Chapter 8
The mirror reflected a version of me I was still getting used to–a woman dressed in an elegant emerald gown, diamonds glinting at my ears and neck. The stylist had swept my hair into an intricate updo, and the makeup enhanced features I barely recognized as
mine.
I looked every inch the Colen heir, but inside, I was Harriet–nervous, uncertain, and far from the poised figure I was meant to be.
The banquet was the night the world would know me as Amber Colen. A part of me
wanted to run, but another part, the one that had endured Zack and Stella‘ s torment, was determined to face this head–on.
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The thought of Zack and Stella made my stomach churn. They’d be here tonight, along with other influential families. I wondered how they‘ d react when they saw me, not as the woman they tried to destroy but as someone powerful, someone untouchable.
I needed air.
The hotel’s grand hallways were quiet, the soft glow of chandeliers illuminating the ornate decor. I wandered aimlessly, trying to calm my nerves before the event started.
That’s when I saw him.
Zack stood near the end of the corridor, his sharp features unmistakable. His gaze locked onto me, disbelief flashing across his face before it twisted into something darker.
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“Harriet,” he growled, striding toward me.
I froze, my heart hammering in my chest.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded, grabbing my arm. His grip was tight, his eyes blazing with anger. “You disappeared without a word. Do you have any idea what you put me through?”
I yanked my arm back, but his hold was unrelenting. “Let go of me, Zack.”
“Not until you explain,” he hissed, his voice low but venomous. “You ran away, left me to deal with everything. Do you think you can just show up here like nothing happened?”
His words made my blood boil. “*Deal with everything?* You mean manipulating and controlling me? Using me as a pawn for your precious heir?”
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Zack’s jaw tightened, his anger bubbling to the surface. “You‘ re mine, Harriet. You don’t get to leave and show up at an event like this. You‘ re coming with me. Now.”
I pushed against his chest, panic rising as he tried to drag me toward a side exit. “Let me go, Zack!”
But Zack was stronger, and his grip didn’t loosen. His eyes darkened, and before he could hurt me, an arm reached between us, prying Zack’s hand off mine. I stumbled back, gasping.
Zack‘ s expression morphed from anger to shock. “Rojen?”
Rojen Wilford. Zack‘ s cousin. And apparently, my supposed fiancé.
“What the hell are you doing here?” He
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scoffed. “And this is not on you! Mind your business!”
Rojen smirked, “My business? Well, I’m minding it now.” Rojen smiled at me. I sighed in relief. This wasn‘ t what I expected for our first meeting but I was glad he was here.
“What are you saying? Do you know her?”
“Not only I know her,” Rojen held my hand. “She’s my fiancée, so if you value your life, I suggest you never lay a hand on her.”
Zack laughed, though it was hollow, disbelief etched across his face. “Fiancée? You‘ re joking. She’s mine. She belongs with me.
Rojen didn’t flinch as he squeezed my hand. “No, Zack. She’s mine. What you only have with her right now is regret.”
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er 8
not on pre Zack could respond, another voice
out, sharp and furious.
businesserriet!‘
ensmed just in time to see Stella storming wasnis d me. Without warning, she grabbed a Qubitiw of my hair, yanking me backward.
you have any idea what you’ve done to ghgh Do she screamed. “You almost killed me! her,RojRuined everything!”
so so if you hot through my scalp as I struggled ylayha hart her grip, clawing at her hands. “Let gh it washme!”
ace. Fian think you can waltz in here and act like ace.Fian e. She bere better than us?” Stella sneered, her h as he squigging into my skin.
imine. Whaline surged through me, and I shoved is regret ret
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Chapter 8
her hard, sending her stumbling. “I’m not
the one ruining lives, Stella. That’s your specialty.”
The commotion drew the attention of nearby guests, whispers and gasps filling the hallway as they watched the chaos unfold.
“What the hell is going on here?”
The commanding voice made everyone freeze. Lady Colen, my mother, stepped into the fray. Her sharp eyes took in the scene- the disheveled Stella, the stunned Zack, and me standing in the middle of it all.
Stella recovered quickly, her voice dripping with false innocence. “Lady Colen, I’m so sorry, but this girl–Harriet–is ruining the banquet. She’s causing a scene.”
Lady Colen’s glare could‘ ve cut steel. She
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Chapter 8
crossed her arms as she stared Stella down.
“No,” she said coldly. “You‘ re the one ruining the banquet. How dare you lay a hand on my daughter.”
The room fell silent. Stella’s eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing as if she couldn’t comprehend what she’d just heard.
“Daughter?” Zack voice echoed.
I glanced at him, seeing the shock and disbelief etched on his face.
Lady Colen stepped closer, placing a protective hand on my shoulder. “Yes.
Harriet is Amber Colen. My daughter. And if either of you so much as looks at her again, you’ll answer to me.”
