Kane's words hung in the air between us , his knowing smirk making my blood run cold . The hospital corridor suddenly felt too narrow , too confining . " That night , when you ended up in my bed - was it because Giana got in the way ? " I met his gaze , struggling to keep my expression neutral despite the panic rising within me . " I don't know what you're talking about . " Kane chuckled , the sound low and dangerous . " No ? Let me refresh your memory . Engagement night . You , showing up at my door , practically begging me to- " " Stop it , " I hissed , glancing around frantically to ensure no one could overhear us . " That night was a mistake . Forget it ever happened . " " You keep saying that , but I'm still not buying it . " he countered , stepping closer until I could smell his cologne - woodsy and expensive , just like him . " Tell me something , Aurora . Does Raymond know about your ... wandering affections ? " The threat in his words was unmistakable . My heart hammered against my ribs . " What do you want , Kane ? " " Want ? Can't I simply be curious about this fascinating arrangement ? Raymond , you , and the little rogue playing house together while you and I share our own ... secret . " I pushed past him , desperate to escape . " There is no secret . And there is no ' you and I. ' Just forget about that night . " His hand caught my wrist , his grip firm but not painful . " The way I see it , I did you a favor that night , and I'm still doing you one now by not saying anything . You owe me , and I don't forget debts , Aurora . " I yanked my arm free . " I'm not playing your games , Kane . That night was a one - time lapse in judgment . " " So cold now , " he mused , his eyes tracing my face . " Yet I remember you pretty differently - desperate , needy , quite vocal about what you wanted . " Heat rushed to my face , a mixture of anger and embarrassment . " I hate you . " and " No , you don't , " he said with maddening confidence . " You hate that I know the truth about you Raymond . You hate that I've seen behind your perfect mask . But mostly , you hate that despite everything , you're still thinking about that night . " With one last venomous glare , I walked away , his soft laughter following me down the corridor . " You know I'm right , Aurora ! " *** 1/2 Chapter 9 +15 BONUS For days , I did my best to avoid Raymond and tried not to think about Kane , but it proved impossible , his words haunting me everywhere I went . I would have loved to avoid Giana as well , but I had honored Raymond's wishes , playing the perfect fiancée by befriending her . Each day , I made painful small talk , invited her to join us at lunch , and forced smiles that left my face aching . The constant charade was exhausting - pretending to welcome the woman who had stolen everything from me while she played the innocent victim . I longed desperately for even a moment's break from my performance . When the instructor stepped forward to announce the training pairings , my heart sank as I heard our names together , my stomach twisting into painful knots . As we both made our way over toward the ring , the arena erupted into whispers . Everyone knew about Raymond's humiliating public rejection . They'd all seen him choose Giana over me , and rumors had begun to spread like wildfire . Giana stepped into the ring , looking small and vulnerable - a carefully crafted image that fooled everyone but me . I followed , painfully aware of the hungry eyes watching us , waiting for blood . " Destroy her , Aurora ! " someone shouted , followed by a chorus of agreement that made me wince . I caught Giana's eye and gave her a small nod , trying to convey that I wouldn't humiliate her despite having every reason to . She responded with a look of confusion that quickly hardened into determination . " Begin ! " I took a defensive stance , deliberately holding back . This wasn't about revenge ; it was about dignity . I would not stoop to pettiness , no matter how much she had taken from me . Chapter 10 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!