AN BE

sharp, dangerous edge. "Cristian, she's trying to ruin you. Think about your reputation, your company. This...

andal, of his carefully curated life unraveling, ignited a cold rage within him.

ce low and menacing. His gaze fixed on one

ands gripping my arms. Panic flared, but my resolve remained

y voice strained. The wound was still fresh, pulling pa

tention? You were never pregnant, Jillian. You just want to play the victim." His words wer

inued, his voice dripping with venom. "Another chil

is words cut deeper than any blade. He twisted everything I had ever

, his kind eyes clouded with sickness, his hand frail in mine. My mother,

odline, an heir. I was young, foolish, and desperate. I accepted. Then my father died anyway. But I was already pregnant with Kasen, a tiny flicker of hope in my d

ment, in the center of the lavish ballroom. My body was an instrument of his con

ard one woman whisper. "Trying to extort him. Such a gold-digger." Another chimed in, "She was always a bit c

nd stroking her hair, hers resting on his chest. It was a caricature of the love we once shared, a brutal parody of our wedding day. I remembered

es and dazzling lights. I felt detached, floating above the scene, watching my own degradati

was holding a small, frosted cake, his face alight with childish excite

oice was sma

, twisted with a fresh wave of agony. He looked at

birthday! You're ruining it!" His words, laced with the venom of his father' s m

ed form, and presented the cake to Kallie. "Happy birthday, Kallie!" h

body fading into a dull throb. It was over. All of it. The hope, the love, the

e a champagne glass in my direction. Cristian stood beside her, his hand rest

the shamed mother, hung there, a testamen