Chapter 19
Freya’s teeth ground together as the realization hit her: Christina’s husband wasn’t just a wealthy man—he was an impossibly handsome one, with a rank that far surpassed her own. The jealousy in her heart flared into hatred, burning with an intensity that threatened to consume her.
So what? she thought bitterly, squaring her shoulders. Their so-called “friendship” had long been a lie. What did she have left to fear or care about?
Freya turned to face Nathaniel, her words venomous. “Your wife was probably involved with countless men while you were away. If I were you, I’d divorce her immediately!”
Her words were like ice-cold water poured over Christina. The sharpness of Freya’s accusation stung deep. All those years of trust, all those moments shared, and Freya had been hiding such contempt the whole time.
Christina’s fingers trembled with rage. I was blind to think she was my friend, she thought bitterly. For years, Freya had acted the part of a sister, all the while quietly plotting behind her back. It made sense now, everything that had felt off in their relationship.
Her throat was tight with unshed anger, but Christina said nothing. She had no need to explain herself to someone who had never understood her.
Freya sneered, her eyes glinting with smug satisfaction. “Why are you so silent? You led Brayden on without telling him you were married. You know I’ve secretly loved him for years. I’m just exposing your hypocrisy.”
Christina’s laugh was cold, hollow. “Hypocrisy?” she repeated. “The real hypocrisy is in the lies you’ve built around us both. You never cared about me—you just wanted to sabotage my happiness because you couldn’t have Brayden.”
Her eyes narrowed, meeting Freya’s with an icy certainty. “I’m done being your target, Freya. But you? You’ve made your bed. Now you’ll lie in it.”
Freya’s face twisted with fury. “You think you’ve won? You’re just a fool!” Her words were sharp, biting, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. Christina wasn’t the weak, naïve girl she once was.
Christina stood taller, her voice unwavering. “I shared everything with you, trusted you, and this is how you repay me? You made me believe in a sisterhood that was never real. You used my vulnerability against me.”
Her words stung Freya to the core, but she refused to show weakness. Instead, she lashed out with venom. “You’re pathetic, Christina. Always pretending to be innocent when you’re just like the rest of them.”
Christina’s patience was exhausted. She reached into her bag, pulling out a small white pill. She held it up, her fingers trembling with cold fury. “You’ve got a venomous heart, Freya. Take this pill, and maybe it’ll cleanse you of all that poison inside you.”
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, his cold eyes flicking between the two women. He didn’t need to ask what Christina meant; he understood immediately.
Freya recoiled, her face draining of color. “I won’t take it,” she hissed, but there was an edge of panic in her voice.
Christina stepped forward, her voice dripping with disdain. “Not brave enough? Then why didn’t you think about what you’d do to me when you tried to ruin me with your lies? I’m feeling generous today, though—only giving you laxatives.”
The air between them crackled with tension, Freya’s face contorting with fear. Christina’s voice was a low, lethal whisper. “Take it, or I’ll feed it to you myself.”
Freya’s heart raced in her chest, her mind frantic. She turned to Brayden, looking for a shred of support, but he only looked at her with silent disappointment. His gaze flicked briefly to Christina, and then he turned away.
“I don’t have a part to play in this,” Brayden muttered, his voice tinged with regret. “You two need to settle this on your own.”
With that, he walked off the stage, leaving Freya standing in the spotlight alone. His cold dismissal was like a slap in the face, and for a brief moment, Freya’s confidence wavered. But then, the venom inside her reasserted itself.
Christina’s gaze never left Freya as she stood, watching her with contempt. “I don’t need your approval, Freya. I’ve been too patient with you.” She nodded at the pill in her hand. “The choice is yours. But know this—this will be the last time I show you mercy.”
Freya’s heart pounded. She couldn’t escape this. Slowly, with shaking hands, she took the pill from Christina and swallowed it, her face paling as she did.
Christina’s lips curled into a thin smile. “Don’t bother pretending to be friendly the next time we meet,” she said coldly, turning to leave.
She took Nathaniel’s hand, her grip tight, and with a final, triumphant glance at Freya, she walked off the stage. Nathaniel, silent and observant, followed closely behind, never once glancing back.
Freya stood frozen, her chest rising and falling with panicked breaths. She had been bested by the very person she had sought to destroy. How could she be so stupid? Her eyes narrowed as she glared at Christina’s retreating figure, vowing that this wasn’t over.
Christina stepped off the stage, her breath catching in her chest. She had done what needed to be done, but her heart was still heavy with the weight of betrayal. Nathaniel’s hand, warm and reassuring, settled at her back.
“Don’t follow me,” she said quietly, breaking the silence between them. “I have a lot to sort out.”
Nathaniel’s eyes darkened, a mix of amusement and something more dangerous flickering in his gaze. He stepped closer, his hand tightening around her waist. “Did I say you could go?”
Christina’s voice was edged with frustration. “You want to restrict me again? That’s illegal, you know.”
Nathaniel chuckled darkly, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. “I just spent five million to buy your solo dance, Mrs. Hadley. I own the rest of your time. Your body, too.”
The heat in his gaze made her shiver, and the words hit her with the force of a blow. She was paralyzed, unable to process the sudden rush of emotions.
Nathaniel motioned for the manager, who hurried over, handing him a gleaming key. “The room is ready, Mr. Hadley.”
Christina tensed. What are you doing? she wanted to ask, but before she could, Nathaniel smiled, that dangerous, irresistible smile. “Actions speak louder than words, darling,” he murmured, his voice full of promise.
Christina’s breath caught in her throat, her thoughts spinning. This man…
“Shameless scoundrel,” she muttered, trying to pull away, but Nathaniel had already picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder with ease.
“Then I’ll be just that,” he said, his voice low and teasing, “until the very end, Mrs. Hadley.”
4o mini