I Gave Her The Real Medicine And Left You Forever

Declan Cross and I were known throughout the city as the most purely hostile couple in the social register.

It was a reputation earned, not given. He married me only to gain access to the Aethel Elixir, a rare medicine that would save the life of Stella Wrenthe ghost of his first love.

And I?

I gave him a fake one.

He hated me for it my entire life.

The day I finally outlived Declan, I cheerfully called my closest circle of friends for a high-stakes bridge game. I planned to celebrate.

I ended up losing the entire afternoon.

I tossed my cards down in frustration.

This is boring, I complained to the table. You are all too good.

Not like Declan. He lost to me every single time since we were kids.

The women exchanged confused glances.

Eliza, darling, you must be joking, one of them said. Who in this entire city doesn't know Declan Cross is an absolute master player?

Thats right, another chimed in. My husband never once won a hand against him!

My breath caught.

The cards in my hand slipped and scattered on the floor.

When I opened my eyes again, I was backexactly one month before my wedding to Declan.

My assistant, Maya, stormed in, her expression fierce.

Your Grace, whats the plan? How are we going to punish that insidious little viper today?

I shook my head, a strange calm settling over me.

No need, I said, managing a smile. Just give her the medicine.

The real one.

I was leaving my brother Grants palacethe seat of our familys political dynastywhen I walked right into Declan Cross.

It was the first time Id seen him in the month since I was given this strange second chance. The sight of him made me momentarily dizzy.

We had spent too long in the last life exchanging nothing but cold glares. I had almost forgotten the gentle curve of his brow, his soft eyes, warm as a sunrise before the world shattered us.

Declan clearly hadn't expected to see me here, either. He opened his mouth, then seemed to remember that we were currently entrenched in a bitter cold war, and his lips pressed into a hard, rigid line.

A month ago, hed demanded that I hand over the Aethel Elixira rare family heirloom left to me by my motherto cure Stella Wrens mysterious illness. Id refused, leading to a massive, public fight.

This time, though, he would get his wish soon enough.

His gaze fell on the sealed document in my handa decree from my brother, Senator Grant Suttonand his forehead furrowed. The contempt in his voice was a sharp, undisguised edge.

Still throwing your weight around, Eliza? If you cant have something, you just manipulate and demand it, regardless of the cost to anyone else!

I paused, realizing he had misinterpreted the situation.

It was understandable. In the last timeline, Id cried and begged Grant to force Declan to marry me, and Declan had taken thirty lashes rather than consent, all for Stella.

This time, it truly wasn't what he thought.

I was about to explain, but he was already gone, turning on his heel and sweeping away without a backward glance.

It wasn't until we were far down the hall that Maya, my steadfast assistant, couldn't hold it in any longer and burst into tears.

I looked at her, weary. What is there to cry about? Its just a marriage. What difference does it make who I marry?

But Senator Victor Albright is nearly seventy, Your Grace! He has dozens of mistresses and hes known to be utterly ruthless, a monster in business and life! Mayas tears were like rain, streaming down her face. I just hate this for you

I slowly unfolded the sealed decree.

It was, indeed, a marriage contract. But not for me and Declan.

It was for the Sutton heiress, Eliza, and the notorious power broker, Victor Albright.

In the previous life, I never knew the Aethel Elixir in our vault was fake. So, when I woke up, the first thing I did was send my people to find the real one.

The only known dose was locked away in Victor Albrights private collection.

I wrote to him, asking what it would take for him to part with it. His reply contained just one condition

I had to marry him.

I once used that medicine to blackmail Declan into marrying me.

It seemed the bitter consequences of that action had finally found their way back to me.

I laughed, a dry, humorless sound.

Perhaps this is just karma.

Declan and I had known each other since we were kids. To call us childhood sweethearts wouldnt be a stretch.

Even though he was meant to be my brothersGrantsprotg, he always ended up following me around instead.

The Cross family had only sons for a generation, and hed always wanted a younger sister.

Grant, being generous, had simply said, Then you can have my sister.

From then on, Declan was more devoted to me than Grant was.

If I got into a tussle with the tutors grandson, hed step forward and take the blame for me.

If I heard about some new gadget or rare import in the city, hed scour every corner until he found it.

The memory that stayed with me most was when I begged him to sneak me out of the family estate. Declan refused at first but ultimately succumbed to my relentless pestering.

That day, the city was infiltrated by operatives from the Northern Cartel. We were almost caught in the crossfire, saved only by a patrol led by Declans father, the General.

As always, Declan took all the responsibility.

His father was furious and handed down a severe punishment.

When I went to see him, he was lying face down on his bed, groaning dramatically. But the moment he saw me, the performance stopped.

I was the one who burst into tears.

Why didnt you turn me in? Why did you take that beating for no reason!

Declan scrambled to wipe my tears, his expression utterly serious.

Youre a Sutton, the most important one. Im your protector.

I will always have your back, Eliza.

He held out his pinky, and we sealed the promise.

I thought thats how it would always be.

Until Declan returned from his last deployment and brought a woman with him.

Stella Wren.

He protected her fiercely. Even his most rough-and-tumble lieutenants treated her with profound respect.

I started to panic. If Declan had someone else in his life, what would happen to me?

Thats why, when he asked for the Aethel Elixir, I didnt agree.

If she died, wouldn't that solve my problem?

Besides, it was my mothers final memento.

But Declan was furious.

Its the only thing that can save her, Eliza! What do you need it for? Why cant you surrender it to someone who needs it to live?

I stared at him, stubborn. How do you know I wont need it myself someday?

It was the first time Declan had ever truly lost his temper with me.

Eliza, you are being completely unreasonable and selfish!

He refused to speak to me, and I refused to yield.

But I always seemed to be one step behind Declan. The closer he grew to Stella, the more frantic I became. I was certain that one day, his eyes would only see Stella, and I would be invisible.

Even if she died, I felt I wouldnt win. The perfection of his devotion would forever overshadow me.

So, I agreed to give him the medicine, on the condition that he marry me.

Reluctantly, and only to save Stella, Declan married me.

But I never anticipated that the medicine would be fake.

Even now, I remember it vividly.

Declan holding Stella helplessly, his tears mixing with her blood on his crisp shirt, like a blossoming wound.

He looked up at me, his eyes consumed only by hatred.

Eliza Sutton, I will never

Never forgive you.

Declan began staying out, retreating from our shared life. He seemed determined to show me that even without Stella, he would not love me.

I became obsessive, checking on his movements like a lunatic.

I tracked him to a private club.

He had hired a womana socialite, a mistresswho bore a striking resemblance to Stella.

Stella had become my waking nightmare. She was the Gordian knot that bound Declan and me in a toxic loop.

I used my influence to have the woman utterly ruined, her life and reputation destroyed, ensuring she would never show her face in this city again.

That night, Declan burst into our master suite, dragged me from the bed, and clamped his hand around my wrist.

I thought you were merely spoiled and capricious, but you are truly malicious! he snarled, his eyes blazing. She was innocent, Eliza! How could you destroy her life!

I laughed, though tears streamed down my face.

Yes, she was innocent, Declan. But you must remember this: She died because of you.

A wave of pain washed over Declans face, and his composure nearly broke.

The next day, he testified against me in front of Grant and the board. My brother, to appease the public outrage, had to fine me and restrict my movements.

From that day on, Declan and I were the citys most infamous pair of bitter rivals, known to all as a couple who started as golden children, only to end up utterly repulsed by one another.

I didnt care what people thought. I had secured a lifetime of toxic entanglement with Declan.

Until the day he died.

When Declan died, the doctors reported it as an accumulated illness, his heart broken and his body worn out by endless political and military strain.

His young aide rushed to my doorstep, weeping uncontrollably.

The General worked day and night! He died serving the Sutton legacy! the aide cried. The only time the General was ever truly happy was when he was with Ms. Wren overseas!

Maya had the aide removed, then turned to me, her eyes clouded with worry.

Im not sad. Why would I be sad? I said, staring at the wall.

Its what Declan deserved. I did nothing wrong.

He betrayed me first! He betrayed me first

He was dead. I had won. I should have been thrilled.

So, I waved my hand and told Maya to organize a bridge game with the ladies.

I lost all afternoon.

I slammed my hand down on the table, annoyed.

This is boring. You are all too skilled.

Not like Declan. He lost to me every single time, from when we were kids until the end.

The wives were bewildered, exchanging knowing looks.

Eliza, youre just teasing, one said. Everyone knows the General was a genius at cards.

Right. My husband couldnt beat him on his best day.

My body froze.

I remembered three days before his death, when Declan had come to see me.

For once, there was no hostility between us.

Lets play a round of bridge, Eliza, hed said. Just like the old days.

That day, he lost to me, too.

Id sneered, For a man who is brilliant in every other field, its refreshing to know you have weaknesses, General.

Declan gave a muffled, soft laugh.

As he was leaving, he turned back to me and said something that now felt like a punch to the gut: Eliza, you have to walk your own path in this world. No one can stay with you until the very end.

I had thought he was asking for a divorce.

But he was saying goodbye.

A suffocating pain seized my chest, and I doubled over, coughing up a mouthful of blood. My consciousness began to splinter.

The room erupted in frantic noise.

Declan, is this how you felt when Stella died?

I think

I really was wrong.

Maya was glumly helping me pack for the South, listing the expensive gowns and fine jewelry I would need for my new life with Victor Albright.

I knew her fear.

The North was volatile, and our familys enemies in the South were restive. Grants position as Senator was tenuous. The Cross family was one of the few assets he could rely on.

Victor Albrights insistence on marrying me was purely to humiliate the Suttons and weaken Grant.

If this buys Grant a moment to breathe, its worth it, I told her.

Maya sniffled.

But Your Grace, I hear the South is rife with tropical diseases and humidity, not to mention insects and giant rodents! How can a delicate lady like you endure that

I gently pinched her cheek. Stop listening to those ridiculous rumors, Maya. Well see it with our own eyes soon enough.

Come on. Its the annual Spring Fair tonight. Lets buy some trinkets. If we ever feel homesick, well have something to remind us.

The main street was a roaring river of noise, the string lights overhead casting the avenue in a warm, festive glow.

I pointed to a delicate, antique porcelain figurinea lotusat a nearby stall. Mayas face finally brightened. Ill get it for you, Your Grace!

She was just reaching for her purse when the vendor snatched the lotus figurine back and handed it instead to a woman standing next to her.

It was Stella Wren.

Maya was incensed. You told me youd sell it to me! How can you go back on your word!

The vendor scratched his head. Maam, just let it go. Ms. Wren is under the protection of General Crosss estate!

That only fueled Mayas fury.

What if she is? My mistress wants it, and we dont surrender anything to others!

She reached out to grab it, and Stella instantly went pale, stumbling and falling theatrically onto the cobblestones.

The fragile lotus figurine shattered on the ground.

I stepped forward and stopped Maya. Just then, Declan rushed up, having seen the final moment of the scene.

Stella saw him and immediately became the picture of distress, tears gushing like a broken dam.

I am but a humble woman, General. Ive never seen anything so lovely, and I apologize for offending the Princess. Please forgive me, she whimpered.

Declan gently helped her up, his expression one of protective tenderness.

Eliza, it was just a silly figurine! Does it really give you the right to treat people so cruelly?

The gentleness he showed Stella was immediately replaced by unbridled accusation when he looked at me.

I felt a faint prick in my chest.

Two lifetimes separated us, and yet what weighed between us was so much more than a simple reproach. I had seen him favor Stella too many times to feel any deep pain now.

Declan pulled Stella away. Dont cry. Ill make you a much better one when we get back.

I called out, stopping them both.

Todays incident was my fault for poor management of my staff. I will purchase every single item in this shop as an apology to Ms. Wren.

My lady, I said, looking at Stella. I wont fight you for anything you desire.

Declan whipped around, staring at me with a look of utter shock. A flicker of panic crossed his eyes before he could hide it.

The next day, for the first time in a month, Declan Cross came to my suite.

Here. I made this myself.

He was holding a delicate, ornate lamp. The fine craftsmanship proved it hadn't been rushed.

I had Maya take it, and I offered him a calm Thank you.

Why are you being so formal with me? he asked, his voice low.

Declan lowered his eyes, a fiercely contained stillness about him.

My relationship with Stella isn't what you think. I was ambushed overseas, and she saved my life. Afterward, her father and brothers were killed, and the poisoning she suffers from is also because of me.

I owe her a debt I can never repay, Eliza. I just want to save her

I looked at him quietly, then nodded.

Alright. I will give you the Aethel Elixir.

Declans head snapped up. He stared at me, disbelief shining in his eyes.

You Are you serious?

He was always so cautious when it came to Stellas well-being.

Yes. Come to my estate in seven days to retrieve it.

He looked puzzled. Why seven days?

Because in seven days, Victor Albrights delegation would arrive with the real Elixir and escort me south.

I offered a casual lie. Im taking inventory of the vault. Itll take me a few days to locate it.

A smile touched Declans lips.

Then, as if a sudden thought had occurred to him, a faint blush touched the tips of his ears.

Since you are willing to give up the medicine, I will agree to whatever condition you ask of me.

I smiled and shook my head.

No need.

This time, Declan, Im letting go.

Declan looked confused, clearly not grasping my meaning. He was about to press me further when his aide rushed in with an urgent report.

General, Ms. Wrens illness has flared up! You need to hurry back!

Declans face instantly changed. He turned to leave, then suddenly stopped and looked back at me. So, are we okay now? Are we reconciled?

I simply nodded.

After Declan left, Maya cautiously looked at my expression. Your Grace, should we take the lamp with us?

I shook my head.

No.

Leave it here.

The day before my departure, I went to a historic local churcha retreat centerI used to frequent.

Whenever Declan left on deployment, I would come here to pray for his safe return.

This time, I was praying for myself.

The moment I stepped onto the grounds, I sensed something was wrong.

There were two suspicious groups present.

One group was composed of large men with covered faces, speaking a harsh, Northern dialect.

The other group wore unusual, brightly colored clothing.

The leader of the second group was a strikingly beautiful man, his dark hair pulled back with an indigo cloth tie. The collar of his tunic was embroidered with rare stitching and weighed down by intricate silver jewelry.

When he turned his head and looked at me, he reminded me of a wild deer in the mountainswary and powerful.

I spoke quietly to Maya: These people are dangerous. We need to go back and warn Grant immediately.

Just then, as if fate had a cruel sense of humor, I ran into Stella Wren again.

She was still frail and delicate, but she curled her lips into a small, taunting smile.

Have you come here to pray for the Generals heart, Your Grace? she asked.

You may be a high-society lady, but some things cannot be forced.

I studied Stella calmly. She was clearly trying to provoke me. In the last life, I had always given her what she wanted, allowing myself to be enraged, pushing Declan further away.

Seeing my tranquil expression, Stella grew anxious.

You have no idea how many scars he carries! You dont know how much he suffered for you! she spat out.

When I found the General, he was severely wounded, his eyes blinded, and he couldnt remember his own name. But he still remembered that a very important person was waiting for him to come home.

And you? After he risked his life to return, all you did was throw tantrums and demand that he humble himself to you.

You don't deserve his love. If you force him to marry you in exchange for that medicine, I would rather die!

With that, she turned and stormed off in a huff.

Stella was right.

I was obsessed with Declan, but I was not his good match.

Thankfully, in this life, I wouldnt have to burden him anymore.

Suddenly, a sharp scream ripped through the air.

The large, bulky men had grabbed Stella. One of them, speaking with a heavy Northern accent, snarled, If it wasnt for her, I would have killed Declan Cross years ago!

We lost too many men because of her. We'll cut off her hand, then trade her to Cross for a profit.

A wave of panic hit me. Without thinking, I lunged forward, throwing myself toward Stella.

A sharp blade sliced deeply across my collarbone. Blood instantly bloomed on my dress.

My small group of security personnel was quickly overwhelmed by the Northern operatives.

A sudden, rapid pounding of hoofbeats echoed, and I heard Declans voice.

Stella, are you alright!?

I was collapsing to the ground, and I used the last of my strength to call his name. Declan

He seemed to sense me and started to turn, but Stella wrapped her arms around his neck, shaking and sobbing uncontrollably.

Declan, Im so scared! Take me away from here, please!

Declan froze for a beat, then lifted the trembling woman into his arms. Dont worry. Ill take you away.

My consciousness was ebbing. My heart sank, heavy and cold.

I thought I heard the faint, melodic tinkle of silver bells.

Then, one of the Northern operatives let out a blood-curdling scream:

Shit! Where did all these snakes come from?!