Beyond The Lie

Chapter 47: Surrender

Eryx.

The car ride to the location was painfully awkward. We barely exchanged a word, and I didn't push her to talk. If silence was what she needed, I was willing to give it to her.

But when we arrived, her demeanor changed in an instant. She slipped her hand into the crook of my arm, flashed a bright smile, and we walked in together. It all felt...off.

I couldn't shake the feeling that her smile was forced, that she was just playing a role. And strangely, that made me feel uneasy. I knew we were both supposed to put on a show, but her fake smile still grated on me.

We made our rounds, greeting Father and the other relatives. Then Aunt Susan swept in, beaming with warmth, and whisked Addie away with her.

Aunt Susan looked lovely, her deep red gown perfectly complementing the occasion and her shoulder-length brown hair cascaded down her back in soft waves. Uncle David couldn't help but steal glances at her, his eyes filled with adoration. It was clear he was still smitten with his beautiful wife.

I stood in the grand foyer of the city hall, surrounded by the warm glow of golden lighting. The elegant staircase, crafted from light-colored stone, dominated the center of the room. I took in the opulent atmosphere, feeling a sense of luxury wash over me. After a while, I made my way to the bar to join the other men for a drink.

"Where's Adeline?" Asher asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

I spun around, scanning the crowded hall. Just seconds ago, she'd been right there. "She was just here!" I exclaimed, my eyes darting back and forth.

Asher took a sip from his drink, his expression calm. "Eryx, by the way, Kristoff is here."

My blood simmered at the mention of his name. Kristoff, our distant cousin, was the last person I wanted to see. We always clashed, our conversations devolving into heated arguments. He was the epitome of careless charm, always pushing boundaries and disrespecting those around him.

I gritted my teeth, my disdain for him boiling over. He was a serial flirt, using his charm to seduce women, only to discard them like trash afterward. The thought of him made my skin crawl.

"Well, didn't you warn her about him?" Asher asked, his gaze drifting to a spot across the room. I followed his line of sight and spotted Adeline chatting with Gabriel, my other cousin. Kristoff stood beside them, sipping his drink with an air of nonchalance, but his eyes betrayed him. They roamed over Adeline's back, drinking in every detail with a hunger that made my skin crawl.

I slammed my drink down on the counter, my anger simmering just below the surface. I strode over to Adeline, my eyes locked on Kristoff. As I approached, his gaze lingered on Adeline's lower back for a moment before slowly rising to meet mine.

"Eryx!" Gabriel shouted, but I was already locked onto Kristoff.

My eyes blazed with fury as I took a step closer. "Back off, Kristoff," I growled. "Keep your filthy eyes off her."

Kristoff sneered, a disgusting grin spreading across his face. "She yours, huh?" he asked, his voice dripping with malice.

Adeline's eyes darted between us, alarm written across her face. I felt a surge of possessiveness, my rage boiling over.

"You know she is," I snarled, my fists clenched.

Kristoff's gaze roamed over Adeline, his eyes lingering on her body. "You've got great taste, man," he said, his voice laced with lust.

That's when I lost it. I took another step closer, my face inches from Kristoff's. "One more word, and I'll rip your throat out," I hissed.

Adeline grabbed my arm, pulling me back. Kristoff raised his hands, a mocking smile still plastered on his face.