Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 58

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
*By R. Joseph*

The spa isn’t mine.

Leilani.

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, I stirred awake, only to find Jarek had already slipped away. My body was sprawled across the couch, a soft blanket cocooning me in warmth, and a note lay on the coffee table, its message clear: he had left around 6:00 AM to tidy up at home before heading back to the office later in the day.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips. It was a bittersweet feeling, waking up alone yet comforted by the remnants of his presence. I dragged myself to the bathroom, the promise of a refreshing shower beckoning me forward. As I stood before the vanity mirror, I caught a glimpse of my reflection and was pleasantly surprised.

I looked better.

Healthier.

The scars that had once marred my skin were now mere whispers of their former selves, fading into the background, and there was a lightness in my steps, a small bounce that hadn’t been there before.

As the water cascaded over me, I found my thoughts wandering to darker places. The temptation of hard drugs lingered at the edges of my mind. Perhaps they could numb the pain, dull the sharp edges of reality—especially when Chalice was undergoing those painful procedures. I could escape, at least for a moment.

“But drugs take away more than what they give you,” Maya’s voice echoed in my thoughts, a reminder of the wisdom she had imparted. I missed her fiercely. I missed our conversations, our training sessions, the bond we shared. I longed for her to visit New York City soon; I could use her strength and support.

I hurried through my morning routine, slipping into a crisp white shirt that I tucked into a pair of grey pants that clung to my hips just a tad too snugly. I completed the ensemble with my favorite black Louboutins and a chic black Hermes bag. My hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and for a fleeting moment, I felt invincible.

Not invincible in a sultry way, but in a way that screamed determination. I was ready to take on the world—my family’s world, the Stormborn brothers’ world, if I was being completely honest.

I arrived at the office just after eight fifteen, and the moment I stepped inside, Yvette rushed over with a bright smile. “Leilani! You won’t believe it! Your prototype has been accepted by all the major shareholders!”

Her words ignited a spark of joy within me, a thrill that coursed through my veins. They liked it. They wanted to move forward with the launch as soon as possible. The thought of finally bringing my past to its knees filled me with a rush that was intoxicating.

By Friday afternoon, an email from the Landry family landed in my inbox: “They’re pulling some of their shares from De’storm to partner with us.”

It wasn’t just the Landrys; the Schumachers and the Crowes were on board as well. I couldn’t contain my excitement. I threw my fist into the air, a victorious gesture, and beamed at Jarek, who mirrored my enthusiasm. “This is what I’m talking about!” I squealed, my heart racing with exhilaration.

“Oh, Leilani! You’re a genius! A badass princess! You’re everything you believe you are—and then some!” He leaned down, planting a passionate kiss on my forehead, his admiration palpable.

I chuckled awkwardly, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks as I wriggled free from his embrace, sashaying back to my office with a skip in my step.

But come Saturday morning, the exhaustion hit me like a freight train. I was utterly drained, having worked tirelessly throughout the week. Dark circles hung under my eyes like heavy bags, a clear sign of my fatigue.

I walked into a popular spa that morning, dressed in my favorite lululemon set, my hair a wild cascade down my back, resembling a mop that had seen better days. Each step I took felt like a battle, my limbs protesting against the effort.

As I settled into the waiting area after confirming my appointment, a familiar scent wafted through the air—vanilla. My heart sank. I closed my eyes, feigning sleep, and tilted my head to the side, hoping to avoid any confrontation.

Chalice entered, strutting like she owned the place, clad in an outfit more suited for a gym than a spa—though it was no surprise; she never did set foot in a gym.

Her gaze locked onto me the moment she crossed the threshold, and I felt the heat of her stare burning into my skin.

“Isn’t that…?”

“Leilani?” A deep, unmistakable voice completed her thought, and my heart raced as I recognized Gavin’s voice.

He snorted derisively, his disdain for me evident as he scoffed, “Let’s leave her be. She looks like she’s asleep.”

“But why would she be asleep at this hour?” Chalice countered, her tone insistent. “I want to say hello.”

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