Substitute Bride for the Iceberg: Trapped in a billionaire's game

CHAPTER 10

I woke up slow, sunlight slicing across the silk sheets. The pillow beside me was untouched, perfectly smooth. Killian hadn’t come to bed. Again.

My heart stuttered. I sat up, nightgown twisted around my legs. The memory of last night hit hard—the music room, me playing until I cried, him standing in the doorway watching without a word. I’d passed out right after, exhausted and shaking. Now the phone on the nightstand was gone. I tore through drawers, under pillows, the bathroom counter. Nothing. He must have taken it while I slept. The needles from yesterday flashed in my head, and that desperate promise I’d made burned in my throat. I’d sworn I’d be loyal, that I wouldn’t fight. I’d meant it in the moment, terrified he’d actually follow through and destroy my hands.

I yanked on a robe and stormed into the living area. Mrs. Hale and the assistant were setting out breakfast, silver trays gleaming like everything was normal.

“Where is he?” I asked, voice sharp. “And where’s my phone?”

Mrs. Hale kept her face blank. “Mr. Vane left for the office at six, ma’am. He said be ready by eleven for the event. Your clothes are laid out.”

“I need a phone. Now.”

They glanced at each other. Mrs. Hale said carefully, “Mr. Vane left strict orders. No calls without his approval.”

“This is my home too,” I snapped, stepping closer. “Give me a phone.”

Mrs. Hale hesitated, then took the old corded landline off the kitchen wall and handed it over. “This is all I can do. But if he asks—”

“He won’t ask you.” I turned my back and dialed Mia’s number fast.

It rang once.

“Sera?” Mia’s voice burst through, thrilled and shaky. “Oh my god, it’s really you! I’ve been worried sick. I texted you a million times, called the orchestra, even drove by your parents’ house. Where have you been? Are you okay? I thought something terrible happened. You just vanished after the wedding and no one’s heard a word.”

Hearing her like that made my eyes sting. “Mia, I only have a minute. He took my phone while I was sleeping. I can’t do this anymore. Can you pick me up? I need to get out, even for an hour.”

“Yes! Of course. Just tell me where. I’m already in the car. God, I’ve been losing my mind not hearing from you. Talk to me—what’s going on? Why have you been MIA? I was starting to think you got kidn*pped or something.”

“I’ll explain everything when we meet, I swear. Can you give me the address?” I asked Mrs. Hale over my shoulder. “The building address. Now.”

Mrs. Hale’s mouth opened, closed. “Mrs. Vane, I really don’t think—”

“The address,” I repeated, louder. “Or I start yelling until everyone hears.”

She recited it quickly. I repeated it into the phone.

“Got it,” Mia said. “I’m fifteen minutes away. Stay put. I’m coming right now. You’re not alone in this, okay? Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out together. I’ve missed you so much. Just hang in there.”

“Thank you.” I hung up before the servants could say more. My hands were shaking.

I grabbed my coat and bag.

Mrs. Hale stepped in front of me. “Mrs. Vane, please. Mr. Vane was very clear. You’re not to leave without an escort.”

The assistant moved to block the hall. “He’ll know, ma’am. He always knows. Please don’t.”

“I’m not a prisoner,” I said, staring them down. “Move.”

“Mrs. Vane,” Mrs. Hale begged, voice cracking. “He left specific instructions. If you walk out, he’ll be furious. This isn’t worth it. Please think about what you’re doing.”

The assistant nodded. “Just wait for him. We can make tea, anything—”

“Move.” I pushed past Mrs. Hale, shoulder bumping hers hard. The assistant reached out but froze when I glared. “Touch me and I’ll make sure he hears exactly how you tried to stop me.”

They didn’t follow. They just stood there calling after me as I jabbed the elevator button.

“He’ll be furious,” Mrs. Hale whispered. “Please.”

The doors closed on their worried faces. I leaned against the mirrored wall, breathing hard. For the first time since the wedding I felt a tiny spark of control. Small. Stupid. But mine.

The elevator dropped to the lobby. I walked out fast, past the doorman who did a double take, and pushed through the glass doors onto the sidewalk.

Mia’s little blue car screeched to a stop at the gate. She leaned across the seat, waving like crazy, face lit up with pure relief.

“Sera! Get in!”

I yanked the door open and slid inside, slamming it shut. The vanilla air freshener and old coffee smell hit me like home.

Mia pulled away from the curb before I even clicked my seatbelt, merging into Manhattan traffic with a laugh. “Holy s**t, you actually did it. I can’t believe you’re here. I’ve been freaking out for days. Now talk. What the hell is going on? Why have you been MIA? You look like you haven’t slept in weeks.”

I pressed my forehead to the window, watching the city blur past—horns blaring, people rushing everywhere, everything loud and free. My heart was still racing, that small spark of hope fighting the cold fear already crawling back in.

Because I knew this little break was going to cost me everything.

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