Chapter 17%
Still nothing. But his jaw locked–hard. That twitch under the cheekbone. A flicker of something dangerous behind those storm–gray eyes.
I turned to our son and said sweetly, “Go with your nanny, baby. Mommy needs a minute with Daddy”
The boy obeyed like always, trotting out the room as I shut the door gently behind him.”
The second it clicked–Zeus stood.
He was across the room in two long strides, gripping my wrist in a fist so tight it pulsed. His voice came low and deadly.
“What did you do.“ll
That tone made my breath hitch–and not from fear. From power.
“What are you talking about?” I sold, feigning innocence, tilting my head. “I’m your wife. You think I’m not allowed a makeover? A little contour. New lips. Slight lift. You like it?
His fingers tightened.
“I’m not stupid, Zoraya.”)
“No.” I breathed, leaning into him, “but you’re lonely.”
And then I kissed him. Hard. Deep. Desperate.
And to my shock. he didn’t pull away.
He responded.
His lips crashed into mine with force–like something inside him snapped. He shoved me back against the wall, and I gasped into his mouth as his hands roamed down my back. His breath was ragged, almost angry. His touch rough. His movements fevered and confused. But he kept going.
He needed this.A
He needed her
And in that moment, I gave it to him.
1 let his pain devour me, let his grief twist into something darker. Let him fuck me like he was punishing himself for feeling anything.
I moaned his name. Clawed at his back. Bit his lip.
He didn’t say a word.
Didn’t call me her–but he didn’t call me me either!
When it was over, he pulled away slowly. Breathing heavy. Looking at me like he didn’t recognize his own hands.!!
But I smiled.
Because I won.
Even if he hated himself afterward.. even if he’d retreat into that silence again…B
He touched me.
He came to me.B
And I’d wear that victory like a crown until the next war came knocking. Savannah may haunt his dreams, but I owned his bed.!!
And a ghost can’t compete with the living.
And then I’d heard whispers days before the invitations dropped–Savannah was going to make another public appearance.
Another charity gala. Another excuse to parade her dead–self in silk and pearls, pretending like she hadn’t left everyone in ruin. Like she wasn’t a damn ghost crawling out of her grave just to steal the stage.
So I did what I do best.”
I turned her echo into a spotlight.
I wore a gown cut to match her old style–off–shoulder black velvet with a blood–red corset twist. The kind of dramatic, dangerous look she used to wear when Zeus would whisper “you look lethal and mean it like a prayer.!
I brought backup–three of my favorite shadows. Alessia, Dani, and Mirelle. My minions. All dolled up in diamonds and cruelty. They followed like perfume–sweet and venomous
“God, Zoraya,” Alessia purred, adjusting her earring as we stepped onto the gala carpet. “If she dares to show up tonight she’s going to look like your backup singer.”
“I hope she brought her spine this time, Mirelle added. “Or at least a wig that doesn’t scream desperation cosplay”
I laughed lightly, eyes scanning the crowd already gasping at our entrance. “Let the little phoenix rise. Il remind her I’m the one who owns the fine.”
And then-
There she was.
Savannah.
Or whoever the hell she thought she was now!
Hair like midnight, Dress like molten gold. A Moretti ring gleaming like a crown. That same calm stillness–cold, practiced, surgical
Like she knew we’d come
10:02 AM
I didn’t wait. I walked straight up and cameras flashing.
ht up to her, fl
flashing a smile that could cut diamonds. Reporters circled like vultures with microphones raised
“Savannah “I gasped, placing a manicured hand over my chest. “Oh my God. Is it really you?“!!
She tilted her head slightly, eyes scanning me like I was a stain she hadn’t decided to wipe yet.
I stepped closer, voice sweet. “I can’t believe it. All this time… everyone thought you were dead. But no. Here you are. Alive. Hiding. Like coward.
She didn’t blink.
Just stared
So I kept going.
“Faking your death? That’s some next–level narcissism. You had cancer, remember? Terminal? Was that all fake, or just a dramatic little tantrum?”
And to think–letting people believe you lost your child? That’s a new kind of sick.“8
“Oh please,” Dani said. “I bet she was fucking that ‘brother‘ the whole time.”
“Gross” Mirelle chimed in. “They don’t even look alike.”
Alessia? She just whispered, “Scandalous.”
I tilted my head and added sweetly, “Luca Moretti… your brother, right? Funny. You two don’t share a damn thing. So lover in disguise? Or Just part of the cover story? Tell me, Savannah.. are you sure that child was even Zeus’s? Or were you playing house with Luca behind everyone’s back before the funeral flowers even wilted?“”
For a moment, the cameras froze. The room stilled.
Savannah’s lips curled. But it wasn’t a smile?
It was a blade
She stepped toward me so close I could smell the winter citrus perfume I used to own…. until she made it iconic.
Her voice dropped, low and calm. “You walk like a queen, but you bark like a dog.”
I blinked.
“You parade around in silk and rhinestones, trying to mimic the bones of a woman you’ll never understand. And deep down.. you know, That’s why you keep using my name like it’s the only currency you’ve got left.”%
She turned her head slightly, eyes flicking to my minions with clinical disgust. “And you three… shadows wearing heels. Accessories with opinions.”
The girls all flinched, unsure how to clap back. Because the room was listening. The press was eating it up. Savannah kept going, voice like venom in champagne!!
“You mention my bloodline like it’s shameful. But baby, my blood built empires while yours was still leaming how to bleach its roots.” I stepped forward, my chest buming. “You bitch-
And that’s when I felt it
His hand
Firm. On my wrist.
He was there. Holding me back.
Standing beside me but staring through me. His eyes locked entirely–entirely–on her
Savannah. He looked like a man who’d just seen God and remembered why he fell.
“Savannah,” he said, voice rough, broken, “Please. Can we talk?”
