The Secret Heirs of the Lycan King (by Misha K) novel Chapter 48

**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**

**Chapter 48**

**Bella**

“Don’t mistake me for that same gullible girl I used to be,” I declared, my tone sharper than I had meant. “I placed my trust in you, allowing you to stab me in the back while deceiving everyone in our family. But now—” I inhaled deeply, trying to suppress the knot forming in my throat, “—now I see you for what you truly are.”

Maya tilted her head, a flicker of confusion crossing her features. “Naïve?”

“Yes, naïve,” I snapped, the word tasting bitter on my tongue. “So naïve that I was oblivious to the moments you were sneaking around with Craig. You both orchestrated this deception beautifully.”

I could sense the inquisitive gazes of the guests nearby, their curiosity palpable. The distant flashes of cameras began to light up the night, capturing every tense moment. The bitterness I had buried for years surged within me, threatening to spill over. I longed to rid myself of this weight, but my hands trembled slightly, betraying my composure. Turning away, I sought refuge outside, away from the prying eyes and the cameras eager for scandal.

The poolside was bathed in a soft glow from the string lights, casting a serene ambiance that contrasted with my tumultuous thoughts. I moved toward the water, inhaling the cool night air, but of course, Maya trailed behind me, her heels clicking like an unwelcome echo.

“Bella, you shouldn’t speak to me this way,” she urged, her voice low and laced with urgency. “It wasn’t intentional with Craig!”

I halted and pivoted to face her. “Shall I play that video for you?”

Her expression froze, a flicker of fear crossing her features.

“You remember, don’t you?” I continued, my voice steady but laced with ice. “The one from the night I caught you with him—just three days before my wedding. Should I pull it up now? Perhaps everyone would enjoy seeing the sweet little sister you were back then.”

For the first time, I saw Maya’s façade crack. The shock registered on her face, just enough for me to savor the moment.

“If I hadn’t gone to meet Craig that day, I would have walked straight into a marriage built on lies. You two would have completely obliterated me.”

Maya blinked, her mouth opening and closing as if searching for the right words. Gradually, the surprise faded, replaced by a hardened resolve.

“You were never naïve, Bella,” she finally retorted, her voice sharp as a blade. “Stop pretending to be the innocent victim. You’ve always despised Mom and me. You looked down on us. I didn’t make Craig fall in love with me—it just happened. But I was willing to let him go. I would have sacrificed him for you.”

“Sacrificed?” I scoffed, disbelief dripping from my words. “You call sleeping with him a sacrifice?”

Her voice escalated with rage. “Are you still pining for him? You shouldn’t have run away like that! Do you have any idea what you did to this family? The shame you brought upon us? The gossip? Everyone felt sorry for Dad. Everyone pointed fingers at us for your choices!”

I shook my head, a bitter smile creeping onto my lips. “Good performance, Maya. I was well aware of your intentions in inviting me here.”

Her eyes narrowed, a predatory glint flashing in them. “If you know that,” she hissed, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper, “then why don’t you crawl back to the gutter you slithered out of?”

I blinked, a hollow laugh escaping my lips. “There it is,” I said, relieved. “I was beginning to worry you had forgotten your true nature. You’re nothing but a snake in the grass.” I stepped closer, my voice steady. “And for the record, I’ll leave when I choose to, not when you dictate.”

For a fleeting moment, I anticipated her turning away, tossing her hair, and retreating to Craig like she always did. But instead, I watched as her eyes filled with tears. She glanced behind me toward the room bustling with people. Suddenly, she clutched her head, her voice trembling. “Oh, God,” she murmured. “I feel dizzy…”

A wave of caution washed over me. “Maya, what are you—” She swayed, reaching for my arm. Instinctively, I caught her wrist, trying to steady her. But before I could comprehend the unfolding chaos, she wrenched her hand away and stumbled backward, plunging straight into the swimming pool. The splash echoed like a thunderclap, silencing the entire garden.

“Bella!” she shrieked, her voice piercing through the stunned silence. “Why did you push me?! It’s freezing!”

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