Chapter12:The Perfect Facade
880 Words
“Had to. To keep you breathing.” He swallowed. “But I didn’t trust her. Knew she’d twist it.”
She leaned into him. “What now?”
He pulled her close. “We disappear. Tonight. You go somewhere safe—far. Recover. I'll handle the rest.”
“You’re leaving me?”
“Not leaving. Protecting.” He cupped her cheek. “I can’t fight them and keep you safe at the same time. Not yet.”
Tears spilled. “You’ll come back?”
“Always.”
They packed fast—cash, burner phone, essentials. He drove through the night, crossing lines until a quiet rental far from Sydney. Settled her in, stocked food, clean clothes.
“You stay put,” he said. “Change numbers. No contact.”
She nodded, tearful. “Come back.”
“I will. And when I do—we end this.”
Driving back alone, Sydney’s skyline glittered cold.
He knew the wedding would proceed. Diana in white. Parents watching.
But he wasn’t playing anymore.
He had questions.
And answers that would burn their empire down.
He parked. Stepped onto the balcony. Wind sharp.
Phone buzzed.
Unknown: She’s safe. For now. But the documents are closer than you think.
Austin’s fist clenched.
Someone was helping.
And the clock was ticking.
......................
The Blake Group office buzzed with wedding prep—florists arranging samples on conference tables, caterers wheeling in tasting trays, photographers debating light angles. From the outside, it looked like fairy-tale planning. Inside Austin’s office, it felt like a cage lined with silk.
He sat behind his desk, hands clasped, staring at spreadsheets he hadn’t read. The harbor glittered beyond the glass, but he saw only Selene—hidden miles away, bruised, recovering, waiting for him to end this.
Adam lingered in the doorway, brow creased. “Sir… the venue confirmed the lighting. Invitations go out tomorrow. But… are you sure about this?”
Austin forced a nod. “Appearances matter.”
Adam hesitated. “Selene—”
“Don’t.” Austin’s voice was low. “Not here.”
Diana swept in minutes later—lavender dress, hair catching sunlight, carrying a tablet like a weapon. She placed it on his desk. “Guest list finalized. I added a few allies. You’ll approve?”
He scanned it—names that meant power, not love. “Fine.”
She didn’t leave. Instead, she leaned against the edge of his desk, close enough that her perfume mixed with the scent of fresh flowers from the hall. “You’ve been distant,” she said softly. “Even for you.”
Austin met her eyes—searching for the woman who’d ordered Selene chained, not this softer version. “Busy.”
Her fingers brushed his sleeve—light, deliberate. “We’re getting married in days. You could at least pretend to look forward to it.”
He tensed. “This isn’t pretend for everyone.”
She tilted her head, gaze lingering. “It could be.”
The words hung. She stepped closer—too close—her hand resting on his arm, thumb tracing a slow circle. “I’ve been thinking… maybe this doesn’t have to be just business.”
Austin’s pulse kicked. “What are you doing?”
“Trying.” Her voice dropped. “You’re not the only one who feels trapped.”
For a second, her mask slipped—eyes vulnerable, almost pleading. Then she leaned in, lips inches from his, testing.
He pulled back sharply. “Don’t.”
Hurt flickered—real or feigned? She straightened. “You used to be easier to read.”
“And you used to be honest about what you want.”
She smiled thinly. “I want what’s mine.”
She turned to leave, but paused at the door. “The rehearsal dinner is tomorrow. Wear the navy suit. It looks good on you.”
The door clicked shut.
Austin exhaled hard. Diana’s shift unnerved him more than her cruelty—vulnerability from her was a weapon he didn’t understand yet.
Adam stepped in. “She’s… different.”
“She’s playing a new game.” Austin rubbed his face. “And I need to know the rules.”
Evening came. Diana was already in the penthouse when he arrived—drapes adjusted, lights low, tablet glowing with seating charts. She turned, smile almost genuine.
“Everything’s in place,” she said. “Beautiful, don’t you think?”
He studied her—lingering gaze, soft tone, the way she stepped closer without reason.
“Too perfect,” he replied.
She laughed quietly. “That’s the point.”
She moved nearer, hand brushing his arm again—deliberate, warm. “Austin… before the chaos tomorrow, can we talk? Really talk?”
He didn’t flinch. “About what?”
“Us.” She searched his face. “If this weren’t forced… would you ever look at me the way you looked at her?”
The question hit like a blade.
Before he could answer, his phone buzzed—burner from Selene.
He stepped away, heart slamming.
Text: Safe. But someone followed me today. Black car. I lost them, but… hurry.
Blood roared in his ears.
Diana watched him closely. “Problem?”
He forced calm. “No.”
- Writer
