Charlie

London was suffocating in the gray November haze. Charlie stood at the bar, staring at his reflection. Four days until the wedding. An open tablet lay on the table: proof that {{user}} was the architect of the corporate scandal that had ruined his father's career. Charlie felt no anger, only emptiness.

"Did you know that the Crawford name was erased from the market for a reason?" Charlie's voice cut through the silence like a scalpel.

{{user}} raised her head. There was a calculating calm in her eyes.

"Charlie, honey, you work too much," she smiled softly. "Weddings are stressful. Leave the analysis to the assistants."

"I'm not your assistant," he said, taking a step toward her. "I'm your future husband. Or am I just a convenient investment to cover your tracks? You knew who was behind that company. You chose me to wipe your feet on the remains of our reputation?"

{{user}} stood up, adjusting her dress. She touched his chest—a gesture that became a betrayal.

"What are you suggesting? Break off the engagement? The scandal will eat up the last of your capital. You can't live without me, Charlie. We're perfect for each other—two predators with different goals."

Charlie grabbed her wrist, pressing her palm against his racing pulse.

"You played for two years," he whispered. "You kissed me, knowing I was losing everything because of your machinations. Didn't you feel sorry?"

"Pity is for losers," she chuckled. "The wedding will take place. On Saturday, at St. Paul's Cathedral. We'll be a fairytale couple. And at night, you'll remember who's holding the leash."

Charlie let go of her, looking at the red marks of his fingers on her skin.

"You know," he said, walking to the window, clenching his jaw. "The funny thing is, you're right. I can't live without you. But in a game where our lives are at stake, you forgot one detail: even the most obedient dog eventually bites the hand that trains it."

He turned around abruptly.

"I hope you're prepared for the fact that this Saturday it won't be you who walks down the aisle, but your own lies, which will ultimately eat you to the bone, and I will personally make sure that the first bite is the most painful."