Cynthia Sharpe sat at her vanity, the glow of her laptop illuminating her sharp features. On the screen was a draft of a press release: *EXCLUSIVE: FUTURE MRS. CROFT’S FATHER WAS A GAMBLING ADDICT BAILED OUT BY FIANCÉ.*
It was cruel. It was destructive. It would ruin the Masquerade Ball before it began.
“I can’t do this anymore.”
Cynthia spun around. Jaxson Vane stood in the doorway of her bedroom. A suitcase was packed by his feet.
“What are you doing?” Cynthia demanded, panic rising in her chest.
“I’m leaving, Cynthia,” Jaxson said, his voice flat. “I saved you from the gutter. I gave you a second chance. But you are more interested in destroying William Croft than building a life with me. I can’t watch you be this person anymore.”
He picked up his bag. “I’m done.”
“No!” Cynthia scrambled up, rushing to him. She grabbed his arm. The realization hit her like a physical blow–William was a ghost she couldn’t catch, but Jaxson was real, and he was walking out the door.
“Don’t go,” she begged, tears springing to her eyes. “Please.”
She ran back to the laptop and hit *delete*. The file vanished. She slammed the computer shut.
“I deleted it,” she cried, turning back to him. “I’m done with William. I swear. Just… don’t leave me.”
Jaxson paused, his hand on the doorknob. He looked at the woman who was finally choosing him over her revenge. slowly, he let go of the door.