Loyalty is a luxury no one can afford. ⚜️ In this gripping scene, a shocking betrayal threatens to tear the hierarchy apart. The power play is brilliant, the acting is majestic, and the tension is absolutely palpable. Watch until the crown falls! 👑💥
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📺 Binge the Imperial Playlist: Ready to watch the entire battle unfold? Head over to our channel playlists to stream this full drama series from the very first episode!
👉 Join the Empire: If you crave high-stakes drama and elite cinematic storytelling, hit the FOLLOW button on Empire.Flicks to secure your notification for the next episode! Drop your thoughts in the comments below. 👇
#EmpireFlicks #EmpireFlicksDrama #EmpireMovies
#DramaSeries #EpisodicDrama #HistoricalDrama #ThrillerDrama #RomanceDrama #EpicSaga #CinematicDrama #WhatToWatch
#DailymotionDrama #TrendingMovies #ViralClips #MustWatch #BestScenes
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The three wolves I saved wanted me in bed every single day.
00:04But the truth is, they didn't like me.
00:06They just wanted to use me to get close to my sister.
00:08So I called her and asked to switch mates.
00:11Three horny wolves in exchange for one cold serpent.
00:15Today, after being fully claimed, I fell into sound sleep.
00:18My God, look at her. That body, that stamina.
00:21And she thought she could handle three of us.
00:23Doesn't matter. The second she taps out, she'll hand us off to her sister.
00:26She can't even get out of bed right now.
00:28A few more days of this and she'll give up on us for good.
00:30The conversation from the living room kept going.
00:33They thought I was still asleep.
00:34I kept my eyes low, watching the marks on my wrists and legs
00:37and the amber glow of the bedside lamp.
00:39Every single one of them. Unmistakable.
00:42She's not going to hand all three of us over to her sister.
00:44Right. Which means at least one of us stays.
00:47Ugh.
00:47Elena's dull and boring.
00:49You want to stay? Go ahead. I don't.
00:51Same.
00:52Whatever.
00:52Fate decides. Is she up yet?
00:55No way. She was crying so hard she nearly passed out.
00:57She's not waking up anytime soon.
01:00So weak.
01:01Let's get her up in a bit.
01:01A few more days of this and she'll give up on us.
01:03My vision went dark.
01:04I reached for my phone, face pale, and called Chloe.
01:08She picked up fast.
01:09What's wrong, sis?
01:11Weren't you just saying you were unsatisfied?
01:14Take all three of mine.
01:16Give me that celibate snake shifter of yours.
01:20Is that okay?
01:22Are they willing?
01:23They like you.
01:24She understood because it was the truth.
01:27Everyone liked Chloe more.
01:29All right.
01:30Your place is small anyway.
01:31Not really ideal for them.
01:33But my snake shifter, sis?
01:35He's cold.
01:36If he weren't celibic, I wouldn't have asked for him in the first place.
01:40I'm completely wrecked.
01:43I just need someone to handle the housework.
01:49I just hope he doesn't turn out like these three wolves.
01:52Don't worry.
01:53I haven't managed to tame him yet.
01:55He's not going to be interested in you.
01:57I'll come pick them up this afternoon.
01:59The line went dead.
02:00That exact second, the bedroom door swung open.
02:03You're up?
02:04He crossed the room and reached for my blanket.
02:06Wait!
02:07What is it, mistress?
02:08I'm exhausted.
02:09I need to rest.
02:10Can't do that, he said easily.
02:12Mistress, you took us in.
02:13That means you're responsible for us.
02:14We're nowhere near satisfied.
02:16If you rest, what are we supposed to do?
02:20Chloe's coming to take all of you this afternoon.
02:23He went still.
02:24The two leaning in the doorway froze too.
02:26Which two of us?
02:29All of you.
02:30I found the three wolf pups on a wet, gray afternoon.
02:35They were collapsed on the concrete.
02:36Firm matted, blood soaked from the rain.
02:39I almost walked away.
02:40But then, one of them flicked its tail.
02:42Just twice, slow and weak.
02:44Then curled it around my ankle.
02:46I couldn't leave them.
02:48I brought them home.
02:49Under my care, they recovered fast.
02:51A few months later, they hit their maturation phase.
02:53And all three of them shifted into men.
02:56I should have brought them to a shifter registry.
02:58But the registry told me they'd already bonded.
03:01Recognized me completely as their owner.
03:03Releasing them without care would cause serious psychological harm.
03:06I looked at those three pairs of beautiful eyes and caved.
03:10I let them stay.
03:11They said they had no names.
03:12So I gave them some.
03:13Oldest to youngest.
03:15Ethan, Eric, Evan.
03:17Young, hot-blooded wolf shifters with energy to burn.
03:20Even in human form, they couldn't stop their ears and tails from flickering.
03:24Clinging to me every hour of every day.
03:26Then one afternoon, Chloe called.
03:29Sis, aren't you going to come home for the arranged marriage?
03:32The man has had three wives die on him.
03:34And he's ugly.
03:35But his family has money.
03:36I looked away.
03:37That was exactly why my family had cut me off after I fought the arrangement.
03:42They couldn't bring themselves to send Chloe in my place.
03:44So instead, they applied steady, relentless pressure on me.
03:48Eric, who always read the room perfectly.
03:50Don't like the call?
03:51Hang up.
03:52What was that voice?
03:53I took the opening to change the subject.
03:55I rescued three injured wolf pups a while back.
03:57They just shifted recently and they won't leave me alone.
04:01We can barely keep up.
04:02A few seconds of silence.
04:03I'm honestly jealous.
04:05My snake shifter won't even let me touch him.
04:08He'll warm up eventually.
04:10Chloe just gave a soft, unconvinced hum.
04:12The next day, she showed up at my door with bags upon bags.
04:16She wore a pretty little white dress, beaming at me.
04:20Surprise, sis.
04:21I turned around.
04:22All three shifters' eyes went straight to her.
04:25I quietly turned back.
04:27I was used to it, honestly.
04:28Everyone gravitated toward Chloe.
04:30She was radiant and magnetic.
04:32Every gesture, every smile pulled at people without even trying.
04:36Standing next to her, I felt exactly like what I was.
04:39Plain and unremarkable.
04:40Chloe glanced around.
04:41Your apartment is so much smaller than the family estate.
04:45Is there even enough room for them?
04:47It's fine.
04:48Then I watched Ethan.
04:49Usually disinterested in everything.
04:51Let his gaze drift to Chloe.
04:53Eric's devastating smile turned itself on her instead.
04:56Even Evan, the moody one, propped his head up to stare at her.
05:00His wolf ears flickering non-stop.
05:02Chloe didn't seem to notice.
05:03She sipped her water with perfect innocence.
05:06In that moment, I knew.
05:07My things were about to drift quietly toward Chloe again.
05:11After that, the gentle, clingy warmth disappeared.
05:14They became cooler.
05:15Like they wanted me destroyed.
05:17Like they couldn't stop themselves.
05:19Until I heard their conversation.
05:20I'd been right all along.
05:22One look at Chloe, and they'd fallen.
05:25The afternoon came fast.
05:26A knock at the door.
05:27Chloe arrived.
05:28The silence that had settled over the apartment deepened into something heavier.
05:32You're really giving all three of us to her?
05:35Yes.
05:36Not keeping one for yourself?
05:38Which of you wants to stay with me?
05:39The air curdled.
05:40No one answered.
05:41Finally, Evan got up and went to open the door.
05:44He rolled his eyes, a flick of contempt on his face.
05:47Stop pretending to be decent.
05:49Both of you.
05:50Chloe's bright smile filled the frame.
05:52Hi, boys.
05:54My sister already explained things, right?
05:57You all belong to me now.
05:59Hey there, new mistress.
06:01Chloe looked him over with satisfaction, then let her gaze sweep across Eric and Ethan.
06:06You're all gorgeous.
06:07Did you pack?
06:09Actually, never mind.
06:11I'm sure my sister couldn't afford to buy you much anyway.
06:13We'll get everything new at the villa.
06:15Ethan gave a lazy murmur of agreement.
06:17Eric glanced at Chloe, then slid his eyes over to me.
06:20I kept my face blank.
06:22Every set of eyes in the room landed on me at once.
06:25Chloe noticed.
06:26She walked up to me.
06:27Don't worry, sis.
06:28I'll take better care of them.
06:30And when you're done playing house, just come home and do the arranged marriage.
06:35Stop stressing mom and dad.
06:37Arranged marriage?
06:39What arranged marriage?
06:40Chloe didn't explain.
06:41She studied my expression.
06:43Nothing there.
06:44Maybe one of them should stay with you.
06:46You seem upset.
06:47Evan didn't move from Chloe's side.
06:49Ethan leaned against the wall, bored.
06:52Eric's smile stayed thin and cool.
06:54No one spoke.
06:55Chloe wasn't surprised.
06:56She gave me a small, comforting smile.
06:59Between the two of us, I was never the one who got chosen.
07:02We'd both made peace with that a long time ago.
07:05And him?
07:06At my words, Chloe's posture barely shifted.
07:09Then she turned towards the door.
07:11Come in!
07:12Heavy footsteps.
07:12A man stepped forward, tall, with an almost aggressive stillness to him.
07:18The next second, I was looking directly into a pair of dark, shadow-filled eyes.
07:25Hello.
07:26His gaze came from above, sticky, appraising.
07:29I broke out in goosebumps.
07:31He didn't acknowledge me.
07:33He's just like this, sis.
07:35If it's too much, tell me and I'll take him back.
07:37Who is he?
07:39Chloe clearly didn't want to explain.
07:41I didn't know where to begin either.
07:43She smiled and pivoted.
07:45The car's waiting downstairs.
07:47Shall we?
07:48The wolves were quiet for a beat, then didn't push further.
07:51They followed Chloe out on long strides.
07:54The snake shifter stayed.
07:55I was about to close the door when...
07:58Eric looked back at me.
07:59Something unreadable in his face.
08:01And the man beside me suddenly contracted his pupils into a cold, a smooth tail wound around my waist.
08:08A strange, overwhelming scent burst through the air.
08:14You... you're in heat!
08:19But his tail cushioned the impact.
08:21It didn't hurt.
08:22His breath spilled across my neck.
08:24My skin broke into shivers.
08:26Then, sharp knocking at the door.
08:28Eric's voice from outside.
08:29Are you okay?
08:30My fingers stirred.
08:32The pale, cold, gold, vertical pupils staring down at me seemed to darken.
08:36The coil around my waist tightened.
08:38I didn't reach for the door.
08:39Are you in pain?
08:41Let me get you some heat suppresses, okay?
08:43The pressure around me paused.
08:45The mating scent that had been thickening stopped spreading.
08:47More knocking.
08:48Harder now.
08:49Chloe's voice uncertain.
08:50Sis?
08:51Are you both okay in there?
08:52I thought I'd calmed him down.
08:54I let out a breath.
08:55I was about to speak.
08:56A coldness at my neck.
08:57He bit me.
08:58Not soft, like claiming something.
09:01And yet beneath it, a trace of something almost indulgent.
09:04I muffled a sound.
09:05My voice came out slightly adrift.
09:07We're fine.
09:08You can go.
09:09Ethan's drawl.
09:11You sure?
09:12She said she's fine.
09:14Evan cut in impatient.
09:15Then, a beat later.
09:16Elena, that snake didn't hit you, did he?
09:18No.
09:19I bit my lower lip.
09:20Behind my neck, a cool tongue traced over the mark.
09:23Good thing the door had closed in time.
09:25The scent hadn't drifted out.
09:27The footsteps faded.
09:28I pushed the snake shifter off and didn't let myself look at his tail.
09:32I rummaged quickly for the heat suppressants.
09:34The same ones I'd used on Ethan, Eric, and Evan during their heat cycles.
09:38When it became too much, even for me.
09:40Plenty left.
09:41I tossed them to him, then went to wash my face.
09:43When I came back to the living room, his tail was gone.
09:46The man was draped across the couch.
09:48Long legs crossed.
09:50Expression back to its cold, shuttered default.
09:52He glanced up at me.
09:54I thought you were...
09:55I started confused.
09:56Celibate?
09:57His voice was low and rough.
09:58It's a theological response.
09:59It's been too long since my last suppressor.
10:02Oh.
10:02Knowing Chloe's personality, if she'd actually wanted to sleep with him, she wouldn't have
10:05kept him on suppressants.
10:06And judging by what had just happened, it wasn't like he could hold back indefinitely.
10:10So how had he been managing before?
10:11But if he didn't want to say, I wasn't going to pry.
10:13I poured a glass of warm water and handed it to him.
10:16Rest today.
10:17You can help with the housework tomorrow.
10:18And if you need more recovery time, take it.
10:21He cut me off.
10:21You treated them the same way?
10:23I blinked.
10:24Them.
10:24He meant Ethan and the others.
10:26I was quiet for a second, then nodded.
10:28Equality between pure humans and shifters was the standard now, technically.
10:33But given a shifter's nature, the bonding, the recognition of owners, there was always
10:37emphasis on extending extra consideration to them.
10:40Long quietness.
10:42My name is Vance.
10:43I registered it and smiled.
10:44Nice to meet you.
10:45I'm Elena.
10:46He stood, expressionless, and walked toward the balcony.
10:49The bedroom isn't that way.
10:51Wait, are you going to jump?
10:52If you don't like it here, I can ask Chloe to take you back.
10:54I rushed after him.
10:55Found him bent over the washing machine, pulling out clean laundry, piece by piece, hanging
10:59it to dry.
11:00Eric had put my clothes in the wash that morning.
11:02He hadn't taken them out before he left.
11:03I watched Vance's long fingers handle my clothes and scratched my cheek.
11:08I'll buy a dryer in a few days, then you won't have to do this.
11:10Vance said nothing.
11:11I never got the chance to buy that dryer.
11:13The next morning, an uninvited guest appeared.
11:16The Ashford estate's butler stood at my door with measured deference.
11:21Miss, your father says you've had enough time.
11:25It's time to return and proceed with the arranged marriage.
11:28No.
11:29The butler smiled.
11:32Miss, this is the wish of both the master and madam.
11:37He stepped aside.
11:38Several bodyguards materialized behind him.
11:41I laughed coldly.
11:42Aren't you worried I'll stab the man with a knife on the wedding day and then kill myself?
11:47The butler's expression faltered.
11:48The master said, should you agree to the marriage, you will receive 5% of the Ashford group's shares.
11:55My hand on the door went still.
11:56The butler seemed to have anticipated exactly this.
11:59The car is waiting downstairs.
12:04Also, the second miss asked that you bring Mr. Vance along.
12:08I glanced back at Vance.
12:09We made eye contact.
12:11His dark eyes were as unreadable as ever.
12:14Yet somehow, a chill crawled down my spine.
12:17Back at the Ashford estate.
12:19The entire first floor.
12:21Just Ethan, Eric, and Evan.
12:24The atmosphere was awkward.
12:25Evan set down his game controller and glanced up, eyes tracking from me to Vance.
12:31Ethan drawled.
12:32Why are you here?
12:34It's my house.
12:35Can I come back?
12:36Ethan's expression didn't change, but the corner of his mouth curved up slightly.
12:40I stared.
12:40Eric set down the fruit he'd been arranging and walked toward me.
12:45Chloe said you refused to come home for months, and now you show up?
12:49Did you miss us?
12:50I stepped back.
12:51Before I could speak, Evan scoffed.
12:52Don't even wonder.
12:53Without us, she couldn't last a day.
12:56She doesn't look particularly heartbroken to me.
12:59Ethan's eyes snapped up.
13:01Who asked you?
13:03Sharp, hostile energy surged through the room.
13:05I reached back quickly and pressed my hand over Vance's, cool beneath my palm, trying to calm him.
13:11The same as yesterday.
13:12Wolves and snakes were both apex level shifters.
13:14If they actually fought, it wouldn't end clean.
13:17What, you brought him here to make us jealous?
13:21Snakes are cold-blooded.
13:23And from what Chloe says, this one's worse than most.
13:26No feelings at all.
13:28You don't actually think you can change him, do you?
13:30Then, Eric grabbed my jolt, fingers tight, uncomfortably tight.
13:36His stare locked onto my neck, the mark from last night.
13:39His voice came down slow and deliberate.
13:42What's that?
13:42A hickey?
13:44That single sentence detonated.
13:46Evan unfolded himself from the couch, pulling that sharp grin.
13:50Come again?
13:51Then a cool hand yanked me behind him.
13:54Vance smiled, barely.
13:56Back off.
13:57Eric's expression hardened.
13:59What did you just say?
13:59The tension in the room snapped taut.
14:02Then Chloe came down from upstairs, all brightness.
14:05I could hear you from my room.
14:07What's going on?
14:08They think the mark on my neck is a hickey.
14:10They seem unhappy about it and want to investigate.
14:15Predictably, Chloe's smile flickered.
14:17Her gaze settled on my neck.
14:21So is it?
14:23What do you think?
14:24I deflected.
14:25She didn't answer.
14:27Silence.
14:28Ethan sauntered over, hands in his pocket.
14:31You always covered marks like that.
14:32Why show it today?
14:35Probably because I don't consider this a hiccup.
14:37That seemed to click for the others.
14:38Evan blinked.
14:39Now that you mention it, you used to cover everything.
14:42Eric's eyes narrowed.
14:43Sis, father wants you in his study.
14:45You don't need to follow her up.
14:47I slipped my hand quietly from Vance's grip and paused.
14:50I looked back at the room.
14:51Don't give him trouble.
14:55We give him trouble?
14:58Elena, in your eyes, we're...
15:00I turned and walked away before he could finish.
15:02Silence behind me.
15:04Register the marriage first.
15:05Hold the wedding after.
15:07Father leaned back in his chair and sifted his tea.
15:09Once everything is settled, I'll transfer the 5%.
15:12I didn't hesitate.
15:14I want the shares the moment the certificate is signed.
15:17The teacup hit the saucer hard.
15:19The lines around his eyes deepened with irritation.
15:20You really have that little faith in your own family?
15:23I sighed.
15:24I'm just worried Chloe might throw a fit and my share disappears again.
15:27He flinched, visibly.
15:28The irritation held, but after a long beat, he relented.
15:32Come back with your husband and the marriage certificate.
15:34It said everything about what my compliance meant to them.
15:36And beyond that, this share transfer would also serve as a gesture of loyalty to the
15:40man I was marrying.
15:41After all, assets acquired during marriage get split between spouses.
15:45I didn't comment on any of that and stood to leave.
15:49You'll stay at the estate until the wedding.
15:51No wandering off.
15:52And those shifters?
15:54Cut that off before the ceremony.
15:58I came back downstairs to the same quiet.
16:01I walked over to Vance.
16:02I also had something to say to him.
16:04Let me show you my room.
16:06Evan looked at me suspiciously.
16:08You haven't been back in months.
16:09What's there to see?
16:13Want to come too?
16:15Who said I did?
16:16Chloe was picking through the fruit bowl.
16:18Father's still home.
16:20Maybe it's not appropriate.
16:22Her voice was deliberate.
16:24You have three shifters with you.
16:26I'm bringing one to my room.
16:27What exactly isn't appropriate?
16:31We never...
16:34You make a fair point, sis.
16:37But Vance still has to be willing.
16:40Every pair of eyes in the room turned to the man with the perfectly unreadable face.
16:44Let's go.
16:45I nodded and gestured for him to follow.
16:48Whatever the others looked like behind me, I didn't care to check.
16:51My room was white and minimal.
16:53Clean.
16:53Someone had kept it dusted.
16:55I cleared my throat.
16:56Ready to speak.
16:57Something coiled around my waist.
16:58The tail.
16:59Your scent is so strong here.
17:04I haven't lived here in months.
17:06It's still that strong?
17:08Something dangerous spread through the air.
17:10I genuinely feared he'd consume me, his sharp teeth dragged against my collarbone.
17:18You just took a suppresses yesterday.
17:20I brought you up here to tell you something.
17:23I'm getting married.
17:25Vance didn't release me the way I expected.
17:27Instead, his tail coiled tighter, and I was lifted and dropped onto the bed.
17:32He loomed over me.
17:33Then his tail slipped beneath the hem of my shirt.
17:36I grabbed it on instinct, then looked away fast.
17:40He watched me, gaze darkening.
17:43You dislike me?
17:46No, that's not...
17:47Aren't you my owner?
17:49Shadow fell over me.
17:50Or are you afraid?
17:52Honestly, a little.
17:53First, snakes were notoriously insatiable.
17:56Snake shifters.
17:57Even more so.
17:58If Chloe hadn't said he was celibate, I never would have asked for him.
18:02Second, certain things were simply too much.
18:05But I really am getting married, so I'll probably need to give you back to Chloe for now.
18:10She won't be marrying anytime soon.
18:11Something moved behind Vance's eyes at last.
18:14Right as something brutal flickered across his gaze, I asked quietly,
18:18Do you want to go back to Chloe?
18:21Have I made you miserable?
18:24No.
18:25You're actually pretty proactive about the housework.
18:28The next second, he lowered himself over me, his shadow swallowing everything.
18:35Then don't even think about getting rid of me.
18:39I was quiet.
18:40Then I reached out and gently touched his tail.
18:43Don't worry.
18:45About what, exactly?
18:47I shook my head inwardly.
18:48I had a plan already.
18:50A few days later, a private room at a cafe.
18:52I took a calm sip of coffee.
18:54I looked across the table and cut straight to the point.
18:57I know you're in love with Chloe.
18:58He looked up, surprised, set his phone down.
19:01I also know you've been approaching our family with a marriage proposal.
19:05You want Chloe.
19:07But they keep deflecting you with the excuse that the eldest daughter has to marry first.
19:12Who wouldn't prefer your sister?
19:14She's not indifferent to me either.
19:16She just says she won't compete with you because you liked me first.
19:20I have a way to get you what you want.
19:23What way?
19:24We get a fake marriage certificate.
19:26If Chloe really does feel something for you, she'll get jealous when she sees us together.
19:31Right?
19:32A fake certificate?
19:33People only realize what they want when they think they're losing it.
19:37If you act close to me, let her see it.
19:39She'll be devastated.
19:41Then, at the ceremony itself, I disappear.
19:44No bride.
19:46She won't be able to stand watching you humiliated in front of everyone.
19:49She'll step in.
19:54Then you tell her, it's always been her.
19:58Have a ring ready.
19:59Something chosen just for her.
20:00She'll be moved.
20:03That's not wrong.
20:08I know we'd never make each other happy.
20:10You love Chloe that deeply and she feels something for you.
20:13I'd rather the two of you get to be happy.
20:16Miss Ashford, I misjudged you.
20:18I had no idea you were so generous.
20:22As long as you're both happy.
20:24The day I came home with the marriage certificate and my fake husband.
20:28The entire Ashford family was seated at the dining table.
20:31Everyone's face said something different.
20:33The news about the arranged marriage had already spread through the household.
20:37I caught Vance's eye from across the room.
20:39A small, reassuring look.
20:41His expression was flat.
20:42But I could feel it.
20:43The suppressed hostility simmering underneath.
20:46The faint darkness around him.
20:47It was fine.
20:48Once everything was resolved, I had a place for him and what came next.
20:51I gave him a small, calm smile from across the room.
20:54He glanced at me once, then looked away.
20:56When I slipped into the kitchen to help carry dishes, Eric was at the sink.
21:01You don't like him.
21:02Who?
21:03Your husband.
21:04Eric smiled pleasantly.
21:09Elena, ask me nicely and I'll help you run.
21:11I looked at him.
21:12He clarified.
21:13The other two are on board too.
21:14The other two.
21:15Ethan and Evan.
21:16That explained why all three of them had been off today.
21:18Eric's voice dropped, just a shade too deliberate.
21:21You don't want to spend the rest of your life with someone you don't even like, do you?
21:24Mind your own business.
21:26You'll regret this, Elena.
21:28Regret?
21:30After dinner, Chloe chatted brightly with my fake husband, effortless and radiant.
21:36I slipped away to the study alone and signed the share transfer documents.
21:41Next week, the grand wedding and the show was just getting started.
21:45The days before the wedding, I was perfectly calm.
21:48I tried on jewelry.
21:49The estate, meanwhile, had developed its own sustained low pressure system.
21:53Even Chloe, who normally at least maintained the pretense of civility, stopped by to take a shot.
21:58Didn't expect 5% of the shares to be enough to break you.
22:01I had no reaction.
22:02That seemed to infuriate her more.
22:04Do you know how much I'll have eventually?
22:07When father's gone, all of it comes to me.
22:10I paused.
22:11I actually looked at her.
22:13She looked satisfied.
22:14Jealous?
22:16The filial piety in this household is truly something.
22:19I couldn't help but think.
22:21Pathetic.
22:22Evan kept his face blank.
22:24Eric nodded.
22:25Ethan scrolled through his phone and said nothing.
22:27Pathetic?
22:28Are they talking about me?
22:29I didn't care what they thought.
22:30I was watching Vance.
22:32He wasn't as dark as I'd expected.
22:33He just lifted his gaze.
22:35And those black, fathomless eyes met mine.
22:38That's when I realized it.
22:40When his eyes weren't carrying that cold hostility, they were beautiful.
22:44The shape subtle.
22:45The outer corners lifting just slightly.
22:48An unintentional, almost lazy quality to the look.
22:51The wedding day arrived.
22:52The city's most prestigious hotel.
22:54Over 30,000 white roses cascading from the ceiling.
22:57Crystal chandeliers threading through the waterfall of petals.
23:00Long tables draped in ivory jacquard.
23:02Champagne flutes standing in neat rows.
23:04Catching the light with a faint golden tint.
23:06Every detail was breathtaking.
23:08Big budget.
23:09I took one look.
23:09Then was ushered into the backstage dressing room.
23:12Over the next three hours, the guest list filled.
23:14From backstage, I heard the steady murmur of congratulations.
23:17My parents appeared several times to confirm I was still there and cooperating.
23:21I looked at myself in the mirror.
23:22Flawless makeup.
23:23Then I checked the clock.
23:24The ceremony was about to begin.
23:26I'd already taken care of the makeup artist and assistant in advance.
23:29I gathered the heavy skirt and slipped out.
23:31Elena, the bathroom's straight ahead.
23:32The assistant kept pace, so no one in the hallway questioned it.
23:39Once inside, I stripped off the gown efficiently and changed into the clothes she'd stashed in her bag.
23:44Something light, with sneakers, and opened the window.
23:47A black car was parked close by.
23:48First floor.
23:49I climbed onto the sill and dropped down cleanly.
23:54Once in the car, I called Vance.
23:59Two rings.
24:00No answer.
24:01I frowned.
24:02Maybe the venue was too loud.
24:03He didn't hear it.
24:04Head to the airport.
24:05The car pulled into traffic.
24:07I opened my phone and found the live stream.
24:09My fake husband had insisted on broadcasting the ceremony.
24:11He wanted the world to see the moment Chloe stepped forward out of love.
24:15Lucky for me, that made watching very convenient.
24:18Please welcome our bride and groom from both sides!
24:22Both doors opened simultaneously.
24:23The right side, where I was supposed to stand, was empty.
24:26I laughed.
24:27Then I looked at the left side.
24:28A shadow.
24:29There for just a second.
24:30My smile faded.
24:33Vance?
24:34The left side was also empty.
24:36The venue erupted.
24:37I stared at the screen.
24:38Two minutes later, my fake husband rushed in.
24:41He recovered.
24:42Took the microphone.
24:44Actually, today's bride was never Elena Ashfun.
24:47The bride I've been waiting for is my true love, Miss Chloe Ashfun!
24:52That was when Vance's call came through.
24:57Where are you?
24:58On the way to the airport.
25:00You...
25:00Before I could finish asking, a news alert pushed to my screen.
25:04Male family heir confirmed for tonight's high-profile wedding.
25:07Not a pure human.
25:08Reports indicate he is a shifter.
25:10I tapped it immediately.
25:11A tall, unmistakable silhouette.
25:13Comments below.
25:14Looks like a snake shifter.
25:15Cold-blooded running a corporation.
25:17Actually kind of fitting.
25:18Something clicked in my mind.
25:20Vance, were you just trying to...
25:21Crashed the wedding.
25:22I swallowed it back.
25:23I'm planning to lay low abroad for a while, until things settle.
25:26I hung up.
25:26If Vance wanted to follow, he would.
25:28If not, I didn't mind either way.
25:30I turned back to the livestream.
25:32Total chaos at the venue.
25:34Chloe's perfect face was streaked with tears, shaking her head, backing behind my father.
25:38Father's face was iron gray.
25:40Where's Elena?
25:41Find her!
25:42She's gone too far!
25:44You said you had feelings for me.
25:45Her sister was willing to step aside for us, and you can't even...
25:48I have no idea what's going on, since my son loves Chloe.
25:50Why not let Chloe take her place?
25:52It's still a happy occasion for both families.
25:54I'd had the foresight to block my parents, the butler, and Chloe before leaving.
25:58Even with the groom's mother trying to smooth things over, they couldn't afford to make
26:01a scene.
26:02My mother went still, then looked at Chloe.
26:04Chloe bit her lip.
26:05Her voice came out.
26:06No!
26:07What do you mean, no?
26:08Were you lying to me this whole time?
26:09Don't you have feelings for me?
26:10I don't!
26:11You had three wives die on you!
26:13Why would I ever like you?
26:14Complete chaos.
26:18I watched with genuine satisfaction.
26:21Then I spotted Ethan, Eric, and Evan in the corner of the frame.
26:24Their expressions were something else entirely.
26:26At the airport, my phone rang.
26:31The fake husband.
26:32His voice was hard.
26:34Come back.
26:35Marry me.
26:36What's your problem?
26:37You're not worth it.
26:38I blocked him, too.
26:42Honestly, I'd overlooked him.
26:43I hadn't thought he'd be this delusional.
26:46I'd been waiting for a while when a shadow fell across me.
26:49I smiled without looking up.
26:51You're here.
26:51I raised my eyes.
26:52Ethan.
26:53I blinked.
26:54What's that face?
26:56Disappointed?
26:58Who were you expecting?
27:00Vance.
27:00His expression went cold.
27:02You really can't catch a break.
27:03He's not coming.
27:04I nodded.
27:05Kept my face easy.
27:06Ethan dropped into the seat beside me.
27:08I didn't expect you to actually pull off an escape.
27:11Don't bother me.
27:11I really...
27:12I cut him off.
27:12He shut his mouth, bit down on his back teeth.
27:15He switched tactics.
27:16No cold edge this time.
27:17Where are you going?
27:18Not your business.
27:19Elena.
27:20Where are Eric and Evan?
27:22Ethan's expression changed.
27:25They're blocking Vance, aren't they?
27:28His face went tight.
27:30Then I saw him.
27:31Vance came through the crowd in long strides.
27:33A dried cut at his temple.
27:35Marks on his neck.
27:36Something low and dark in the set of his expression.
27:38When he reached me, the sharp smell of blood came with him.
27:41Are you okay?
27:43Ethan clenched his jaw.
27:46What did you do to them?
27:52Vance settled behind me, his chin coming to rest on my shoulder.
27:56One arm loosely circling my waist.
27:58An embrace, cool as winter air.
28:01I'm talking to you.
28:03Vance smiled.
28:04Why?
28:05Something unsettling in it.
28:07Would it make you happy if something happened to them?
28:10I paused.
28:11Eric and Evan were Ethan's brothers.
28:13Why would their getting hurt make him happy?
28:15Ethan's throat moved.
28:18Where are they?
28:19No idea.
28:21Probably close to dead though.
28:23Ice went through me.
28:24But Ethan, contrary to everything I'd expected, didn't turn and run.
28:30Ethan, you're both leaving.
28:32Together.
28:33Isn't it obvious?
28:35Why are you taking him?
28:37The vein at Ethan's temple stood out.
28:39Are you alright?
28:40Chloe gave him to me.
28:42I'm his owner.
28:44Then you're still mine.
28:46You all belong to Chloe now.
28:48Don't you remember?
28:51You're the one who sent me to her.
28:53Something dark pooled in his eyes.
28:56I heard everything you said in the living room that morning.
28:59How much you all liked Chloe.
29:01I was doing you a favor.
29:03And now you're turning it around on me?
29:06You heard all of that?
29:08I had nothing more to say to him.
29:09I pulled Vance by the hand and turned to go.
29:13Ethan moved to follow and was stopped by the airport security I'd quietly arranged in advance.
29:18Vance sat beside me on the flight.
29:20He looked down, long lashes casting a faint shadow across his cheeks.
29:26So, you really were going to take the groom's place and marry me?
29:31Hmm.
29:33You move fast.
29:34After realizing I wasn't there, it slipped out immediately.
29:38That brief shadow on the live stream, only I would have recognized it.
29:41Your scent went faint.
29:43Right.
29:44The terrifying thing about shifters was their sense of smell.
29:47Precise and absolute.
29:49I'll be overseas for a while.
29:51Until the timing is right to come back.
29:52Vance leaned in close.
29:54That cool, faint air of his wrapped around me.
29:58His lips pressed lightly to the side of my neck.
30:01This time, he didn't bite.
30:03I almost smiled.
30:04They said wolves were canines.
30:06Bonded hard.
30:07But this cold-blooded snake seemed more bonded than any of them.
30:11Over the months that followed, the Ashford family fell into disarray.
30:15I switched to an overseas number.
30:16No one could reach me.
30:17Chloe never ended up marrying the man.
30:19The two families became enemies.
30:21When I returned, my parents had aged.
30:23My father spent most of his time in a hospital bed.
30:26They couldn't trust the extended family with the company, so they'd given it to Chloe.
30:29But under Chloe's management, the group was declining.
30:32Steadily.
30:33Then I walked through the door.
30:35My mother's hand rose on instinct.
30:37She was going to slap me.
30:38I stepped back.
30:39I smiled.
30:40Are you sure?
30:42I'm the only one who can save you now.
30:44I froze mid-air.
30:45I looked over.
30:46Chloe had her eyes locked on me, sharp and searching.
30:49But she looked nothing like before.
30:51The polish was gone.
30:52She was frayed, worn down by everything she'd been holding together.
30:55I let her, too.
30:56Long time no see, little sister.
30:58For her gaze away and burst into tears.
31:01Chloe had hated her sister since childhood.
31:03Why?
31:03It started in primary school.
31:05Her sister always had people around her.
31:07Boys and girls.
31:08A full crowd.
31:09Her sister stood in the middle of them, smiling.
31:11Then she noticed Chloe and waved.
31:19Chloe!
31:20Come here!
31:21When the others saw Chloe, their expressions shifted to something like wonder.
31:25Chloe walked over.
31:26Her sister reached into her pocket and pressed a candy into her hand.
31:31I saved this for you.
31:33Strawberry, your favorite.
31:35Chloe took it happily.
31:37Then one of the girls said,
31:40Elena is so thoughtful.
31:42She remembers everyone's favorite.
31:43Chloe's smile went stiff.
31:45Why?
31:45She was her sister.
31:46Why was she this nice to everyone?
31:48Shouldn't she save the best of herself for Chloe?
31:50Chloe turned and walked away.
31:56Behind her, voices floated.
32:04She didn't hear what her sister said back.
32:07She turned the corner and dropped the strawberry candy into a trash can.
32:10As they got older, Chloe learned something.
32:13She was prettier than her sister.
32:14Not that her sister was ugly.
32:16She was genuinely lovely in a quiet, clean way.
32:18But Chloe had inherited every striking feature with perfect precision, head to toe.
32:23So the pattern became this.
32:24Those who saw Chloe first, then her sister, looked vaguely let down.
32:28Those who saw her sister first, then Chloe, looked stunned.
32:32Every time this happened, Chloe thought to herself,
32:35Her sister must be so hurt.
32:36So humiliated.
32:38When they were teenagers, her sister drew attention.
32:41The Ashford family's eldest daughter, graceful enough that boys noticed, despite everything.
32:45Inevitably, those boys noticed Chloe and redirected.
32:48Of course they did.
32:49She was brighter, prettier, warmer, pathetic, shallow idiots.
32:53Chloe thought it internally, all contempt.
32:55But honestly, if they'd spent more time with her sister, they'd have found out.
32:58Her sister was smarter and more interesting than anyone gave her credit for.
33:02Too bad they lacked the patience to look past the surface.
33:04At that thought, Chloe would feel something almost like pity.
33:08Poor thing.
33:09No matter how kind her sister was to everyone, people still chose Chloe.
33:12She imagined her sister in the dark, seething with jealousy, hating her.
33:16Somehow, that thought made the exhaustion of performing warmth all day vanish.
33:20Chloe would hum to herself, lighter.
33:22Then she met a snake shifter.
33:25Tall, striking, almost violently beautiful.
33:28She recognized him.
33:29Her sister, as a child, had found a half-dead venomous snake and refused to leave it alone.
33:33Chloe had screamed at her then.
33:35Get away from it!
33:36Are you insane?
33:37Her kind, oblivious sister hadn't listened.
33:39She'd nursed the snake back to health.
33:41Her sister had probably forgotten all about it.
33:43Chloe remembered.
33:43So she brought Vance home.
33:45She knew why he agreed.
33:46He could smell her sister's presence in the house.
33:48Traces left from childhood.
33:50Here to repay a kindness?
33:51What a pity.
33:52My sister won't even know who you are.
33:53Vance didn't like Chloe.
33:54Not even a little.
33:55And the more he didn't, the more she wanted that to change.
33:58It never did.
33:59Then her sister called, wanting to trade.
34:00Chloe barely thought about it and said, yes, good.
34:03Let this cold snake see exactly what kind of person her sister is.
34:07How she opens her hands for everyone and how quickly she can close them.
34:10As expected, the three wolves took to Chloe almost instantly.
34:13But what she hadn't expected, her sister had genuinely forgotten Vance.
34:17And yet, she still treated him gently, instinctively.
34:19Why?
34:20After everything that's been done to her, why can't she just stop?
34:23A dying snake as a child.
34:24A litter of abandoned wolf pups.
34:26She picked them all up.
34:27Impossible.
34:28Infuriating.
34:28It was fine.
34:29Her sister was about to be forced into a marriage with a man who'd outlasted three wives.
34:34The pressure would crush her.
34:35Would she come crawling to Chloe then?
34:36The way Chloe used to visit?
34:38Bringing gifts to that small apartment.
34:40Surprise, sis.
34:40Playing the generous sibling.
34:41Would she finally be desperate enough to need Chloe's help?
34:44That would be the right choice.
34:45Come to her sister.
34:46Not scatter kindness into the void.
34:48Chloe thought about all of it with something close to pleasure.
34:50Until she realized her sister had played her.
34:53I stepped into the role Chloe had been holding, and I was better at it.
34:57The group began to stabilize.
34:59My father's condition improved somewhat.
35:01I mentioned it to Vance, absently, in the top floor office.
35:08When a sick person suddenly gets better, sometimes it's a last flare of strength before the end.
35:14Vance's pale fingers wound slowly through a strand of my hair.
35:18I see.
35:22Father got worse again.
35:25His current condition left him with no real grip on the company.
35:28He knew it.
35:30I went to visit him.
35:35Sign over whatever shares you have left.
35:37All of them.
35:38The man in the hospital bed, frail now, aged past recognition, erupted in fury, but all he could do was
35:46cough.
35:46You built this company.
35:48Do you want to watch Chloe run it into the ground?
35:51He glared.
35:52I smiled.
35:54Give a little now, and I'll make sure she's taken care of.
35:58You've already seen what she becomes without me.
36:01That's your precious daughter, when you're not watching.
36:07Father.
36:10I'm your daughter, too.
36:12I have your blood.
36:14Who better to leave it with?
36:17He stared at me for a long time.
36:19Something painful moved behind his eyes.
36:22I smiled.
36:23Everything was in place.
36:25Vance was often with me when I worked.
36:27Sometimes, when I'd been absorbed in something too long,
36:30a cool, smooth tail would drift over and coil slowly around my waist.
36:35Why is he so clingy?
36:37I sighed, more fond than exasperated, and stroked a tail in what I hoped was reassuring.
36:42Human form this time, please?
36:44Shifter form is genuinely too much for me.
36:51Okay.
36:53I never asked about his other identity, whether he was the heir to some family or the head
36:57of some organization, what his name meant in the world outside these walls.
37:02I wasn't curious.
37:02I only needed him here.
37:04That was enough.
37:05The way Ethan had once said, at the airport,
37:08We actually have our own names?
37:09I don't need to know, and I don't want to.
37:11That had been the end of it.
37:13As for the business deals Vance had quietly helped put into motion,
37:16I chose not to notice.
37:18I simply rewarded him from time to time.
37:20Small things, warmly given.
37:22Vance had hurt Eric and Evan badly enough that it had taken time for them to recover.
37:26By the time they were well, I was gone.
37:29They couldn't find me.
37:30Eventually, it seemed they'd left the Ashford estate too, until recently.
37:37Director Ashford,
37:38There are three people downstairs requesting to see you.
37:41They say their names are Ethan, Eric, and Evan.
37:46Put them through.
37:47Yes, ma'am.
37:49Elena?
37:51You're back in the country?
37:53I am.
37:56Come meet us.
37:58No time.
37:59Not interested.
38:02Afraid the snake gets jealous?
38:05His feelings aren't my concern,
38:07But I genuinely can't be bothered to see you.
38:10I'm not your owner anymore.
38:11You are.
38:12We never thought of Chloe as our owner.
38:14We never touched her either.
38:16If you'd wanted,
38:18we would have helped you disappear from that wedding a long time ago.
38:21So, in your eyes, I'm still your owner.
38:25But in mine, you haven't been worth that in a long time.
38:33Director Ashford, these contracts need your review.
38:36Come in.
38:38I set the pen down.
38:40Before you go, let everyone know.
38:43Those three shifters downstairs are not to be let up.
38:45If they come back, have security remove them.
38:48Understood, Director.
38:50Also, you have a meeting shortly.
38:51What coffee would you like?
38:53Oh, right.
38:54The meeting.
38:55I picked up my phone and sent Vance a small emoji.
38:58A little pat.
38:59Might be home late.
39:00Be good and wait for me.
39:02Without waiting for a reply, I stood,
39:04smoothed the front of my jacket, and walked out.
39:08Actually, no coffee.
39:10Just water.
39:11Tell everyone in the conference room.
39:13Of course.
39:14Director Ashford.
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