Chapter 35

Serena's POV

The sharp morning light pierced through my eyelids, adding to the merciless throbbing in my head. I groaned, slowly becoming aware that I was still wearing last night's gown, the fabric now wrinkled beyond salvation.

As I shifted, a slight sting from my ankle caught my attention. Looking down, I discovered a neatly applied bandage - definitely not my handiwork. The memory flickered: Lucas, crouching down with careful precision, tending to my twisted ankle. My throat tightened unexpectedly at the thought.

Turning my head gingerly, I spotted a glass of honey water on the bedside table, accompanied by a note in elegant handwriting:

"Honey water helps with hangovers. Remember to eat breakfast - an empty stomach after being sick isn't good for you. I'm traveling for business, back in the city in a week."

No flourishes, no unnecessary words. Classic Lucas. I reached for the glass, the honey's subtle sweetness surprisingly comforting against my parched throat.

After a much-needed shower, I unceremoniously tossed the ruined gown into the trash. "Free dress anyway," I muttered, feeling oddly lighthearted. I'd planned to crawl back into bed, but Lucas's note nagged at me. Fine. Breakfast it is.

As I waited for my coffee to brew, my phone buzzed. Ian Whitmore. A photo appeared on my screen - Lucas grabbed Eleanor's hand, refusing to let her go. Anger was evident on Eleanor's face, and both of them were dressed in the evening gowns from last night's banquet.

My heart sank, leaving a hollow emptiness inside. A inexplicable anxiety washed over me.

Ian's message followed: "Serena, don't get any ideas. Lucas Harrington isn't seriously interested in you. You're just pretty enough to play with. Trust me, a man like him has women lining up. You're just one of many."

I remembered Milo's innocent comment weeks ago: "Daddy really likes Miss Eleanor!" Looking back on everything that happened last night, I can't help but feel it was all so ridiculous-I almost got fooled again. The coffee machine beeped, its timing almost comical.

My fingers hovered over the phone for a moment before typing: "In adult games, who's playing whom isn't always clear." Without waiting for his response, I blocked him.

Nina's POV

The morning sun crept through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my bedroom, casting a soft glow on the pink silk sheets. I scrolled through my phone for the tenth time, refreshing various news sites and social media feeds. Nothing. Not a single photo or mention of last night's Harrington family banquet had made it online.

I couldn't help but admire their influence. The Harringtons truly were in a league of their own - when they wanted something kept private, it stayed private. My gaze drifted to the silver Valentino gown still draped over my vanity chair, memories of last night's events playing through my mind.

My phone buzzed, Ian's name lighting up the screen. I stared at it for a moment, suppressing a sigh before answering with my sweetest voice. "Ian! I just woke up."

"Nina, did you sleep well?" His tone carried that familiar warmth that used to make my heart flutter. Now it just felt... tedious.

I forced a small yawn. "Mm-hmm. I missed you at the banquet last night. Where were you?"

"About that..." He paused. "My father thinks it's time we made our relationship public."

I sat up straighter, my mind racing even as I kept my voice soft and uncertain. "But Ian, didn't you say you were worried about Serena causing trouble? If she makes a scene, both our families will be affected."

He let out a bitter laugh. "Your sister's too busy with Lucas Harrington now to care about us."

The mention of Lucas made my fingers tighten around the phone. Lucas Harrington. The image of him from last night flashed through my mind - tall and commanding in his perfectly tailored suit, those piercing grey eyes that seemed to see right through everyone's facades. Everyone's except mine.

"Still," I pressed on, coating my words with concern, "the media's barely forgotten about the broken engagement. If we go public now, won't it seem like..." I let my voice trail off, knowing Ian would fill in the blanks himself.

"Nina..." The frustration in his voice was evident.

"I just want to protect you," I whispered, playing my role perfectly. "You know I don't care about keeping us secret. As long as I have you, nothing else matters."

After a few more minutes of careful manipulation - a delicate balance of sweet promises and practical concerns - I finally ended the call. The smile dropped from my face as I tossed my phone aside.

I walked to the window, looking out over the Manhattan skyline. Ian Whitmore was becoming more of a liability than an asset. He'd served his purpose in making Serena miserable, but now? Now I had my sights set on something far more valuable. Someone who truly deserved to stand at the top.

Lucas Harrington.

Let the real game begin.