When I Was Your Beloved

The luxury yacht floated peacefully on the dark ocean, its lights glowing like a palace in the night. Gentle waves lapped against its sides, hiding the chaos building on the deck.

Eve gripped the cold railing, staring at the moonlit horizon. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, but her grandmother’s shocking decision to leave the family empire in Eve’s hands had changed everything.

Behind her, the sharp click of heels broke her thoughts. Eve didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

“Enjoying the view?” Alina’s mocking voice cut through the air, sweet but poisonous.

Eve sighed, tightening her grip. “If you’re here to argue about Grandma’s choice, don’t bother. I didn’t ask for this.”

Alina stepped closer, her silver dress shining under the moonlight. She leaned against the railing, her beauty sharp, but her eyes full of malice.

“Didn’t ask for it?” Alina repeated, pretending to be shocked. “You never have to ask, do you, Eve? Everything always falls into your lap—my father, the family’s love, and now the empire. It’s always about you.”

Eve turned to face her, her eyes sharp. “This isn’t a game, Alina. Grandma’s decision wasn’t mine.”

Alina’s smile twisted cruelly. “No, it wasn’t. But tonight, I’ll make my own decision.”

A glint of silver caught Eve’s eye. Her stomach dropped as she saw the knife in Alina’s hand, its blade gleaming in the moonlight.

“Alina,” Eve said calmly, though fear crept into her voice. “Put it down. You’re taking this too far.”

Alina laughed coldly, the sound sending chills through Eve. “Too far? Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited for this moment? This isn’t about money. It’s about justice.”

“Justice?” Eve whispered, stepping back. “You’re my sister—”

“Don’t call me that!” Alina shouted, her voice full of rage. “Your mother stole my father, tore my family apart, and now you’ve stolen my future. Do you know what that feels like?”

Eve’s heart raced as she tried to reason with her. “I didn’t take anything from you. Your anger is with the wrong person.”

Alina’s lips curled into a cruel smirk. “You really don’t know, do you? Your perfect mother didn’t die in an accident. My mother made sure of it.”

The words hit Eve like a slap. “What are you saying?”