Page 62 of Betrayed By Sin

I just never would have guessed they would be powerful, secretive, extraordinary.

Cameron’s wordsecho in my head, looping over and over.

His warnings.

His certainty.

His unwavering belief that he knows what’s best for me.

But the worst part?

A small, traitorous part of me wonders if he’s right.

The door creaks open but I don’t turn around as I stand.

“I figured I’d find you here.” My mother’s voice is softer than I expect. I hear the quiet brush of fabric as she steps inside, her presence warm but heavy.

She doesn’t say anything at first.

Just stands beside me, both of us staring at the portrait. My father’s painted face looks down, stoic, distant, permanent.

Permanently etched onto canvas, forever stuck inside of this golden frame instead of beside us where he belongs.

“He would’ve been so proud of you,” she says finally, her voice catching. “He always wanted a daughter.”

My throat tightens. I wish I could be in the mood for a sentimental conversation, but just as I escaped from the orphanage into a new world, I’m now locked inside this one. “I figured I would explore the rest of the estate today since I’m now a prisoner.” The words hit somewhere deep. Somewhere I didn’t know I was guarding.

“You’re not a prisoner.” Mom replies.

I fold my arms tightly across my chest. “Why does it feel like I’m just a piece on a board you and Cameron keep moving around?”

She takes a breath, steadies herself. “We’re not trying to control you, Magnolia. We’re trying toprotectyou.”

“By keeping me locked in this house?” I shoot back. “By stealing my phone to text Bria, watching where I go, deciding who I can see, like Sin?”

Pain flickers across her face, but she holds my gaze.

“You don’t understand what’s at stake.”

“I think I understand quite well,” I feel guilty getting this tone with her, but I need to stand up for myself. “You want me to be a part of the family, to play along. It seems like a pretty important time for me to talk to Sin, to sort our alliance out, but I’m not allowed.”

She hesitates. Her expression shifts. Something softer, something almost afraid. “There’s more going on than you know,” she says quietly.

“Then tell me.” My voice lowers, almost a plea. “Please.”

She studies me for a long beat. Then finally, she whispers, “Cameron will explain soon.”

The fire that’s been simmering in my chest flares.

“Of course he will,” I mutter, turning away. “Always him.”

The silence between us is tight, stretched thin.

I don’t know what I want her to say next.

But I’m not prepared for the way her voice wavers when it finally comes.

“I don’t want to lose you again, Magnolia.”