A charged silence filled the room, thick with everything unsaid. Esme sat at the edge of the bed, her arms crossed as she watched Kael standing by the window, phone in hand.
She already knew what he was doing—making arrangements for their return.
Kael ended the call and turned toward her. "We leave tomorrow morning. Be ready."
Esme arched a brow, her tone deceptively light. "So suddenly?"
"Suddenly?" Kael's dark gaze flickered with something unreadable. "We were never supposed to stay this long."
She let out a soft hum, tilting her head slightly. "I suppose it makes sense. After all, I have a wedding to prepare for, don't I?" The sarcasm in her voice was deliberate.
"You do," Kael said, his tone void of emotion. "And it will be flawless, just like everything else in my life."
Esme let out a sharp laugh. "Flawless?" She rose to her feet, stepping toward him with slow, deliberate movements. "Is that what this is to you? A perfectly arranged, perfectly lifeless contract?"
Kael's jaw tightened. "Don't push me, Esme."
"Or what?" She lifted her chin, eyes gleaming with challenge. "You'll invite Sophia to the wedding, too?"
His fingers curled into a fist at his side. "Don't be ridiculous."
"Ridiculous?" Esme shook her head, scoffing. "You don't get to dictate what I feel, Kael. You don't get to pretend that none of this affects you."
Kael didn't say anything.
Esme's pulse pounded as she took another step closer. "Tell me," she murmured, voice softer now, but no less daring, "does it bother you? The way I make you feel?"
His lips parted slightly, but instead of responding, he exhaled through his nose and turned away.
Coward.
Esme scoffed. "Typical."
She didn't wait for him to respond. Instead, she spun on her heel and strode toward the door.
But as her fingers brushed the handle, Kael's voice, low and cold, broke the silence.
"Be careful, Esme," he murmured. "You might not like what happens when you finally get what you're asking for."
She paused but didn't turn back. She wouldn't give him that satisfaction.
Let the games continue.
****. ****. ****.