A Regret in Red

Damian's words brought back all my memories from the past three years.

Every time I fought with my father, Damian would always be there like some silent guardian, shielding me from everything.

Those gentle hugs in the middle of the night, the quiet words during thunderstorms, the way he took care of me when I was sick…

After I joined his company, my design projects had his backing. My reputation in the industry only grew.

At parties in the past, I was known as a prodigious designer. Everyone seemed to shower me with praise.

But now, looking back, how much of that protection was ever genuine?

All this time, I was just his secret lover, while his room was covered in photos of Clara.

"Why should I come to you?" I laughed coldly, forcing my voice to sound like I didn't care.

Damian's grip on my wrist tightened slightly. I could feel the shift in his mood.

"Aurora." His voice was soft, tinged with the helplessness I knew too well.

"Don't call my name." Anger and hurt exploded out of me as I stomped hard on his foot.

"Aurora!" Damian grunted, but he didn't loosen his grip around my wrist. "Are you done?"

He looked at me, his eyes full of emotions I couldn't read. I turned my head, refusing to let him see the tears in my eyes.

Half an hour later, the familiar estate came into view.

When I first arrived here three years ago, I had naively thought this would be my home. That this aloof man would become my whole world.

Now, I saw it for what it really was. It was just a temporary shelter.

"I'm only staying for another half a month," I said, trying to sound calm. "I'll pay rent. I'll reference the hotel rates."

Damian frowned. "You can stay as long as you want. You don't need to pay."

I cut him off, flashing a mocking smile. "Don't worry. I won't be a bother after that."

His face darkened, jaw set tight.

"Clara's family once gave up everything to save me. I owe her," he said softly, like he was trying to explain something.

"Aurora, don't target Clara because of Elena," he finally said, his tone threatening. "She's not well. She needs to be looked after. The past is more complicated than you think, and I doubt you'll understand."

Needs to be looked after.

Those words cut into me repeatedly.

And what about me? Didn't I deserve it too? Was my pain, my heartbreak, my tears really so worthless in his eyes?

"Fine." I kept my tone flat, forcing myself to look unconcerned. "I won't bother her. After all, I'm just an outsider here."

The next few days passed quietly, and we didn't step on each other's toes.

Damian was busy handling business while I wandered around the estate alone, just like when I first arrived three years ago.

But this time, everything felt different.

Three nights later, Damian suddenly asked if I wanted to go to a party.

"Why do you want to take me so suddenly?" I asked.

"You've been cooped up in here for too long. You should get out for a bit." His explanation sounded reasonable enough.

I changed into a black silk dress, added some simple jewelry, and followed him to the most luxurious hotel downtown.

The moment I stepped into the ballroom, a giant banner caught my eye.

"Congratulations to Miss Clara on Her Recovery and the Launch of the Art Foundation."

I froze, feeling like the whole world was laughing at me.

So this party was meant for Clara?

Then, why did he bring me here? Was I supposed to stand by and watch him show everyone how important she was to him?

The ballroom was bright with light as every important figure in the pack was there, all with flattering smiles on their faces.

And me? I felt like an outsider who never should have come.

I turned, ready to leave this suffocating place.

"Aurora! I'm so glad you made it!" Clara rushed over and blocked my way, her face lighting up with excitement.

"We have nothing to do with each other," I snapped, yanking my hand away when she tried to hold my arm. "Drop the act."

I shook her off and walked straight to the dessert table.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Clara's eyes fill with tears as she went to find Damian. He gently stroked her hair and said something to her.

Clara wiped away her tears as Damian comforted her and shyly leaned against his arm.

And I stood there, nothing but an extra, a spectator with no place here.

Pain stabbed through my chest. I looked down and knocked back a shot of whiskey, letting the burning alcohol numb my throat.