Stamped, But Not Real

The call rang and rang. Just before it dropped, someone finally picked up.

"Vincent Schit, bring Maggie back. Fifteen minutes. Or say goodbye to your girlfriend."

Vincent's face went pale when he saw the knife at Serena's neck. "Don't hurt her! Where are you? I'm coming! Maggie, Peter's got Serena—tell him to stop!"

The camera shifted—Maggie's face popped into view. "Peter?"

The guy stared at her. "It's me, Maggie. You said you'd marry me. I gave up everything for you. You can't just ditch me..."

His voice cracked, and his hand twitched—the knife sliced Serena's skin. She gasped.

Vincent's heart dropped. "Don't touch her! Serena, just hold on—I'm on my way!"

Tears blurred Serena's vision, but she stayed still, jaw clenched.

Then Maggie opened her mouth—and everything stopped.

"Vincent, relax. That's not Peter. Miss Saun, come on. There's nothing between me and Vincent. You didn't need to fake a whole kidnapping just to test him."

Vincent's face shifted, doubt creeping in.

Serena's heart dropped.

"I'm not pretending. Vincent, please. Just this once... believe me."

Knife at her throat, she pushed the fear down and begged.

But Maggie just let out a sigh. "Stop guilt-tripping him. If I leave, will you quit pulling stunts like this?"

Vincent's face iced over. "Serena Saun, I'm done with your games. Even if this is real, I'm not giving Maggie up."

Click.

He hung up.

Serena stared at the screen, frozen.

Cold flooded her chest.

Behind her, Peter's voice snapped.

"Blame yourself for being his girl. Next life, pick better."

***

When Serena opened her eyes, she was in a hospital bed.

Vincent was right there, looking wrecked.

"You're awake. Are you in pain?"

Her head was spinning, but she remembered everything—he chose Maggie. Again. Left her hanging when it mattered most. If the neighbor hadn't shown up, she might've been dead.

"I'm sorry. I was wrong. I should've believed you. Don't be mad, okay? I didn't know that guy was really Peter—"

She yanked her hand back. "And Maggie didn't recognize him either?"

He froze. Voice strained. "It was dark. Maggie just didn't see clearly. When she realized it was Peter, she cried for hours.

"Anyway, he's been arrested. Can you stop blaming her now? You're the kindest person I know..."

Serena almost died.

Maggie just shed a few tears, and Vincent rushed to ask for forgiveness.

A nurse burst in. "Mr. Schit, Miss Cheape's awake. She's crying and asking for you."

This time, Vincent didn't budge.

He just stared at Serena like he was waiting for her to say something else.

She forced a smile. "Go. I'm tired. I want to sleep."

She rolled away and shut her eyes.

Vincent thought that meant she'd forgiven Maggie. He tucked the blanket around her like everything was fine. "I'll check on her. I'll be right back."

Then he followed the nurse out.

***

Minutes after leaving the hospital, Serena grabbed a cab.

Halfway home, Maggie sent a pic—Vincent on one knee, sliding her shoes on like some rom-com prince.

Before the typing bubble could even finish bouncing, Serena hit block.

Back at the house, she headed straight to the study, yanked the fake marriage certificate from the safe, and ripped it to shreds.

Suitcase in hand, she was out.

Vincent? Not part of her future anymore.