Chapter 1
594words
The contempt in his eyes cut through me like a knife.
I was born to the prestigious Wright family of Riverdale City, only to be shipped off to some rural hellhole after my parents' murder.
The Kosters' empire? Built on my behind-the-scenes brilliance.
Yet Old Mr. Kosters kept this secret buried, terrified I'd become a target if word got out.
When I didn't respond, Charles arched an eyebrow. "Oh, did I forget to mention? This disease is especially nasty for women. It'll haunt you forever—clingy, just like you."
"And FYI, my tests came back clean. I'm just a carrier—no symptoms. So enjoy your filthy little disease. It's all yours."
My heart shattered like glass.
That night's tenderness? Nothing but a pathetic fantasy I'd created.
Rage and heartbreak boiled over, and I swung my hand toward his face.
A blur of movement—someone darted between us.
Crack! My palm connected with Vivian Woods' cheek instead.
"Vivian!" Charles's face transformed instantly, all traces of coldness vanishing.
He yanked her protectively against his chest, fingers gently tracing her reddening cheek. "What are you doing here? Why would you jump between us like that? God, does it hurt?"
I'd never seen him show such genuine concern or protection—not once, not for me.
Before I could process the thought, he whirled around and backhanded me across the face.
The world spun, bells clanging in my ears as I stumbled and crashed to the floor.
"Charles," Vivian whimpered, "why weren't you answering your phone? James said you'd gone to the hospital. I was terrified your ulcer was acting up again, so I rushed over."
Vivian's gaze dropped to the wedding band on my finger, her eyes welling with tears. "Someone told me overseas that you'd married... I couldn't believe it. Didn't you promise you'd wait for me?"
Charles's face crumpled with anguish. "My grandfather forced this on me. I can barely stand to look at her. You're the only one I love—always have been."
He lunged forward, grabbing for the ring on my finger.
I staggered to my feet, jerking away from him. "Don't. Fucking. Touch me."
I ripped the ring off and hurled it through the open hallway window.
Charles froze, clearly shocked by my defiance.
His eyes lingered on my bare finger, something unreadable flickering across his face before disgust reclaimed it. "Well, at least you know when to quit."
"You," he barked at his bodyguard, "go find that ring, clean it, and put it in my study drawer."
When the man hesitated, Charles snapped, "Make sure no one else finds it. Last thing we need is gossip about how the Kosters can't even hang onto a wedding ring."
Without another glance my way, he wrapped an arm tenderly around Vivian. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's get some ice for that cheek."
As they walked away, the nausea I'd been fighting erupted.
I doubled over, violent heaves wracking my body.
Charles froze at the sound, his shoulders tensing.
Vivian clutched his arm. "Please, let's go. My face is throbbing."
Charles sneered over his shoulder. "Quit the dramatics, Sophie. It's pathetic."
[This line is redundant as it repeats earlier dialogue, so I've removed it]
[This line is redundant as it repeats earlier dialogue, so I've removed it]
After they disappeared down the hall, a warm hand settled on my back. "Sophie? God, what's wrong?" The voice was thick with concern.
