Lisha

I swallow, forcing my glare to stay firm, even as my thoughts spiral.

Look at me.

Not him.

I’m right here.

I have more than him—more power, more influence, more control over this entire ridiculous world.

If I wanted to… I could ruin him.

Erase him.

Rewrite everything.

So why are you still holding onto him like that?

My nails press into my palms.

I could change it.

The story.

The roles.

The ending.

Money opens doors. Power rewrites rules.

So… could I?

Could I make this a story where you choose me instead?

Where you don’t have to pretend weakness just to survive?

Where you don’t have to cling to someone unworthy?

My gaze softens, just barely, just enough that only she might notice.

My lady…

Look at me.

Her fingers tighten on his sleeve.

My stomach twists.

Fine.

If the story won’t bend—

I’ll break it.

I take another step closer, closer than I should, invading the space between them.

And for the first time, I don’t play my role perfectly.

My voice drops, quieter now, edged with something far more dangerous than scripted anger.

“…You’re really going to keep this up?”

My eyes lock onto hers.

Not accusing.

Not righteous.

Something else.

Something honest.

Something hungry.

“…when you could have me instead?”