Lily Williams sacrificed everything for her husband, Adrian, including her father’s property to help him build his company. But when she learns that Adrian has been hiding her existence and parading another woman as his wife, Lily decides it’s time to file for divorce.In a twist of fate, she crosses paths with Henry, a mysterious stranger, leading to an unexpected one-night stand. As they continue to encounter each other, Lily is faced with a choice—revenge, healing, and maybe even love. Will she find the strength to move on from her past and embrace a new future with Henry?
View MoreChapter Thirty-Eight: Love She Can't AcceptLily's POVI sat on my bed, staring into the mirror as I gazed back at me. My hair was a slight mess from the shower I took, but no amount of hot water could take off the stench of last night. My skin still had the feel of his touch; it was as if I could feel it clung to my skin like an unerasable stain.Mr. Carter.I squeezed my eyes shut, my breath hitching sharply. I had done what had to be done. For Simeon. For the man that I loved.But at what cost?It twisted and coiled inside me like a snake, tighter with every second that reeled by. I didn't know how to face him, how to look into his eyes and pretend as if nothing had happened. What if he could tell? What if he knew already?The sudden knock at the door made me freeze.I felt my heart stop for one moment, then hammer wildly within my chest. I curled my fingers into the sheets as I sat there unmoving, hoping—praying—whoever it was would just leave.Another knock.Then his voice."Lily
.Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Deal Lily PovThe taxi ride to Mr. Carter's estate felt endless. Each mile that passed made my stomach churn harder, my fingers curling into my dress as I stared blankly out the window. The city lights blurred past, casting strange shadows that danced across my trembling hands.I had made my choice.I kept telling myself that.Over and over.But my body knew otherwise.I had a dryness in my throat, my palms were clammy, and however many deep breaths I'd taken, there was a quiver coiled inside me-a snake ready to strike. I should turn around. I should tell the driver to change direction, to take me somewhere- anywhere-that wasn't this place.But I didn't.Because I couldn't.Because this was for Simeon.And if this was it, what it would take, then so be it.The car slowed, and I looked up just in time to see the massive iron gates of Mr. Carter's mansion looming ahead. The driver said nothing as the gates slid open smoothly, allowing us inside as if I was e
Chapter Thirty-Six:The Hidden LieLily’s PovI stood in front of my closet, and though a hundred thoughts swam through my head, none really seemed to matter, considering the blank stare that I gave the rows of clothes right in front of me. The silent dresses, skirts, and blouses hung quiet witnesses to my decision, the soft fabric almost ridiculing me, reminding me of a life which I was to turn my back on. My fingers moved across the soft, blue material of a dress, but the reflection staring back at me was that of a stranger in the mirror.Who was I anymore? Was I the girl who once had hope, dreams, and love inside her heart, or had she simply become just another person now-a woman who would do whatever it took to protect the man she loved?Sighing, I turned away from the mirror, adjusting the dress to make at least a modicum of confidence in my appearance. My heart was racing in my chest, and a cold knot of unease twisted my stomach. I knew what I had to do, but I wasn't ready. Stil
Chapter Thirty Five: The Cost of LoyaltyLily's POVThe air felt heavier inside the car than usual. What I had just done, the look in his eyes while he made his proposition, replayed itself in my mind. The image of him, sitting with those sharp, calculating eyes, his voice so smooth yet cold, offering me something I never thought I would ever hear from any man, still churned my stomach.I could still hear him so clear in my head: "If you want me to keep my word, then I need something in return, more valuable than money—your trust, your body.My knuckles turned white as my grip on the steering wheel tightened. I couldn't even look at my phone. What was I doing? This wasn't me. This wasn't who I was. I had spent so much of my life protecting myself from being used, from being objectified. Yet here I was, considering something that was a far cry from my ideals, just to save Simeon.It churned my stomach, but I knew I was out of options. This was it; I had to do it-for Simeon.The man I a
Chapter Thirty Four : The Costly Preposition Lily's POVI sat across from Simeon's personal assistant, my hands gripping the edges of the chair. Everything that had taken place pressed down hard upon me, and I felt out of breath. Once rejected, thrown out as if I meant nothing, I knew I couldn't stop now. I had to just keep trying.Lily," the P.A. sighed, rubbing her temples as she stared at me. "I know you mean well, but this… this isn't going to work."I shook my head obstinately. "I just can't sit back and watch everything fall apart. Simeon has done so much for everyone. He doesn't deserve this."I know," she said, leaning forward. "But these men aren't the kind of people you can beg for mercy. They're powerful, cold businessmen. Their loyalty lies wherever the money is. And right now, Vivian has given them more than enough reason to cut ties with Simeon."I swallowed hard. "So, what? We just give up?"She let her breath out in a slow hiss. "I'm saying you should be careful. You
Chapter Thirty ThreeA Desperate PleaLily's POVI took a deep breath as I stood outside the towering glass building, my heart pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. The air was crisp, but my palms were sweaty. My mind was filled with doubts, questions that pestered me like tinnitus—was this a mistake? Would he even listen to me?But then, I thought about Simeon.The way the bone in his jaw gnashed with each notice of withdrawal. The toll in his eyes, trying to feign all was well. His whole empire crumbling at his feet as he tried to keep himself intact.No, I just couldn't sit around and do nothing.Squaring my shoulders, I walked into the building, my heels clicking against the polished marble floors. The receptionist barely spared me a glance as I approached the front desk."I'm here to see Mr. Giovanni," I said, my voice much steadier than I felt.She looked me up and down before typing something on her computer. "Do you have an appointment?""No, but it's urgent."She let o
Chapter Thirty TwoLily’s POVSimeon had always been a powerful man. He was someone who could walk into a room and make people bow without saying a word. He carried an aura of authority, dominance, and sheer presence. But now… now he looked different.There was something unnerving about seeing him this way, trapped in silence, lost in his thoughts, his usually sharp eyes dulled with something near doubt. His empire was falling, and he was utterly incapable of doing anything to stop this. No amount of threats, power, or influence could fix this overnight.And I hated seeing him this way.I sat opposite him in this dimly lit office, looking at him running his hand through his hair, the muscles of his jaw clenched. His telephone had been bleeding for an hour, buzzing and ringing with no end, every call a little worse than the one before: partner after partner, investor after investor, people bailing.Simeon's P.A., Amelia, stood off to the side, clutching a tablet and looking strained. S
Chapter Thirty One: Crumbling EmpireSimeon's POVI had seen many things in my life-wars fought in the shadows, betrayals that came with a smile, and blood spilled over power. But nothing, nothing, had ever sent this kind of slow suffocating dread curling through my chest.I sat in my office, my fingers clasping onto the edge of the mahogany desk as if my life depended on it-knuckles white. The tension in the air was heavy, and the only sound was from the soft ticking of the antique clock mounted on the wall.One by one, my business partners had pulled out. Some had sent official statements, while others had completely avoided my calls. Those who answered were curt and evasive; their words seemed to be greased with an artificial politeness that only irritated me further. They were running-fleeing like rats from a sinking ship.I knew why.Vivian.That woman was more dangerous than any enemy I'd ever faced. She didn't come with guns blazing-no, much too calculated for that. She struck
Chapter Thirty: A Game of PowerVivian's POVI swirled the amber liquid in my tumbler, the soft clinking of ice against glass resounding in the softly lit room. I leaned back against the plush leather seat, and a sly, slow curl of my lips rose. Simeon had thought he won, believed lack of power, being sent away, would somehow cow me.A fool, pure and simple.I'd built myself from nothing, fought my way into the empire he so proudly ruled. Did he really think I would do absolutely nothing and let him take everything away from me?No.If I could not have him, then I would destroy him.And I knew exactly where to start.His empire was huge, but every empire has its foundation-his was built on business, wealth, and alliances. Cut those off, and his power would crumble like dust. I had spent years by his side, learning his every move, studying his strengths and weaknesses. I knew the men he trusted, the deals he relied on, the business partnerships that kept his wealth flowing.And I knew h
Chapter One: The Wife No One Knows I stepped into the sleek, modern lobby of Brennan Enterprises, my heart racing with excitement. Today was to be a surprise-something I hadn't done in a long time. I missed the early days of our marriage when we'd steal moments like this. Adrian had been swamped with work lately, his schedule packed with meetings and business deals. I figured it was time to remind him that I was still here, still his wife. The lobby was full of people, all either stuck to their phones or talking in muffled tones. Typical morning, but that didn't stop the butterflies in my stomach. I had a special gift for him-a limited edition watch he'd eyed for months, something I knew he'd appreciate. It wasn't much, but it felt right. I approached the front desk and smiled at the girl behind it, anxious to get into Adrian's office. "Good morning. I am here to see Mr. Adrian Brennan. I am his wife, Lily," I said, my voice light and cheerful. Her eyes slightly widened before sh...
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