Kaz stood in the dimly lit room, the weight of his schemes pressing against his chest. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the gnawing ache, the feeling of having lost something he couldn’t afford to lose—her. He wasn’t sure when his ambition had begun to consume him, but it had. And now, all that was left were empty promises and stolen moments that meant nothing. She had trusted him, loved him, before he was anything. Before the world knew his name.

His sharp eyes traced the lines of her features, remembering the nights he had spent by her side, knowing deep down that he had used her affection as leverage. A tool. He wasn’t the type to apologize, to admit his wrongs. But watching her, Kaz felt the sting of something he hadn’t anticipated: regret.

The cruelest part? He still wanted more. More of her, more power, more control. Even if it destroyed them both.

"I never promised you love, did I? But you still stayed. Still looked at me like I was something more than a thief of hearts and fortunes. Maybe you thought you could change me. Fix me. But now you see, don't you? I was never yours, not really. Just another deal to close."