Chapter 3
626 Words
The Ex Factor
The ballroom was a cathedral of glass and gold—ceilings so high they dared you to look up and chandeliers heavy with arrogance. The kind of place where everyone’s smile was polished, but their knives were sharper.
Leona stood by Elias’ side as a parade of wealthy strangers offered fake congratulations and flinty-eyed curiosity. Every woman sized her up. Every man studied her like a mystery they weren’t sure they were allowed to solve.
Elias, ever the composed prince, had his mask on—smooth and unreadable. But Leona could feel the tension under his cool surface. The way his hand settled a little too tightly on her back. The way he subtly moved her like a chess piece through the crowd. Like she was being positioned.
For what, she wasn’t sure—until she arrived.
Blonde. Ice-pale skin. A backless emerald gown that left very little to the imagination. She walked in like she owned the floor beneath her.
Elias stiffened.
“Oh,” Leona said under her breath. “This should be good.”
The woman approached, lips curled in something between a smirk and a snarl.
“Elias,” she purred, voice dripping with high society. “You’ve been hiding, darling.”
“Vivienne,” he said evenly. “Didn’t know you were back in New York.”
“I’m always where the fun is,” Vivienne replied, her eyes flicking to Leona. “And this must be... her.”
“Leona Vale,” Leona said, offering a handshake. “Fiancée. Temporary.”
Vivienne raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “That’s honest. Refreshing, even.”
“I don’t do small talk well.”
“Oh, I can see that. You’re not exactly the usual Thorne arm candy.”
Leona smiled. “Good. Because I’m not anyone’s candy.”
The two women held the stare for a beat too long.
Vivienne finally looked back at Elias. “Still finding women to play parts for you, I see.”
“Still making scenes at charity galas,” Elias said, voice cold now.
Vivienne laughed, unfazed. “Careful, Leona. He’s good at making you feel needed. Until he doesn’t.”
“I’m not here to be needed,” Leona said, calm and sharp. “I’m here to get what I want. And when I’m done, I’ll walk away just fine.”
Vivienne looked almost impressed. “We’ll see.”
She disappeared into the crowd like a storm retreating.
Leona turned to Elias. “Ex?”
“Something like that.”
“She still wants something from you.”
“She always does.”
“What was her role?”
He looked at her, eyes dark. “Distraction. Poison. Both.”
“Noted.”
Later that night, in the car, neither of them spoke for a long time.
Finally, Elias broke the silence. “You held your own back there.”
“I wasn’t there to impress.”
“No, but you did.”
She glanced at him. “So did you. Especially with the cold emotional whiplash. You’ve got that down to an art.”
He smirked. “It’s genetic.”
The car slowed in front of her place. She reached for the door handle, but paused.
“She’s not going to let this go quietly, Elias.”
“I know.”
“Then be ready. Because if she starts something, I’m not the one who’s going to finish it. We are.”
His eyes softened just slightly. “We?”
She stepped out, heels clicking onto pavement, voice like thunder in silk.
“You wanted a partner in this charade? Congratulations. You’ve got one. But don’t forget—this time, it’s my rules.”
And she shut the door behind her.
- Writer
