Chapter 1

My whole life revolved around two things— the books I wrote and my fiance, Liam. But, Cindy robbed me both. She plagiarized my books on the day I was getting engaged. And, when I tried to confront her during the banquet which was supposed to be my engagement, I was thrown out of the banquet hall, being branded as a thief who was trying to steal Cindy's works.

“Liam, trust me. I’m not a thief. It's Cindy. She robbed my work.” I begged. But, he snapped back at me, “Stop it, Mia. The world knows who you are. So, am I. The poems you impressed me with, were never yours. It belonged to Cindy. She is the one I love, not you.”

He placed the engagement ring on Cindy's finger, kissing her passionately before my eyes.

“What are you looking at? Do you want to join us and form a family of three?” Cindy sneered, “No one wants you here, Mia. Why don't you just get lost from our lives?”

My life was never the same after that. I was labelled as the plagiarized author, receiving hate from all over the world. And, the book Cindy stole from me became the bestseller, taking her to the heights of fame and wealth.

But, Cindy didn't stop at this. She encouraged her fans to ruin my life, from cyberbullying to death threats.

They didn't stop anywhere. Having been fed up with continuous bullying, I decided to end my life, but got saved by a stranger.

Denver Beckham, a well-known scientist, not just saved my life but filled me with motivation to begin writing again.

I married this man and loved him for five years only to overhear his conversation with his friend, sending chills down my spine.

“Does your wife know you have been plagiarising her works and sending them to Cindy all these years so that she keeps up with the fame and wealth she has been receiving for years?”

“She is not smart enough to discover the truth because if she was, she would never have been robbed of her first book in Cindy's hands.”

Denver's indifferent tone was a stark contrast to the soft and gentle voice he always used to motivate me while writing.

“First Cindy plagiarized her book to become the bestseller author in the country, then you kept stealing her works and sending them to Cindy to maintain her fame.” Denver's friend said, his voice desperate,

“She has trusted her life on you and you have been deceiving her since the very beginning. Don't you think you have been harsh on her all these years?”

“I don't care, as long as Cindy is happy,” he said, his voice laced with affections that wasn't meant for me but her,

“I saved Mia’s life because I wanted her to write for Cindy. She has the gift of writing and I want to use it for Cindy.”

“What if your wife finds out? Won’t she create troubles for you or Cindy?” Denver's friend asked. Denver only grinned at him before he said, “Even if she finds out, she can't do anything. She doesn't know the pen name I selected for her when she began writing was Cindy’s.”

“All the books that she had been writing were actually ghostwriting for Cindy. During these five years, I have collected enough evidence that can prove Cindy as the original author and Mia as the plagiarized author.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” His friend asked, “If you have enough evidence to prove Mia wrong, then why are you still keeping up with this unwanted marriage because we all know how much you love Cindy.”

“It's because of the current book Mia is working on. I only shared the initial few chapters with the publisher and he is already crazy about it.”

“According to him, her new book is the masterpiece that comes once in a decade. Once Mia is done with the manuscript, I’ll not wait to divorce her.”

I felt like I had been punched in the gut. I had just finished writing the current book and came out of my study room only to share the news with my loving husband, still clutching the manuscript in my hands. I couldn't help clenching them in my hands.

So, all the love and care he offered me these years was just a lie. The person I thought was an angel who came to save my life, was actually a devil who had been sucking my soul throughout my life and I was completely unaware of it.

I stared at the manuscript in my hand for which I had spent countless nights without sleeping as I turned to leave but a familiar yet distant voice froze me right there.

“What are you doing here, Mia?” Denver walked out of his room, his gaze never leaving the sight of my hands that were holding the manuscript. He asked excitedly, “Are you finished writing your book?”

Chapter 2

I was standing frozen at my place, completely numb. A flicker of hesitation passed through his eyes as he asked, his tone nervous, “What were you doing outside the room, Mia? Why didn't you knock or just walk in?”

I cleared my throat as I curled my lips into a faint smile before I said, “I just got here, Denver.”

“Oh,” Denver's expression immediately softened, “Why did you come out of your study room, Honey? You should have called me if you needed coffee or anything. I’m always there to help you. You should only focus on the book you are working on.”

He stepped forward, his hands slowly reaching out to my manuscript as he added, his voice still laced with gentleness and curiosity, “How far did you reach with your story? Let me see…”

But, I immediately stepped back, not letting him reach for my manuscript. He hesitated as he looked up at me with a pair of suspicious eyes.

But, I smiled mischievously before saying, “It's a surprise, Denver. I want you to read the book only when it's finished. I still have the climax to write.”

He smiled back as he stepped back to stand at his place, saying softly, “As you wish, Mia. No matter what you do, I’m always with you.”

“Denver,” I called him, my voice barely above a whisper, trying to see through his eyes, “You said You will ask the publisher to reveal to the world that the author writing behind the pen name ‘Little Fox’ is me. Were you telling the truth? Are you really going to do that?”

“Of course, Honey!” He said, his voice soft and gentle as he continued, “You have been writing for five years under this pen name and people all over the world love your books so much.”

“After they come to know that these books were written by you, they will automatically believe that you could never steal someone's book with that God gifted talent in you.”

“Your image will be cleared, and you don't have to live behind the curtains. You can proudly announce to the world that you are the bestselling author of the USA.”

Tears were formed in my eyes, not because of the sweet dream he just mentioned before me but because of realizing how good of an actor my husband was.

He was never going to announce my name as the author yet he was lying to me so confidently that I could not see even a curve of hesitation on his forehead.

I didn't argue with him. We had our dinner early that was prepared by him. After he went to sleep. I quietly walked out of our bedroom.

He didn’t doubt me as I used to take care of his work the whole day and write at night. But, this time I didn't walk to my study room but his.

The door was locked with a smart lock system invented by his company. As expected, it opened with Cindy’s birthdate.

A smile of mockery spread through my lips as I slowly opened his laptop, password Cindy's dog’s name. What a shame to our marriage!

As I opened his laptop, I discovered his chat with Cindy's and the documents he sent to her. My gaze fixed on the last text in which he mentioned,

“Don't worry about the controversy arising about your work, Cindy. After the publisher announces you as the author behind ‘Little Fox’ pen name, no one will ever judge your talent.”

“When are you going to do that, Denver? I can't wait to watch my haters die of envy.” She replied.

“Next week, Cindy. Just when Mia finishes the book.” Denver wrote.

I closed the laptop, and couldn't get to read any longer. I had been blinded in love for years that I never met my editor or publisher even for once.

I entrusted everything to Denver. The only thing I did was write my books and give the manuscripts to him. The contract, publishing and marketing, these were all done by him and I never raised a question against it.

But, all that he was doing was deceiving me. His love, his care, his motivation, all lies. He was a wolf in the skin of my husband, waiting for the right moment to bite me.

But, one thing that he didn't know was that I had seen through him. I knew what kind of a person he was, and the manuscript he had been planning to steal from me, still belonged to me.

And, I was not going to let him manipulate me again with his sweet lies. I was never going to become the fool I had been for years.

I went back to my study room, tore the last pages of the manuscript and wrote a different climax to my story. After finishing my work, I wrote a letter to Denver.

‘You wanted my manuscript, Denver. Here it is.’

Chapter 3

The next week, I was working for Denver's company, taking care of the necessary documents required for his latest project when one of my colleagues rushed in, saying, “Mrs. Beckham, come with me.”

“What happened, Lydia?” I asked.

“Just come with me,” she said before dragging me to the common hall where everyone had already gathered.

“Mrs. Beckham, you are so lucky,” someone said.

“Yes, you are so lucky to have a husband like Mr. Beckham. He loves you so much.” Another one added.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to process what had been going on. Meanwhile, my gaze fell on the projector, showing the live telecast of Denver's interview with the press.

Reporters were asking him about the launch of his newest technology. In his response he replied,

“Tomorrow is my wife's birthday. So, I’m going to launch my latest technology tomorrow to dedicate it to my wife.”

His response got a lot of appreciation from the reporters as well as his employees. They all envied me for the love my husband was presenting before the media.

But, only I knew it was only the foged affection that he had been manipulating me with all these years. His words, his actions, were all lies just to hide his evil intentions behind them.

“If the launch is tomorrow, then why did you call all the reporters today, Mr. Beckham? And, what is Mr. Brad doing here?”

“Isn't he the Senior Editor of Dreamy land publishing company? A very renowned company who publishes Little Fox’s story?” another reporter asked.

“It's because we are going to reveal the identity of Little Fox to all of you.” Mr. Brad said, his words causing turmoil all over the world.

Everyone was curious to know the person who had been entertaining them with their words for years.

“Is it really happening? The world wants to know our Little Fox personally.”

“Yes, where is she? We all want to meet her and take the interview.”

“It will be the best gift to her fans. They are all waiting for her recent book. Her showing up on the day of book signing would be amazing.”

The reporters began asking questions over and over. Brad laughed before he replied, “Have a little patience, you all. This meeting was only to announce the partnership between Mr. Beckham and my company and the news of Little Fox personally showing up on the day of book signing for her fans.”

“So, be prepared everyone. If you want to meet your favourite author, don't forget to buy a ticket.”

With that the press conference came to an end. Soon enough my phone rang. It was Denver. After I picked up the call, his excited voice sounded,

“Mia, I have a surprise for you. Can you come and meet me at Sunrise hotel with your finished manuscript? You were going to finish it today, right?”

I stared at the manuscript and the letter I wrote, placed inside my bag before I replied, “Yes, It's finished.”

“Come and see me then,” he said in haste before he hung up.

I racked my mind and thought maybe just maybe I was wrong about him. Maybe he was playing tricks with Cindy and was actually going to announce me as Little Fox.

After all, the first thing he promised me after we got married was that he would let Cindy pay for her crimes.

I took a long breath before I decided to give him one more chance. I took the manuscript with me and arrived at the location he asked me to.

But, before I could reach his room, my legs paused as I heard a familiar voice coming out from his room, a voice I hated the most in my life.

It was Cindy!

“How long are you going to play with that fool, Mia?” She asked, her voice filled with arrogance.

“Just today. After she hands over her manuscript to me, she is of no use.” He replied, his voice laced with honesty.

“You called her here, even when I’m with you. Don't you think she will be dubious?” She asked, “What if she refuses to hand her manuscript to us?”

“Don't worry, the receptionist will notify me once she arrives at her counter.” He replied casually.

He didn't know that I didn't go to ask about him to the receptionist. Instead, I tracked his location with my phone.

“And, even if she refuses to give the documents, I have plenty more ways to force her.” He added.

The room was then filled with the voices of their groans, making it unbearable for me to stand any longer.

A lump was formed in my throat as I turned back. He broke the smallest bit of trust that had brought me to see him. The file of manuscript in my hands was mocking me as I wiped the corner of my eyes.

I had lost everything. The man I loved, the passion for writing that I had hardly regained, I lost everything once again. What was the need of going on like this?

Just then my phone rang. It was a call from Denver's research centre. I picked the call and the voice sounded desperate from the other end,

“Mrs. Beckham, Mr. Beckham is not picking up the call. Is he with you?”

I smiled in sarcasm before I asked, “What's the matter?”

“The girl who was going to be the lab rat for Mr. Denver’s freezing machine, just bailed out. The launch is tomorrow and we don't know what to do.” He spoke in haste.

I stared at my manuscript, recalled what Denver said to Cindy. In that split second, I realized I had no reason to continue living.

Taking a long breath, I replied, “It's okay. Carry on with the plan. You will find the girl for your test.”

Chapter 4

I had made up my mind. There was nothing that I could do. Had I confronted Denver and Cindy, they had plenty of their men to shut me down just as he mentioned.

And, If I tried to run away with the manuscript, Denver would turn the world upside down just to steal my work for his first love. Why go to that extent only to lose in the end?

It was better to stick to the plan I had made after discovering my husband's deception.

I walked downstairs and made my way to the receptionist of the hotel. I handed her the manuscript and the letter I prepared for Denver, and then I left for Denver's office to do one last thing.

Denver remained entangled with Cindy for one more hour in the room he had invited me. After not receiving any message from the receptionist, he put his clothes on and decided to leave the hotel.

In haste, he walked up to the receptionist and asked, “Did Mia come looking for me?”

“Yes, sir! Mrs. Beckham arrived here an hour ago.” she replied. Denver narrowed his eyes. A flicker of fear passed through his eyes as he asked,

“Why did you not notify me then? And, if she arrived an hour ago, why didn't she come to meet me? Don't tell me you told her the room no I was staying in and she watched me with Cindy?” He blurted out, his voice desperate but filled with rage.

“Calm down, Mr. Beckham! Mrs. Beckham did come here but she didn't want to meet you. She handed me these files and left.” The receptionist replied.

“She left without meeting me?” He whispered, his voice filled with surprise, and a feeling of being unwanted. He didn't like the kind of emotion he was feeling right now.

“Why are you looking upset, Denver?” Cindy joined the conversation, her tone filled with feign innocence, “Did you want to see her? Did I not make you happy tonight that you are missing your wife?”

Denver’s expression immediately softened as he turned to look at Cindy, “It's not like that, Cindy. You know I can't move my eyes off to anyone else when you are before my eyes.”

“I was just wondering what could make Mia not showing up in front of me. Mia has never ignored me before.” He added.

“Why are you even concerned about that? She has clearly handed over the manuscript. We own her book and her identity. Isn't that great?” she asked excitedly.

“You are right, Cindy.” He replied, “As long as we have her works.”

***

That night, Denver arrived home earlier than his usual time. He was desperate to find his wife. He was having some bad feelings about her.

Mia loved surprises, and whenever he asked her out, she would show up way before the time. Then, what could have gone wrong that she didn't show up before him despite coming to the hotel?

“Mia…?” He called as soon as he unlocked the main door with his card. But there was no one to answer him.

He immediately rushed to his bedroom, but the empty walls were mocking him.

I was not where to be found.

He then reached out to his phone and dialed my number, only to receive a mechanical voice from the other end, telling him the line was busy.

His heart skipped a beat. Mia didn't arrive at the hotel, nor was she at home. Where was She?

He then called his company to ask the guards when I left the office. They told him the exact time when I left, which increased his worry towards me.

In the end, he decided to go to the police station and seek their help to find me.

He had just walked out of his apartment when his phone rang. He immediately picked up the call.

It was Cindy.

“Denver, I’m so scared. Can you please come and stay with me tonight?” she asked, her voice laced with innocence.

“What happened?” He asked, his voice not so gentle.

“It's Mia, Denver. It's her again.” She cried from the other end, “She still has some blind followers who still believe I stole her book. They never stop cursing me in their comments. One of them just cursed me that today I would die in my sleep. Do you see how vicious her followers are?”

“First of all they are not her blind followers, Cindy, they are loyal to her idol. And, if one could die because of someone's curse, Mia would have died a hundred times till now.” He blurted out, his voice laced with irritation.

It was visible with his tone that he was finding Cindy's call for help an unwanted nagging.

Cindy was taken aback with his tone. He had never talked to her like that before. But, he did tonight. Not only did he talk rudely with her, but also took Mia’s stand.

“Denver…” she whispered, “You are going to name me ‘little wolf’ tomorrow, right?”

“Let's talk tomorrow, Cindy.”

After throwing out these words, Denver hung up, leaving Cindy in horror.

Chapter 5

The next day, as planned Denver and Mr. Brad arrived at the luxurious hotel booked for the book signing event.

The hall was filled with many people, all curious to know the identity of their favourite author.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the empty seat in between Denver and Mr. Brad where the little wolf was going to sit and sign the books for her fans.

The reporters were given the first rows to ask questions while the fans of little wolf were seated behind.

Soon the time came as Denver took the mike in his hand and announced, “I know everyone of you has not come here to watch me or Mr. Brad here. You all want to see your favourite author.”

“The wait is over guys! She is behind you!”

Soon firecrackers burst behind them and then Cindy emerged, walking towards the stage on her heels.

No one could move their eyes off her. They looked at her with appreciation and adoration. The author they loved, the author they looked up as their idol was none other than Cindy, the person they already knew.

“Hey, isn't she Cindy Knight? I remember her bestselling book ‘A dreamy night’. It was a masterpiece.”

“Are you talking about the same book that someone tried to plagiarize from her?”

“No, she didn't try to plagiarize her book. She claimed Cindy plagiarized her work.”

“Isn't it the same?”

“I heard Cindy went into depression after that controversy and couldn't write anything for years.”

“Many readers were claiming that maybe the other writer was right. Cindy indeed became popular with plagiarized books. That's why she couldn't write anything more.”

“But, it seems like she has been writing with another pen name. Isn't it great?”

The hall erupted with whispers and snickers. Most of them in Cindy's favor, labeling her as one of the most inspiring personalities who rose from ashes like a phoenix.

Cindy couldn't help feeling proud, receiving the love from the people that were meant for me.

She launched the book I recently wrote and signed her first hundred copies. Those copies were soon bought on double prices by the fans, making the launch a super successful event.

After the event was over, Mr. Brad declared a success party in the evening, giving a special invitation to Denver and Cindy.

Denver hesitated for a moment. He said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Brad, but I’m busy at night. I have to check the procedure in my research lab before I present my new invention to the world.”

“Denver, you have many people who are good at their work, aren't they?” Cindy interrupted, her hands lavishly wrapping around his arms as she continued, “It's a big day for me. Will you leave me alone in such a huge party?”

“You know I’m a big shot now, and everyone’s gaze will be fixed on me tonight, whether good or bad. What if they ask me to accompany them for drinks? You know my tolerance is not so good. What if I get taken advantage of by some bad people?” she said in her feign innocent voice.

Denver looked troubled, but in the end he couldn't watch Cindy’s puppy eyes seeking his presence and he nodded in agreement.

He then dialed the number of his assistant and asked, “How are the arrangements going for our last experiment before the launch?”

“I was notified that there was some issue, Sir. The girl who signed the petition of her life with us suddenly bailed out.” He reported.

“But, then they said that Mrs. Beckham has taken control over the situation.” He added.

“Mia?” Denver blurted out, “Is she with the research department?”

“Yeah, I heard she has been with the team since last night.” He replied. Denver took a sigh of relief.

So, Mia has been busy tackling the situation for him. That's why she didn't show up in the hotel or at home.

She was indeed laborious, handling work at his office and home for him along with her writings. She was excellent.

His lips curled into a smile in appreciation as he hung up the call and opened the messenger to text Mia.

[Mia, thank you so much for handling the situation for me. I got some urgent work today. I can't show up before the launch. It's on you now. Don't forget to eat something.]

He then busied himself with Cindy at the party. He accompanied her throughout the party, took drinks on behalf and then finally when the party was over, he drove the car to his research lab, along with Cindy.

He didn't even care how much I hated Cindy or bothered to think how I would after seeing her.

However, when he arrived at his location he was welcomed with a deadly silence. His heart skipped a beat as he asked, “What happened?”

The head of the research team lowered his head, saying, “We failed! The experiment was unsuccessful, Sir.”

Denver closed his eyes, grief and regret taking over him. He sighed in grief before he said, “Alright, transfer the money to the account of the girl's parents who underwent this risky experiment. She knew the risk to her life before she agreed to this experiment.”

His words were followed by another silence with no one daring to speak. Denver noticed that something was amiss and he immediately asked, “Where is Mia?”

The head of the team stepped forward. He spoke hesitantly, “Sir, it was Mrs Beckham who replaced the girl for the risky experiment.”

Chapter 6

The head of the research team walked closer to him and said, “Last night, we couldn't reach out to you. So, we called Mrs. Beckham. She told her she would handle the situation.”

“But, we didn't expect she would handle it this way. She insisted on taking the girl’s place. We tried to reach you so that you could stop her. But, you didn't pick up our call.”

“This is the letter Mrs. Beckham left for you, Mr. Beckham.” He added.

Denver immediately picked up the letter. He softly brushed his hands over my handwriting before he began reading in a desperate voice.

[Denver, I remember how you saved my life once and motivated me to keep living. It's your motivation that kept me alive for these years. This is one of the reasons I always feel I owe you one.

But, I’m going to be the lab rat for your experiment. I don't know how I’ll be fine or not when the experiment finishes. But, one thing is sure. After this experiment, I’ll not owe anything to you. We will be even.]

Denver’s company was making a freezing machine where you could lie and freeze for years or better to say sleep for years.

But, the twist was when you wake up, your body wouldn't have aged no matter how many years you slept in that machine.

Many investors had invested their money on his project and Denver badly wanted it to be successful. However, who would risk their life to be the first person to check it, freezing their body in an untrusted machine?

Never in his worst nightmares did he think that Mia, his wife, would take that risk for him after what he had been doing to her for all these years.

But why? Why did she suddenly decide to sacrifice herself? Why did she not show up in the hotel that night?

Denver turned to his assistant as he commanded, his voice cold, “I want to know what Mia was thinking before taking such a bold step. I want to know where she was, with whom she met for the past two weeks. I want to know everything about her.”

The guilt and regret in his eyes for his wife, Mia, was undeniable. Cindy couldn't help noticing it and feeling insecure.

She immediately stepped forward and wrapped her hands around Denver, saying, “Maybe she is a mental psycho. She has once tried to take her own life. What's so unique in doing it twice?”

“She might just have wanted to end her life. But it's so selfish of her to choose to end her life this way. What did she want? She did this to make you feel entitled towards her, didn't she?”

Denver clenched his fists. He turned to Cindy, brushed her hands off her arms as he said, his voice cold, “Mia is not that kind of woman.”

“Maybe Cindy is right, you shouldn't care about your wife, Denver.” A man stepped forward, his voice laced with sarcasm.

He was Denver's friend, Harry, who had come here to witness Denver's freezing machine doing miracles.

“All you cared about was the books she wrote. After she handed over her last work, she had no use for you.”

“Now, she is done with what you wanted and she is not even here to fight for her copyrights. Isn't it good for you and your… lover?” He added, his voice sarcastic.

Denver’s face turned pale. He knew Harry wasn't lying. This was what he wanted from Mia, hand over her book and then disappear from his life so that he and Cindy could live in peace.

Now that it actually happened, why could he not feel pleased? Why was he feeling devastated? Why was he feeling as if he suddenly lost all the very reasons to live?

Just then, the reporters who were waiting for Denver in the press conference barged inside his research department. They could not wait any longer and assumed something was wrong.

They began asking questions in Denver.

“Mr. Beckham, why did you not launch your machine in public yet?”

“Mr. Beckham, why is your wife lying coldly in the machine?”

“Don't tell me she is… dead?”

Just then someone shouted from the media, “Everybody check the internet. Little Fox’s recent book is making a hot sensation. The FL in the book is an author whose books were stolen by her own husband and in the end she ends her life by her husband's experiment.”

“Why does the story seem similar to Mrs. Beckham?”

“Yes, didn't she once claim Cindy's book as hers?”

“Cindy and Mrs. Beckham were sworn enemies, yet Mr. Beckham partnered with the company who publishes Cindy's books. What does that mean?”

“It means the story written by Little Fox’s is not just a story but an autobiography of Mrs. Beckham. She is the Little Fox, not Cindy. Cindy is a plagiarized author who has been stealing her books for years.”

“And her husband, Mr. Denver Beckham, was the one who has been stealing her work all these years for Cindy?”

Denver's research centre erupted with whispers and snickers from all around. The world now knew the truth that Cindy had stolen my book and my identity, and Denver had helped her.

Just then Denver's assistant arrived.

“Sir, I have collected the CCTV footage of all those areas Mrs. Beckham visited in past few days, including your study room.” He reported.

Denver immediately commanded, his tone desperate, “Play it now! I want to see what she had gone through in the past few days that forced her to take such a step.”

Denver’s assistant moved his eyes around him, staring at the crowd of the media reporters. He then asked hesitantly, his voice low, “Are you sure, Mr. Beckham? You want to play the footage in front of everyone?”

Denver, as if possessed, couldn't think anything other than me leaving him for eternity, snapped back as he yelled, “What are you waiting for? I said PLAY IT NOW!”

Denver's assistant followed his command and played the video on the projector. There were many videos, capturing me busy in my work- writing, cooking and handling Denver's company’s several issues that he couldn't.

Then came the video in which I came out of my study room, holding my books’ manuscript but my legs got paused on the door for some reason.

There was a moment when I couldn't even stand properly, my legs gave up and I almost fell to the floor if there wasn't a chair to support me, and then emerged Denver along with his friend, reaching his hands out to my manuscript.

“She heard me!” Denver murmured, “She knew I had been deceiving her through years yet she remained silent. She endured the pain of betrayal and kept playing along.”