Opponent 8

Chapter 8 

The men in black hauled me into the royal palace. Sienna presented me as a trophy and pointed me out to Andre. “She has type O blood too. She’s also the one who went for IVF at the clinic. Her baby will be a match, and she can help treat Lunasha’s anemia.” 

So, she had pieced it together and sold me out without blinking. 

Sienna dropped to her knees and fawned over Andre. “You said you need someone to be your wife as cover. I can do that. I promise I won’t cause any more trouble. Let Aria have your baby and give me an honorary title. I’ll stay far away from you and your loved ones!” 

Whatever else could be said about Sienna, she definitely knew which way the wind blew. 

Andre nodded, satisfied, then told a doctor to run tests on me. 

When Sienna saw that I wasn’t the least bit afraid, she bristled. “Drop the act, Aria! You think that’s going to get Andre’s attention? Take a good look in the mirror and remember your place!” 

Before I could answer, she went on through clenched teeth, spitting out every nasty thought that crossed her mind. 

“You’ve been wanting to carry his child all along, haven’t you? I probably helped you!” 

Andre cut her off, already irritated. “You said you wouldn’t cause trouble. If you keep talking, I’ll have your throat cut so that you can’t speak again! She’ll be pregnant soon, and until the treatment is completed, she matters more than you!” 

Sienna finally shut her mouth. 

The doctor came back a moment later and told Andre I was in excellent health. He smiled for real this time. 

They were about to march me to the lab when a guard hurried in to report that the embassy had arrived. I couldn’t help the curl of my lips. 

Yesterday, I briefed the embassy and told them I might not make it home. So, they sent staff to meet me at the airport. When I didn’t show up, they knew something was wrong and came to the palace. 

Countries rarely started a public fight, and my home country carried serious weight. Andre had no choice but to let me go. 

The embassy staff noticed Sienna’s bruised, swollen face and asked if she needed help. Her eyes lit up, but then, she shook her head hard. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m doing just fine here.” 

I asked for a minute alone with her. Everyone left the room, giving us a quiet space. 

Sienna watched me with wary eyes. “After everything I’ve done to you, what could you possibly want?” 

What did I want? To hit her where it hurt most. 

“Sienna, I came back to life too.” 

Hearing that, she snapped, “What? Then why did you stand by and let me get duped? I’ll never forgive you! Just you wait!” 

I turned and left without a second thought. The royals had no place for anyone they didn’t find useful. The next time I saw 

Sienna, the officers had her in handcuffs. 

After I left Valoria, Sienna was cast aside by the royals. She became an online influencer and later a front for local scam rings targeting people back home. 

By then, I had used everything I knew about Valoria’s inner workings to secure a place in the foreign ministry. 

Sienna’s eyes lit up when she saw me, and she begged me to save her. 

My colleague leaned over and asked, “Do you know this woman?” 

1/2 

I shook my head. “I don’t.” 

On the day Sienna was sentenced, I finally talked things through with my mother. She stopped pushing me to have a child. 

Warm sunlight streamed through the window, and I felt my whole body relax. 

I was done looking over my shoulder. My life would be brighter from here on out. 

+15 Bonus