Chapter 1

After finding out she was pregnant,Anya Clifford realized that Wade West had never truly loved her.Everything he did,every move he made,had always been for the sake of helping the fake daughter,his childhood sweetheart,get her revenge.

With a steady heart,she made the choice to have an miscarriage.

She called her mother.

“Mom,remember that offer—a managerial position at the branch office?I’ll take it”

From now on,she refused to let love be her downfall.She was going to be a free bird,soaring on her own terms.

But Wade went mad,searching everywhere for her,begging for her forgiveness.

She responded calmly,“I don’t want to see you.You disgust me.”

——

Anya’s POV:

I woke up sometime in the afternoon,sunlight already pouring through the curtains.My whole body ached and my head felt like it was still spinning from last night.I had a wild night.Like,really wild.I squinted and noticed something was off—there was no pill on the nightstand.

Usually,Wade had someone send the contraceptive pill over without fail.

I pulled the sheet tighter around me and looked over at him as he buttoned his shirt by the dresser.

“No pill?”I asked.

Wade looked over his shoulder,a slow smirk curling at his lips.He walked over and ruffled my hair like I was some cute little pet.

“What,you don’t wanna have my baby?Didn’t you always say you wanted to marry me?”

“Yeah,but—”My heart started racing.This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.

I’m a Clifford.The real,legitimate daughter who was raised in the countryside and only just brought back into the family.If word got out that I got pregnant out of wedlock?I’d never hear the end of it.The gossip alone would be brutal.

He leaned in,his voice low and teasing.“Relax,babe.It was just once.Not like you’ll get knocked up that easily.Or…are you still craving more after last night?”

My face flushed crimson.Wade knew exactly what he was doing.And God,he was good at it.

Before I could protest,he was on top of me again.He didn’t stop until I was too weak to even cry out his name.

By the time I came to again,he was gone.I pulled myself together and stumbled out of the bedroom,searching the house for him.

I found him in the study,his back to me,talking on the phone.

I froze when I heard what he said.

“How’s things on your side?You got her pregnant already?Madison’s running outta patience!”

My stomach dropped.What the hell was he talking about?

“Soon,”he said,lighting a cigarette with an air of cold detachment.“I’ll take everything that belongs to Madison back.”

I didn’t recognize this version of Wade.His voice was stone-cold.

“Of course,”someone on the other end laughed.“Come on,guys.Nobody loves Madison more than Wade.We’re over here worrying for nothing!”

“Exactly,”another voice chimed in.“Anya’s fallen head over heels for him now.Bet she has no idea it’s all just part of the plan—get her pregnant,ghost her and leave her humiliated in front of the whole town.Once that happens,the Cliffords’ll cut her loose and just like that—Madison’s back where she belongs.”

“Poetic justice,”someone cackled.“Madison was the real Clifford daughter.She and Wade were perfect together.Then that bitch swooped in and got Madison tossed out.Honestly?She had it coming.Eye for an eye.”

“And come on—Wade would never actually fall for that charity-case girl.Would you,Wade?”

“Of course not,”Wade replied,smashing the cigarette butt into the ashtray.“Why would I fall for that boring,stiff,disgusting bumpkin?”

The words hit like a slap to the face.I went numb.

That“boring,stiff,disgusting bumpkin”girl was me.

Yeah.I was the real daughter the Cliffords had lost for years.Grew up in the middle of nowhere,surrounded by dirt roads,hand-me-downs and hard labor from sunup to sundown.Before I came back,my life was nothing but chores,sweat and silence.

When the truth came out,the other girl—Madison—got sent away.And my mom,trying to make up for lost time,started spoiling me.Fancy clothes.A new car.All kinds of opportunities.She supported everything I wanted to do—anything that might help me catch up to the life I should’ve had.

I should’ve been happy.

And for a while,I thought I was—until Wade West showed up.

Wade,the bad boy of the West Family.Reckless,wild,untouchable.He was everything I wasn’t.A storm barreling through my carefully rebuilt life.

When the rich boys in Riveton started giving me hell,Wade was the one who stepped in.Just appeared out of nowhere like a hero in a storybook.Told me I was different.Told me I was cute.Said I wasn’t like the other girls.

Nobody had ever said that to me before.Not in the village.Not ever.

I grew up starved for love.Any kind of love.And Wade…he gave it to me.

Or at least,that’s what I thought.

I started breaking all my own rules for him.Falling harder with every touch,every word,every late-night phone call.

But now I see it for what it was.

Every step I took toward him was a step into a trap.Every moment I thought was real—just part of a revenge game.He didn’t love me.He was using me to humiliate me.To make me the punchline of some joke.All so Madison could come back and play the part of the golden girl.

I let out a bitter laugh,the sound hollow in my throat.

My virginity—something I thought mattered—was nothing more than a pawn in his plan.

My chest ached like I’d been sliced open.I turned and slipped back to my room with a heavy heart.

Wade didn’t come back that night.

The next morning,I pulled myself together and walked to the nearest pharmacy.I bought a pregnancy test,went into the bathroom,locked the door and waited.

When two red lines showed up on the stick,my whole body went cold.

“Sweetie,you okay?”a cleaning lady passing by asked gently.I must have been too shocked to notice the color draining from my face.Then she glanced at the thing in my hand and added,“Oh,”her voice laced with concern.“Are you not married?Does your boyfriend know?”

I looked up at her slowly.My throat was dry.

Does my boyfriend know?

Oh yeah,he did.This is exactly what he wanted.He hadn’t used protection last night—not once.And it wasn’t like he forgot.He meant to do it.Wanted me pregnant,just so he could ruin me in front of the entire town.

How twisted do you have to be to use your own child as part of a revenge scheme?

I stared at the test for a long time.Well,that piqued my curiosity.I wanted to know how he’d react now that the first step of his plan had worked.I snapped a photo and sent it to him.

A few seconds later,my phone buzzed.

A voice message.

“Is that real?You’re pregnant?Oh,I’m so sorry,Anya.I thought you wouldn’t get knocked up so easily.It really is my fault.Oh God!”

He said sorry,but I could hear the excitement in his voice.

Then another message came.

“Know what?Let’s keep it,Anya.I’ll take responsibility.”

That word—responsibility—coming from him made me laugh.

Yeah,he’d be“responsible”enough to sit front row when the town starts cursing and mocking me.I sighed and typed a reply.

“Okay.”

Now that I knew he was planning to drag me down,I called the hospital and booked an miscarriage.When the doctor was about to put me under anesthesia,I refused.I wanted to feel the pain.I wanted to carve every bit of it deep into my memory so I would never forget—so I’d remember exactly how he hurt me.

I passed out midway from the pain.When I came to,the doctor told me everything had gone smoothly.No complications.No issues.Just pain—pure,searing pain that felt like it had been carved into my bones.

I reached for my phone with shaking hands and dialed the one person who’d always tried to stand by me,even when I pushed her away.

“Mom,”I said softly,my voice hoarse from the dryness in my throat.“Remember that offer—a managerial position at the branch office in Stone High?”

She paused.“Yes?”

“I’ll take it,”I said clearly this time.

There was a beat of silence on the other end,then a sharp inhale.

“Wait,what?Are you serious?Anya,that’s incredible!”

She sounded excited.

“I mean,I know it’s just a branch office and not the main one,but taking charge there will set you up beautifully for the future.I’ve always hoped you’d step into a leadership role,but you always turned it down.”

“Why is it a‘yes’now?”she added.

Chapter 2

Anya’s POV:

I swallowed hard,decide from where to begin.“Well,I’ve put my thought on it.”

“Since I carry the Clifford name and it’s about time I acted like it.I’m not a kid anymore.It’s time I started pulling my weight.”

What Wade didn’t know—and probably never cared to ask—was that mom had always planned for me to take over the family business.But I’d been dragging my feet.Because of him.Because I let myself believe in sweet words that,in the end,meant nothing.I’d nearly disappointed the one person who believed in me—for a man who never really saw me.

Not anymore.

Sweet words don’t build a future.Loving yourself does.

Mom’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.“If you’re ready,then I’ll have everything arranged by tomorrow.I’m so proud of you,Anya.”

I smiled faintly,already picturing a fresh start.I was going to take back control—of my life,my name and everything that came with it.

I was planning to head straight home,but halfway there,my phone rang.A number I didn’t recognize flashed across the screen.I almost let it go to voicemail.

But something in me made me swipe to answer.

“Anya,you need to come to Moondust.Wade’s totally hammered,”a voice rushed out.“You’ve gotta come.Now.”

Before I could get a word in,the line went dead.

I stood frozen for a moment,phone still pressed to my ear.My stomach was still sore—hell,it felt like someone had set it on fire—but Wade was still technically my boyfriend and I couldn't just turn my back if he was in trouble.

So I hailed a cab and headed to the Moondust Bar.

The second I stepped inside,I realized something was off.The place was loud—pulsing lights,drunk laughter,the reek of liquor in the air—and in the middle of it all was Wade.

He wasn’t drunk.Not even close.

He was lounging on one of the velvet couches,scrolling through his phone like he hadn’t a care in the world.There wasn’t a single wobble in his step or slur in his voice.

I’d been set up.

And before I could turn around and walk back out,someone spotted me.

“Didn’t think Little Miss Perfect would set foot in a place like this.”

“Please,she came running‘cause of Wade.I told you she’s got him wrapped around her finger—well,more like he’s got her wrapped around his.”

Laughter rippled through the room like a wave and I stood there,stuck.I’d never been in a place like this before.Flashing neon signs,sticky floors,people grinding to music I didn’t even recognize—it was all a sensory overload.I didn’t belong here and it showed.

The only familiar face in that room was Wade.

So I did the only thing I could think of—I walked over and sat beside him.People started gathering around like they were waiting for the next big twist in some trashy drama.

“Perfect timing,Anya,”someone called out.“We’re playing spin the bottle.Wanna join?”

I opened my mouth to say no,but Wade chuckled softly next to me and just like that,whatever I wanted didn’t matter anymore.

No one gave a damn what I wanted.

The bottle spun and surprise,surprise—it landed on Wade.He picked up the nearest shot glass like he’d done this a thousand times before,all smooth and casual.

Then someone snorted,“Oh,come on!We’ve seen Wade drink a million times.That’s boring.What about you,Anya?Let’s see the ice queen of the Clifford take a shot!”

“Yeah,Anya,you’ve never even had a drink,right?Just one sip—what’s the big deal?”

My face went pale.A dull ache throbbed low in my abdomen—a warning I’d come to recognize all too well.The doctor had been clear after the procedure:no alcohol under any circumstance.My body was still healing.I shook my head and started backing away,but Wade caught my wrist and yanked me into him like it was nothing.My back hit his chest.

Then I felt it—his hand.

Cold.Sliding up under my shirt.

“Ever tried drinking while kissing?”he whispered,his voice low and teasing,right by my ear.

Chapter 3

Anya’s POV:

“Wade,stop!”I tried to push him away.“I’m pregnant—I can’t drink.”

His lips brushed mine again,hot and reckless.

“So what?”he murmured.“Let the baby have a taste too.C’mon,open those lips.”

The pressure of his mouth,the mocking voices around us,the overwhelming noise—it all blurred together.My belly ached so badly I could barely breathe.But he didn’t stop.

Tears welled up in my eyes just as the private room door swung open with a loud bang.

Standing in the doorway was Madison,dressed in a flowing white dress like she’d stepped off a movie set.Cool.Composed.

“You guys are drinking without me?”

In a heartbeat,Wade went from drunk-in-love to shoving me off him like I was nothing.I hit the floor hard,the breath knocked out of me.

He didn’t even look back.

“Madison,what are you doing here?”he asked,rushing over like she was made of glass.

“You’re out partying and I can’t tag along?”Her voice was pure sugar,laced with something sharp.

“I can drink too,you know?”She reached for a bottle on the table and Wade snatched it away like she’d just grabbed a loaded gun.He shot a look at the guys on the couch.Instantly,they caught on and called the waiter to clear all the booze.

“We weren’t drinking!”someone said with a forced laugh.“Just,uh...chilling.You know,hanging out.Come on,have a seat.”

They even cleared the best spot on the couch for her.

But Madison just gave him a look—sharp,cold as ice.“No thanks.I’m out.”

She spun on her heel,stilettos clicking against the floor as she walked out without another word.

And Wade?He followed her.Without hesitation.

The whole room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

“What’s Madison doing here?”someone muttered.He leaned into the guy next to him,voice low.“Did you see Wade’s face?Scared the hell outta me.What’s his deal?”

Another chimed in,“You don’t know?Madison hates it when he drinks.Back when they were dating,the guy was a complete gentleman—wouldn’t even kiss her without asking first.If he accidentally bruised her,he’d stop everything and apologize for hours.”

“Then what about Anya?Why’s he being so different with h—”

Someone nudged him hard,shooting a warning glance.“Shut up.”

In a shadowy corner,I forced myself to stand.My knees wobbled,my body ached in places I didn’t know could hurt.But what stung worse were the whispers,the laughter and the truth echoing through it all.

Wade had never treated me like that.

For a long time,I thought that was just how he loved—passionately,without limits.I thought that meant something.

But now?

Now I saw how foolish I’d been.

To him,I was just a thing.A body.A placeholder.

The woman he truly cared for?He wouldn’t even kiss her without asking.

I suddenly envied Madison.

And I hated myself for ever thinking I was enough.

Wade used to be my light.The person I believed in.

I walked out of the lounge,trying to find the bathroom to splash some cold water on my face.

And that’s when I saw him.

Wade had Madison gently pinned at the entrance.

“Why are you here?”His voice—soft,indulgent,almost pleading.I’d never heard that tone before.And his eyes...God,the way he looked at her.Like she was the only thing in the world.

Madison scoffed and looked away.“You’ve got a girlfriend now,remember?So why are you still chasing me?”

Not anger.Not disgust.Just a pouty,teasing accusation.

Wade sighed.“You know why I’m here.”He leaned in closer.“You’re just cranky because you’re on your period,right?”

Then he reached out and brushed her hair off her face like it was the most natural thing in the world.“Don’t be mad,okay?I’ll go get your favorite chamomile tea.”

I couldn’t take it anymore.

I stood there,fists clenched so tight my nails dug into my palms,drawing blood I couldn’t even feel.

He forced me to drink when I was pregnant.

And now he was babying her because she had cramps?

The difference between love and indifference had never been so clear.

I couldn’t listen a second longer.

Right then,my phone rang.

It was my mom.

“Sweetheart,all the arrangements for you to move to the branch office are set.You’ll just have to walk in and do your thing.So,when are you planning to go?”

“Three days from now,”I said,my voice steady despite the storm inside me.

The doctor said that by then,the pregnancy would be fully terminated.No more complications.No more ties.

“Perfect,”she said.“Wait…what about your boyfriend?Does he know?I remember you were so head over heels for him—you even swore you’d be his perfect wife.”

I let out a quiet breath.

Once upon a time,I thought that was enough.That if I gave up my ambition and followed Wade around like a good girl,he’d love me back.

Turns out,love doesn’t work like that.

I’d inherited my mom’s knack for finance.I’d landed multiple big deals for the Clifford Family over the last few months—enough to turn heads in the industry.People were already whispering that I’d be the next big name.

And I gave all that up…for him.

Now I watched from a distance as Wade gently warmed a heating pad for Madison’s stomach.

She laughed softly.He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

And me?

I was just a painful chapter he’d already flipped past.

I swallowed down everything—pain,pride,regret.

“No,”I said quietly.“We broke up.”

“Good!”she barked.“I never liked that punk anyway.From now on,focus on building the company.Once you’ve got Clifford Inc.under your belt,you can have any man you want.”

I smiled.

Not because it made me happy.

But because for the first time in a long time,I knew exactly what I had to do.

“Yeah,”I said.“You're right.”

Chapter 4

Anya’s POV:

The next morning,I left early.

Mom had set me up with a contact—an assistant to the branch CEO,responsible for getting me settled in.We needed to do some face-to-face handoffs.

After the meeting,I stepped out of the downtown tower—only to bump straight into Wade.

And Madison.

Wade looked stunned.Like he hadn’t expected to see me here.Not like this.

Before he could say a word,Madison casually plucked the folder from his hands.

“He’s just passing by,”she said with a breezy smile.“I’ve got somewhere to be.I’ll leave you two to it.”

As she walked past me,Wade’s eyes dropped to the folder in my hand.

“What’s that?”

Before I could answer,he snatched it from me.

“Financial analysis?Why are you reading this?Who gave it to you?Didn’t you say you’d never touch anything related to the company again?”

His brows were pulled tight.He looked nervous.

And I knew exactly why he didn’t want me involved in any of this.Because if I did...

If I ever decided I didn’t want this baby...

If I chose ambition over love...

Then Madison’s little dream of getting back into Clifford Inc.?Gone.

I opened my mouth,ready to lie—maybe toss out something harmless—but then a more entertaining idea came to mind.

“Wade,I don’t think I want the baby anymore,”I said,putting on my best sad face.“Mom wants me to run the company.And having a baby would just...get in the way.”

Bingo.His face went stone cold.I almost had to bite back a smirk.

“I’m kidding,”I added quickly.“They’re just files Mom sent over.I won’t even look at them.”

“You sure?”

He still looked suspicious.

So I went ahead and shredded the papers right there in front of him.

“Happy now?”

Good thing I’d already saved everything digitally.

“You know I’ve always wanted us to have a child,”he said,stepping closer.“And your mom?She’s never liked me.But with this baby…maybe that could change.You said you’d be my wife,remember?”

“My woman doesn’t need to work so hard.”

Yeah.Maybe not.But the woman he was thinking of wasn’t me.I wasn’t his partner—I was a means to an end.

To keep Wade from spiraling any further,I played dumb and asked,“So...why were you with Madison?”

His expression faltered.“We just ran into each other.That’s all.”

Sure.Ran into her.

I almost laughed.

The way she took the folder from his hands,how smoothly they moved around each other—yeah,not the first time.

Wade had never liked going out with me.Wouldn’t even take a walk unless I begged.But now?Suddenly he’s running into Madison downtown?This wasn’t the first time I’d seen the cracks.And thinking about it more would only make it worse.

Wade was clearly rattled.So I didn’t press.

When we got home,I headed straight for the kitchen,then paused.“I’m not feeling well.I won’t be cooking tonight.”

His face immediately darkened.

Usually,a couple of sweet words and I’d soften.But not today.Not this time.

Probably noticing the unusual side of me,he relent—he let a sigh and walked up to me,softening his tone.“Is this about earlier?Are you upset because you saw me walk with Madison?”

Chapter 5

Anya’s POV:

I didn’t answer.Just stared at the TV like he wasn’t even there.

He must’ve taken that as a yes.

“You’re cute when you’re jealous,y’know.C’mon,babe.If it really bothers you,I won’t see her anymore.Promise.”

I finally looked at him,really looked at him.“You mean that?”

Of course he didn’t.

He swallowed and glanced away.“Yeah.Of course I do.”

Liar.

He probably expected me to press him,throw a fit,start a whole fight—but I didn’t.I just got up and went upstairs without another word.

Later that evening,after his shower,Wade slipped into bed and wrapped his arms around my waist like nothing had happened.His lips brushed my ear,whispering low and sweet.

But instead of getting excited,I felt sick.

I stopped his hand before it wandered too far.“There’s a baby in there,Wade.Not tonight.”

He froze like I’d poured ice water down his back.Reality check:I was still pregnant.And if he wanted things to go according to his plan,he needed to play nice.

He sighed,settling for just holding me.“Alright…for the baby.”

For the baby.

I smiled bitterly.Was it really about the baby?Or was it all still about Madison?

I knew the answer.God,Wade.How do you live with yourself?

I didn’t sleep a wink that night.

***

Around 4 AM,his phone buzzed.

He didn’t wake up.I did.

I rolled over,grabbed the phone—and saw her name.Madison.

That familiar wave of nausea rose up again,but I shoved it down.I set the phone down hard on the nightstand next to him.

“Your phone,”I said,voice like ice.

Then I got up and went to sleep in the guest room.

Not long after,someone knocked on the door.

“Anya,”he called,tone rushed.“Something came up at work.Gotta run.Don’t wait up.”

Moments later,I heard him scrambling out the front door.The car engine roared to life.

And finally…I slept.

***

Day Two of the countdown.

I had to attend some high-society event in Riveton.One of those parties where everyone wore diamonds and smiled through their teeth.

As soon as I stepped inside,I felt the shift in energy.

Every head turned toward me—but it wasn’t admiration or respect.

It was amusement.Judgment.People whispering like they were watching some kind of live trainwreck.

I had no clue what was going on.

Clutching my champagne glass,I tried to find a quiet corner to breathe.

But someone collided with me head-on.

Wine exploded across my dress.Red soaked through white silk in seconds.

“Oh my God,”someone gasped mockingly.“Isn’t that the pregnant heiress?What kind of nerve does it take to show up like that?”

“She’s not even married yet,right?Honestly,so trashy.Must be the small-town roots showing.”

“Yeah,”someone else sneered.“Bet the Cliffords kick her to the curb once they find out she’s pregnant and unmarried.”

Laughter.Snide remarks.

I blinked,stunned.Before I could react,my phone buzzed.A number I recognized—My mom’s assistant.The one who helped me set up the internship.

“Bad news,Miss Clifford!Your messages with Mr.West…they’ve been leaked!”

I fumbled with my phone,hands shaking.My screen lit up with blazing headlines.

Multiple threads.Screenshots.Red-tagged trending topics.

My chest tightened.Breath shallow.

No.No.No.

How?How did our private chats get out?

Then—out of nowhere—something wet and cold hit me in the face.

Cake.Someone had thrown cake.

“Get the hell outta here,you shameless woman!”

“You’re disgusting!If I were you,I’d never show my face again!”

The crowd had turned into a mob.Laughter,insults,food—everything thrown at me like I wasn’t even a person anymore.

Frosting smeared my arms.Cake stuck in my hair.My gown was ruined.My face burned with shame.

And then came the sharp,sudden pain in my abdomen.

I dropped to my knees,clutching my stomach,breath coming in short,panicked gasps.

“Enough!”

A voice rang out above the chaos.Loud,furious and unmistakably familiar.

“Are you all out of your damn minds?!Touch Anya again and I swear to God,I’ll throw every single one of you out myself!"

That voice…I knew that voice.

Wade.

He was standing in front of me,blocking everyone out—

It was the last thing I saw before everything faded to black.

Chapter 6

Anya’s POV:

When I opened my eyes,I was in my room.

Wade was slumped over by the edge of my bed,fast asleep,breathing slow and deep.He looked like he hadn’t moved in hours.

I shifted slightly,and in an instant,his head shot up.

“Anya—you’re awake.”His voice cracked a little.“Jesus,you scared the hell out of me.”

His eyes were bloodshot.He looked like he hadn’t slept all night.

I blinked,still groggy,before he pulled me into a warm,tight hug.

“You're okay…thank God.I swear,I won’t ever let anything like this happen again.”

He said it like a promise.Then,with one last glance at me,he murmured something about taking a shower and disappeared into the bathroom.

The housekeeper walked in right after.

“Miss Clifford,”she said softly,“Mr.West stayed by your side all night.Didn’t sleep a wink.”

She glanced toward the kitchen.“I was thinking of making him that Italian sausage soup he likes so much—but you know he always says yours is his favorite.”

I looked down at my phone.Every trending post from last night was gone.All the rumors about me being pregnant before marriage?Completely erased.

Wade’s doing,obviously.

I thought about the way he’d looked at me just now—like I meant something.Like he cared.

Did he really…?

Did Wade actually care about me?

***

The soup was still steaming when I set it on the table.Wade hadn’t come out of the bathroom yet,so I started tidying up his clothes off the couch.

That’s when his phone buzzed.

A few messages popped up on the screen.

Curiosity got the better of me.

I unlocked it—his passcode hadn’t changed—and sure enough,it opened right to a pinned group chat with his buddies.

[Bet she’s crying her eyes out by now.Probably already picked baby names.]

[LMAO she’ll never guess this was all Wade’s plan.Dude staged the whole thing so she’d keep the baby.Hero move,man.]

[Genius move,man.Only Wade would go this far for Madison.Pulling strings left and right.]

More messages kept rolling in.

On the table beside me,the soup slowly lost its steam.

My heart dropped.

So it was all fake.

A damn show.One big performance,starring me as the idiot.

I almost believed him again.

How could I have been so stupid?

Of course Wade wouldn’t go up against those rich men for me.This was never about me.

It was about her.About Madison.

The pain that stabbed through me didn’t feel like a knife—it felt like a thousand fire ants gnawing at my heart all at once.

I stood up on autopilot,numb,fingers trembling as I reached to set his phone back down.

Then—

“What are you doing?”

His voice—sharp,sudden—made me jump.

I turned around quickly,forcing the most neutral expression I could manage.“Nothing.Just checking the weather.Thought I might go for a walk tomorrow.”

He stared at me for a second,like he was trying to read my mind,but he didn’t press.

Instead,he sighed and reached out to brush his hand over my hair.“You’re pregnant.You shouldn’t be wandering around.You need to rest,okay?”

“You’re not alone anymore.You have me,”he hugged.

He looked at me like he meant every word,like he loved me.

And I might’ve believed it—if I hadn’t just seen everything with my own two eyes.

If I hadn’t just read those messages,I might’ve melted.

I might’ve spent the rest of my life loving a man who saw me as nothing more than a convenient role to play.

“Alright,”he said,then pulled me gently into his arms.“Let’s get you back to bed.”

He didn’t let go of me the whole night.

But I couldn’t sleep.

Not for a second.

I woke up early the next morning.I had to pick up some recovery meds from the hospital.

As I stepped out of the consultation room,I caught a familiar voice.

Madison.

She was standing with a couple of her friends,laughing and smoking like she hadn’t a care in the world.

“You’ve got some serious patience,”one of them was saying.“You really gonna let her carry Wade’s kid like that?”

Chapter 7

Anya’s POV:

Madison exhaled a slow stream of smoke,her face smug.

“Of course not.“I’ve known for a while now that I’m not the real daughter of the Clifford Family,”she said casually.“Everything I’ve done these past few years—the sad stories,the poor little me act—it was all part of the plan.I needed Wade to feel sorry for me,to hate that cheap woman and kick her out.As for her pregnancy?Please,that was expected.That baby is the perfect leverage—I can use it to control Anya and make Wade feel even more guilty.Why wouldn’t I go along with it?”

One of her friends burst into laughter.“God,nobody would ever guess all those years of you'struggling'were just an act.Poor West,thinking you were some tragic swap-at birth-girl—he fell for it hard.”

“You’re cold,Madison,”another girl added with a grin.“Seriously,that was savage.You’ve got the whole thing in the bag.From here on out,it’s nothing but mansions and money.”

I backed away,hiding behind the door.My hands were trembling.My heartbeat race.

So she knew.All along,Madison knew she wasn’t the real daughter.

She didn’t care.She left without a second thought and played the victim for years—just to get Wade to take her side.

I turned and walked out,clutching the meds in my hand.

***

When I got home,Wade was already up.

I tried to walk right past him without a word,but he caught my wrist and pulled me into his chest.

“I told you not to wander off,didn’t I?”he said,voice low against my ear.“You’re pregnant,remember?You need to rest.Don’t make me worry.”

His breath was warm on my skin.Too close.Too much.

I stiffened,then pushed him away,hard.

“I just went out to grab a few things.It wasn’t far anyway.”

“Really?”he said,holding up the little brown pharmacy bag I’d been carrying.“Then what’s this?”

Shit.

He must’ve snatched it while I wasn’t paying attention.

Before I could stop him,he’d torn the bag open.

“Post-op recovery pills?”His expression darkened.“Why would you need these?”

I froze for a split second,then snatched the prescription out of his hands.

I managed a calm,steady voice.“The doctor said they help stabilize the pregnancy.”

My voice didn’t shake.I kept it cool—flat,like still water.

Wade gave me a long look,then smirked.He reached out and caressed my cheek.

“Look at you.You really want to have this baby,huh?”

“Yeah,”I replied without hesitation,just like I always had.

Two more days.Just two more days and I’d be free from all of this.

If Wade found out the baby was already gone,his entire plan would fall apart.And knowing him,he’d explode.No,I had to keep playing the part a little longer—pretending I still cared,still wanted the baby,still loved him.That way,he wouldn't start questioning things.Wouldn't get suspicious.

Wade looked at me for a moment,like he was searching for something in my eyes.Then he smiled again,softer this time and reached out to brush my cheek.

“You really wanna have this baby,huh?”

“Yeah,”I replied,steady as ever.

Somehow,that answer made him freeze.I saw the flicker of something in his eyes.Guilt?Doubt?Who knew.Maybe,for the first time,he was wondering what would happen if I found out the truth—if I knew I’d been nothing more than a pawn in some grand plan to push me out of the Clifford Family.

What would I do then?

While he was lost in his thoughts,I started up the stairs,but his hand shot out and caught my wrist.

“Why do I feel that you’ve grown cold to me?”he said quietly.

Chapter 8

Anya’s POV:

No.I couldn’t let Wade notice the change.

He looked genuinely confused,like he couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t lighting up every time he walked into a room.

“You’re imagining things,”I said,turning my face away.

But I could feel his frustration building like a storm cloud.

He pulled me close and kissed me hard,trying to break down a wall

I shoved him away with every ounce of strength I had.“What are you doing?I’m pregnant,remember?”

For a second,Wade paused,but the dazed look in his eyes didn't last long.

“If anything,that makes it hotter,”he murmured.“We’ve never done it like this before,Anya…”

His eyes burned over my skin like fire.

“Fine,”he said.“Maybe not,but your hands still work,right?”

He pulled my hand toward him,guiding it toward his chest,his eyes dark with something dangerous.

I recoiled.“No!”The word came out almost like a scream.

Suddenly,the shrill ring of the doorbell cut through the tension like a knife.

Wade cursed and finally pulled away.He answered the door,barely hiding his irritation.

“What the hell took you so long?”one of the guys said.

“We promised to meet here to plan Madison's birthday party.Don’t tell me you forgot.”Another chimed in.

Wade didn’t respond.The rich beasts barged in and saw me—still sitting on the sofa,looking like a mess and still shaken.

“Oh,no wonder he was taking so long,”one of them said.“Wade’s been busy having some fun with his pregnant girlfriend.”

“Damn,Anya,you’re still pregnant and Wade’s already getting handsy again?That’s some next-level freaky,”another said through a snort.

“Classic Wade,right?No self-control.And you,Anya—still letting him do whatever the hell he wants?”

More laughter.More mockery.

They thought they were being funny,but every word felt like a slap in the face.Not just at Wade—but at me.And they didn’t care.None of them ever did.

I couldn’t sit there any longer.

I got up and walked out of the living room without saying a word,heading for the backyard just to breathe.

The air outside was cool,but it did little to calm the storm raging inside me.

Not long after,I heard footsteps behind me.

Madison.

“You were at the hospital that day,weren’t you?”

She wasn’t asking.She knew.

I didn’t flinch.Just looked at her.“So what if I was?”

She raised an eyebrow,maybe surprised I didn’t deny it,then smirked.

“You know,sometimes I envy you.Anya Clifford—the heiress of the Clifford Family.Born into everything—wealth,status,comfort.And me?I’m just some outsider who got lucky for a while.”

She stepped closer,her voice trembling with a bitterness she didn’t even bother to hide.

“I lived in that house for over ten years.They raised me like I was their own daughter and the moment you show up,they throw me out like trash.It’s not my fault we were switched at birth.How could they do this to me?!”

Her voice cracked,barely holding it together.She was unraveling right in front of me.

I stared at her,caught between understanding and resentment.

Yeah,she had a point.

But she wasn’t the only one who’d suffered.I had fought hard to survive from that terrible village and came back here.Was it really my fault I was born into this fortune?

“You’re right,”I said softly.“You have every right to be angry.Your whole life just got stripped away.But my family doesn’t owe you anything.”

“You’re so damn noble,aren’t you?”she spat.“But do you know that Wade just make you his plaything?Now,if you even think about telling him what you heard at the hospital,I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Chapter 9

Anya’s POV:

Madison narrowed her eyes as if she thought she could intimidate me.But I couldn't help it—I let out a dry,humorless laugh.

“Relax.I’m not gonna tell him,”I said flatly.Why would I?I’m leaving anyway.“Whatever’s going on between you two,it’s none of my business.”

I turned to walk away,not wanting to waste another breath on her.But before I could take a full step,her hand shot out and grabbed my wrist—hard.Her nails dug into my skin like little daggers.

“Oh really?”she sneered.“Then you won’t mind doing me a little favor.”

Before I could ask what the hell she meant,she yanked my arm and threw herself backward—dragging me with her.

With a loud splash,she fell in,water erupting around her like an explosion.I barely had time to register what just happened before water went flying everywhere.Madison was in the pool,flailing like she’d fallen in by accident.

The sound was impossible to ignore.Within seconds,people were rushing out from the living room.Wade was the first one out the door.

“Madison!”he shouted,noticing Madison was in the pool.Without even pausing,he dove in,clothes and all,pulling her from the water like some damn hero.

I stepped forward,trying to explain.But before I could even open my mouth,he slapped me.

Hard.

The sound echoed in my ears and for a second,I just stood there,stunned.

“I had no idea you could be this cruel,”he snapped.“If anything happens to her,I’ll returned it to you ten folds.”

And then,turning to the growing crowd,he barked,“You!Teach her a lesson.Show her what happens when she steps out of line.”

The moment the words left his mouth,it was like gasoline on fire.

“Wait,for real?Wade wants us to go after Anya?Man,I’ve been dying to wipe that fake innocent look off her face.

“Big guy gave the order—what are we waiting for?Let’s do it!”

Suddenly,all eyes turned to me.And none of them were kind.

My spine went cold.

I tried to run,but someone—some guy built like a linebacker—grabbed me from behind and dragged me toward the pool.

Before I could scream,he shoved my head underwater.

Panic exploded in my chest.I couldn’t breathe.

I kicked,thrashed,tried to push myself up—but my head was slammed down again.And again.

The water was everywhere—in my nose,in my mouth,in my lungs.I was drowning in it and the fear…

God,I was terrified of water.

Their laughter echoed around me—cruel,careless.

I fought.I kicked.I clawed at anything I could reach.But there were too many hands.

My vision blurred.My chest burned.I was going to pass out—

Then,all at once,the weight lifted.

I heard Wade’s voice shouting through the noise.

I felt the pressure on me disappear—just before everything went black.

***

When I opened my eyes,the world smelled like antiseptic and bleach.

I was in a hospital room.

A nurse was gently changing the dressing on my arm.She barely looked up when I croaked,“Where’s Wade?”

She paused,then said casually,“Mr.West?He’s in the next room,with his girl.Said to let him know when you wake up.”

Of course he is.

I dragged myself out of bed,dizziness pressing against my skull like a vice.

When I got to the door,I saw him—feeding Madison spoon by spoon like they were in some goddamn romance movie.His hand cradled the spoon,his voice soft,his eyes full of…affection.

Even though I knew he’d always had Madison in his heart—seeing it with my own eyes still felt like a gut punch.

I took a deep breath,steadied myself and knocked on the door.

He turned around.No smile.No warmth.Just cold,hard disappointment.

“You’re awake.”

He used to talk to me with laughter in his voice.

Now?

“Apologize to Madison,”he said,dead serious.

I stared at him,stunned for a second,then let out a short,bitter laugh.

So that’s what this is.

He was here to stand up for her.

I clenched my fists,my voice steady.“I didn’t do anything.Why should I apologize?”

Apologize to Madison?Unless all the glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctic melt.

I wasn’t a fighter by nature and Wade had always known that about me.I was quiet,soft-spoken,easy to please.But not today.

He looked pissed.“Everyone saw what happened.You still wanna lie your way out of it?”

“Did they?”I met his gaze.“What if I told you she jumped in herself?”

He snapped,“Anya!”

“I’m saying it one more time.Apologize.”

Chapter 10

Anya’s POV:

I folded my arms,refusing to flinch.

“And if I don’t?”I shot back.

Wade’s jaw tightened.He glanced at the guards by the door and gave them a silent nod.

In seconds,they moved in,grabbing my arms like I was some criminal.

Panic crawled up my spine.

“What are you doing?!”I shouted.“Wade—what the hell is this?!”

“It’s just an apology,Anya,”he said,like I was being unreasonable.“You make me do this.”

But it wasn’t just an apology.I knew what this was.

He wanted to humiliate me.

From the moment I walked into that room,I could feel it.He didn’t want the truth—he wanted me on my knees.

But I took a gamble.

I gambled on our five years together.On the memories,on the nights we spent talking until dawn,on the quiet promises that never made it into words.

And maybe—for a second—it worked.

Because Wade hesitated.

His eyes met mine and I could see it.Doubt.Conflict.Regret.

“Wade…”My voice cracked.“Are you really gonna do this to me?”

He didn’t answer.

Madison,who had been playing the wounded angel this whole time,suddenly bit her lip and squeezed her thigh hard.Within seconds,fat tears spilled down her cheeks.

She grabbed onto Wade’s pant leg like a child.“It’s okay,Wade.I know Anya didn’t mean it,”she whispered,voice trembling.“It was my fault…I slipped…Please,don’t fight because of me.”

God,she was good.

I watched Wade’s face change.That flicker of hesitation in his eyes?Gone.

Of course he chose her.They had history—romantic history.He planned the whole public humiliation for her sake.When he heard she’d been kicked out because I came back—and when the gossip said she was barely scraping by—his eyes lit up with rage.

“Apologize,”he ordered.

I straightened my spine.

“No—”

But the word barely left my mouth before his hand cracked across my face.

The guard didn’t hold back.

Wade didn’t even blink.

I stumbled,the sting spreading across my cheek like fire.My ears rang.

And when I didn’t apologize?

Another slap followed.

Harder.

My knees buckled.

The pain shot through me like lightning,but it wasn’t the bruises that broke me—it was him.

Five years.

Five goddamn years.

Did it mean nothing?

I looked up at him through tear-filled eyes,blood flooding my mouth with a bitter,metallic taste.

I tried to stand.My body screamed in protest,but I stood.

I met his gaze,every part of me aching.

And I smiled—broken,bloody,beaten—but smiling.

“I’m sorry,”I said,voice shaking.“Happy now?”

Chapter 11

The door to the hospital room clicked shut behind me.

I kept my eyes fixed on Wade,but it felt like everything around me had blurred.My heart—hell,my entire chest—felt like it was being crushed.It was crazy how fast things could change.

I knew he was looking at me,but I couldn’t bring myself to look back at him.

Madison’s voice broke through my haze.“Wade,you’re not seriously falling for her,are you?”

I almost couldn’t believe it.The way she said it,pretending to sound carefree,but her fists were clenched so tight I thought she might snap her nails off.

She was scared.Jealous.Both,probably.

Wade shot back without hesitation.“What?No.I’m just making sure she’s completely hooked.I have to act like I care so she’ll stay in love with me.This is all part of the plan,Madison.Everything I’ve done,it’s all for you.”

“Promise?”Madison’s tone was sharp and she didn’t even try to hide the distrust in her eyes.She was onto him.

“I swear!By her birthday,it’ll all be exposed.The Clifford Family won’t want her anymore.Then you can go back to them and you can keep being Miss Clifford.Just like you always should’ve been.”

“Fine.”Madison’s voice was softer now,but her eyes were still hard.“But I’ll be watching.”

The door swung closed and I just stood there,frozen in place.I heard every single word.It hit me like a ton of bricks.

I should’ve left right then.But something inside me snapped.I wasn’t going to walk away quietly anymore.I was done being their fool.

I was going to make Wade regret this.Make him wish he’d never crossed me.

I wasn’t just going to leave and disappear.No.I was going to make sure Wade knew exactly who Madison was—and that he’d never forget me.

***

I headed straight to Wade’s house after I left the hospital,my mind racing,my body on autopilot.The first thing I did when I got home was scroll through my phone,finding the pictures Madison had sent me.One after another—some of them were just too intimate.Wade with his arms wrapped around her,kissing her forehead,kneeling down to put shoes on her feet.It felt like a slap in the face all over again.

I couldn’t count how many times I’d stared at those photos,trying to put the pieces together,wondering how the hell I missed it.How could I have been so blind?

Back then,I’d believed Wade was the perfect man.That guy in those photos?That’s who I thought he was.

But now?Now I just felt sick to my stomach.Every single picture,every damn photo was a reminder of what I’d been too stupid to see before.

I shoved those photos,along with the certificate marked miscarriage,into the baby crib.

Yeah.A baby crib.One he’d brought home just a few days ago,right after I told him I was pregnant.

I remembered coming home and seeing him practically bouncing with excitement.

“We’re gonna have a baby!I’m so excited!”he’d said,his eyes sparkling with joy.

God.What a hypocrite.

Well,I’d made up my mind.If Wade had any expectations for this child,I was going to make sure this baby shattered every single one of them.He was going to pay—for the lies,the betrayal,everything.

Done with the photos,I grabbed my phone.A message popped up from one of Wade’s friends:

[Anya,you have to come tonight!Wade’s got a big surprise planned for you!]

Then another notification—Wade had updated his social media.A photo of a luxury hotel suite,lavishly decorated for a birthday celebration.The caption read:

“Happy Birthday,Anya!”

My heart skipped—but not for the right reasons.

Then came his message:

[Anya,I know you’ve been through a lot these past few days.I want to make it up to you by throwing this birthday party.]

[Please come,so you’ll know I meant every word.]

I swallowed hard.Wade was never the type to go out of his way for me.This was the first time he’d actually put in real effort to make me happy.

Had he…really changed?

Was he trying to make things right?

Just as the tiniest bit of hope sparked in me,my phone rang again.An unfamiliar number.

I picked up.

On the other end,I heard Madison’s voice—sharp and cutting.

“Wade,you’ve gone all out for this birthday party.Does that mean you’re really falling for Anya?If you are,I’ll step aside.I’ll leave and wish you both the best.”

Wade’s voice was quick to answer,almost too fast.“Of course not,Madison.I’m doing all this just to make sure she shows up.We’re going to give her the biggest humiliation Riveton’s ever seen.And after tonight,you’ll go back to being the only heiress of the Clifford Family.”

The line went dead.

My breath caught in my throat.My heart dropped into my stomach.

That was it.

Wade had been setting me up this whole time.He was going to humiliate me in front of everyone.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips,sharp and bitter.This was the man I had loved for five years.The man I had trusted with my heart.

I had to laugh again,but it felt hollow.All these people in Riveton,the rich kids,the ones who acted like they cared—they all commenting under that post,sending me their‘best wishes.’

“What a perfect couple.I hope you two are together forever!”they’d said.

I knew what they were doing.They were trying to stay in his good graces.

I didn’t even bother responding to most of them.I just picked a few names—people close to the West Family—and sent them a simple message.

“Hate to break it to you,but we broke up.”

After that,I booked the first flight out of Riveton.The last thing I did before leaving was dig out the very first gift Wade ever gave me:a thin red bracelet.

It wasn’t expensive—nothing fancy—but it had meant something at the time.He’d picked it out when I was at my worst,weak and constantly sick after moving back in with the Cliffords.Wade had said it was for good luck,for protection.He’d even claimed he found it at some quaint shop and thought of me.I actually believed him.

And maybe it had worked.My health did start to improve.Maybe that’s why I fell for him.Because,back then,he seemed sincere.He seemed like the only one who cared.

I blinked out of the memory and handed the bracelet to the housekeeper.Her daughter had been sick for a while and I hoped maybe it could help her the way it once helped me.

The necklaces Wade gave me?I handed them out to the staff.

The clothes?Straight into the garbage.

I didn’t take a single thing with me—just my ticket out.

At the airport,it felt like I could finally breathe again.I couldn’t explain it,but I felt lighter.Freer than I had in years.

When I passed the sign for security,I turned back for one last look.

On a digital screen,in bold glowing letters,it said:“Happy Birthday,Anya Clifford”

No.

It should’ve said:“Happy New Life.”

I was never coming back to this city that had trapped me in its webs!