NA

sleep t

p open, a cup of coffee growing cold be

usiness at thirty-two after his father's death. Transformed a mid-sized real estate empire into a multinational conglomerate wo

rk real estate." It mentions his art collection, his philanthropic donations, and his refusal to give int

ure becomes. Richard isn't just wealthy. He's the source of the family's wealth. His father built the foundat

astian

. The way he'd roll his eyes when Richard's name came up at dinner. The way he'd change the subject whene

wasn't just deference. It w

fee. It's cold now, but I drink it any

re. That's what I keep coming back to. Sebastian can lie to me, cheat on me, humiliate me, and get away with it-becaus

ichar

ful tone. The measured words. The way he always seemed to be wai

d why Richard was so reserved at a family dinner. "He

what he thi

nd of laugh people use when they're trying to hide something

ily politics. But now, sitting in my dark apartment wi

lent, but because Richard holds the power to take away everything Sebastian

ion, then perhaps there is a way to make him ex

, exactly, but something close. A sense of possibil

buzzes. I

u still

I typ

find an

ist of Richard's business interests and charitable donation

everythin

your nex

plan yet. Just a beginning. But

o meet hi

are you goin

yet. But I'll

ana

. Be ca

eas

l. I p

the darkness, illuminating Richard's face-a black-and-white phot

whisper to the image.

the first light of dawn creeps th

orning, I

e diner on Fifth. I nee

t," she says cautio

ll explain wh

en us, the morning crowd bustling around us. Olivia watches

that look,

t lo

en you're about to d

not being reckless.

he sets her mug d

eath. Then

o marry Rich

her coffee. "You'

lm, steady. "Not for love. Not for romance

wn a second head. "Diana. Are

how it

s is a powerful businessman. He's not a weapon you can use against your unfaithfu

now

t are you

my whole life being treated like I don't matter. By Sebastian. By Sofia. By my own parents. And I'

ia

ne person Sebastian fears. If I'm married to Richard, I'm untouchable. Sebastian can't hurt me anymore. Sofia can't look

n she says, softly, "Do you want to ti

fair question. A good question. The kind o

't even know him. But I'm not looking f

ver

everyone else moves on like nothing happened. If marrying Richard Thomas gives

head. "You're not

re clearly than

And hurting people

king a choice. A choice to stop being the victim. A choice to tak

hes at my to