Chapter 10
281words
Oro slithered into the living room, assessed my state, then disappeared into a corner. Moments later, he emerged pushing something—a tennis racket.
"What's this about?" I asked wearily.
"This is Sebastian's," Oro said. "From your first date, when he taught you tennis."
My chest constricted. Last spring—Sebastian showing me how to grip the racket properly, the two of us laughing on the estate's tennis court under the warm sun.
"Why bring this up now?" My voice cracked.
"Because you need to face reality," Oro said, moving closer. "Ivy, you've seen how he's changed. Have you wondered why he's so desperate for you to approve Weber's project?"
"Because the Association needs the funding?"
"No. Because Weber discovered how Sebastian deceived you. He needs Weber's silence, so he's doing his bidding."
I bolted upright. "Deceived me?"
Oro paused before answering. "Betrayed you."
"Betrayed?" My heart hammered in my chest. "You mean..."
"You've known all along, haven't you?" Oro's voice gentled. "Since he returned from Europe, you've felt something was off."
"Who?" I demanded, staring hard at Oro. "Who is he seeing?"
Oro hesitated, coiling tighter.
"Tell me!" I nearly shouted.
"It's... someone you know."
"Someone I know?" The revelation hit like a physical blow. "Who? Tell me who!"
"I can't say more," Oro said, shaking his head.
"Why did you even come to me?" I asked, deflating.
"Time will reveal everything," Oro replied cryptically.
After that day, Sebastian came to the townhouse every morning. I'd hide in my bedroom while Oro kept watch at the window, reporting Sebastian's presence downstairs. I simply couldn't face him.
