Chapter 38
“You’ll have everything once her father transfers the estate,” Sarah’s voice, soft and giddy, sliced through the quiet hallway. “It’s only a matter of days after your proposal.“>
“And then we’re free of her,” Mikael replied, “If it weren’t for the reason that her family owns a lot of legal businesses in the city that I can use to strengthen our group, then I wouldn’t have her. Sofia is just a tool. Nothing more.“}
I froze, the champagne flute in my hand trembling. My breath caught, and I pressed myself against the wall, hidden just around the
corner.
“She has no idea,” Sarah continued, a smug laugh slipping from her lips. “Propose to her, pretend you’re marrying her, get everything, then… she’s gone.”}
My heart clenched as Mikael chuckled lowly. “It’s already in motion. Days before the wedding, it’ll all be over. And then, you and I…“) –
I couldn’t listen anymore. Their voices faded as the words replayed in my mind. I had wondered why I’d been killed in my past life. Now I know. Mikael wanted my family’s fortune, and Sarah–my best friend–was his accomplice.
If I agree to the proposal, I’d die.§
Not this time.
***
The ballroom sparkled with extravagance, filled with the elite of our city–politicians, business moguls, and mafia royalty. Tonight was my birthday, but it wasn’t a celebration for me. It was a display of power, a stage for Mikael to solidify his grip on my family’s empire.
I descended the grand staircase slowly, my eyes scanning the room. Mikael stood near the center, effortlessly charming as he laughed with my father. They both turned as I approached, their faces lighting up.
“Sofia,” my father said. “You look stunning.”
Mikael stepped forward, his hand outstretched. “More than stunning. Perfect, as always.“}
I forced a smile and let him take my hand, but the warmth of his touch made my skin crawl.
“Everyone’s waiting for us,” he said, leading me toward the center of the room. The crowd parted as we walked, all eyes on
The orchestra softened, and Mikael turned to face me.}
INF
us.
“Sofia,” he began. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were special. You’re strong, intelligent, and everything I could ever want by my side.”
Lies. All lies.}
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. The crowd held their breath as he dropped to one knee, opening the box to reveal a dazzling diamond ring.”
“Sofia Garcia, will you marry me?“}
Applause erupted around us. My father beamed. Mikael looked up at me, confident, certain of my answer.
But I wasn’t the same woman who’d said yes in my past life.”
“No.“”
The applause stopped abruptly, replaced by a stunned silence. Gasps rippled through the room, and every eye turned to me.}
Mikael’s confident smile faltered. He rose slowly, his hand tightening around the ring box. “What did you say?“}
“I said no.” My voice was calm, clear, and loud enough for everyone to hear.}
Murmurs broke out among the guests. My father looked mortified, his face turning red as he stepped forward. “Sofia, what is the meaning of this?“}
Before I could answer, the grand doors to the ballroom swung open.
Rafael strolled in. His sharp features shadowed under the soft glow of the chandeliers.} Mikael’s expression darkened. “What are you doing here? Who invited him?“}
“I did,” I said, turning to face the room. “Because he’s the one I’m going to marry.”
.“0