Everything She Never Said

For ten years running, Halbrook's media named Callum Price the "Top Candidate to Marry into the Blackwell Family." Ever since he was eighteen, he'd followed a strict code for being the perfect boyfriend, all so he could marry Serena Blackwell, heiress to Blackwell Group. Every morning, he made her favorite breakfast with his own hands. Every evening, he picked her up from work, right on time. Birthdays, anniversaries, the anniversary of the day they first held hands—he planned something special for every occasion they shared. Serena's standards were high, but he'd never once let her down. Eventually, he compiled everything he'd learned into a book and began giving talks to young men hoping to win over the women of their dreams. On the day of one such talk, the venue was packed. People had traveled from far and wide just to meet Callum and get a few pointers. "Mr. Price, could you tell me exactly what I need to do to win a woman over the way you did?" "I heard Ms. Blackwell is so pleased with you that she's planning to marry you after the New Year. You're a role model for all of us!" Callum sat there with a poised smile, polished down to the last strand of hair. Then the corner of his mouth curved. He rose slowly and looked at the man with a word of advice in his eyes. "Honestly, you don't need to do any of that. The most important thing in life is to be happy. There's no need to make yourself miserable just to please someone else." With that, he picked up a copy of his book from the table, held it up to the camera, and tore it in half. Chapter 1 The murmurs spread across the auditorium. "Has he lost his mind? How can he say that?" "Doesn't he want to marry Serena Blackwell anymore?" Callum Price's smirk deepened. No, he wouldn't be marrying her. He didn't even want to anymore. He'd suffered enough in his previous life. Back then, everyone said he'd won the lottery by marrying Serena Blackwell, the untouchable heiress who'd taken control of Blackwell Group while still young. She was brilliant in business, fiercely disciplined, and never linked to any other man. Only Callum knew what life at her side really cost. He'd spent years shaping himself into exactly what Serena wanted, until there was almost nothing of him left. Her relatives mocked him openly and behind his back. Her father never missed a chance to belittle him for having no career worth mentioning. It wasn't that Callum lacked ambition. Serena had insisted she couldn't bear to be without him. She wouldn't allow him to build a career of his own. His entire life had one purpose: be available whenever she wanted him. Seven years into their marriage, his mother died in an accident. While he was barely able to function through his grief, Serena ordered him to accompany her to a business dinner. He missed something she'd said, and she flew into a rage, threatening to end their marriage. Later that night, he wandered the streets in despair and was struck by a car. He lay bleeding in the darkness, barely conscious. Through the haze, he heard the voice of Serena's adopted younger brother, Damien Blackwell. "Serena, look at him. What an embarrassment. You're the Blackwell heiress. You could have any man you want. Why choose someone who isn't even fit to polish our shoes?" By the pale light of the moon, Callum saw Serena's expressionless face. "He's obedient," she said. "And he knows how to behave in public. That's enough." Now, standing at his book event, Callum touched his own chest and breathed in. He was alive. Fate had given him another chance. He would not marry her again. He shrugged off his suit jacket and walked out of the signing hall. Just beyond the doors, he met Serena's icy gaze. The sight of her stopped him for an instant. Looking at the coldness in her eyes, he felt as though he'd been someone else entirely in his last life. She'd never loved him. What had he been clinging to all that time? Serena's voice cut through his thoughts. "What was that little performance in there?" she demanded. Callum straightened his shirt and smiled. "Nothing. You're Serena Blackwell. I'm under no illusion that someone like me belongs at your side. So I'm stepping aside." Her expression hardened. "You're still sulking because I criticized you yesterday?" "No. I don't love you anymore. That's all." Her brows drew together. After a long silence, she turned and climbed into her car without another word. Callum recognized the routine. The silent treatment had always brought him crawling back, apologizing for things he hadn't done. Not this time. He went home and began booking a flight to the Valcrest Mountains in Alvenia, leaving in two weeks. All these years, he'd never even left Halbrook. Every decision had revolved around being the perfect fiancé for Serena. Now he wanted to see snowy peaks. He wanted to ride horses across open country. He wanted to discover what he liked. His mother, Ellen, appeared in the doorway while he was looking at flights. "Callum, I heard what happened at the signing. Have you really made up your mind?" He turned to her. The silver in her hair made his chest ache. He'd sacrificed so much time with her for a woman who'd never cared. "Yes, Mom. I'm not marrying Serena. There are more important things I want to do." "Then I'll support you, whatever you choose. I just want you to be happy." He smiled and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. A moment later, his bedroom door was kicked open. Richard Price stormed inside, his face twisted with anger. "I won't allow it!" Chapter 2 Callum turned to face his father. "What did you just say? You're not marrying Serena? Have you gone insane?" After a moment's silence, Callum guided Ellen toward the door. "Mom, please. I need to talk to Dad alone." She held his arm, unwilling to leave him with Richard, but Callum gently ushered her outside and closed the door. Then he faced his father. "That's right. The wedding is off. You can stop counting the money you expected to make from it." Richard's face darkened. "What kind of nonsense is that? I worked myself to the bone arranging your introduction to Serena for your future. What would I possibly gain?" Callum nearly laughed. His eyes burned. "For me? You know exactly how much Blackwell business you've landed because of my relationship with Serena." "How dare you speak to me like that!" Richard slapped him hard across the face. Callum tasted blood. Still, he didn't lower his eyes. Richard shouted toward the hall. "Bring me my riding crop! I'll teach this ungrateful son of mine some respect!" A servant brought it. Others seized Callum and pinned him to the floor. Richard lashed him again and again. The crop was studded with thorns. A single blow split his skin open. "Stop! Let him go!" Ellen screamed, rushing forward. The crop struck her across the face. She fell, blood running down her cheek. "Mom!" Callum fought to reach her, but Richard pressed a foot against his head and held him down. "Will you marry Serena or not?" Callum looked at his father through bloodshot eyes, then at Ellen, who had passed out. He was standing at the edge of a cliff. He couldn't take a single step back. Richard's face contorted. "Fine. If you'd rather die than listen, I'll beat the defiance out of you!" The blows continued. One, then another, then another, until Callum could barely move or speak. Richard finally stopped and addressed the servants. "Call the Blackwells. Tell them I've disciplined my worthless son. They can come collect him." A servant hurried to make the call. Before long, Serena arrived with Damien at her side. When she saw Callum lying injured on the floor, she instinctively moved Damien behind her, shielding him from the sight. That tender, protective gesture was one Callum had never received from her. He tried to smile, but even that hurt. Serena's voice cut across the room. "Mr. Price. Haven't you gone too far?" Richard paled. She glanced at Callum. "Unless I'm mistaken, your son and I are engaged. That makes him part of the Blackwell family. What gives you the right to punish my fiancé this way?" Richard opened his mouth, desperate to explain. Serena didn't wait. She stepped past him, lifted the unconscious Callum, and took him straight to the hospital. Chapter 3 Callum woke three days later in a hospital bed. His injuries had been treated, but pain still throbbed through his entire body. He shifted, trying to sit up, when the Blackwell family's butler, Walter Grady, hurried over. "Mr. Price, please rest. Where could you possibly go in your condition?" Callum looked at him, and Walter rushed to explain. "Please don't blame Ms. Blackwell for not being here. Damien insisted on seeing the northern lights. She couldn't say no, so she put her work aside and flew out with him last night." Callum gave a humorless smile. Nothing had changed. Damien came first. Callum had never been someone Serena truly cared about. "I'm not entitled to be upset," he said. "She's free to go wherever she likes." The hospital door opened. Serena and Damien walked in together. Serena had been smiling a moment earlier. The smile vanished as soon as she saw Callum. She never allowed him to see her happy. It was as though she became an empty shell whenever he entered the room, draining every bit of warmth out of him. Walter quietly withdrew. "You're injured," Serena said. "Why aren't you lying down?" Callum didn't answer. He simply turned away and settled back against his pillow. Damien bristled. "Are you deaf? My sister is speaking to you!" "You're making a lot of noise," Callum replied. "Get out." Damien stared. "How dare you talk to me that way?" "Why shouldn't I?" Callum snapped. "I've put up with you for years. I'm done." Serena's face clouded. The mild-mannered man she'd known for a decade had apparently found a temper. But Callum no longer needed her approval. He wasn't going to marry her. He could punch Damien and lose absolutely nothing that mattered to him. "You must have a death wish," Damien snarled, advancing. He punched Callum in the face. Despite his injuries, Callum swung back with everything he had. His fist connected, splitting Damien's lip. Serena immediately pulled Damien behind her. "You'd hit a Blackwell?" "Apparently I would." Callum could have told her that he'd tolerated Damien only for her sake. There was no point anymore. Fury flashed in Serena's eyes. She summoned the guards. "Mr. Price has clearly lost his senses. Take him to the family chapel. He can copy out the Blackwell family creed one hundred times, in his own blood. Perhaps then he'll learn which lines he must never cross." Callum went cold. "I'm not part of your family anymore, Serena! You have no right to touch me!" "Not part of the family?" Her voice turned mocking. "Have you considered what that means for Price Holdings? For your parents?" She leaned closer. "Your mother still hasn't regained consciousness. Do you really want to drag her down with you?" Callum's breath caught. Every angry word he'd been about to say died in his throat. Chapter 4 The Blackwell family chapel was dark and damp. Callum knelt on the floor, copying out the family creed word by word after cutting his fingers to supply the ink. His hands shook. He was drenched in sweat, his vision dimming every few minutes. He couldn't stop. Ellen was still a patient at a Blackwell-owned hospital, and Serena could decide what happened to her. After three days and nights, he finished the hundredth copy and had a servant deliver the pages to Serena. He finally slipped into an exhausted sleep. He had barely closed his eyes when guards hauled him off the floor. "Callum!" Serena's furious voice rang out. "I told you to copy the creed. What exactly did you think you were writing?" She flung a thick stack of paper into his face. Its edges scratched his cheek. Callum picked up a sheet and froze. Instead of the creed he'd copied, the pages were full of accusations that Serena and Damien were carrying on an improper relationship. Damien stood nearby, his eyes red with fury. "Serena, how could he say things like this about us? How are you supposed to marry? How am I supposed to find a wife?" Callum clenched the paper. "I didn't write this. You know my handwriting." Serena frowned. "What are you implying?" "There's no camera in the chapel, but you can question the servant who carried the papers. You can find out what happened." Before Serena could answer, Damien grabbed her arm. "He hates me. That's why he's trying to ruin me. If you won't punish him, how am I supposed to stay in this house? I might as well leave right now!" He turned for the door. Serena caught him, stumbling into his arms. She wrapped both arms around his waist and held on, seemingly oblivious to the people watching. Callum curled his aching fingers and gave a hollow laugh. He already knew what came next. "Admit what you've done," Serena told him, "and I'll be lenient for old times' sake. Keep denying it, and you won't like the consequences." Callum raised his head and smiled. "What's this, Ms. Blackwell? You'll beat a confession out of me for your adopted brother?" Her gaze turned lethal. "Then we'll see which is stronger, your stubbornness or my methods." She turned to the guards. "Throw him into the pool out back. He stays there until I say otherwise." Walter rushed forward. "Ms. Blackwell, there are sharks in that pool! And Mr. Price is already injured. Surely—" Serena paused. Her eyes drifted to the whip marks showing through Callum's clothes. Blood had soaked the fabric again. For a moment, something like pity flickered in her eyes. Damien immediately interrupted. "Serena, if you care that much about him, forget about me!" Chapter 5 Serena reached for Damien's hand. When she looked back at Callum, the hesitation was gone. "Throw him in. Now." "Serena, you—" The guards dragged Callum outside and shoved him into the water before he could finish. People gathered along the edge. He tried desperately to climb out, but whenever he reached the side, someone forced him back. All he could do was swim and try to keep away from the sharks. But no exhausted, injured man could outswim a predator forever. Something seized his calf. Pain ripped through him. Blood spread into the water. More bites followed, until his arms, legs, and side were all injured. He struggled until his strength failed. His vision began to darken. As consciousness slipped away, he heard Damien laugh. "Serena, look at him! Isn't he ridiculous?" Callum managed a bitter smile. Ten years. Two lifetimes. Why couldn't he escape them? When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the hospital. Every movement hurt, and his head throbbed. Walter hurried over. "Mr. Price! You're awake! Your wounds became infected. You've had a high fever for seven days. We were all terrified. I'll call Ms. Blackwell. She's been flying from country to country, arranging specialists to treat you." He hesitated, then added, "She does care about you, sir. Please don't hold this against her." Callum gave a hoarse laugh. "Does she? I can't tell." Walter fell silent. "It doesn't matter. I'm leaving soon. I don't need her anymore." The door opened behind him. "Leaving?" Serena asked. "Where are you going?" The calm indifference in his eyes unsettled her. He looked as though he'd made a decision she could no longer change. Impossible. This was the man who'd spent ten years turning himself into the perfect devoted boyfriend just to marry her. He couldn't really be letting go. Callum lowered his eyes. "I'm not the one who needs to leave yet. I want you to arrange for my mother to go somewhere safe. She's getting older. I don't want her worrying about me." Serena visibly relaxed. "That can be arranged. Promise you'll behave and stop causing trouble, and I'll send her abroad to recover." Damien's special ringtone sounded before Callum could answer. "Serena," Damien complained over the phone, "I have a cold. Can you come keep me company?" Serena glanced at Callum. "Damien's sick. I need to go. We'll deal with your mother's arrangements another day." She left without looking back. Callum watched her disappear and shook his head. "Good thing I wasn't counting on you." Over the following days, he remained in the hospital. Ellen, though still recovering herself, refused to leave him and insisted on helping him. One evening, just after they finished talking, the door was kicked open. Serena strode in, grabbed his collar, and pulled him toward her. "Those posts online. You leaked them, didn't you?" Chapter 6 Callum stared at Serena. "What are you talking about?" She shoved her phone in front of him. "I warned you to stop spreading disgusting rumors about Damien. Why won't you listen?" Before Callum could respond, a guard burst into the room. "Ms. Blackwell! Damien has hurt himself. They're saying he couldn't bear the accusations!" Serena's expression changed. She ordered the guards to take Callum to the Blackwell mansion, ignoring his protests. Ellen followed, frightened for her son. Damien lay on a sofa in the mansion's drawing room, a bandage around his wrist. He looked pitiful as he addressed Callum. "Serena and I have done nothing wrong. Why do you keep slandering us? You've put this online for everyone to see. I could leave, but have you thought about Serena? About the Blackwell family?" He began coughing dramatically. Serena fixed Callum with a hard stare. "Well? What do you have to say?" "I had nothing to do with it," Callum replied calmly. "But if you need someone to punish to make your precious Damien feel better, I suppose it doesn't matter what I say." Something about his indifference shook her. "Serena, I've been beside you for ten years," he continued. "Even if you never loved me, surely you know what kind of person I am. Do you really believe I'd do something this ugly?" She said nothing. She couldn't meet his eyes. Damien watched them, then glanced toward Ellen. "We know what you're like, Callum. But we can't necessarily say the same for everyone around you." Callum stepped in front of her. "Leave my mother out of this. She had nothing to do with it." "Then make this right with Damien," Serena said. There it was. Another demand for a sacrifice to protect her brother. Callum saw no point in arguing. In desperation, he picked up a knife from the fruit tray and injured his own arm. "Will that satisfy him?" Serena's brows drew together, but she didn't speak. Ellen threw her arms around him, sobbing. "You silly boy, what are you doing? You—" Before she could finish, the guards pulled her away and pinned her to the floor. Callum's eyes burned. Serena was leaving him no way out. So he cut again. And again. By the twentieth cut, his arm was covered in wounds, and he was shaking so badly he could no longer even hear his mother's cries. "Is it enough?" he asked through clenched teeth. Damien sneered. "Stop putting on a show, Callum. Serena isn't going to fall for it." Suddenly Ellen broke free of the guards and rushed forward. She grabbed the discarded knife and turned it against herself. "Ms. Blackwell, please! Leave my son alone. If someone has to pay, take my life instead!" She collapsed with a serious wound to her chest. "Mom!" Callum caught her and shouted for someone to call an ambulance. He turned to Serena in desperation. "Help her! Please, Serena!" Serena rose from her seat, looking displeased. "She did that to herself. It's not my responsibility." Chapter 7 Callum started laughing. He laughed until the sound became almost unbearable, then lifted Ellen onto his back and staggered toward the door. Each step left a bloody footprint behind him. He never made it past the courtyard. Weak from blood loss, he collapsed. When he woke, he bolted upright, drenched in sweat. "Mom!" No familiar voice answered. Despair settled over him so heavily he could hardly breathe. The bedroom door opened, and Serena entered. Seeing his red eyes, she approached more slowly than usual. "Your mother isn't dead," she said. "She's in a coma. She's in intensive care, but she's alive. The Blackwells will cover the bills. Consider it compensation." Callum looked at her in disbelief. "Is this what I get for giving you ten years of my life? My mother and I did nothing wrong. What did we do to deserve this?" Serena frowned. "Callum, how many times must I tell you? You're marrying into the Blackwell family. You need to conduct yourself with dignity, not shout like this." He shook with anger. "We were falsely accused. We were hurt. Are we not even allowed to defend ourselves?" Serena's patience ran out. "I know you were innocent." Callum went still. "What?" "I know neither of you had anything to do with those accusations." She sighed, her voice calm again. "But Damien was upset. He needed someone to take his frustration out on. Dragging this out will only hurt you, me, and the Blackwell name. You've always given way to him before. Why couldn't you do it one more time?" Cold swept through Callum, and for a moment he couldn't breathe. His eyes reddened. He gave a bleak smile and dragged himself out of bed with everything he had left. "I'm going to see my mother." "You're being unreasonable. Have you considered what it would do to Blackwell Group if the press photographed you like this?" He ignored her and stumbled into the hall. When he reached the ICU and saw Ellen lying motionless behind the glass, he broke down. For days, he stayed at the hospital. No one could say when she would wake, but as long as she was alive, he refused to give up hope. One afternoon, while he was gently wiping her face, Richard Price burst into the room. "Do you realize that because you've fallen out with Serena, Blackwell Group has terminated every agreement with Price Holdings?" Callum almost smiled. He was injured. Ellen lay unconscious. His so-called father cared only about profit. "I know," Callum said. "That isn't my problem." Richard leaned toward him, eyes hard. "Go apologize to Serena immediately. Otherwise your mother won't live through the day." Callum stared at him. "What are you saying? Aren't you afraid of what will happen to you for this?" "Consequences?" Richard smiled without warmth. "If Blackwell Group hasn't restored our business by tomorrow, your mother will be the one facing consequences." Chapter 8 Callum felt as though the floor had vanished beneath him. He stared at the man who called himself his father, then looked at Ellen lying helpless in bed. Richard was capable of carrying out his threat. Callum had no choice. He went to the Blackwell mansion to beg Serena not to destroy Price Holdings. He hadn't even entered the grounds when Damien blocked the gate. "Unbelievable. You actually came crawling back? If I were you, I'd rather die out there than show my face again." Callum tried to walk past him. Damien shoved him to the ground. Callum's tailbone struck the hard floor, and a sharp pain shot through him. His temper snapped. "Damien, do you have a death wish?" The guards surrounded him. "Mr. Price, mind your language," one said. "Ms. Blackwell is away on business. Damien is in charge of the household." Callum stared at Damien, then painfully got to his feet and turned to leave. "Hold it," Damien called. "You think you can walk in and out of our home whenever you please?" His expression hardened. "Hold him down. Today he learns what happens to people who cross me." The guards obeyed. Callum fought them, but he was still weak and badly outnumbered. Damien strolled over and stepped on his cheek. "I know why Serena keeps you around. It's this pretty face, isn't it? Let's see if she still wants you without it." He picked up a jagged stone and dragged it across Callum's face. Callum's scream tore through the air. Damien only smiled. "Hurts? Don't worry. It's going to hurt a lot more." He slashed Callum's face again. Then a third time. A fourth. By the ninth, Callum was convulsing with pain, curled up on the ground, unable to speak. Through the haze, he thought he saw Serena approaching. He reached toward her. She looked down at him, displeased. "You've been behaving terribly lately. Damien was right to discipline you. Learning your lesson is the only way you'll ever be fit to marry into this family." Then she turned and walked away. Callum's hand fell. Eventually even the pain seemed far away, and darkness took him. When he woke again, he was in a hospital bed, his facial injuries treated. And Ellen was sitting beside him. For an instant, he thought he was dreaming. He reached to touch her face, but she caught his hand. "Callum," she whispered, "the consulate called yesterday. Our travel documents have been approved." He stared at her, unable to believe it. "Let me take you away. Right now. Will you come with me?" Tears slid down his cheeks. He could only nod, again and again. She helped him get dressed. They took nothing else with them. Together, they left the hospital and headed straight for the airport without looking back. When the plane lifted off, Callum finally let himself breathe. He held Ellen's hand tightly. "We did it, Mom. We finally got out. We're never coming back." She smiled at him. "Never."