A Crown of Strength

“Everyone said Xander Fuller loved me deeply. If it had been a day earlier, I would have believed it too. But then I saw him through the hospital window, holding a sobbing woman tightly in his arms. "Don't overthink it! She's just your stand-in. If I didn't play the part, what if my enemies went after you? Thank goodness the explosion didn't hurt you, or I'd regret it forever!" I looked down at my scarred hands and gave a bitter smile. When my life hung by a thread, Xander saved me and gave me a love that felt one-of-a-kind. Back then, I naively thought I had found happiness. But when enemies kidnapped and tortured me to threaten him, he acted indifferent, even showing a hint of relief in his eyes. I didn't understand why back then, but now it all made sense. I touched my mother's portrait and dialed a number I hadn't called in ages. That night, bodyguards surrounded the hospital entrance, bowing respectfully to me. "Welcome back, Miss!"”