THE LAST SCHEME
Serena stood in front of the mirror, eyes hollow but burning with hate.
"They took my name… my family… my life," she whispered.
"If I can't have it, neither will she."
She grabbed her phone and typed quickly.
To: Elara
I want to apologize. Let's meet. Just us. Coffee shop on 5th Street. Please.
She smiled darkly.
Let's see how smart you really are, fake saint.
---
Elara's Doubt
Elara read the message three times.
"Apologize?" she muttered.
"That's new."
Lucien was on a call when she showed him.
"Don't go," he said immediately.
"It's a trap."
"I can't hide forever," Elara replied.
"I need closure."
Lucien grabbed her wrist gently.
"If anything happens to you—"
"I'll be fine," she promised.
"I'm not weak anymore."
He exhaled slowly.
"I'm coming with you," he said.
"No," she shook her head.
"This is between us."
He hated it… but nodded.
"Call me the second you feel unsafe."
---
The Meeting
The café was nearly empty.
Serena sat by the window, sunglasses hiding her eyes.
Elara walked in confidently.
"You wanted to talk," Elara said calmly.
Serena removed her glasses.
"I lost everything," she whispered.
"You won."
Elara frowned.
"This isn't a game."
Serena laughed bitterly.
"You stole my life."
"I was the one who lost mine," Elara snapped.
"Because of you."
Serena leaned forward.
"Then why are you still breathing?" she whispered.
Suddenly—
A woman rushed in screaming.
"She stole my wallet!"
All eyes turned to Elara.
"What? No!"
Serena stood.
"Security!" she cried.
"She's a thief!"
Phones came out.
Chaos erupted.
Elara froze.
Not again…
---
Evan's Betrayal
Just as security approached, Evan burst in.
"Stop!" he shouted.
He held up his phone.
"She set this up," he said.
"Serena paid that woman."
Serena's eyes widened.
"You traitor!"
Evan walked to Elara.
"I recorded everything," he said quietly.
"I won't let her hurt you again."
Security turned to Serena.
"Miss Vale, you're coming with us."
Serena screamed.
"You think this is over?!"
She glared at Elara.
"I'll haunt you forever!"
They dragged her away.
---
Aftermath
Elara sat shaking.
Lucien rushed in.
"Are you okay?!"
She nodded, tears falling.
"I'm tired of fighting."
He pulled her into a hug.
Not controlling.
Protective.
Real.