Forced Into Marriage to Save the Woman He Loved

Three years ago, my mother went under the knife in what shouldve been a routine operation.

Except the surgeon assigned to herValeriahad shown up drunk after a party.

Worse, shed been laughing about it. Shed even made some sick little wager with the other doctors, bragging that she could still save a patient while alcohol was still in her system.

All it took was one wrong incision. One careless slip of her hand.

And instead of my mother waking up healed she never woke up at all.

She was left in a coma.

My brother Inigo, a lawyer, refused to let it go. He filed a case against the hospital and against Valeria. He fought like hell, demanding justice for our mother and for our family.

But the hospital had money. Connections. Power.

And so did Valeria.

Somehow, everything flipped.

Evidence vanished. Witnesses changed their stories. Documents were altered. Overnight, Inigo was no longer the victims son fighting for his motherhe was painted as a liar. A troublemaker. A man making false accusations.

They charged him with defamation.

They dragged his name through every courtroom and every headline, calling him unstable and reckless.

And in the end, Inigo was the one who got locked up.

He lost his license.

He lost his freedom.

While the real criminal walked away untouched.

I couldnt accept it.

So I did the only thing I had leftI went public. I spoke to the media. I told them what Valeria had done. I begged people to listen, to care, to see what kind of monster she really was.

But instead of support, I got ridicule.

They called me bitter. They called me dramatic. They said I was just trying to destroy the reputation of a brilliant doctor.

And as the story spread, the damage didnt stop at my familys name.

It bled into our business.

Investors started backing out.

One after another, they pulled their support until the company my father had built from nothingthe empire hed poured his blood intostarted collapsing right in front of my eyes.

I was drowning.

And that was when Darian appeared.

He was rich, influential, untouchable and worst of all, he was someone Id secretly admired long before my life fell apart.

When he acquired our company, he didnt just take over the business.

He offered me a deal.

Marriage.

No wedding. No romance. No vows. Just paperwork. Just his surname stamped onto mine.

He promised me security.

He promised my mothers treatment would continue.

He promised no one would dare touch me again.

But in return, he wanted my obedience. My submission. My silence.

And I said yes.

Because even if it was a cage, it was still better than standing there and watching my family get crushed piece by piece.

I convinced myself I could endure it.

I told myself I could be a proper wife, even if love was never part of the arrangement.

And then today came.

Our third anniversary.

I stared down at the pregnancy test in my hands, my lips trembling into a small smile.

Positive.

Two faint pink lines, but they felt like the first real hope Id held in years. I brushed my fingers over them, heart pounding.

Darian had always wanted an heir. Someone to carry his name.

Maybe this would finally change something.

Maybe this would make him look at me differently.

I imagined his expression softening. Imagined him reaching for me, holding me like I matteredlike I wasnt just a bargain hed signed.

I was in the middle of planning the surprise when something caught my eye.

A sparkle on his desk.

A necklace.

Not just any necklace, but the exact Audrey Hepburn-inspired gold set Id been quietly dreaming about for months.

My breath hitched.

He remembered.

For the first time, I let myself believe hed actually bought something for me. Something thoughtful. Something that meant hed been paying attention.

My hands shook as I fastened it around my neck.

I stared into the mirror.

And for the first time in years, I didnt look like a woman surviving.

I looked pretty.

I looked wanted.

Then the door opened.

Darian walked in.

His gaze snapped straight to the necklace.

And his face turned cold.

What the hell are you doing wearing that?

I blinked, startled. I I thought it was mine. For our anniversary

He crossed the room in two long strides and yanked it off so violently the chain scraped my skin.

This is not for you, he said, voice dripping with contempt. Dont get ahead of yourself. Why would I spend something this pricey on you?

My chest tightened as if his words had physically stabbed me.

But I thought

You thought wrong. His tone was sharp, cruel. Do you have any idea how much Im paying to keep your mother alive? That alone is more generosity than you deserve.

Then he turned away like the conversation bored him.

As for the anniversaryforget it. Cancel it. Im busy. His eyes flicked over me with disgust. Stay here. Take care of your mother. Scrub the floors. Thats all youre useful for.

My eyes burned, but I forced the tears back down.

Darian my voice cracked. I wanted to tell you something. I have a surprise

I dont care.

His words were pure ice.

He grabbed his coat, already halfway out the door.

Im not coming home tonight. Dont wait up. He paused just long enough to throw one last warning over his shoulder. And dont touch anything that isnt yours again.

Then he left.

The door slammed so hard the walls seemed to shake.

I dropped to my knees.

My whole body trembled as sobs tore out of me, ugly and uncontrollable.

But the next day, I still went.

I went to the riverside restaurant anyway.

It had always been a small dream of mineto eat dinner by the Golden Bridge, to watch the lights shimmer on the water like stars scattered across the river.

Even if he didnt show.

Even if I sat there alone.

I just wanted to feel like a human being again.

When I arrived, the hostess greeted me with a soft smile.

Right this way, maam. Your VIP room is ready.

The room was stunning, with a private balcony overlooking the river.

The view stole my breath.

I ate quietly, forcing myself to believe this could still count as something. That I could still find peace, even if it was only in small moments like this.

Then I heard a laugh.

A laugh I knew too well.

From the balcony next to mine.

My entire body froze.

Darian.

My pulse thundered in my ears as I moved closer, careful, slow, praying I wouldnt be noticed.

And then I heard another voice.

Soft. Feminine.

Unmistakable.

Valeria.

The drunk surgeon who ruined my family and Darians childhood friend.

His lover.

The same woman whod disappeared three years ago, the same woman Darian had once sworn he would make pay.

My hand flew to my mouth as if I could physically stop myself from making a sound.

Are you sure this is fine? Valeria asked, her voice gentle. It is your anniversary, isnt it?

Darian chuckled like shed said something adorable.

Its not important. His tone was lazy, dismissive. Ill buy her some cheap trinket later. Shell take it and smile like she always does.

Then his voice lowered, smoother.

Now that youre back, Im divorcing her. She was just convenient. I needed their company. He laughed softly. You know I only married her so she wouldnt have the nerve to go after you again.

Valeria hesitated. I I do feel bad about her mother.

Oh, please. Darian sounded amused. Even if you hadnt been drunk that day, her mother wouldve ended up like that eventually. She was weak. Theyre all weak.

I felt sick.

Then he continued, calm as if he was discussing business over coffee.

Once I move the billion-dollar account using her designssince investors still trust her fathers nameIll take everything. His voice turned colder. After that, Ill pull the plug on her mother.

My blood ran cold.

And her brother? he added with a shrug in his voice. Let him rot in prison. When theyre finally gone we can be together for real.

My knees buckled.

My vision swam.

I clamped my hand harder over my mouth, biting down on my own sob so I wouldnt scream.

No.

No, no, no.

This couldnt be happening.

But it was.

I stumbled out of the restaurant, barely able to see through the tears. My body shook so violently I could hardly breathe.

I didnt think.

I didnt plan.

I only knew one thing.

Run.

Just run.

I didnt even notice the headlights until it was too late.

A sharp screech.

A burst of blinding light.

Pain tearing through me.

And then

Nothing.

Only darkness.

When I finally opened my eyes, the first thing that hit me was the ceiling.

It wasnt mine.

The white was too clean, too sterilebright enough to sting. For a second, I just stared, disoriented, and then my heart slammed against my ribs as I jolted upright.

Pain tore through my body like lightning.

I hissed, clutching at the sheets as panic rose so fast it nearly choked me.

Where where was I?

Maam, please. A gentle voice cut through the silence.

I snapped my head to the side and saw a maid standing near the corner of the room, hands folded neatly in front of her.

You need to lie back down, she said softly. Youre still injured.

My fingers tightened around the blanket. Where am I? My voice came out hoarse, cracking with fear. Where did you bring me? Andmy baby. My breath hitched. Wheres my baby? Tell me!

The maids lips parted like she wanted to answer

But a low laugh rolled in from the doorway, slow and mocking.

Oh, for Gods sake, Vivienne. Relax. Youre not in danger anymore.

My blood went ice-cold.

That voice.

I turned, slowly, like my body already knew what my mind didnt want to accept.

And then I saw him.

Inigo I breathed.

He was leaning against the doorframe like he owned the air in the roomarms crossed, eyes full of amusement, that smug, arrogant smirk on his face like it had been carved there since high school.

Of all people.

It had to be him.

My rival. My enemy. The one person whod made my life a competition in every possible wayacademics, sports, reputation, even our families expectations.

Our fathers had once been close business partners. There had even been talk of engagement years ago.

Id refused.

Id hated him too much to even consider it.

And now here he was, standing over me like fate was playing the cruelest joke.

I swallowed hard. Why am I here? I demanded, voice shaking. What am I doing in your house?

Inigo pushed off the frame and strolled in, unhurried, eyes gleaming. Because you crashed into my car, he said easily. And I saved you.

My my baby. My hands flew to my stomach.

He answered without missing a beat. Safe. The babys fine.

Then his gaze sharpened slightly. But you? Youre a mess. His mouth curved. After what you overheard tonight your dear husband being a traitor and all.

I glared at him, throat tightening. That has nothing to do with you.

Inigo chuckled, dark and entertained. Oh, it has everything to do with me. He tilted his head. Heres a thoughtdivorce him. Then marry me. You shouldve done it in the first place.

The nerve.

Heat rushed through my veins. No! I snapped. Absolutely not. Id rather die. I hate you.

His grin widened, completely unbothered. Still got that temper. His eyes swept over me with lazy approval. Thats what I like about you.

Then he snapped his fingers.

The maid immediately turned on the television mounted on the wall.

My breath stopped.

On the screen, Valeria stood smiling for the cameras, her hand linked with Darians like they were some perfect couple in a romance drama.

The headline beneath them made my stomach twist:

Love is sweeter the second time around.

So this was the truth.

This was why Id been hidden away like some shameful secret. Why there were no anniversaries worth celebrating, no public appearances, no pride in calling me his wife.

He hadnt wanted a wife.

Hed wanted a placeholder.

Someone to keep things steady while he waited for her to come back.

The fight drained out of me all at once, leaving nothing but exhaustion and something sharp and steady underneath it.

I let out a shaky breath. Fine, I said quietly. Ill marry you.

The words felt poisonous in my mouth, but my chest burned with determination.

Inigos brow lifted.

But first, I continued, forcing myself to stay calm, I need to go home. I need to settle things properly. I met his eyes. Come back for me in four days.

He studied me for a long moment, like he was trying to figure out if I was bluffing.

Then his smirk returned. Done.

A few hours later, a limousine drove me back.

The windows were tinted, hiding my face from the outside world, but my heart was pounding so hard I could barely breathe.

As the gates of the Smith mansion came into view, I gripped the seat until my knuckles turned white.

The car rolled to a stop.

The door opened.

And there he was.

Darian.

He was already storming down the front steps, fury written all over him.

Where the hell have you been? he barked. Ive been calling you nonstop! His gaze snapped to the limo. And whose car is that?

My lips curled into a cold, humorless smile. Nobodys.

Nobodys? His eyes narrowed. Dont tell me youre cheating on me.

A bitter laugh ripped out of me. Cheating? I repeated. Me?

His jaw tightened. What is that supposed to mean? Youre acting like this because our anniversary didnt happen? I told you I was busy.

Busy doing what? I shot back, voice trembling with rage.

Before he could answer, a soft sob floated through the doorway.

We both turned.

Valeria stood there with tears running down her cheeks, holding a bouquet of flowers like she was the victim in this story.

Im sorry, she whispered, voice shaking. Are you two arguing because of me? I shouldnt have come back, but I just wanted to confess. I wanted to apologize. About your mother. She swallowed. I know the timing is wrong.

My eyes dropped to her neck.

And my entire body went still.

The necklace.

The Audrey Hepburn gold set.

The one Id put on. The one Darian had ripped from me like I was dirt.

It was glowing against Valerias skin.

Something inside me snapped.

You ruined my mother! I spat, stepping forward. And you think saying sorry makes it okay?

Valeria reached for me. Vivienne, please

I slapped her hand away so hard the sound echoed.

She stumbled back, almost falling.

Vivienne! Darian thundered, rushing to catch her. His face twisted in fury. Have you lost your mind? She came here to apologize, and you dare lay hands on her?

Tears blurred my vision, but my voice didnt break.

I dont want her apology! I cried. Shes disgusting! Shes evil! I turned on him, shaking. You promised me. You swore you would make her pay. So why is she here? Why are you protecting her?

Enough! Darian snapped.

His eyes were sharp, cold, full of contempt.

Ive known her longer than Ive known you, he said. She doesnt deserve your hatred. He stepped closer, voice turning hard. Apologize.

I shook my head. No.

His expression darkened, and his voice dropped into something quiet and deadly.

If you refuse, he said, Ill pull your mothers life support.

My heart stopped.

My whole body went numb.

You My voice came out broken. Youd kill my mother for her?

Darian didnt even hesitate.

Yes.

One single word.

Cold. Absolute. Merciless.

Then he leaned closer, eyes gleaming with cruelty. So kneel. Right now. And kiss her shoes.

Valeria gasped, eyes wide. Darian, notheres no need

But Darian shot her a look that shut her up instantly.

Tears spilled down my face as my knees gave out.

Humiliation burned through me like acid, searing every nerve.

Slowlyso slowly it felt like dyingI lowered myself to the marble floor.

Then I bent forward and pressed my lips to Valerias shoes.

Darian looked satisfied.

Like hed just won something.

He wrapped an arm around Valeria and led her away, leaving me behind like discarded trash.

Alone.

I pressed my fists against my chest and sobbed until my whole body shook.

But even while I broke apart, something inside me hardened.

Four days.

Just four more days.

And Id be gone.

No one would ever get to hurt me again.

I wiped my face, forced myself to stand, and staggered back to my room.

My hands were trembling when I grabbed my phone.

But when the call finally connected, my voice was steady.

Hello?

This is Vivienne Smith, I whispered. I want to file for divorce. Prepare the papers.

I want a divorce from Darian Smith, I whispered into the phone, gripping it so hard my fingers went numb. Draw up the papers.

On the other end, my lawyer let out a long breath, the kind that carried warning and pity all at once. Vivienne you know you cant. What about your mother? Shes still receiving treatment in the hospital Darian pays for. If you leave him now, shell be cut off. She wont survive.

My throat burned, but I forced my voice to stay steady. Then Ill move her. Immediately. Ill spend every last cent I have left if thats what it takes.

Vivienne

No. I cut him off, my tone sharper than Id ever used with anyone. Nobody is stopping me. File the divorce.

I swallowed, then added, each word deliberate. But dont send it yet. Deliver the papers on the day the investors sign. The same day as the design proposal. Thats when I want Darian to see it.

A pause.

Then my lawyer spoke again, reluctant but resigned. Understood.

I hung up before my courage could crack.

My legs felt unsteady as I stood and walked to the closet. Then I started movingfast, mechanical, like if I slowed down even for a second, Id fall apart.

I tore dresses off hangers and shoved them into a suitcase. I grabbed whatever I could reachshirts, coats, shoesand threw them in without folding.

Then I went for the jewelry.

The pieces Darian had bought over the years, just enough to make me believe he cared, just enough to keep me obedient.

I swept them into the trash.

Every last one.

I wanted nothing from him. Nothing that would keep me chained.

I was about to rip the framed photo from the shelfthe picture from our so-called wedding day, which had really just been us signing papers in his office, no ceremony, no vows, no love

When the door flew open.

Darian walked in like he owned the air in the room, not bothering to knock.

Cook, he said flatly. Weve got guests coming tonight.

I turned to face him, my jaw clenched. I dont feel well.

His eyes narrowed. Stop with the excuses. Youre doing it.

Before I could say another word, he placed a firm hand on my shoulder and shoved me toward the hallway.

I stumbled, catching myself at the doorframe, my face burning with humiliation.

As always, my voice meant nothing.

That evening, the mansion filled with noise.

Laughter floated from the living room. Crystal glasses clinked. Expensive heels clicked across the marble floors while champagne poured like water.

And I stood in the kitchen, apron tied around my waist, plating food like a servant in my own home.

When I finally carried a tray out, my arms trembling under the weight, the room went quiet for a heartbeat.

People turned.

A tall man with a sleek smile glanced at me and asked casually, Whos that?

Darian didnt hesitate.

My new maid, he said, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

A few people laughed.

The sound rang in my ears until it felt like I couldnt hear anything else.

She looks familiar, someone else said. Wasnt she the one who tried to destroy Valerias reputation years ago? The one who went on TV and accused her?

Oh, thats beautiful, a woman giggled. Darian took her in as a maid. How generous. How merciful.

More laughter.

It crashed over me like a wave, heavy and suffocating.

I tightened my grip on the tray until my knuckles ached, forcing myself not to shake.

Valeria sat beside Darian, elegant and radiant, like she belonged there. Her smile was soft, almost angelicyet her eyes glittered with triumph.

Please, she said sweetly. Dont ridicule her. She pressed a hand to her chest as if she were deeply wounded. This is my fault. I caused her family pain, and Ill always carry that guilt. But shes been so gracious she forgave me.

She tilted her head, voice turning even gentler. And I promise Ill help with her mothers treatment too. She shouldnt suffer anymore.

The room erupted in applause.

Then she should be grateful, a woman sneered. She should kiss Valerias feet. Thank her properly.

My vision swam.

But I didnt move.

I stood there, frozen, staring past them, through them, into nothing. I didnt respond to the laughter, the whispers, the insults.

I simply turned and walked away.

Behind me, the party noise resumed like Id never existed.

The moment I stepped into the hall, Darian followed.

He slammed the door shut behind us.

His voice was cold enough to cut skin. What the hell was that? They were talking to you, and you just walked off?

I spun around, the last thread of control snapping. They were humiliating me, Darian! Cant you see what youve turned me into?

He scoffed. So dramatic. Always acting. His eyes were hard. Do you think I enjoy doing this? Do you think I want you paraded like that?

He stepped closer, his tone shifting into something sickly calm. Im doing it for you. If I dont keep Valeria close, shell come after you. Shell hurt you. Or your mother. Everything Im doing is to protect you.

Gaslighting.

Always.

I shook my head, tears spilling down my cheeks. No, I whispered. Youre doing it for yourself. For her.

He opened his mouth to answer

And then a scream tore through the house.

Glass shattered.

The laughter outside twisted into panic.

Poison! someone yelled. The foodsomethings wrong!

My blood turned to ice as I rushed back into the living room.

Chaos had erupted.

Guests were doubled over, clutching their stomachs, faces drained of color. One woman collapsed onto the floor and vomited violently.

And then Valeria herself bent forward, retching, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Every head turned.

Every eye locked onto me.

The whispers started instantlyfast, vicious, unstoppable.

It was her.

The maid.

The wife.

She poisoned the food.

Within minutes, sirens howled outside. Ambulances arrived. The guests were rushed out in a frenzy.

And just like that, I was in a hospital again.

Bright lights. White walls. The same sterile smell.

My hands shook uncontrollably as I stood in the corridor, mind spinning.

Darian cornered me, his anger radiating off him like heat.

Did you do it? he demanded, his face twisted with rage.

I shook my head so hard it hurt. No! Why would I poison them? Why would I hurt anyone? Darian, I didnt

Liar! he roared, and the sound echoed down the hallway.

You wanted revenge, he snarled. You wanted to embarrass me in front of my investors. Do you even understand what youve done?

I swear to you, I didnt

I didnt even get to finish.

His palm slammed across my face.

The impact sent me stumbling into the cold hospital wall, pain exploding across my cheek.

Hit her again, he barked to the men standing nearby. Teach her what happens when she forgets her place.

And then the beating started.

Fists. Boots. Blows that came too fast to count.

I curled inward, trying to protect my stomach, trying to shield the tiny life inside me, but the pain didnt stop. It didnt slow.

It only got worse.

Until everything went black.

When I woke up, my entire body screamed.

My lips were swollen. My ribs ached with every shallow breath. Blood had dried on my skin, sticky and dark.

My voice came out as nothing but a rasp.

My baby I whispered. Wheres my baby?

The nurse standing nearby looked at me with wet eyes, clutching her clipboard to her chest like she needed it to hold herself together.

Her lips trembled before she finally spoke, soft and heavylike a bell at a funeral.

Im so sorry, maam, she said. The baby didnt survive.

The nurses eyes shone with pity as she hugged her clipboard to her chest. Her mouth quivered before she finally spoke, her voice quietyet it landed like a death knell.

Im sorry, maam the baby is gone.

The sentence sliced straight through me.

My lungs locked. My chest tightened until it felt like I couldnt breathe. My throat burned, but no scream came out. I only stared, frozen, as if my body refused to accept what my mind had just heard.

Then my hands moved on their own.

They flew to my stomach, clutching desperately, as though I could still find the warmth of the life that had been there only hours ago.

But there was nothing.

Empty.

My babymy last fragile thread of hopewas gone.

Not because of an accident.

Not because of fate.

Because of them.

Because of Darian.

Because of the cruelty of the man I had once called my husband.

I never asked for this.

I never wanted to lose my child. I had swallowed humiliation after humiliation, endured the insults, the manipulation, the endless gaslighting, because I thought I could at least keep my baby safe.

I thought that if I held on long enough, if I stayed quiet long enough, if I suffered enough then at least my child would survive.

But now?

Everything was gone.

And the worst part was, even if I hated Darian with every piece of my soul, the baby was not him.

The baby was mine.

A part of me.

A heartbeat.

A life.

And no matter how broken I was, I never wanted that life to be taken from me.

My hands trembled against my stomach as if my palms could somehow undo what had happened. My lips shook, and the words that fell out were so small they barely sounded like speech.

Im sorry I whispered. Im so sorry, baby. I shouldve protected you. I shouldve fought harder. Please forgive me.

Hot tears slid down my face as guilt swallowed me whole.

It wasnt fair.

My baby had done nothing wrongyet paid the price for the monsters surrounding me.

The door creaked open.

I looked up.

Darian walked in.

His face was blank, unreadable, like hed stepped into the room to discuss paperwork instead of the fact that I had just lost my child. His gaze flicked to the nurse for a second, then settled on me with cold indifference.

You need to get yourself together, he said flatly. Theres going to be a press conference. Youll apologize publicly.

I stared at him as if I hadnt heard correctly. My lips parted, trembling. Apologize? My voice came out broken. Why would I apologize when I didnt do anything?

You did, he snapped. You were responsible for the food.

No! I choked out. It wasnt me! The maid cooked it. I only served the plates. I would never poison anyonenever!

Darians jaw tightened. His eyes darkened, sharp with rage. I dont care, he said. The guests are already preparing to sue. If you dont clean up this mess, theyll send you to prison.

My whole body shook. My voice dropped into a cracked whisper. I lost my baby because of you. Tears spilled again. I was pregnant, Darian. Pregnant. And now I

He cut me off with a scoff.

So what? he said, like my grief was an inconvenience. It was just a baby. Dont use that to manipulate me.

His words were poison, each one stripping away whatever was left inside my chest.

He leaned closer, lowering his voice until it was only for me.

If you refuse again, he murmured, breath cold against my ear, then Ill have to kill your mother. Or your brother. Do you want that?

My body went numb.

He always knew where to strike.

My mother.

Inigo.

The only people I was still trying to protect.

A long, defeated breath slipped out of me. My eyes closed for a second, and when I opened them again, there was nothing left to fight with.

Fine, I whispered.

Not long after, a maid entered carrying a plain dress and a compact of powder. She didnt look at me with sympathy. Only obedience. Only duty.

They pulled me to my feet and forced me in front of a mirror.

A comb dragged through my hair too roughly.

Powder was dabbed over my bruises, over the swelling, over the marks on my face as if makeup could erase what Darian had done.

But no matter how much they tried to fix me, the woman staring back didnt look like a wife.

She looked like a ghost.

My dress was lifeless. My eyes were swollen. My body looked fragile, hollow, ruined.

I didnt look human anymore.

I looked like someone who had already died and simply hadnt stopped walking yet.

When I was pushed onto the stage at the press conference, dozens of cameras flashed in my face like knives. Reporters whispered to each other, hungry and eager, waiting for me to break.

A paper sat in my shaking hands.

Darians script.

My throat felt scraped raw, but I forced the words out anyway, reading aloud like a puppet.

I I want to apologize for what happened at the dinner party. It was my fault. I should have been more careful. I never intended to hurt anyone. I take full responsibility. My voice cracked. Please please dont send me to jail. Im begging you.

The room erupted.

Questions flew at me.

Laughter.

Judgment.

Disgust.

I lowered my head, biting my lip until I tasted blood. Tears blurred the letters, but I forced myself to finish.

Because if I didnt

My mother would die.

My brother would die.

When I finally stepped away from the podium, it was already done.

The damage was permanent.

The whispers followed me like blades scraping against my skin.

Shes the culprit.

She tried to poison them.

She should be grateful Valeria forgave her.

By the time I returned to the mansion that evening, I felt like I was walking through a nightmare that wouldnt end.

I stepped into the living room

And froze.

Valeria was sitting comfortably on the sofa, sipping tea like she belonged there. Like the house was hers. Like I was the intruder.

She looked up and smiled warmly, her eyes dripping with fake kindness.

Vivienne, she said, standing as if she was welcoming me home. Thank you for what you did today. I know it must have been difficult, but it was for the best.

Her voice turned even softer, sweet as honey.

Dont worry. Ill do everything I can to make sure your mother is well taken care of.

Her words stabbed deeper than anything else.

I should have screamed.

I should have lunged at her.

I should have ripped that smile off her face.

But I had no strength left.

All the rage, all the grief, all the paineverything inside me had been drained until there was only emptiness.

Instead, I lifted my hand slowly to my finger.

The wedding band.

Darians ring.

The ring Id once worn like it meant something, like it proved I mattered.

Like it made me his.

With steady hands, I slid it off.

Then I stepped forward and placed it into Valerias palm.

Her eyes widened, shocked.

I looked her straight in the face, even as tears threatened to spill again.

Dont worry, I said quietly. You wont have to think about me anymore.

Valeria blinked. Vivienne

My lips curved into a bitter smile.

Because youre never going to see me again.

She stared at me, stunned.

I held her gaze for one last heartbeat.

Enjoy being the wife, I said.

Then I turned around and walked away

Leaving behind the final piece of myself I had ever handed to Darian Smith.

I tore through my drawers like my life depended on itbecause it did.

My hands shook so badly I could barely grip anything as I yanked out files, clothes, envelopesanything that might hide what I needed.

My passport.

It had to be here. My only way out. The only proof I still had a right to leave, a right to choose where my life went next.

But the drawer was empty.

And the lock box I kept it in? Broken. Forced open. The metal latch bent as if someone had crushed it out of pure spite.

No I whispered, my throat tightening as panic crawled up my chest.

I searched again anyway, desperate enough to believe it might magically appear if I just looked harder. I threw papers across the floor, scattering them like fallen leaves. I checked under stacks, behind folders, even inside shoes.

Nothing.

Then a sharp, bitter smell drifted through the window.

Smoke.

My breath caught. I rushed to the glass and shoved it open.

Down in the yard, flames danced wildly, licking at a pile of fabric. My stomach twisted.

Clothes. My mothers clothes.

I bolted down the stairs, nearly tripping over my own feet. The heat hit my face immediately, but I didnt think. I didnt even breathe. I just ran.

And there it was.

Her shawl. Her nightgowns. The soft sweaters I folded carefully every week, the only thing I could still do for her while she lay trapped in a hospital bed.

All of it burning. Turning to ash.

My lungs refused to work. My chest seized.

Beside the fire stood Valeria, arms crossed, smirking as if this was a show she had been waiting for.

What are you doing?! I screamed, charging forward.

A maid grabbed my wrist, holding me back.

Maamplease! she whispered urgently, eyes darting like she was terrified of being caught. It was Valerias order. She said this room is hers now. She doesnt want any of your things left. She said you wouldnt care, because youre useless.

Useless.

Even now, after everything, that word landed like a slap.

I turned to Valeria, fury ripping through me, vision blurring. You had no right! Those were my mothers things! How dare you!

Valeria only shrugged, as if I were throwing a tantrum over something trivial. She tilted her head, amused.

Relax, she said lazily. This house needs renovations. Your clutter was ruining it. Honestly, you should thank me. Once this becomes my room, everything will finally look perfect.

My hands curled into fists. I took a step toward her, but before I could speak, her fingers tangled in my hair.

Then she yanked.

Pain exploded through my scalp, a cry ripping from me.

You still think you can stand against me? she hissed, hot and venomous against my ear. You shouldve died the moment your mother fell into that coma. At least then Darian wouldnt have wasted years pretending with you.

My blood boiled. I lifted my hand, ready to strike

But a shadow fell over us.

Darian.

His eyes were sharp, blazing with anger.

For the first time, hope sparked. He saw it. He finally saw what she was doing.

But the fire in his gaze wasnt for her. It was for me.

What the hell do you think youre doing? he snapped.

She started it! I cried, voice cracking. She burned my mothers clothes! She

He didnt let me finish. His hand clamped around my arm, hard enough to bruise. Then he shoved me so violently I stumbled back into the wall.

You never learn, he growled, dragging me back into the house like I was nothing but a problem to put away. He slammed the bedroom door shut behind us, locking it with a sharp click.

Then his palm cracked across my face. The slap was so hard my head snapped sideways. My cheek burned instantly.

You are not leaving this room unless I say so, he said coldly. And you will finish the designs for tomorrow.

Tears filled my eyesnot from pain, but from humiliation.

Darian I

If you try anything stupid, he cut in, voice like ice, your family dies.

I froze.

His eyes darkened as he leaned closer. Your mother. Your brother. Gone. Do you hear me?

My whole body went numb. I couldnt breathe. Couldnt think. All I could do was nod.

Satisfied, he stepped back. Good.

Then he left.

The sound of the lock echoed in my skull like a prison bell.

I slid down the wall, trembling. My cheek throbbed. My throat burned. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying not to fall apart.

Hours passed.

Then my phone vibrated weakly against the floor. Unknown number. My heart lurched.

I stared at it before answering with shaking fingers.

Vivienne.

My body froze. That voice.

Inigo? I whispered.

Yes. Its me. His voice was rushed but steady. I got out. Inigo helped. Were moving Mother tonight. Shell be safe.

Relief slammed into me so hard I almost sobbed.

Oh my God Inigoplease, get me out. I cant stay here.

I will. Tomorrow. Hang on until then. Just survive.

Ill wait, I whispered.

The call ended.

I wiped my face and forced myself to stand.

If Darian wanted designs, fine. I would give them. But not my future.

I went to the desk and opened every file. Every sketch. Every blueprint. Everything hed forced me to create. My fingers moved fast, copying, saving.

Not just designs. Proof. Evidence. Every stolen transaction. Every forged signature. Every illegal deal hed hidden behind my work.

I transferred it all to a flash drive. Then I sent everything to Inigo. Along with one message: Expose him. End him.

After that, I called the investors myself. My voice came out calm even though my hands shook.

Cancel tomorrows signing. Youll receive proof soon.

The night dragged on. Hunger meant nothing. At one point, I slipped quietly into the hallway, hoping for food or water.

Instead, I heard it.

Moaning. Soft laughter.

Valeria. Darian.

My stomach twisted. Bile rose in my throat. I backed away, skin crawling, returning to my room. I clutched the flash drive and stared at the clock, praying for midnight.

When Darian finally returned, tie loose, expression smug, he found me at the desk.

Who told you to get up? he demanded. Are you done?

Yes, I said evenly. I handed him a flash drive. A copy.

Good. Tomorrow, youll present it yourself. Convince them. If you fail, everything collapses.

The next morning, I woke before dawn, heart racing. Maybe Inigo would get me out before Darian noticed.

But Darian forced me into the same car as him.

Theres a private meeting before tonights signing. Top shareholders. Yacht. Youre coming.

My chest tightened. Cant you go alone?

No. We leave together so I know you wont run.

I texted Inigo quickly: Change of plans. Theyre taking me on the yacht first. Please help.

The yacht gleamed under the sun. I stood by the railing, gripping the metal until my knuckles turned white. The sea stretched endlessly. Free. Vast. Unreachable.

Thinking of jumping?

Valeria.

What do you want? I asked tightly.

She leaned closer. Just reminding you after today, you disappear. Understand?

I turned to her, anger burning so hot it hurt. Why? You already have everything. My fathers dead. My mother is helpless. My brother went to jail. You even have Darian. You ruined my life. What more do you want? My death?

Valeria tilted her head, eyes glittering with cruel amusement. Honestly? Now that you mention it maybe thats not a bad idea.

My blood turned to ice.

She smiled wider. Im the one hes loved since we were kids. You were a placeholder. Darian will always protect me. You cant win. Time to say goodbye.

Before I could moveshe shoved me.

The railing slipped. My body lurched forward. The world tilted. The sea rose to swallow me whole.

The wind screamed past my ears. Cold water wrapped around me, dragging me down into darkness.

I closed my eyes. Finally.

As I sank deeper, I triggered the emergency signal.

A slow smile curved my lips even underwater.

Because I knew I had done it.

Soon, I would be free.

Soon, I would escape this place filled with darkness, control and betrayal.