Chapter Eighteen: Sting Of Betrayal
Ella’s POV
Keith didn’t answer immediately. He simply smiled that same infuriating smile, the one that always seemed to hint at secrets he would never share. “Does it matter?” he finally said, his tone maddeningly casual.
From the moment I saw Keith this morning and how he reacted to the anniversary, I had felt weird about it. It was like I was stepping into a trap, but I didn’t realize just how tightly it would close around me until
now.
The way he orchestrated everything, from Dorian’s sudden departure to his own appearance at the most inconvenient times, was nothing short of masterful. It wasn’t just a coincidence; it was a carefully constructed plan, and I was the pawn.
Keith watched me with those calculating eyes of his, a slight smirk playing on his lips as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. He wasn‘ t even trying to hide it anymore. He touched my arm, his fingers tracing the delicate bones of my lower arm as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The touch was gentle, almost comforting, but it only made my anger burn hotter.
“You knew this would happen,” I said, my voice low and laced with
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Chapter Eighteen: Sting Of Betrayal
accusation. “You knew from the beginning that Dorian wou me, didn’t you?”
Ce
Keith didn’t deny it. He simply shrugged, his fingers still massaging. “Jessica wanted him to leave, and I knew he would. But like I said before, that doesn’t matter now.”
I kicked his hand away, the sudden movement surprising even myself. “So, what?” I snapped. “Are you on Jessica’s side now? Is this some kind of sick game you’re both playing?”
He sighed, pulling back slightly but still close enough for me to acknowledge how good he smelled. “I’m not on anyone’s side, Ella. Jessica got what she wanted, but I’m not here for her. I’m here for you.”
I glared at him, my anger bubbling over into frustration. “Does seeing me like this make you happy? Do you enjoy watching me fall apart?”
Keith’s expression softened, and for a moment, I thought I saw something almost like regret in his eyes. “No, Ella. I don’t enjoy seeing you hurt. I want you to be happy.”
I laughed bitterly, the sound harsh even to my own ears. “And how exactly do you plan to make that happen? By tearing me away from Dorian? By stepping in whenever he’s not around, just to prove how –much better you are?”
His gaze locked onto mine, unwilling to move away. “Dorian’s not the
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Chapter Eighteen Sting Of Betrayal
man you think he is. He’s been lying to you, hurting you in ways you don’t even realize. Jessica wanted him gone tonight, and he left. But I stayed, because I want to be with you.”
My heart ached at his words, at the truth I didn’t want to admit. Dorian had left me, just as Jessica had wanted, and Keith was still here, promising me something I couldn’t quite grasp. But why? Why would he want me when he had everything else–power, influence, charm? What was I to him?
“Why?” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “Why would you want me?”
Keith reached out, his hand brushing against my cheek, wiping away the tear that had slipped down without me noticing. His touch was tender, almost reeling me into him, but it also made me feel vulnerable.
“You think I’m just playing a game, that I’m doing this for some ulterior motive,” he said quietly. “But the truth is, I’m drawn to you, Ella. You’re different from everyone else. You see through the façade, the masks people wear, and you challenge me in ways no one else does.”
I wanted to believe him, but the anger and hurt inside me made it hard to trust his words. “Maybe you just want to get close to Dorian,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “Maybe this is all about him, and I’m just a means to an end.”
Keith shook his head, his hand still cupping my cheek. “Dorian and I
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Chapter Eighteen: Sting Of Betrayal
are just business partners. There’s no deeper connection, no hidden agenda. What I want is you. The only one who deserves to be punished is the one who betrayed you.”
His words struck a chord deep inside me, stirring up memories I’d tried to bury. Memories of the time Dorian was hospitalized from overworking himself, developing a severe stomach illness that nearly killed him. I’d been there for him, taking care of him while juggling my own responsibilities in the lab. I’d stood by his side when his father passed away, helping him through the funeral arrangements, trying to be the support he needed.
We had been there for each other through so much, and yet here I was, the only one left standing in the ruins of our relationship. The betrayal cut deep, and as the memories resurfaced, tears blurred my vision. I didn’t want to cry, didn’t want to show any more weakness in front of Keith, but the pain was too much to hold back.
Keith’s thumb gently wiped away the tears that fell, his touch soothing in a way I hadn’t expected. “Don’t blame yourself for what happened,” he murmured. “You did everything you could, Ella. You gave him everything, and he still hurt you. That’s not your fault.”
I felt a wave of shame wash over me, not just for what Dorian had done, but for how I’d let Keith in, even if it just a little. I had allowed myself to enjoy his praise, his attention, even when I knew it was dangerous. I had used him as a distraction, a way to escape the pain Dorian had caused, and now I was faced with the reality of what that
meant.
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Chapter Eighteen Sting Of Betrayal
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, the words barely audible. “I’m sorry for using you, for letting you get close. You didn’t deserve that.”
Keith’s countenance melted, and he shook his head slightly. “There’s nothing to apologize for. If anything, I should be the one apologizing. But if you really want to make it up to me, there’s still time to change things.”
I looked at him, confused. “What do you mean?”
He smiled, a small, genuine smile that made my heart ache. “The charity event is still going on. If you want, we can go together. You’re dressed for it, and you look stunning. It would be a shame to waste the night.”
