Ten Years of Love, Ended in Betrayal

Lioras POV

It shattered something deep inside me to finally accept the truth: Corwin Sterlingthe billionaire CEO I had devoted ten years of my life tohad never planned to marry me. Not once. Not ever.

For a full decade, I stayed by his side, inside his world, holding on to promises that were never meant to be kept. He told me I was the woman hed chosen. That he loved me. That one day, I would stand beside him as his wife, the future Mrs. Sterling. I believed every word. I built my entire life around those assurances. But all of them lost their meaning the moment she walked into our lives.

Calista Hawthorne.

She arrived carrying a handwritten letter from her father, explaining that their family company had collapsed overnight after a hostile takeover. They were under threat, their security compromised. He begged Corwin to take her intemporarilyuntil things stabilized. She needed protection. She needed shelter.

And just like that, Corwins attention shifted so completely it was as if I had never existed at all.

After leaving the private clinic that treated executives and their families, I sat alone in my car and called my parents. My hands were still trembling. I genuinely didnt think I would survive the night.

Mom, I said quietly, forcing the words out, Ill agree to marry the man you chose for me.

A long, heavy breath escaped my chest as memories from two nights ago tore their way back into my mind.

It had been the Sterling Annual Galaan event Corwin and I had attended together every year. It was our night. Or at least, it used to be. This time, with Calista on his arm, I was reduced to nothing more than background noise, a forgotten accessory.

I still remembered the way he handed me a crystal glass of wine, his face cold, distant, stripped of all familiarity.

Have this, Liora, he said under his breath. And dont humiliate me in front of the board and international investors.

When I lifted the glass, the scent reached me instantly. Sweet. Sharp. Artificially fruity.

Berries.

My stomach twisted violently.

Corwin, wait I started.

Just drink it, he cut in impatiently, already turning away from me.

Calista laughed softly beside him, her voice light and melodic, drilling straight into my skull.

Berries. Of all things, he had chosen a wine infused with the one ingredient that could kill mebecause Calista liked it. And because I loved him more than my own life, because I still wanted to stand by him even as he erased me, I raised the glass and drank.

The liquid scorched my throat on contact. Almost instantly, my lips tingled, then burned. My chest seized as my lungs began to close in on themselves. Breathing became agony, each inhale sharp and shallow, like shards of glass slicing my airways.

The orchestra continued playing. Soft jazz echoed through the hallCalistas favorite genre. Everything around me carried her imprint.

My vision blurred as I staggered forward, searching for Corwin. My entire body screamed in pain. I saw him standing beside Calista, her fingers looped possessively around his arm. They were smiling, leaning into each other, looking like the perfect couplemore natural together than he and I had ever seemed.

Corwin I whispered, barely audible.

He flicked a glance at me, then turned away again.

Thats enough wine for you, Calista, he said gently. Youre already a little dizzy.

The concern in his voice crushed me. That looksoft, attentiveused to belong to me.

The emotional pain cut deeper than the allergic reaction ravaging my body.

Corwin I dont feel well, I rasped, blood coating my tongue. My fingers clawed at my throat as panic set in. Please take me to a doctor. I cant

Liora, what are you

He stepped toward me, just once.

Then Calista let out a small cry.

My stomach hurts, she whimpered. It really hurts.

Corwin didnt hesitate. He turned instantly and swept her into his arms as though she were fragile porcelain.

Hey, hey, talk to me, he murmured. Where does it hurt?

I stood there, watching him hold her, his face tight with worry. Tears blurred my sight as my strength drained away. Something inside me broke completely.

Corwin I tried again.

The music stopped. Conversations died down. Every eye in the ballroom turned toward me. Corwin finally faced me, annoyance flashing across his features.

What is it now, Liora? he snapped. Cant you see Calista needs medical attention? Stop acting jealous. And stop pretending youre on the verge of death.

Jealous.

Pretending.

Those words hurt more than anything else.

Blood slid from the corner of my mouth as my knees gave way. I swayed, barely upright. So this is it, I thought bitterly. Youd rather watch me die than choose me. You said you loved me

I hate you, Corwin. I hate you.

Darkness crept in from the edges of my vision, swallowing the lights, the faces, the music.

Is this where I die?

Lioras POV

When I finally regained consciousness, a faint medicinal scent drifted into my sensesclean, bitter, and unmistakably herbal. I was stretched out on a narrow but comfortable bed inside a private medical suite, its curtains drawn to let in soft afternoon light. An elderly doctor stood nearby, her expression calm and reassuring as she noticed my eyes open.

Youre lucky you were brought here before it was too late, she said gently, though there was an unmistakable note of seriousness beneath her kindness.

I wanted to answer her, to say somethinganythingbut my throat burned as if I had swallowed fire. No sound came out. The sharp agony from earlier was gone, yet an overwhelming fatigue clung to my body, weighing me down to the mattress. It felt as though every ounce of strength had been drained from me. I had come far too close to dying.

You must never consume anything containing berries again, the doctor continued, lightly tapping my chilled fingers as if scolding a careless child. For you, that ingredient is lethal. Elisha rushed you here herself, begging me not to give up on you. Everyone knows youre supposed to be Corwin Sterlings future wife. You need to value your life more than this.

Her concern was sincere, but her words struck painfully deep.

Future wife.

Once, that title had been everything to me. A certainty. A promise. Now, it felt like a cruel joke.

She placed a small glass vial into my palm. Take this medicine three times a day for the next forty-eight hours. It will help your body stabilize. Youll recover, but only if you rest.

I nodded weakly in thanks. The rest of the day passed in silence as I lay there alone, staring at the ceiling, trying to piece together my thoughts. For a brief moment, the quiet almost soothed meuntil the door slowly opened.

Corwin walked in.

The sight of him no longer brought comfort. Instead, a dull ache settled in my chest. He looked exhausted, dark circles beneath his eyes, his suit wrinkled as if he hadnt slept.

He lowered himself beside my bed and wrapped his hand around mine. Liora thank God youre awake, he said softly. Im sorry I wasnt here sooner. Calistas condition worsened. She needed me with her.

Each word reopened wounds I didnt think could bleed any further. I wanted to shout, to tell him that I had nearly died alone while he stayed with herbut my voice failed me, and the truth remained trapped in my chest.

His fingers brushed my cheek, familiar and gentle. For a split second, I almost convinced myself that the tenderness was still meant for me. But I knew better.

Ill come back later, he added, standing up. I just need to make sure Calistas all right. Shes an important guestthe daughter of one of our partners. I cant let anyone accuse me of neglecting her. You understand, dont you? This is just responsibility. Dont misunderstand.

He pressed a light kiss to my forehead, just like he used to, then turned and walked out.

He didnt return.

Later, Elishaone of the private tutors employed by the Sterling estatequietly told me that Corwin had left the city with Calista to resolve a corporate dispute overseas. The news hollowed me out. There was a time when I stood beside him in meetings, when I was the one he relied on. Now, that place belonged to her.

Left alone in my room, my eyes drifted to the wooden chest tucked neatly beneath the window. Inside were four hundred ninety-eight handwritten letters Corwin had given me over the years. Each one had carried a promisethat when the count reached five hundred, he would propose.

But six months had passed since the last letter.

My fingers trembled as I rested my hand on the lid. The memories were unbearable. I shut the box and stood abruptly. I couldnt breathe in a room built on broken vows.

I stepped outside, hoping the breeze and the familiar chatter of the children I taught would steady me. Instead, I froze.

Corwin stood a few feet away, laughing easily beside Calista. He was helping her carry a basket of fresh apples, his smile brighter than Id seen in months.

Once, that sight would have filled me with jealousy.

Now, I felt nothing at all.

Calista noticed me first. Her smile widened, sweet and innocent. Liora! Would you like some apples? Mr. Muxim sent them over. Corwin said youre fond of them.

Corwin turned toward me, still smiling. She loves apple pie, he said casually.

I shook my head. No. I dont.

His expression flickered in confusion. What? Of course you do. We

No, I repeated quietly but firmly. You do. I never did.

Calistas face twisted into exaggerated hurt. Did I offend you? I was only trying to share.

Her tone grated on me, but I kept my composure. I recognized the actthe helpless innocence she wore so well. And every time I rejected it, Corwin looked at me like I was cruel.

Liora, he said sharply. Calista is being considerate. Cant you try to be civil? Shes done nothing wrong, and youre being unnecessarily cold.

I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat. I was too tired to fight anymore.

Thank you for the apples, Calista, I said, forcing a polite smile as I took three from the basket. I have a class to teach.

I turned away

And Corwins hand closed around my arm.

Liora's POV

Youre deliberately being unkind, Liora, Corwin said, irritation threading through his voice as he held my arm.

I tilted my head, feigning calm, while Calista lingered just behind him, lips curved in that infuriatingly smug smile. Unkind? To whom? I asked, my tone almost polite.

To Calista, he replied sharply. Ive already told youstop treating her this way. Youre always letting your jealousy show, and frankly, Im exhausted by it. Why cant you understand something so simple? His fingers tightened around my arm, just enough to sting. Why do you insist on making this difficult?

Im not jealous, Corwin, I answered evenly, forcing control into every word despite the anger coiling inside me. I understand perfectly. And dont worryI wont cause trouble. The words tasted sour as they left my mouth, but I swallowed the bitterness down. I wanted to tell him that none of this mattered anymore. That I was leaving. That I was getting married to someone else. But what was the point? He wouldnt care enough to listen.

He finally let go, his hand drifting up to my cheek in a familiar, almost intimate gesture. Once, that touch alone could make my heart race. Now, it felt hollow. Just trust me, Liora, he said softly. I would never hurt you. Stop imagining things between Calista and me.

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. Trust him? Not hurt me? Those were the same assurances he had shattered again and again over the past six months. If I had died yesterday, I was certain he wouldnt have mourned menot truly.

When I reached the study hall where I taught, the children rushed toward me, laughter filling the space. Their excitement wrapped around me like a fragile comfort, easing the ache in my chest for just a moment. I had always dreamed of having children of my ownCorwin once promised we would, someday. Now those promises felt as empty as his touch.

I was going to miss these kids. The thought hurt more than I expected.

Later that evening, I checked my phone and found another message from my parents. They were asking about wedding arrangementswhat kind of flowers I preferred, the cut of my gown, whether I wanted a veil or something simpler.

I had loved weddings since I was young. Years ago, I even helped plan Sinnas weddingCorwins younger sister. She was married now, with two beautiful children and a husband who adored her. And me? Ten years of loving Corwin had left me with nothing but humiliation and heartbreak. If I had let my parents choose for me back then, maybe I would already have a family of my own. Instead, I was standing here, discarded by the man I thought I would grow old with.

At the estates private market, I bought farewell gifts for the children and for Elishaone of the few people here who still treated me with genuine warmth. Seeing me struggle under the weight of the packages, two security staff quietly stepped in to help, their wordless kindness nearly undoing me.

The moment I returned, Corwin noticed the bags. His eyes sharpened with suspicion. What are those? he asked. Who are they for? Then he lifted a sealed envelope a courier had handed him. And whats this about a wedding?

I took the letter from his hand, instantly recognizing my mothers handwriting. I think we need to talk, I began carefully, keeping my voice steady. About marriage

Before I could finish, one of the staff rushed in, visibly flustered.

Sir, Calista isnt in her room. Weve checked the entire houseshes nowhere to be found.

Corwins expression changed instantly. Worry overtook everything else. Without sparing me another glance, he turned and hurried away, chasing after Calista as if nothing else in the world mattered. He didnt even say a word to me.

I delivered the gifts to the children and to Elisha, forcing a smile as I did. My hands shook, but I didnt let them see it.

Youre leaving, arent you? Elisha asked quietly, her voice heavy as she gently guided the children away.

Theres no reason for me to stay, I admitted, my voice cracking despite my efforts. Hes chosen someone else. I need to move forward.

The children adore you, she whispered. And I I wont have anyone to help me anymore.

Im getting married, Elisha, I said softly. The words still felt strange on my tongue. I cant remain here.

To whom? she asked, hope flickering in her eyes. Is he better than Corwin?

I hesitated, then nodded slightly. I hope he is, I said honestly. I really do.

Liora's POV

I had already finished packing my belongings into a single travel bag. There wasnt much to takeonly the essentials. I deliberately left behind every designer dress, every sparkling piece of jewelry Corwin had ever given me. I didnt want to carry a single reminder of him with me. Not his expensive gifts, not the familiar scent that still lingered on the fabrics, and certainly not the hollow promises he had wrapped around my heart for ten years.

I would be leaving in five days.

Five days to settle loose ends. Five days to say goodbyeespecially to the children who had grown attached to me, and whom I had grown to love more than I ever expected.

My gaze drifted back to the stack of handwritten letters on the table. They were the ones hed written before everything between us collapsed beyond repair. Once, those letters had been my most treasured possessions. Now, they felt like nothing more than inked lies on fragile paper. Promises, after all, were meant to be brokenCorwin had proven that better than anyone.

One by one, I tore the letters apart.

The sound of paper ripping echoed through the room, strangely soothing, as if each tear loosened another chain binding me to the past. I was down to the final few when a voicesharp, frantic, and unmistakably hisrang out behind me.

What the hell are you doing, Liora?!

I turned to see Corwin striding into the room, his gaze darting from the torn fragments clutched in my hands to the pieces scattered in the trash bin. He snatched the letter I was holding and rummaged through the bin, pulling out the shredded remains with shaking hands. His face was twisted in disbelief, as though Id destroyed something sacred.

Why? he demanded hoarsely. Why would you do this? His voice cracked as he stared at the ruined letters like they were priceless treasures. Is this because of Calista? Do these mean nothing to you now? I wrote every one of those for us, Liora. For our history. For everything we shared.

His hands trembled as he triedfutilelyto piece the scraps together. For a fleeting second, I almost felt sorry for him.

Almost.

Answer me! he snapped, gripping my arms tightly and forcing me to face him. Why cant you see it? Your jealousy is whats destroying us!

I met his icy blue stare without flinching, my expression calm, my voice steady. Youre mistaken, Corwin. Im not jealous, I said evenly. Those letters were already ruined. Insects got to them. They were full of holes, barely holding together. There was nothing left worth saving.

It wasnt a complete lie. Some of the letters had been damaged. I simply didnt care enough to preserve what remained.

His eyes flicked back to the torn pieces, the anger in his face slowly dissolving into reluctant acceptance. Why didnt you tell me? he muttered, dragging a hand through his hair until it stood messier than usual. I couldve handled it. I couldve fixed them. Tearing them up like this was extreme. It feels like youre ripping apart what we still have.

Not everything can be fixed, Corwin, I replied quietly, offering a small, practiced smile. Some things are better left behind. Sometimes, the only option is to let go.

He exhaled heavily, staring down at the shredded paper with regret etched into his features. I can write new ones, he said softly. I shouldnt have gotten angry. Those letters were meant to be part of our wedding someday.

Wedding.

The word left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth.

I didnt respond, and my silence didnt go unnoticed. He reached up and cradled my face, his palm warm against my skin. Are you alright? he asked gently. I know I havent been around much. But Calista needs protection right now. She almost got caught in a dangerous situation involving rival corporations, and I wont let that happen again. His voice softened. Youre the only woman I love, Liora. The only one I plan to marry. You know that, dont you?

I nodded slowly. It was the answer he wantedso I gave it to him.

He leaned in and pressed a brief kiss to my lips before pulling away. Tell me, he murmured. What can I do to make things better between us?

I stepped out of his hold and looked away. I want a celebration, I said lightly.

A party? He tilted his head, a faint smile appearing. Youve always loved events and dancing. When were you thinking?

He didnt know the truththat I only pretended to enjoy those things because he did. Id spent years molding myself to fit his world, convincing myself it was love. And yet, it had never been enough. The realization tightened painfully around my heart.

Tomorrow night, I replied with a smile I had perfected over time. And I want you to dance with me.

His smile hesitated for the briefest moment before he nodded. If thats what you want, then Ill be there. Well dance. Well make it unforgettable.

I hope so, I thought bitterly.

He kissed my forehead, lingering just long enough to feel familiar. I should tell you, he added after a pause, unable to meet my eyes. I wont be staying here tonight. Theres something urgent I need to deal with in the capital, but I promise Ill be back in time for the celebration.

I already knew the truth.

The staff whispered. The rumors traveled fast. He wasnt going aloneCalista would be with him. They were heading to the city together.

Still, I kept my tone pleasant. Be careful, I said smoothly. And dont forget about tomorrow night.

As he turned to leave, I watched his back disappear down the hall, fully aware that this was the beginning of my goodbye.

Liora POV

Corwin assured me he would come back. He pressed a brief kiss to my forehead, a gesture that should have calmed me, should have felt like a promise carved in stone, and then he turned to leave.

Corwin Ill be waiting for you, I said quietly, the words carrying a fragile hope I wasnt ready to let go of yet.

He paused at the door and looked over his shoulder, a faint smile touching his lips. I wont break my word, Liora.

When the door finally closed, I remained where I was, unmoving, my gaze drifting to the torn fragments of letters scattered across the floor. Some things, once broken, could never truly be repaired. No matter how carefully you tried to put them back together, the cracks would always remain.

Later that evening, when I stepped into the grand hall where the celebration was supposed to take place, my heart dropped painfully. The dcor followed a theme I recognized immediatelysoft colors, elegant arrangements, and details Calista had once casually mentioned she adored. The realization made anger simmer just beneath my skin.

Calista soon appeared, her steps light, her eyes shining with unmistakable satisfaction as she walked toward me. Liora, she greeted sweetly, her voice coated in false warmth. Corwin asked me to oversee the decorations. Everyone worked so hard to make tonight perfect. I hope you approve.

Something inside me snapped. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out, to tear away the smug expression she wore so effortlessly.

My eyes drifted to her ears, and that was when I noticed ita familiar piece of jewelry dangling from her left ear. My earring. The one my mother had given me years ago. The one I had lost. Had Corwin handed it to her?

Anger surged violently through me, but I forced a tight smile. Reused decorations for a reused role, I said coolly. It suits you.

Her pleasant fa?ade cracked instantly. She glared at me, fury burning in her eyes. Dont flatter yourself, she hissed. Do you really think Corwin loves you? He keeps you around out of guilt. Hes already chosen me. Youre nothing more than something he hasnt thrown away yet.

Her laughter scraped against my nerves, but I refused to let her see me falter. Instead, I met her glare with a calm, deliberate smile.

Then youre welcome to him, I replied evenly. Youre rightsomeone like you belongs with someone like him. Congratulations. A liar and a homewrecker make a perfect pair.

That struck deep. Her eyes flashed with rage, and before I could step back, she lunged at me, her hand raised to strike. I reacted on instinct, catching her wrist mid-air and gripping it firmly.

You dont get to touch me, I warned, shoving her away. At the same moment, I sensed Corwin approaching from behind.

Calista staggered back, her eyes flicking toward him. Then, to my absolute horror, she grabbed a small fruit knife from the nearby table and plunged it into her own sidejust as Corwin entered the hall.

My breath caught in my throat. I rushed forward instinctively, trying to stop her, but she collapsed to the floor, clutching her side, crying out in pain.

Corwin! she sobbed, her voice shaking.

He rushed toward us, fury blazing in his eyes. Before I could say a word, his hand struck my face hard. The sound echoed through the hall, and pain exploded across my cheek.

How could you do this? he shouted. How could you hurt Calista?

Corwin, I didntshe did this to herself

I dont want to hear another excuse! he snapped, disgust dripping from every word. I saw you standing over her! How could you be so cruel? So jealous? After everything shes done, this is how you repay her?

He dropped to Calistas side, cradling her as if she were made of glass. Watching him hold her like that felt like a knife twisting in my chest. Then he looked at me again, his expression cold and unforgiving.

You will be punished for this, he declared. Ten strikes. Thats what you deserve for harming her.

Security personnel stepped toward me. I straightened my back, refusing to beg, refusing to cry. My eyes burned, but I held myself together.

Ill go on my own, I said quietly.

Out in the open courtyard, I knelt on the cold stone as the punishment was carried out. Each sharp crack tore through the night air, pain ripping through my body, but I stayed silent. I kept my eyes fixed on Corwin. He stood there with his arms crossed, watching without expression.

After the final strike, he stepped forward. His voice was distant, detached. Let this serve as a warning. Touch Calista again, and I wont show mercy. Your jealousy has destroyed whatever bond we had.

I lifted my head, meeting his gaze. My voice shook, but my resolve did not. For the last time, Corwin, I never hurt her. But now I understandafter ten years, you never trusted me at all.

Enough, he snapped. Calista begged me not to punish you more severely. You should be grateful.

He turned away and left me there, kneeling for hours as people whispered around mesome with pity, others with judgment.

Under the glow of the moonlight, tears finally slipped down my cheeks.

Please, I whispered into the night, my voice breaking. I walked away from him. Let our paths never cross again.