Selina didn't hesitate. She pulled her arm free from Damian's grasp, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears.
"I have to know the truth," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the roaring wind.
Before Damian could stop her, she turned and disappeared down the staircase, her red gown trailing behind like a fading flame in the night.
Thirty Minutes Later – Abandoned Jiang Family Estate
The old estate had been left untouched for years, its grand halls now cloaked in dust and shadows. This was the place her mother had spent her final days before the so-called "accidental fire" that claimed her life.
The loyal old servant, Uncle Zhao, led her down a hidden passage behind the crumbling library shelf.
"Your mother knew they were after her," Uncle Zhao said, his voice trembling. "She left something behind for you… but warned that it must only be opened when you're ready to face the darkest truth."
They stopped before a heavy iron door. Uncle Zhao handed her a rusted key.
Selina's heart pounded as she unlocked it.
Inside was a small, locked chest. On top lay a letter, sealed with her mother's initials.
With trembling fingers, she broke the seal and began to read.
[Letter Contents – Final Confession]
My dearest Selina,
If you're reading this, it means the lies have finally caught up to our family. You were never meant to suffer this fate, but I fear there is no escaping it now.
Your father is indeed Lu Tianyi… but you are not his legitimate heir. You were born from a forbidden love—one that defied the powerful forces of both the Jiang and Lu families.
And because of this… they plotted my death.
It wasn't an accident, Selina. Your stepmother Linda, along with members of the Lu family, orchestrated everything to cover up the scandal. I knew too much. And now… they'll come for you too.
There's only one person who can protect you… but he is also the one who could destroy you if he ever learns the whole truth.
Damian Lu.
Selina's vision blurred as the final words seared into her mind.
Her mother died… because of her.
And now, the man she loved—Damian—stood at the very center of this deadly conspiracy.
Just as the crushing weight of the revelation threatened to break her, the iron door creaked open behind her.
Heavy footsteps echoed in the chamber.
Damian appeared in the doorway, his eyes dark as night.
"You should have told me everything, Selina."
He stepped into the dim light, his expression unreadable, dangerous.
"Now, we both have a choice to make…"
"Are we going to destroy each other… or destroy the world together?"
Fade to black.