Chapter 1

After going bankrupt, I did the unthinkable to save my gravely ill younger brother, Ricky Ashford. I climbed into the bed of Damien Blackwood, the notorious mafia boss. One night of passion sealed my fate, and I became his kept woman.

For three years, we entangled ourselves in gardens, hot springs, and vineyards. We explored every intimate position and lost ourselves in unrelenting desire.

Damien possessed a raw, physical stamina that consumed me completely, leaving me utterly wrecked every time. However, for the sake of my brother in the ICU, I chose to endure it.

Everything changed when I accidentally overheard his conversation with his childhood friend, Chloe Sterling.

"How long do you plan to toy with your enemy's daughter? Don't tell me you've fallen in love?"

"Don't be absurd. How could I possibly fall in love with her?"

"And what about her sickly brother?"

"The hospital called last night. He's already passed away."

The grief hit so hard it felt like my chest was being ripped open. With Ricky gone, I no longer had any reason to live. I decided to follow after Ricky when he was laid to rest in three days.

When Damien arrived at the hospital, I was cleaning my brother's face. Seeing Damien, I couldn't resist confronting him.

"Why didn't you tell me my brother is dead?"

His face went rigid as he gripped my wrist.

"If you knew he was gone, you'd leave me for good… I couldn't let that happen."

"Then will you marry me?" I asked.

Damien looked away, speaking with cold finality.

"That will never happen. Your father killed my elder brother. Even if I wanted to marry you, my family would never allow it."

He went on, "In three days, I have to go through with my family's arrangement and marry Chloe. Just hold on for a year. Once she's had my child, I'll take you away."

I yanked my hand from his grip, then hugged him tightly.

"Okay. I'll wait," I said, lying through my teeth.

My only family was gone, and so was my will to live. Once Ricky was laid to rest, I planned to follow him.

By the time Damien and I returned home, Chloe was already inside waiting for us for a long time.

She sarcastically taunted, "You shouldn't be here. In three days, Damien and I are getting married."

As I walked toward the second floor, I caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye. She had taken off her coat, leaving only a lace negligee underneath.

Before I reached the master bedroom, the two of them were already locked in a deep, hungry kiss in the living room.

As they entangled in a heated embrace, I began packing my belongings. I took the small hand-carved wooden horse Damien made for me, the expensive paintings he'd bought, and the jewelry he'd given me, then threw them all into the brazier.

I meant to wipe away every sign of my existence and vanish without a trace.

That evening, Damien finally escorted Chloe upstairs. His shirt hung open, exposing his sculpted chest, which was covered in fresh red marks.

She saw I was burning my belongings and chuckled.

"Poor thing. Looks like you'll be alone from now on," she said.

When he saw that I was burning all his gifts to me, he quickly put out the flames and said apologetically, "I'm sorry. What I did with Chloe was only to ensure she bore an heir quickly. But you shouldn't have burned our memories."

I smiled faintly and responded, "I don't care for these things anymore."

Damien pulled out a black card from his pocket and handed it to me.

"Buy whatever you like instead. Just don't play with fire and hurt yourself," he said.

He then brought my burned fingers to his lips. His face was full of worry as he blew gently on them.

Seeing that, Chloe angrily hurled her lace dress at my feet.

"Since you have nothing better to do, wash this for me. And make sure you do it by hand."

I stayed silent and looked at Damien. I could see the anger building in his expression.

He grabbed the lace dress and threw it back in Chloe's face.

"Are there no maids in this house? Why do you insist on making her do it?"

He added, "You're nothing but a pawn in this marriage arrangement. Your only duty is to obediently bear an heir. Do not overstep by messing with my woman."