TRIANGLE

TAG #VI

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The atmosphere in the grand mansion was heavy with tension. Edward’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rosenthal, sat in the private study, their faces lined with stress.

“This has gone too far,” Mrs. Rosenthal said, wringing her hands. “Veronica and Calista are tearing this family apart over Millicent. And Edward—he’s caught in the middle of this mess.”

Mr. Rosenthal exhaled deeply, leaning back in his leather chair. “It’s not just the chaos they’re causing, but the disgrace if this gets out. Edward’s reputation, our family’s standing—it’s all on the line.”

Mrs. Rosenthal nodded. “But what can we do? We can’t betray Edward by openly taking sides. He married Veronica for us.”

Her husband rubbed his temples. “I know. But Millicent… she’s the root of this. If she wasn’t here, things might settle down.”

A heavy silence fell between them before Mrs. Rosenthal spoke again, her voice quieter. “Then we’ll talk to her. We’ll ask her to leave—for the good of everyone. But it must be done in secret. Neither Veronica nor Calista can know.”

Tensions erupted later that evening in the main hall. Veronica stood at the foot of the staircase, her arms crossed as Calista descended, her heels clicking loudly on the marble floor.

“Still playing games, Calista?” Veronica’s voice was sharp. “You think your little tantrums will win Millicent over?”

Calista smirked, stopping a few steps above her. “And you think parading around like a temptress is any better? At least I’m honest about what I want.”

Veronica stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. “Honest? Is that what you call manipulating everyone around you?”

Their voices grew louder, echoing through the house. Staff and the Rosenthals tried to stay out of sight, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire.

“You’re just jealous,” Calista spat. “Because no matter what you do, Millicent will never truly be yours.”

Veronica’s eyes blazed with fury. “Jealous? Of you? Don’t flatter yourself. Millicent deserves someone who understands her, not someone who sees her as a trophy to be won.”

The argument escalated, their words cutting deeper until both stored off in opposite directions.

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In his private office, Edward sat alone, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He stared at the framed photo of his wedding day, his expression unreadable.

“She thinks I love her,” he murmured to himself, referring to Veronica. “But I don’t. I never did.”

He swirled the amber liquid in his glass, lost in thought. “It was always for them—for Mother and Father. Keeping up appearances, securing alliances. That’s all this marriage is.”

Setting the glass down, he sighed. “And now, it’s all falling apart. Millicent, Veronica, Calista—they’re all tangled in this mess. And here I am, the puppet in their game.”

For a brief moment, his expression softened. “Maybe Millicent has the right idea. Maybe leaving is the only way to find peace.”

Unbeknownst to everyone, Millicent had already made her decision. Late that night, she packed a bag and slipped out of the mansion, her heart pounding with every step.

She drove for hours until she reached her private villa by the beach—a secluded haven far from the chaos of her family’s estate.