Chapter 1

“Miss Ward, we’ve found a body. The features matches your mother. We need you to come in and identify it.”

My smile, reflected in the bridal shop mirror, shattered with a single phone call.

When they pulled back the sheet, her body was barely recognizable. Her eyes—gone. Her organs—ripped out.

I collapsed, screaming and the world turned black.

When I came to, my fiancé, Colin Marks, was sitting by my side. He gently wiped away my tears and kissed my forehead.

“They caught the murderer who did it,” he whispered. “I made sure… he paid for what he did to your mom.”

He swore that, for the rest of his life, he’d love and protect me the way she used to.

But that night, jolted awake by another nightmare, I caught something outside the bedroom. Through the crack in the door, I saw Colin holding my half-sister, Piper Ward, in his arms.

She was sobbing into his chest, her whole body trembling.

“If she ever finds out the truth… she’ll kill me.”

Colin cupped her face, gentle as ever.

“Hey, it’s not your fault. You didn’t know those guys were scammers. You’re a victim too.”

The chill in my bones cut deeper than any winter wind. I could hardly breathe.

So this was it. My mother died… because of Piper. And the man who swore to protect me was shielding her.

Colin finally sent Piper home and turned around—only to see me, collapsed on the floor.

His expression flickered—guilt, frustration—then hardened.

“So you heard everything?”

His tone turned cold, like I was the problem.

“Don’t blame Piper. Your mom got greedy, okay? She kept pestering Piper to help her ‘invest’—she brought this on herself.”

He tossed a blank check on the table like it meant nothing.

“Write whatever number you want. But forget what you’ve heard. Let’s pretend nothing happened for the meantime. The wedding’s in five days. We’ll go through with it—peacefully.”

I stared at the man who once swore he'd love me for the rest of his life. Now, he felt like a stranger.

I wiped the tears from my face.

If my wedding was doomed to become my mother’s funeral, then five days from now… I’d return the favor—with interest.

——

I said nothing. He grew impatient, yanking off his tie and tossing it on the nightstand.

“If you get it, then go to sleep.”

But something snapped in me. The grief, the rage—it all poured out, raw and shaking.

“Pretend? Are you fucking serious?!”

“You knew. You knew my mother was the only family I had. And you knew how much it meant to her to see me walk down the aisle in white. And Piper fucking destroyed it!”

Did he really not understand why my mother was desperate to make money?

Colin’s family had looked down on us from the start. His parents barely tolerated me. And my mother—God, she tried so hard to make me worthy in their eyes. That’s why she went to Piper, thinking maybe this time, things would be different.

I could still hear the officer’s voice in my head: “Your mother tracked those people down to try and get her money back. She didn’t know they were part of an organ trafficking ring. They butchered her and took everything they could use.”

I couldn’t stop crying. Each word came out like a blade. “If it weren’t for Piper and her mother, none of this would’ve happened. All I want is justice for my mom and you want to keep me from that?”

“Enough, Anneliese!” Colin barked, his face suddenly dark. “Piper was scammed too. She lost everything. And you? Instead of showing any compassion, you’ve been running around spreading that she’s your dad’s bastard child. Do you even have a heart?"

"Compassion?" I let out a hollow, bitter laugh. "What about my mom? She died in the most horrific way!"

“She died because she got greedy and made stupid choices,” he scoffed. “Piper had nothing to do with it. Don’t even think about laying a finger on her.”

His voice was frost-edged now. I shook from the inside out.

I gripped the front of my shirt like it would hold my chest together. The floor blurred under the torrent of my tears.

“Colin,” I whispered. “Have you forgotten? When you were kidnapped—who risked everything to save you? Who fought off those men with her bare hands?”

“And what about the day she was in that hospital bed and you knelt at her side and promised you’d never hurt me? That you’d take care of me for the rest of your life?”

His jaw clenched, his expression hardening. “Don’t throw ancient history in my face. I’ve given you and your mom everything for years—food, clothes, status. Whatever debt I had, I paid it off a long time ago.”

Then, as if to twist the knife deeper, he let out a bitter laugh.

“This is about money, isn’t it?”

He flicked the check at me again. It sliced across my cheek, drawing blood.

I bit down hard, fists clenched. “I don’t want your money. I want Piper to be held accountable for what she’s done.”

He chuckled, a smug little breath through his nose. “Go ahead. Let’s see which law firm dumb enough to take that case and face me in court.

“Know your place.” Then his eyes narrowed. I won’t have a hysterical lunatic as my wife. This ends now.”

His phone rang. He glanced at the screen—and just like that, his face lit up.

“A gift? From you? That’s so thoughtful. Honestly, those clients only signed because of you.”

“What? No ride? Don’t worry, I’m coming to pick you up right now. Just stay put.”

He didn’t even look back at me as he walked out.

I stared at the door as it closed behind him. My tears burned down my cheeks like acid.

Fine. If this is how it’s going to be—so be it.

I just stood there, staring after the man I used to love, tears burning down my face. Fine. If that’s how he wanted to play it—then so be it.

I turned to pack my bags. But then the phone rang again.

“Miss Ward,” the paralegal said cheerfully, “since you’ve dropped the charges in your mother’s case, we’re closing our investigation. Just letting you know.”

Chapter 2

I froze. Dropped the charges? What the hell were they talking about?

I rushed to the law firm as fast as I could. But by the time I got there, the file—my mother’s case file—was already shredded into confetti.

Everything blurred. I collapsed to my knees, grabbing the lawyer’s sleeve, my voice breaking.

“You promised. You said you’d help me get justice for my mother!”

The lawyer looked uncomfortable and let out a long sigh.

“The person who withdrew the complaint… was your husband. Mr. Marks. None of us are in a position to go against him. I’m truly sorry.”

And just like that, with a small nod, he had security drag me out into the street.

But I wasn’t giving up.

There had to be someone in this godforsaken city who still had a spine.

Hands shaking, I called every top law firm I could find. One by one, they turned me away. The replies were all the same.

“Sorry, Miss Ward. Mr. Marks made it very clear—anyone who touches that case is out of business by morning. We can’t help you.”

I dropped to the pavement. My palm landed on jagged concrete, blood seeping from the cut—yet I barely felt a thing.

When I was sixteen, my father threw Mom and me out. The same day, Piper and her mother moved in.

I still remember Piper—just thirteen—smirking from the staircase. That’s when I learned the truth. My father had been cheating for years.

Mom and I ended up on the streets. One freezing night, we stumbled into the middle of a kidnapping. A bunch of black-clothed guys dragging a young man in to a van, Colin Marks, heir to the Marks Family, was being dragged into a van.

Mom didn’t hesitate. She jumped in, fought the men off, saved Colin—almost died doing it. Stabbed over and over.

Afterward, Colin brought us into his home, against his parents’ wishes.

Mom turned down his offer to support us. Instead, she worked as a housekeeper in the Marks’ estate. I transferred to Colin’s school. Day after day, I watched that sweet, kind boy grow into someone I couldn’t help falling for.

He loved me back. On my 20th birthday, he held my hand, knelt in front of my mom and promised he’d spend the rest of his life protecting me.

But all that started changing a year ago.

He went to karaoke with some friends. When he got back, he started talking about Piper… differently.

“She’s not who I thought she was,” he said one night. “She’s working three jobs to pay for school. Can you believe that?”

“And get this—some rich guy tried to hit on her, said he’d spoil her rotten. She stood up and slapped him across the face. What a feisty girl.”

Then he added, “I know you two never really got along. But maybe it’s because you never gave her a real chance. If you just spent some time with her, maybe you’d see how lovable she is.”

My gut was screaming at me that something was off. But I brushed it aside. Told myself I was just being paranoid. That I was overthinking things.

And then, not long after, a friend told me that Colin had bought a bracelet. Not just any bracelet—a vintage piece that once belonged to a real-life European princess. Not only did she wear it, it was apparently one of her favorites.

So naturally, I thought… maybe he bought it for my birthday.

But on the day of my birthday, Piper posted on Instagram. That exact bracelet, worth millions, was wrapped around her wrist. In the photo, a man’s hand was holding hers—fingers laced.

That night, I waited until the last birthday candle burned itself out. Colin never came home.

It was the first time he ever forgot my birthday.

After that, he always had some excuse for missing our important dates—anniversaries, celebrations, milestones. There was always something that came up.

At the same time, Piper’s Instagram kept updating—his familiar silhouette in the background, his ringless fingers holding a wine glass, his toned body behind a fogged-up shower door…

Six months ago, we’d signed our marriage certificate. He told me he wanted to give me the perfect wedding.

Now I know… there won’t be a wedding at all.

I picked up the phone and dialed.

“You wanted my shares in Marks Corporation, right?” I said coldly. “I’m signing them over. All of them.”

It was a “gift” he gave me the day he finally won me over—those shares. I told him it was way too much, but he held my hand tight and insisted I sign the papers.

That gentle voice still echoes in my mind like a cruel memory,

“Baby, if you want the stars or the moon, I’ll give them to you. What’s a few shares compared to that?”

I know now—what we had, it was real. But people change. Hearts grow cold. And love? Love is never immortal.

The boy who once held me like I was his whole world—he’s long gone. Swallowed by time.

Just as I ended the call, my phone lit up with a message from Colin.

[Calmed down yet? I’ve arranged the cemetery and paid for the funeral. Satisfied now? Stop testing my patience.]

Another one followed almost instantly:

[Did you not see my message? Get to my office now. Sign the non-prosecution agreement for Piper.]

Something in me finally broke. I called him. My voice was shaking with rage.

“Why the hell should I sign that form for her? And if I say no, what then? You gonna press my bloody finger onto the damn paper?”

Chapter 3

He hung up. Cold. No hesitation.

Seconds later, he sent a photo.

It was a scanned document. An investment contract signed between my mom and Piper.

Bold letters in the center screamed at me:

Investments carry risk. All losses due to personal judgment errors are the client’s own responsibility.

My mother’s signature and fingerprint sat neatly at the bottom.

He’d been preparing for this. His legal team—massive, ruthless—ready to crush me like I was nothing.

Still, I went to the Marks Corp building.

In the elevator, I ran into Piper.

She was wearing a custom Chanel gown, carrying a handbag worth more than most people’s cars and of course—the princess bracelet shimmered on her wrist.

She looked like royalty. Like someone born into love.

Her lips curled into a smile the second she saw me.

“Oh no, Annelise... you look awful,” she cooed. “Guess it’s true what they say—when a woman gets old, the bloom fades. No wonder Colin lost interest.”

Then, with mock concern, she said, “Still haven’t buried your mom? Want me to help plan the funeral? I mean, we are family after all.”

My hands curled into fists. Rage boiled up inside me until it threatened to burn me alive.

“You knew it was a scam,” I hissed. “You knew! That was telecom fraud and tricked my mom into giving up every cent she had!”

She feigned hurt, but the corner of her lips twitched with amusement.

“How could you accuse me like that? I was just trying to help,” she said sweetly. “Your mom wanted to earn more for your wedding dowry. I couldn’t say no to her, could I?”

My chest tightened. I could feel the blood rushing to my head.

“Boy, that old hag love you like the world, didn’t she?” she sneered.

Then she leaned in close and whispered near my ear, “One day, I stepped on Mr. Marks’s favorite peonies—on purpose. The butler said he’d dock her three months’ pay. She begged on her knees. Right there.”

“I found out later she hadn’t taken a day off in months. Just to save money… for you,” Piper went on, giggling. “When I told her to crawl through the garden like a dog? She did it. Just like that.”

My world crumbled. All those times my mother smiled and told me not to worry about a thing while I planned my wedding... I never knew what she had to endure for my sake.

As the elevator doors opened, something inside me snapped.

I raised my hand, eyes blazing.

“Piper, you’re a monster!”

But before my hand even touched her, she threw herself out of the elevator, crying hysterically as she held her face.

“Annelise, I said I was sorry! I even knelt to you, but you’re still being so cruel—do you really want me dead that badly?!” she sobbed dramatically. “If you want me dead so bad, then fine! I’ll die for your mother!”

She staggered up, pretending to hurl herself into the wall.

“Piper!”

A figure rushed forward, arms wrapping protectively around her—Colin.

He yanked her into his arms and slammed into me with his shoulder. I wasn’t prepared. My head whipped back, smacking the wall behind me with a sickening thud.

The world tilted.

Warm blood trickled down the back of my neck.

Colin turned on me, his eyes bloodshot with rage.

“Anneliese Ward, how dare you? Apologize to Piper. Now.”

It was like she was his wife. And me? Just some lunatic who had to be dealt with.

Piper sobbed against his chest, trembling.

“I know she’s just hurt, she whimpered, clinging to him like he was her lifeline, “but I already said I’d pay for it. I’d take on every job I could, even illegal ones. But she… she still hit me. And she cursed me—said I should drop dead.”

Colin wrapped his arms tighter around her, jaw clenched, eyes dark with fury.

“Have I not compensated you enough?” he snapped at me. “Look at yourself. You’re just like your mother. Petty. Greedy. Always playing the victim. You two deserved the punishment.”

My breath caught in my throat. The room spun, but I stood rooted, too stunned to move.

“Petty and greedy?” I whispered, staring at him like I’d never seen him before. “Is that really what you think of me? That seeking justice for my mom makes me some money-hungry lunatic?”

Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to let them fall.

Something in Colin flickered when he saw me holding back my tears. But the moment Piper whimpered in his arms, his expression hardened again.

“I saw you try to hit her. I don’t care what your excuse is.”

He took a step forward. “This is the last time I’ll say it. Apologize.”

My heart clenched like it was being crushed in a vice.

“And what if I don’t?” I said coldly.

Chapter 4

“She's not just the daughter of a mistress—She's the reason my mother’s dead. And you expect me to apologize?!" I yelled.

Piper didn’t even have time to open her mouth. Colin’s eyes went glacial.

“I warned you,” he said, his voice like steel dragged across ice. “Don’t test my patience.”

Then he turned to his men and barked, “Get her mother’s body. Drag it out of the funeral home.”

Every word was a dagger dipped in poison.

“She won’t learn until she’s broken,” he sneered. “You think someone like you deserves to be lady of the Marks Family?”

“Feed the corpse to the dogs.” He meant it.

The guards moved without hesitation, their footsteps echoing like a death march.

“No! No, please!” I lunged forward in blind panic—only to be grabbed by another bodyguard. His grip crushed my arm so hard I heard a crack.

Agony burst through me like wildfire.

Tears blurred my vision. I cried so hard I couldn’t breathe.

“Colin, please! Don’t do this to my mother. She’s—she’s gone. Isn’t that enough?!”

Piper tilted her head sweetly, hiding the smirk playing on her lips.

“Colin… the dead deserve peace. Maybe we should let this go?”

He turned to her with a sigh. “You’re too soft. That’s why she walks all over you.”

Then he looked back at his men. “Well? What are you waiting for? Do you need me to show you where the funeral home is?” he barked at the guards.

His voice cut through me like broken glass, scattering the last remains of the love I’d held onto for ten long years.

He knew. He knew my mother was my only weakness. And he didn’t hesitate to crush it underfoot.

I broke.

I bowed.

My spine bent, my head dropped, my pride bled out on the floor at Piper’s feet.

“Please,” I whispered, tears falling hard. “Please just leave my mother. Let her rest in peace.”

Each word was a blade in my throat. “I’m sorry. I was wrong.”

Wrong for hoping for fairness.

Wrong for believing—foolishly—that maybe, just maybe, he’d choose me over her.

As I bent forward, the blood-soaked back of my collar showed.

Colin’s eyes flickered. For a split second, he seemed stunned.

“Is this enough for you?” I straightened with every last ounce of strength I had left–staring him down with disgust I couldn’t barely concealed.

His jaw tightened. He gestured to his assistant. “Bring the agreement.”

Only when I pressed my bloody fingerprint onto the page did his brow finally ease.

“You’re bleeding,” he said. “I’ll call a doctor.”

He let go of Piper and moved toward me.

I slapped his hand away.

“Save it. Go get your precious girl's injuries checked instead—if you wait any longer, the fake bruises might fade.”

I turned to leave, but Piper stuck out her foot.

I tripped hard, crashing forward.

Colin’s instincts kicked in. He reached out—but stopped himself just inches away.

His hand froze mid-air. Then he stepped back.

“Alright. Handle your wound yourself,” he said stiffly.

I forced myself to stand tall, even as pain shot up.

He looked at me as they reached inside the elevator. “I’ll go with you to the wedding boutique tomorrow,” he said, before the elevator doors closed behind them.

My body swayed, the dizziness from blood loss rising in waves.

In the blur of pain, I was pulled back to a memory—back to college.

Colin was just nineteen when he took over the family business. He’d worked through endless nights, eyes rimmed with exhaustion. One day, I burned my hand slightly while making soup for him. Just a tiny blister.

Yet somehow, he found out. He stormed out of an important meeting and sped home, barely stopping at red lights.

He grabbed my hand, stared at the burn and held it like it was made of glass.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I should’ve protected you,” he said, voice tight with guilt. “I swear, as long as I’m breathing, I’ll never let anything hurt you again.”

Then he pulled me into his arms. Warm, strong, trembling just a little. That hug—and that promise—etched themselves into my memory like a brand.

But that boy was long gone.

He grew up into a cold, distant man who looks at me like I’m nothing. Like I’m disposable.

Now, he’s the one hurting me the most.

I stumbled toward the building’s exit. Everything went black.

But before I hit the ground—I fell into someone’s arms.

A stranger’s arms, firm and unfamiliar.

Before the darkness swallowed me whole, I heard one quiet breath against my ear.

“Do you want revenge?” A whisper, like a devil making an offer.

“As an exchange for those shares… I’ll help you find the evidence on your mother’s death.”

Chapter 5

Tears slipped down my face as I clung, half-conscious, to the man’s shirt.

“Re… venge…” I whispered, the word barely formed.

When I opened my eyes again, all I saw was white—too bright, too sterile.

A hospital room.

I turned my head slowly, wincing at the dull ache across my body and reached for my phone. A message from Colin was waiting. He had sent it the night before.

[I’ve got things to handle tomorrow. Go try on the wedding dress by yourself. Our wedding’s getting closer, so pull yourself together. Stop with the tantrums and marry into the Marks Family with some dignity.]

I stared at the message for a moment, expressionless, then dragged my finger across the screen and deleted it.

But just beneath it, something else caught my eye—a post from Piper’s social media.

Colin had taken her on a private jet to chase the northern lights.

In the green haze of the aurora, their silhouettes stood close together. Matching rings glinted on their fingers, tightly intertwined.

The caption pierced like glass:

[He told me I’m the only one for him. He promised to protect me from all the cruelty in this world. How could I ever let go of a man like that?]

Below it, a cutesy account with cartoon couple avatars commented:

[And no matter how far you try to run from me, I’ll find you. I’ll tie you to my side forever. So don’t even try, silly girl.]

I didn’t need to check. I knew that tone. That possessive flair. That was Colin.

I could tell from the typing style alone.

I remembered the day I asked him to use matching couple avatars with me.

He rolled his eyes and snapped, “What are you, twelve? Can’t you see I’m busy? Now leave!”

And yet I had once dreamed of stargazing with him in the Alps.

I had planned the itinerary down to the smallest detail—he said he was too busy.

Every time, that was the excuse: too busy.

Now I finally understood. He could be romantic. He just never chose to be with me.

I set the phone down, trying to blink back the sting behind my eyes.

That’s when I noticed the envelope sitting quietly on the bedside table.

Inside it was a plane ticket. Departure in two days.

And a small note:

[You’re welcome. Hope you like the gift. For your wedding —V.]

So, I was right. The man who carried me to the hospital last night was none other than Victor Keane—Colin’s worst enemy.

I texted him a quiet thank-you and checked myself out not long after.

Then, the wedding planner called. The dress my mother had ordered for me had been altered to fit. It was ready.

It was the last gift she left me. I had to pick it up.

But when I stepped into the boutique, I froze.

There stood Piper—twirling in my gown.

“Annalise…you come,” She spun in front of the mirror with a fake-sweet smile, voice dripping with poison.

“I just had to make sure it fits, you know. Trying to help you out.”

She tugged the neckline lower, revealing fresh red marks across her chest, her tone mockingly bashful.

“Oh no, it’s Colin’s fault—he’s just too passionate. I told him to be gentle…”

I stared at her performance, cold and unblinking.

“You really did inherit your mother’s talent for stealing other women’s men.”

Her smile twitched, then curved into something crueler.

“Oh? Didn’t you hear? I’m pregnant with Colin’s child.”

“And your marriage license?” She laughed. “It’s fake.”

She flashed a video on her phone. A dim KTV room. Piper on Colin’s lap.

He was tipsy, kissing her softly.

“Do your best and bring the baby into this world. When it’s born, I’ll gift him the Marks Corporation.”

Piper asked in a coy voice: “But… what about my sister?”

Colin chuckled. “I never married her. I’ve been slipping birth control into her milk for months. She can’t get pregnant. I’ll just say we adopted.”

It was like being struck by lightning. My head spun. My legs nearly gave out under me.

So that was it.

Love had died a long time ago. I was just too blind to notice.

I sucked in a sharp breath, straightened up and forced a smile.

“Well, congratulations. Becoming the next Mrs. Marks is just around the corner.”

“But that gown is mine. Take it off,” I said coldly.

I lunged to grab it, but before I could even touch her, one of her bodyguards—assigned by Colin—kicked me.The force knocked me flat. Pain exploded in my gut. I could feel everything twisting, shifting like my organs had been slammed out of place.

Piper picked up a pair of scissors. Her tone was gleeful as she traced the blade over the silk.

“Colin said no matter what I do, he’ll clean up my mess.”

The sharp edge tore through delicate lace, slashed through soft silk. With each cut, she shredded the last gift my mother had ever given me.

I just lay there, watching the pieces flutter down like snowflakes.

Even my hatred felt dull now—numbed by the weight of everything.

Piper strutted off, leaving nothing but wreckage in her wake.

I dragged myself home… or rather used to be.

Once I got there, I tore open every drawer and closet, yanked out every gift Colin had ever given me—jewelry, designer bags, stuffed animals.

One by one, I threw them all in the trash.

Behind me, I heard footsteps approaching.

Familiar ones.

Chapter 6

Colin paused at the door. “What did you throw away?”

I didn’t even look at him.

“Just some garbage I should’ve gotten rid of long ago.”

He didn’t seem to care. As if suddenly remembering something, he added casually, “I heard Piper accidentally damaged the wedding dress. But don’t worry. I’ve asked the designer to rush a new one. It’ll be ready in time for the ceremony.”

He slung his jacket over one shoulder.

“Remember, tomorrow night’s the gala at my house. Don’t be late. I’ve got work, so I’m not coming home tonight.”

He grabbed his keys and left. Not once did he glance at the overflowing trash bin behind me—filled with everything he’d ever given me.

The next night, 8:00 PM.

I arrived at the Marks Family’s hotel alone.

The moment I stepped into the garden, I saw them.

Colin and Piper.

Dressed in matching custom couture, bathed in warm lawn lights like royalty.

Mrs. Marks’s face twisted the moment she saw me.

Her smile dropped like a cracked mask.

She wore the Bulgari necklace Piper had gifted her and her eyes ran over me with undisguised disdain.

“You’re an hour late. No surprise. No manners at all–just like your mother the thief.”

But Colin told me the banquet started at eight.

I clenched my fists.

A long time ago, I’d mentioned in passing that Piper’s mother had been a mistress. The next day, Mrs. Marks’s missing jewelry “miraculously” appeared under my mother’s pillow.

Colin knew I’d been framed.

He never defended me. Not once.

But now—I didn’t grovel. I looked straight into Mrs. Marks’s eyes, then right at Piper’s smug little face.

“I’m not here to be insulted,” I said coldly. Then I looked Piper dead in the eye. “My mother was not a thief. She didn’t raise me to seduce men like some women raise their daughters.”

The words had barely left my mouth when a vicious slap exploded across my cheek.

My ears rang. My body hit the ground hard.

The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

Colin stood over me, expression cold and condescending.

“You spread rumors about her! Don’t you know it makes her suffer? How long are you gonna keep this going? Do you want her to kill herself?”

I pushed myself up, my face burning with rage.

“She suffered? She?!” I barked out a laugh, bitter and broken. “She suffered from her own stupid choices! And you—you know exactly what she did. My mother is dead! I lost everything and you're just going to stand there and let her play the victim?!”

The whispers started—quiet at first, like a ripple, then louder as the crowd leaned in.

Colin’s jaw clenched tight.

“Leave,” he growled under his breath. “Go calm yourself down. You've embarrassed yourself enough in front of the guests.”

The garden buzzed with elite chatter.

Mr. and Mrs. Marks quickly stepped in with flutes of champagne, smiling stiffly.

“Let’s not ruin the evening. Come, everyone—drink up!”

Guests swarmed Colin and Piper with congratulations.

“Cheers to the happy couple!”

“Congratulations to the future Mr. and Mrs. Marks—such a perfect match!”

Colin had always said he wanted our relationship to be a “surprise.”

He never told a soul about us.

And now?

He smiled like a gentleman, standing next to Piper like she’d always been the bride.

He didn’t even try to explain.

She clung to his arm like she belonged there.

Under the glittering lights, they looked like a picture-perfect couple.

While I stood there like a wet stain on a white rug.

I let out a breathless, bitter laugh and turned to go, but a hand blocked my way.

Piper.

She smiled like she’d already won.

“Leaving so soon?” she cooed. But I haven’t told you how that old woman died.”

My heart stopped.

“What did you just say?”

She leaned in close, her voice low enough that only I could hear.

“I told her if she wanted the money back, she’d have to film herself doing something… special. You know, the kind men pay for.” She grinned. “But she got all high and mighty. She refused and even had the nerve to insult me and my mom.”

A twisted laugh.

“So I gave her what she deserved.”

She sighed dramatically.

“Did you know? She barely made it through fifty men before she collapsed. Still had the nerve to clutch my leg and beg—beg—me to return the money to her ‘sweet daughter.’”

She made a clicking sound with her tongue.

“Pathetic, really.”

Chapter 7

Her words struck like lightning.

For a moment, rage swallowed my entire being. No sound came from my throat—just fury, raw and blinding. Then I snapped.

I lunged at Piper.

Fists clenched. Nails digging into her skin.

I yanked her hair, dragged her down, clawed at her face, her neck.

“You monster! Give me my mother back, you bitch!”

But before I could do any real damage, pain shot through my back—then my ribs. The bodyguards were on me, kicking and punching until I curled up like a broken doll on the ground.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Colin shoved past them, face grim.

He didn’t even glance at me.

He went straight to Piper—crying, trembling, putting on the perfect damsel act—and wrapped her in his arms like she was made of glass.

His eyes, when they flicked toward me, were cold enough to freeze bone.

“You’ve gone too far. Kneel. Apologize to her. Now.”

I stared at him in disbelief.

He wasn’t done.

“Your mother was weak. She got dumped and died chasing money. Now you’re blaming Piper for it? Everyone here saw what you did. Are you proud of yourself?”

The room around us buzzed with murmurs, growing louder and uglier by the second.

“I heard her mother once stole Mrs. Marks’ jewelry,” one woman whispered, not even bothering to lower her voice. “Rumor is she died during a kidnapping–had her organs missing. Honestly, sounds like she had it coming.”

“And the daughter’s no better,” another voice added with a sneer. “Ungrateful little brat. Just like her mom. Raised to be a man-stealing whore.”

I was still on my knees. I wanted to scream, to tell them they were wrong. That my mother wasn’t a thief. That I wasn’t a man-stealing whore. But my throat was dry. My voice, gone.

Colin’s patience wore thin.

“Apologize, Anneliese. I’ll count to three. One… two—”

Disappointment scorched every cell in my body.

I gave in. My knees slammed onto the cold marble. I lifted my chin—and slammed it down in a bow so hard I tasted blood.

“I’m sorry. I was wrong. I’m sorry, I’m sorry—”

Blood mixed with tears blurred my vision.

I looked up with a twisted smile, hollow and bitter.

“Is that enough, Colin? Did your precious darling get enough of an apology?”

He froze. His pupils shrank as if he finally saw me—saw what he’d done.

He took half a step forward. But Piper clutched his arm, her voice trembling with faux fear.

“Colin, I’m scared… she looks crazy…”

He hesitated. Then stepped back. And held her tighter.

His eyes turned away. His voice was tired. Mechanical.

“Go home. Try not to cause any more trouble.”

I stood, somehow. My legs shook, but I didn’t fall.

I turned to him—one last time.

And then I walked away.

---

The night was bitterly cold when I reached the crematorium. Stood in silence as my mother turned to ash. As her remains scattered into the sea, so did the last tether of my heart.

Gone. Just like that.

At midnight, I slipped off the wedding ring. Set it gently inside the nightstand. No need for divorce papers. His love was never real to begin with.

How convenient.

I wheeled out my suitcase, opened the front door.

My phone buzzed.

Colin: [Did you get your wounds treated? Piper says she forgives you. Let’s put this behind us.]

Colin: [I picked up a new dress. It’s gorgeous. I’ll bring it over later.]

No reply.

A moment passed.

Another message.

Colin: [Asleep already? Why aren’t you answering? It’s our wedding day tomorrow. Be good.]

I blocked him. Every number. Every account connected to him. I pulled out the SIM card, snapped it in half and tossed it down a storm drain—just like him.

A car was waiting by the curb.

I got in.

“To the airport.”

The city lights raced past my window, blurring like ghosts.

Ten years of memories, love, pain—gone. Just shadows now.

“We will never meet again, Colin. And by sunrise, your wedding gift will be waiting. Right on time.”