The Marriage Promise Broken
His eyes were bloodshot, but he didnt dare come closer. Why? After ten years of fighting to win him his empire, he was marrying some college girl instead of me. Even his crew defended me, reminding him how I stood by him.
But Cain Thorne just stroked the matching ring he wore with his new love and sneered, Kira? Shes covered in blood. The thought of her repulses me. When warned that I might turn on him, he scoffed, So what if I lose her?
He never knew I heard every word. I dropped the medical supplies I brought for him into the trash and texted his enemy: Cains turf and his life. Want them? Theyre yours.
1.
I was in the middle of arranging for a speedboat to get me off the island when Cain found me.
Theres a big shipment arriving the day after tomorrow. I need you to personally oversee the pickup with your best men. And clear out your house. I need it.
He gave the order in his usual deep, serious tone, but all I could feel was a bitter, rising laughter. To marry his sweet Lily, he was willing to throw me to the wolves. Hed let our main stronghold be vulnerable to Silass attack, just so I could risk my life to bring his little flower back to him. He really was madly in love.
He needed my house? For what? To give to Lily, of course.
I replied with a cold, flat, Okay.
My lack of reaction clearly annoyed him. He scowled. Whats with the attitude now? The only reason I havent made our relationship public is because things are unstable. Silas is watching our every move. I cant let the whole crew drop their guard for one person.
He always did this, twisting things to make it seem like my fault. Your most important job right now, he continued, is to help me break Silass blockade.
I used to think this was his way of protecting me. It made me fight harder for him, scheme for him, bleed for him. Now, it just sounded pathetic.
I placed the requisition form for the boat on the desk in front of him. Theres no attitude, I said tonelessly. Im used to it.
He sensed something was off. A flash of irritation crossed his eyes, and he signed the form with such force that the pen tore through the paper.
Kira! Whats with the damn face? Its just a house! Everything on this island belongs to me. Even your life belongs to me. Are you telling me I cant even give you an order anymore?
He threw the paper at my face. And from now on, dont bother me with trivial crap like supply runs. I dont have time for you.
Hed misunderstood the form, but I didnt bother to correct him. I just gave a noncommittal nod, turned, and walked out. Seeing the signed paper that guaranteed my escape, a slow, genuine smile spread across my face.
Id been with Cain for ten years. We were childhood friends, partners whod trust each other with our lives, and passionate lovers. I had always dreamed of marrying him. Hed even hinted at it himselfonce he had Port Sterling in the palm of his hand, hed give me everything I wanted.
But I saw the truth now. It was all a lie, woven from my own foolish hopes and his calculated manipulation.
And now, he was marrying someone else.
That night, a team of heavily armed mercenaries escorted Lily to the island. She was a vision in a flowing white dress, her innocent eyes shining with a smug, triumphant light.
Youve worked so hard for Cain for over a decade, Kira. You deserve a reward. She smiled sweetly. Ill be sure to have him promote you. Maybe get you a few boy toys, too. We cant let your personal life suffer, can we?
She sighed dramatically. Unlike me. Cain just couldnt wait another second. He insisted we get married tomorrow. Can you believe it?
My hand tightened on the grip of my pistol. It took every ounce of my self-control not to put a bullet between her eyes.
Lets go, I said, giving her a dismissive glance and turning to leave.
But she stepped in my way, pulling a diary from her purse. These are all the love notes Cain wrote for me over the years, whenever he missed me, she said with a sly little smile. Its getting a bit heavy to carry around. Would you be a doll and throw it out for me?
With a final, triumphant swish of her skirt, she walked away. I stood there, the cold wind whipping off the rocks, and with trembling fingers, I opened the book.
April 12th, 2024. The day I shielded him with my body as we fought our way out of an ambush. He had written: Lily, if I make it out of this alive, Ill marry you.
August 5th, 2023. The day I heard Silas had ambushed him on a business trip. Id grabbed two cleavers and charged into the enemy camp alone to rescue him. He had written: My darling, you smelled so sweet today.
January 24th, 2021. The day he was arrested, and I was about to take the fall for him. He had written: If it were you, my love, I would never let you suffer like this.
Every word was a knife in my heart, twisting and turning, leaving me bleeding. How many times had I begged him to marry me? He would always just kiss my forehead and say, Wait for me, Kira. Just a little longer. I have too many enemies. I need to clear the way for you first. Once I own all of Port Sterling, Ill marry you. Okay?
But my pleas were always met with empty promises.
Just then, my phone buzzed with a reply. Two short words, but they were a point of no return.
Deal.
My finger hovered over the screen. I had to know. I typed back to Silas: August 5th, 2024. Was it you who ambushed Cain?
The reply was instantaneous, practically screaming with indignation: I was framed! So thats why you chased me for nine blocks with two damn cleavers? It wasnt me!
A bitter, self-mocking laugh escaped me. So, I was just a clown in Cains eyes. A toy to be played with.
If thats all I was, why should I stick around for their amusement?
I finalized the details with Silas and started walking back, only to overhear Cain talking with his men by the yacht.
Boss, the wedding dress has arrived. Its the one from the Royal Auction, just like you wanted. Ten million dollars.
Im just worried about Kira if she makes a scene and exposes our location, we could all be wiped out
Cain was dismissive. I love Lily. She will be my only wife. Tomorrows wedding has to be perfect. I wont allow any interruptions. Not even from Kira. Ill make sure she stays quiet.
His voice dropped, turning deadly. And watch your damn mouths. If a single word of this leaks, Ill feed whoever spoke to the sharks.
Even though Id already made my decision, hearing the man who once swore he loved me more than life itself deceive me, belittle me, and cast me aside it still hurt. A thousand tiny needles piercing my heart.
Back in my room, I packed a bag. Aside from my ID and passport, I looked around at the arsenal of knives and guns that filled my closets and realized Cain had never given me anything else. He only ever gave me weapons, telling me to protect him.
I had asked for dresses and jewelry once. Hed scoffed. Kira, you could be wearing a gown and diamonds and you still wouldnt look like a woman. Dont waste your time.
But Lilys luggage contained a truckload of jewels and beautiful dresses.
Why could she wear them, but I couldnt?
I dug through my closet and found ita red dress, buried at the very bottom. I put it on, slipped on a pair of high heels, and even did my makeup.
Just then, the door burst open and Lily strode in.
Kira, youve read the diary, havent you? Cains favorite Her words died in her throat when she saw me. My transformation from a hardened enforcer to a dangerously beautiful woman left her speechless.
When she recovered, her brow furrowed in a sneer. I thought youd have some dignity. I thought youd just quietly disappear once you knew he didnt love you. But youre actually trying to seduce him? You shameless bitch! Ill rip your face off!
She lunged at me, but her movements were clumsy. I sidestepped and slapped her hard across the face.
Kira! How dare you hit me! Cain will make you pay for this! she shrieked.
I crossed my arms, watching her tantrum with amusement. Thanks for the compliment. Im definitely prettier, and we both know it.
The second the words left my mouth, she dropped to her knees and started slapping her own face. Its my fault, Kira! Im the worthless one for marrying Cain! Just please, dont ruin the wedding! You can beat me, kill me, whatever you want!
I was staring at her, utterly bewildered, when a vicious kick came flying at my head.
Kira! Did my words mean nothing to you? You dare touch Lily?!
Cains kick was filled with rage. If it had connected, it would have taken half my head off. So this is what I was to him. A attack dog he could pet one minute and beat the next? An outlet for his anger?
I dodged just in time, but the high heels sent my ankle twisting beneath me. A sharp pain shot up my leg, and I winced, gritting my teeth as I looked up at him.
Cain rushed to help Lily up, his cold, hard eyes fixed on me. But when he got a clear look at my face, at the red dress and the makeup, his expression flickered. His eyes lit up for a fraction of a second, but his words were as cold as ever.
Even dressed up like this, Kira, youre not half the woman Lily is.
Lily sobbed, clutching his arm. Cain, she kept pushing me, asking questions I couldnt keep the secret any longer. Im so sorry
He pulled her into his arms, his voice softening to a tender murmur. Its nothing, my love. No ones blaming you.
I had to laugh. A second ago, he was ready to kill his own men to keep the wedding a secret. Now that Lily had spilled the beans, it was nothing. She really could do no wrong in his eyes. He doted on her completely.
And what did that make me? A fool?
So youre really marrying her? I stared at him, my gaze unwavering. A desperate part of me needed to hear how he would explain this. I thought he would at least look guilty, flustered. That he would beg me to let go of the past and accept their love.
But Cain just frowned, completely unfazed. Yes. The wedding is tomorrow. You can come, but you are not to cause a scene. Dont force my hand, Kira.
In that instant, the last shred of hope I had for him died. Its not the right time to get married, hed told me. But that was only because the bride was me. Now that it was Lily, the dangers, the enemies, the blockadesnone of it mattered. He was even magnanimously granting me permission to attend their wedding.
How could a person be so cruel?
I fought back the tears stinging my eyes, my voice a raw, bitter whisper. Get out.
But Lily pushed her luck. Cain, darling, I dont know many people here. I was hoping Kira could be my maid of honor, but I didnt want to impose
At the sight of his beloveds careful, pleading face, Cains heart melted. He turned to me, his voice now a command. Kira, since you already know, its just being a bridesmaid. You wouldnt mind, would you?
I dont want to see either of you! Get out! My anger finally exploded. I grabbed a steel rod from the corner of the room and advanced on them. Get out!
Slam! I threw the door shut and collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath. A single, hopeless tear escaped and trailed down my cheek.
As I sat there, lost in my grief, my phone lit up. A message from Silas. I opened it, my mood foul, but the words made my face flush.
The red dress suits you. Youre beautiful.
A second message followed. Take off the heels. Put some medicine on that ankle.
I was stunned. How did he know my ankle was swollen? Medicine? As I was wondering, a small drone buzzed up to my window, a little box tied to it.
I opened it. Inside was another red dress, and a tube of medicated balm. So, hed known where Cains stronghold was all along. Hed just been waiting. Id definitely picked the right ally.
After rubbing the balm on my ankle, I was about to get ready for bed when Cain came back.
He swept me up in his arms and gently laid me on the bed. He was holding a different tube of ointment. Shhh, its okay. Let me put this on for you.
It must have been raining outside; he was soaked to the bone. But he carefully dried his hands before he touched me, his fingers gently massaging my ankle.
I used to be terrified of pain. When I first started fighting for him, the smallest scrape would have me crying for hours. Whenever I got hurt, no matter how bruised and beaten he was himself, he would stay by my side, letting me bite his arm to get through the pain. Those years were hard, but I always felt safe.
But then, one day, he just stopped coming. I faced death countless times after that, collected scars big and small, and he never spared me a second glance.
I wasnt afraid of pain anymore. And now, here he was, fussing over me again.
A guilty conscience?
Kira, youve lost weight, he said, his voice full of apology. Ive been neglecting you. Im sorry. I didnt tell you about the wedding because I was afraid youd overthink it. Lily saved my life, and she was targeted because of me. I have to protect her. But dont worry, I wont touch her. I only love you. As soon as I deal with Silas, Ill divorce her and marry you properly. Okay?
He kneaded my swollen ankle while my eyes were fixed on the wedding band on his ring finger.
I looked up at him, my gaze filled with a desolate sorrow. Cain, I asked, in all these years did you ever love me?
He froze for a second, then dropped to one knee, pulling me into a desperate, passionate embrace. Yes. I only love you, Kira. Only you.
Then, he handed me a glass of milk hed brought. Here. Drink this. Get some sleep. If you want to come to the wedding tomorrow, I wont stop you.
But I could taste it. The milk was laced with a sedative. Enough to keep me unconscious for the entire next day.
My throat closed up, the betrayal suffocating me. He was still lying. All of this was just to make sure Lily could marry him without a hitch tomorrow. So this was what he meant by "making sure I stay quiet."
I drained the glass. A tear welled and fell as my heart turned to ash.
But Cain smiled, a brilliant, relieved smile. I closed my eyes under his gentle gaze.
He didnt know. All those years of fighting for him had left me with chronic insomnia. Id developed a tolerance to sleeping pills long ago.
A short while later, I heard Lilys breathy moans next to my ear. Cain, you were gone so long, I thought you were staying here tonight.
I heard the sound of a passionate kiss. Never. Shes just a human shield. Silas is still out there, so I need to keep her around. He has a soft spot for her. He wont go for the kill as long as shes by my side.
Your hands are wandering, Lily purred playfully. Naughty
Yes very naughty Cains voice was a low, husky growl.
The rustle of clothing grew more frantic, their kisses more desperate. A searing pain tore through my chest, as if a blade had been driven straight through my heart. I had always submitted to Cain unconditionally, but he had never been this tender, this wild, with me. It was always, Kira, can you take the fall for me? or Kira, Im in a firefight with Silas. Get over here.
And I would always say yes, even if it cost me my life.
Finally, they left. I didnt sleep a wink that night.
At dawn, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and walked out. The island was deserted. Everyone was at the wedding.
At the docks, I handed the requisition form to the man in charge. I need a speedboat.
He looked surprised. Kira, its dangerous out there right now. What if you get spotted? The boss told us not to let you leave the island alone. Besides, with you gone, theres no one in charge here. Things could get messy.
Cain had promised that once he took Port Sterling, he would make me Mrs. Thorne. To make that day come sooner, I worked day and nightfighting for turf at night, managing the islands affairs by day. I ran myself ragged for him. But if he had truly loved me, would he have let me work so hard? Would he have ignored everything I did for him?
He didnt love me. So everything I did was for nothing.
Does the boss know youre leaving? the man pressed. He was one of the few who knew the true nature of our relationship, who knew how much Cain valued me. Cain had never shown me any special favor in front of his menhed even beaten me half to death once in public to assert his authoritybut the dock master still hesitated. My leaving on Cains wedding day felt wrong.
He knows, I said, tapping the paper. Thats his signature.
He was still reluctant, but at my insistence, he finally gave me the boat.
As I sped away, the cold, salty wind whipping at my face, the reality of my escape finally began to sink in. This was it. I was betraying him completely. I was taking all his secrets and delivering them to his mortal enemy.
I wondered what his face would look like when he found out. The thought brought a vicious, satisfying smile to my lips.
As I crossed a stretch of open water, I saw it: a massive luxury yacht, anchored in the distance. A wedding was taking place on the deck. A helicopter circled overhead, showering the sea with a cascade of rose petals. The music was so loud I could hear it clearly even from this far awayCains voice, pouring his heart out to Lily.
Lily, you once told me that people in our line of work should never have someone they love. So I hid my feelings for you, terrified that you would become my weakness, terrified youd get hurt. But now, I just want to tell the world: you are my weakness, but you are also my armor! Ive waited seven years to marry you. This has been my plan all along, and today, my dream has finally come true
Yes. He loved her. So he hid it from everyone, including me. Every loving word he spoke to her now made his promises to me a bitter joke.
I glanced over and saw them on the deck, a man and a woman standing together, a picture of pure, romantic bliss.
For a second, it felt like his eyes met mine across the water. He faltered. Kira?
A sharp pain lanced through my chest. He looked overwhelmed by a sudden, intense feeling of dread, as if he were about to lose the most important thing in his life.
Lily took his hand, her voice a sweet, reassuring murmur. Darling, you must be seeing things. You gave Kira the drugged milk, remember? Shes fast asleep right now.
The confusion on Cains face faded. He made a silent promise to himself to make it all up to me when he got back. He would spend the rest of his life making amends.
He didnt know that my speedboat was already carrying me further and further away.
Mr. Thorne, do you take Miss Lily to be your lawfully wedded wife, for richer or for poorer The priests solemn voice was suddenly cut off.
Boss, we have a problem! A low-level thug came running onto the deck, shouting in a panic.
Boss, its Kira shes gone!
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