Chapter 8
Ophelia slowly opened her eyes.[]
So Bastien had seen the video. That’s why he’d come running.]
Was it for her? Impossible.]
Probably just damage control because Anastasia’s name was getting dragged into it.]
“If you’re here for Anastasia,please go.” Her voice was flat, emotionless in a way Bastien had never heard before.[]
“This was just some crazy fans acting on their own. They should face consequences, but it has nothing to do with Anastasia.“]
From the back seat came a soft, bitter laugh.]
“I wasn’t here for Anastasia.“]
“Right.“]
A one–word answer, like she was rationing her syllables with him.[]
They had barely gotten home, her suitcase still by the door, when Anastasia showed up.[]
She looked terrible–hair chopped unevenly, face partially bandaged from the burns. She shuffled in slowly, leaning heavily on Jenna.[]
Bastien immediately rushed over to help, completely ignoring Ophelia’s presence.]
“Jesus, what are you doing here?“]
Anastasia clutched Bastien’s hand, her voice fragile. “I had to come apologize to your wife. This is all my fault,sorry.”
“Ophelia. I’m so sorry. Please, if you could forgive those girls…”
Before Ophelia could respond, Bastien jumped in. “This isn’t on you, Anastasia.”
Anastasia shook her head weakly.[]
“It’s up to Ophelia.I needed to apologize, regardless.”
Ophelia looked at her coldly, then at Bastien, her eyes finally settling on their intertwined hands.
Bastien noticed her stare and felt suddenly self–conscious.[]
“Ms. Wilder, I don’t need your apology, but I’m also not dropping the charges.”
“Please, they’re just kids. They deserve a second chance.“]
Ophelia’s jaw tightened, and she took a deep breath before responding. “Why exactly? Or did you actually send them to do your dirty work?“]
Anastasia’s face went sheet white, and she swayed slightly. Jenna immediately jumped to her defense.[]
“That’s completely uncalled for!We came here as a courtesy, and you’re being deliberately cruel.“[]
Bastien frowned at Ophelia. “That’s not fair. Anastasia would never do something like that.“]
Ophelia didn’t bother responding.]
She simply turned and walked upstairs.[]
Bastien personally escorted Anastasia back to villa.]
Ophelia asked their housekeeper to make her some simple chicken soup–she was finally hungry, but nothing food would stay down.[]
Bastien still hadn’t returned.]
Ophelia went to his office to get some property documents and accidentally knocked over a vintage toy figure on his bookshelf.
The toy popped off, and dozens of tiny folded notes spilled across the floor.
Curious, she opened one.]
“Day 101 post–breakup. Getting married tomorrow. It’s not to Anastasia, but I guess it doesn’t really matter who it is.”
She picked up another.
“Caught the bouquet at Mike’s wedding. Saw Ophelia staring at me with those desperate eyes and decided to propose on a whim. Obviously she said yes. Later she tried to act like it was all a mistake, but please–we both know she’s been obsessed with me forever. Just had to feed her ego a little. Might as well make the two families satisfied with this arrangement.“]
Ophelia’s hands trembled, tears spilling without warning. She grabbed a third note.[]
“Married now. She’s thrilled. I’m miserable. Every night it is not Anastasia.Myaybe they would’ve given Anastasia []
a chance if she didn’t appear. SHIT.“]
Ophelia carefully folded the three notes and pocketed them. She gathered the others, returning it to the shelf.]
As if nothing had happened.]
Back in their bedroom, she locked the door and finally broke down completely.
Five years of her love–all just a sick joke.
