry..."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Promise me you'll stay healthy."

She smiled weakly.

"I promise."

"My little girl has grown up."

She pulled me into a hug.

"Come downstairs and eat."

"Otherwise, I won't be able to eat either."

Just then...

My phone buzzed.

"Mom..."

I slipped the phone into my hand.

"I'll join you in a minute."

"It must be my manager."

I lied again.

"Alright."

She smiled before quietly leaving the room.

The moment the door closed...

I took a deep breath.

Then I unlocked my phone.

Unknown Number.

“Good girl.”

I froze.

Another message appeared.

“You made the right decision. I knew you weren't that stupid. Congratulations on your engagement.”

A gasp escaped my lips.

"How..."

My voice barely rose above a whisper.

"...did they know?”