aw with desperation. "After everything I've done,

fference mocked me, taunted me, and yet I couldn't tear my gaze away. "Gave up what, Lana?" he sneered, his voice dripping with arr

hrough my chest, making it hard to breathe. I stared at him, my mi

l twist of fate, real

nheri

le promises. I had signed every document he placed before me, relinquishing control

wouldn't leave. He had

f this is all about my parents' fortune," I whispered, falling to my knees as the last shred of my dignity slipped through my fingers. Tears

were some amusing spectacle. "I was never with you," he said coldly, his words a knife to my heart. His tone carried a mockin

ttered what little hope I had left. Endure. That was what he though

y sweet word, every tender gesture, every promise-it had all been a lie. He had

trembling, unab

patient. He stepped closer, looming over me like a predator circling

im how much I loved him, how hard I had tried to become the woman he wa

th to speak, faint laughter dr

," came a voice, smooth and familiar. It sent a chill racin

more cheerful. "Thank you, Mrs. Iv

refusing to make sense. My heart pounded as I tried to process what I was

ether, a figure appeared in

ack leather pants hugged her slender frame, and her flowing floral chiffon top draped over her like it had been tailored for royalty

ne, and in an i

mething warm and tender. A smile I hadn't seen in years spread across

so casual, so intimate

s voice soft and affectionate

e I was trapped in a nightmare. He had never touched me

ssion dripping with disgust. She was con

aring in my ears. My hands clutched the divorce papers a

rned to her, his gaze filled with an adoration

ith pride as he caressed her cheek, "

the fragile remains

, I'm sorry he didn't tell you earlier," she said, her voice dripping with mock sw

he room. Fiancée? The word echoed in my mind

the lips once more and turned to me, his smile widening. "