Chapter 2

Asher swirled the dark liquid in his glass, his gaze never leaving hers. "Something far better than a man who treated you like a substitute."

Vera studied Asher Donovan’s face, trying to decipher his intentions.

He was a man known for calculated moves, never saying or doing anything without a purpose. But what purpose did she serve to him?

She took another slow sip of her drink, letting the heat settle inside her before meeting his gaze. "You seem awfully invested in my business, Mr. Donovan."

Asher chuckled, the deep sound vibrating in the space between them. "Call it an observation. A woman like you shouldn’t waste her time on a man who couldn’t see her worth."

His words struck a nerve, and for a moment, Vera wavered. But she quickly masked it with a smirk. "And I suppose you’re here to enlighten me on what I’m worth?"

Asher leaned forward, his presence overwhelming in a way that made it impossible to ignore him. "Perhaps," he murmured. "But I have a more interesting proposition for you."

Vera arched a brow. "I’m listening."

He swirled the whiskey in his glass before speaking. "Lucas Whitmore is predictable. He traded you in for Camilla Alden because he thought she was the better option. That’s the kind of man he is, always choosing based on convenience and status. But what do you think would happen if the woman he discarded became untouchable? If she rose so high that even he couldn’t reach her?"

Vera stiffened, her fingers tightening around her glass. "You’re suggesting… revenge?"

Asher’s lips curved into something dangerous. "I’m suggesting an opportunity. You and I, we could help each other."

She exhaled, her mind spinning. "And what exactly do you get out of this arrangement?"

He tilted his head, considering her. "You intrigue me, Vera. And I think you’d make an excellent partner, both in business and in appearances. You want to prove you were never just a substitute? Let’s show the world exactly who Vera Sinclair is."

A shiver ran down her spine, but it wasn’t from fear. It was from the exhilarating possibility of what he was offering.

She had spent years being someone’s second choice, but now? She had the chance to rewrite her story.

Vera leaned in, mirroring his intensity. "If I say yes, what’s the first step?"

Asher smirked, raising his glass. "We make sure Lucas Whitmore regrets the day he ever let you go."

Vera clinked her glass against his, feeling something stir inside, power.

........................

The next morning, Vera awoke with a clarity she hadn’t felt in years.

The memories of last night played vividly in her mind, Lucas’s betrayal, Asher’s proposition, and the unmistakable thrill of taking control of her own narrative.

She wasn’t going to drown in heartbreak. She was going to rise.

As she sipped her morning coffee, her phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.

Asher Donovan: 'Breakfast meeting. Vauxhall Hotel. One hour.'

No pleasantries, no room for refusal.

Vera smirked.

He really was the type to take charge. But so was she.

An hour later, she stepped into the hotel’s private dining lounge, dressed in a sleek black blazer and heels that clicked with confidence.

Asher was already seated, dressed in a crisp charcoal suit, sipping his espresso like he owned the place, which, knowing him, he probably did.

He looked up as she approached, his gaze sweeping over her in silent approval. "Punctual. I like that."

Vera sat across from him. "I’m not in the habit of keeping powerful men waiting."

His smirk was almost imperceptible. "Then let’s get to business."

A waiter arrived, pouring her coffee, but Vera barely acknowledged him. She was focused on Asher, on whatever he was about to say that would officially set this ‘partnership’ into motion.

"We’re going to an event tonight," Asher said, folding his hands on the table. "An exclusive charity gala hosted by the Alden family."

Vera’s grip on her cup tightened ever so slightly.

The Alden family.

Camilla Alden.

She forced a neutral expression. "And why would I want to be there?"

"Because Lucas and Camilla will be there," Asher said smoothly. "And because we’re going together. As a couple."

Her breath hitched, but she covered it with a sip of coffee. "So we’re making this public already?"

He leaned in slightly, his gaze unreadable. "The sooner, the better. Lucas and his precious Camilla think they’ve won. Let’s show them they haven’t even begun to play the game."

Vera exhaled slowly.

This was happening.

This was real.

She met Asher’s gaze head on. "Fine. But if we’re doing this, we do it right. I’m not just going to be your date."

Asher raised a brow. "Oh?"

Vera leaned forward, a fire igniting in her eyes. "I’m going to be the woman they never saw coming."

Asher’s slow smile was almost wicked. "Now that’s what I like to hear."

Tonight, Vera Sinclair was going to make her entrance. And the world was going to watch.

......................

Vera stood before the full length mirror, her reflection staring back at her, a woman transformed.

The deep crimson gown hugged her curves, its delicate silk cascading to the floor like liquid fire.

A slit ran high along her thigh, teasing but never revealing too much.

Diamond earrings dangled from her ears, catching the light with every slight movement.

Her makeup was bold, her lips painted the same shade of red as her dress.

Gone was the woman who had spent four years living in another woman’s shadow. Tonight, she was the storm.

A knock sounded on her door, pulling her from her thoughts. She took a steadying breath before opening it.

Asher Donovan stood there, looking devastating in a tailored black suit, his sharp features unreadable as he took her in.

For a man who always seemed composed, there was a flicker of something in his gaze, something that made Vera’s pulse quicken.

"You look..." he paused, his lips curving slightly, "...dangerous."

Vera smirked. "Good. That’s exactly what I was going for."

Asher extended his arm, and she took it, their fingers grazing for the briefest moment. "Ready to make an entrance?"

"I was born ready."

The gala was held at the grand Alden estate, its opulence evident from the towering gates to the sprawling gardens illuminated in golden light.

Asher’s car rolled to a stop at the entrance, and the second the valet opened Vera’s door, all eyes turned to them.

The murmurs started instantly.

"Is that Vera Sinclair?"

"Didn’t Lucas just dump her?"

"Who’s that with her? Wait… Asher Donovan?"

Vera didn’t falter. She stepped out of the car, her posture poised, her chin lifted.

Asher joined her, placing a hand at the small of her back, guiding her inside with effortless dominance.