The Shadows of Her Revenge

The light from the crystal chandeliers shone softly in the large hall decorated with white and purple flowers. Classical music played softly, making the evening seem like the height of happiness. Everyone smiled, their eyes fixed on one couple on the main stage. A sparkling white dress enveloped the slender body of the bride, Liliana Moreau. She stood with a hopeful gaze on the man beside her. Benjamin Adams—her fiancé and the man she had always trusted—held her hand tightly. The warm smile on his face made Liliana believe that the world was truly on her side. Tonight was their engagement night, the beginning of a more beautiful life. Liliana even felt that all her hard work and the pain she had hidden were worth it for the chance to build a perfect family. But happiness is often just an illusion. Amidst the crowd, Liliana's eyes accidentally caught sight of something. Elijah Corner, her childhood friend whom she had always considered like a sister, was standing at the far end of the room. Elijah's gaze was different—cold, full of secrets, and... triumphant. It was not a friendly smile, but the smile of an executioner who knew her time was almost up. Liliana tried to ignore it. Tonight was not the time to suspect anyone. She just wanted to be happy. *** The party ended around midnight. Liliana left early because Benjamin said he had a quick matter to attend to with one of his business colleagues. She didn't find it strange, because she had always known that her fiancé was busy running his family's company. Her family's large house was quiet when she entered. Only the sound of her footsteps echoed in the long corridor. Liliana took off her high heels in the middle of the hallway. She felt tired, but happy. She even whispered to herself, "Starting tomorrow, I'm not just Liliana, I'm Benjamin's wife." However, her steps stopped in front of her office door. Faintly, she heard a sound coming from inside. A whisper. Soft, but clear. Liliana pressed her ear against the door, trying to hear the voices more clearly. Her heart pounded when she recognized the owners of the voices. The voices belonged to Benjamin and... Elijah. "Everything is going according to plan," Benjamin's voice was firm. "Once we take control of the Moreau family's assets, you'll get your share, Elijah." Liliana froze. The family assets? "Just a share? Don't be ridiculous," Elijah laughed low and bitterly. "I don't want the leftovers, Ben. I want everything. Including Liliana." Liliana held her breath. Her body trembled, as if her blood had stopped flowing. Benjamin paused before answering, "You can 'play with her', but don't let her know. I don't want my reputation ruined because of a stupid affair." Liliana's hands clenched tightly. The knuckles on her fingers turned white, along with the veins on her neck that stood out. Her chest heaved, feeling very suffocating. The world she thought she had in her grasp collapsed in a matter of seconds. The two people she trusted most had stabbed her in the back. She could have denied that the voice was just similar. However, having lived with them for years made her know them very well. Without even needing to see their faces. She backed away slowly. She wanted to leave, but the wooden floor creaked. The sound caused the people inside to rush to the door, which opened roughly. Elijah appeared first, his eyes narrowing immediately when he saw her sneaking away. "Liliana..." he muttered, full of irony. Benjamin followed with a pale face. "Lili, it's not what you heard—" "Enough." Liliana's voice trembled, but she was firm. "So... all this time, you guys..." "Don't get me wrong," Benjamin approached, trying to hold her hand. "I—I love you, really. It's just business, Liliana." Liliana pushed his hand away. Tears fell, but she tried to stand tall. "Business? Destroying me and my family is business? Letting my own best friend,” she looked at Elijah with hurt, “betray me, that’s also business?” Elijah smirked, without guilt. “You’re too trusting, Liliana. This world isn’t about love or friendship. It’s about who’s the strongest. You? You’re just a pawn.” “Pawn?” Liliana’s voice cracked. “I trusted you, Elijah. I gave you everything. And you… you had the heart to—” Benjamin grabbed Elijah’s arm, panicked. “Enough, don’t say another word! We can—” But it was too late. Elijah pulled a small knife from behind his coat. Liliana’s eyes widened. "Elijah, don't—" Benjamin tried to hold him back, but Elijah pushed him away. "It's time, Liliana," Elijah whispered. "I want to see you destroyed, just as I was destroyed under your shadow." The knife pierced her stomach. Blood flowed, staining the white dress she was still wearing from the party. Liliana fell. Her breath was ragged, her vision blurred. She saw Benjamin standing frozen, his face full of fear but not moving to help. "Elijah... why..." Her voice was barely audible. Elijah crouched down, his face close to Liliana's. "Because I can." The world faded. Liliana felt her body growing colder, her blood leaving her body. At the edge of her consciousness, there was only one thought: I'm dead. I was betrayed by the one I loved, and the friend I embraced like a brother. The last tear fell from the corner of her eye. "If only I had been given the chance... I would have... destroyed you both..." Her eyes closed tightly, then everything became so dark.