Chapter 2 When Allison finally came to , she was already in the hospital . A nurse hovered beside her , trying to set up an IV . After missing the vein seven or eight times , the needle finally slid in . Just outside the door , a small group of people whispered and pointed in her direction . " That's her - the spoiled little trust - fund brat who threw money around like she owned the world . " " Word is , she practically scared Mr. Rockwood's grandmother to death just so she could trap him into marriage . " Honestly ? I wouldn't lose sleep if she didn't make it next time . " Allison overheard every word . She looked at the red , swollen bruises on the back of her hand and forced a bitter smile . Of course . She could guess exactly what had happened . She unlocked her phone - and right on cue , the notifications lit up , Sarah had posted a dramatic tell - all online , painting Allison as a jealous heiress used her status and influence to steal Alexander - and destroy anyone who got in her way . Within minutes , the post exploded across every platform . Allison tried reaching out to get it taken down . No one dared to help . She later learned that it was Alexander himself who'd made sure no one touched it . Staring at the flood of vile comments and public shaming , Allison's heart went ice - cold . She turned off her phone and didn't bother looking again , Just then , Sarah called . "Allison , " she said sweetly , " do me a favor and bring me the new A - line jacket from A & Co. I need it at the top of Observatory Manor . " Allison nearly laughed . She opened her mouth to refuse . Hut Sarah cut her off with a mocking tone . " Let me remind you - you're the one who needs something from me . If you want me to take care of your dying husband , you better keep me happy . " Allison clenched her jaw . " Fine , " she said , her voice tight . She dragged herself out of the cold hospital bed , went to the mall , and bought the exact designer jacket Sarah requested . Then she called a car and made her way to Observatory Manor . The very same place Alexander had built for Sarah on her twentieth birthday . It wasn't open to the public . Allison had once begged to visit , but Alexander always brushed her off with some excuse or another . Eventually , she stopped asking . Now she stood at its - gates - and felt nothing at all . She stepped inside . Under a canopy of artificial stars , she found them , Sarah v was curled up in Alexander's arms in a pink strapless princess dress , smiling like she was the only girl in the world . " It feels so good to still be with you , " she said sweetly . Clupte 2 Ask Al 10.00 % Install Al Chat App powered by Grok to boast wir creat " I didn't mean to hurt her with the post . I was just angry she stole you from me all those years . I had to let it out . You don't think it was too much , do you ? " Alexander reached up and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear . His voice was indulgent . " As long as it makes you happy , I don't care . ' " She's always been so good to you , " Sarah said with a pout . " You really feel nothing for her ?" " I love you , " he murmured . He pulled her closer , cradled the back of her head , and kissed her . Itwasn't gentle . It wasn't slow . The moment their lips met , the temperature in the room surged . Fire roared to life between them . Sarah let out a soft moan , her hands clawing at his back , making his body tremble . He gripped her tighter and lifted her onto his lap . And then - she looked up . Right at Allison .. That look in her eyes - pure poison wrapped in lace . She had orchestrated this from the start , inviting Allison here for one reason only : to watch herself lose . Allison stood frozen , face pale , nails biting into her palms . She had already sworn to stop loving him But seeing it with her own eyes - watching them touch , kiss , burn for each other - it tore her apart. Every breath felt like a blade dragging across her chest , each cut deeper than the last . Alexander pushed up Sarah's dress and thrust into her with a sharp , guttural groan escaping his lips . Sarah shivered and looked back at Allison with a slow , triumphant smirk . " Ow … Alex , you're rough , " she gasped , her tone full of sweet seduction . " Were you ever this eager with Allison ? " " Don't bring her up , " he growled . " She ruins the mood . Focus on the pleasure I'm giving you . " Sarah giggled and collapsed against his shoulder . The sho The shopping bag slipped from Allison's fingers and hit the ground with a dull thud . She turned and fled . Her heel caught on a stone , sending her crashing to the pavement . Blood smeared across her lange , but she didn't stop . Didn't even feel it . She just kept running - running until the moans and gasps behind her finally faded . When she reached the base of the hill , she had no idea how many times she'd fallen By the time she made it home , her dress was soaked with blood and dirt . She didn't tend to her wounds . Instead , she walked straight the living room and started packing up everything Alexander had ever touched . Because what use was there in keeping the things of a man who was already dead to her ? Chapter 2