[Maria's birthday]

Cain stood in his study, staring at his phone with a conflicted expression. The call from his father, Vincent, echoed in his mind.

"Tomorrow's Maria's birthday," Vincent had said, his voice carrying that firm yet expectant tone Cain knew all too well. "You and Claire will attend. Make sure you help with the preparations as well."

Cain's silence had stretched long after the call disconnected. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. How could he possibly take Claire to Maria's birthday party? It wasn't just about the awkwardness—it was about the sheer impossibility of the situation. Maria had caused Claire unimaginable pain, leaving scars that hadn't yet healed. Attending her celebration seemed like a cruel twist of fate.

Yet refusing his father's demand wasn't an option. Since Maria's childhood, Cain had been the one to ensure her birthday parties were perfect, no matter how busy he was or where he happened to be. A sudden refusal to attend would raise questions—questions that would unravel into complications he didn't want to face.

It wasn't fear of his father that bothered Cain. It was his father's blind devotion to Maria. To Vincent, Maria was a daughter, precious and untouchable. He'd dismiss any evidence against her if it threatened her reputation or happiness. Claire, on the other hand, was an outsider in his eyes. Even with undeniable proof, Vincent would choose Maria over Claire without hesitation. Protecting Claire under such scrutiny felt like trying to shield a flickering candle from a storm.

Cain sighed deeply, then picked up his phone and dialed his grandmother, Madame Lana. "I need a favor," he said when she answered. "Take Claire shopping. We have to attend Maria's birthday tomorrow."

There was a pause before Lana replied, disappointment evident in her voice. "Cain, you know how fragile Claire is right now. She's recovering. Forcing her into a confrontation with Maria isn't fair."

"I know, Grandma," Cain admitted, his tone heavy. "But Father insists. I'll figure something out. Please… just take her shopping."

Reluctantly, Lana agreed. The next afternoon, she took Claire to a nearby boutique. Claire browsed through the racks in silence, her movements stiff and hesitant. On the way back, Lana decided to tell her the truth. "Claire," she began gently, "we'll be attending Maria's birthday tomorrow."

Claire froze, her knuckles tightening around the shopping bag handles. "No," she said firmly, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. "I can't. I won't."

"Claire, I understand how you feel," Lana said, trying to soothe her. "But it's important. We can't—"

"I don't care what's important!" Claire snapped, her voice breaking. Tears welled in her eyes, and she turned away. "I'm not going."

Lana didn't press further. She understood Claire's pain, but she also knew Cain's hands were tied. When they returned home, Lana informed Cain about Claire's refusal.

Cain nodded solemnly. "I'll handle it," he said. That evening, he went to Claire's room. She was sitting by the window, staring out into the darkening sky.

He knocked lightly before stepping inside. "Claire."

She turned to face him, her expression guarded.

"I wanted to talk about tomorrow," Cain began, choosing his words carefully. "Father expects us to attend Maria's birthday. I know how hard this is for you, so I've decided you don't have to go. I'll manage everything and cover for you. Just stay home and rest."

Claire's shoulders sagged in relief, but her lips pressed into a thin line. "Thank you," she murmured.

Cain walked closer and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll always protect you, Claire," he said softly before leaving the room.

---

The next day, Cain attended the banquet without Claire. The grand hall of the Vincent estate buzzed with activity. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegant decorations, and the air was filled with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. Cain moved through the crowd with practiced ease, his every step calculated and composed. Maria was the center of attention, her radiant smile as fake as the gratitude she expressed to her guests.

As the evening drew to a close, Maria approached Cain, her expression carefully crafted into one of concern. "I'll go visit Claire," she said sweetly. "She isn't well, right?"

Cain stiffened. Madame Lana, who stood nearby, exchanged a worried glance with him. Before he could respond, Vincent chimed in. "Maria has been eager to meet Claire. She's been talking about it for days! She should meet the girl who's captured your heart."

Maria fluttered her lashes innocently. "Yes, I'm so excited! And this feels like the perfect occasion."

Cain's fists clenched at his sides. "Nobody's going anywhere," he said sharply. "Claire needs rest. It's not appropriate to meet her now."

Maria pouted and clung to Vincent's arm. "Dad, look at him! He's avoiding this on purpose. I just want to see her, maybe even take care of her if she's unwell."

"Cain," Vincent said sternly, "take Maria to see Claire. Let her take care of your fiancée."

Cain's jaw tightened, but he had no choice but to comply. Lana watched the exchange with narrowed eyes, recognizing Maria's manipulative tactics. As they walked toward the car, she spoke firmly. "You acted as if you've never met Claire."

"Oh, that!" Maria rolled her eyes dramatically. "I was just saving her."

"Saving her? From what, exactly?" Cain demanded, his voice cold and sharp.

Maria turned to him with mock surprise. "Well, imagine what Dad would do if he found out that Claire almost had me assaulted and humiliated me. Poor Claire would be in so much trouble." She gave a fake gasp, widening her eyes for effect.

Lana's expression darkened. She grabbed Maria's wrist angrily, causing Maria to jolt.

"Aw, Lola," Maria whined, her voice dripping with fake innocence. "What are you doing? I've just come back from rehabilitation. My health is still fragile." She blinked rapidly, tears forming in her eyes.

Lana released her grip with a huff of frustration and stormed off toward the car. Cain remained behind, glaring at Maria. "What are you playing at?"

Maria shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, nothing. I just want to meet Claire. There seems to be a little misunderstanding between us, and I'd like to clear the air." She clapped her hands together and skipped toward the car.

Cain exhaled sharply, his anger bubbling beneath the surface. Maria's grasp over his father was undeniable, and any wrong move on Cain's part could spell disaster for Claire. For now, the only way forward was to let Maria play her game—while he carefully watched every move.

---

The tension in the car was palpable as they drove back to Cain's mansion. Maria's smug demeanor contrasted sharply with the anger simmering in Lana and Cain. When they arrived, Maria wasted no time stepping out and heading toward the hallway. Her sharp eyes immediately landed on Claire, who sat on the couch, her fingers absentmindedly caressing her engagement ring.

"Well, isn't this our lovely, soon-to-be bride?" Maria's voice was laced with mockery as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Claire's head snapped up, her expression shifting from shock to guarded wariness. Her gaze flickered to Cain, silently asking, *Why is she here?*

Cain and Lana stepped into the room behind Maria, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. The atmosphere turned heavy.