Chapter 2

Halfway through the party, Preston handed me a glass of wine, saying, "Yolanda, let's toast. Here's to you being by my side for every birthday from now on."

I knew he had laced the drink with something to knock me out. Even so, I accepted it with a smile.

The moment Preston looked away, I poured it out. Then, I slumped over the table, feigning drowsiness.

…

When the party ended, Preston said he'd take me home. Instead, he drove me to a hotel.

I kept my eyes shut, pretending to be asleep. However, every word between him and Naomi cut through me.

"Preston, your girlfriend's young and stunning. Are you really going to hand her over to Rowan?" asked Naomi.

Preston pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheek. "I don't have a choice. My dad has made it clear that whoever gives him a grandchild first gets the inheritance. Word is my useless brother's already trying to knock someone up. I can't afford to wait any longer.

"Besides, I've been with Yolanda for years. Sure, she's pretty, but even beauty gets old. You, though… You're sexy and smart. I just can't get enough of you."

…

Before I knew it, the room was filled with the wet, revolting sounds of their kisses. The noise echoed from every corner.

I, on the other hand, lay there with my fists clenched.

In my past life, my relationship with Preston had been a strategic alliance between our families. For the sake of our shared interests, I turned a blind eye to his behavior, so long as he didn't cross the line.

But now, he was doing something this despicable right in front of me. He didn't even bother to pretend I mattered.

After their little make-out session, Naomi wiped her mouth and leaned against Preston.

"I'm heading back to my room. Once you've handled your business, come find me. I bought a particularly sexy nightgown. I'm just waiting for you to take it off me."

Preston let out a suggestive chuckle. "Well, I can't wait to see how hot things get tonight."

After the two of them left, I pushed myself up from the bed. Rage and hatred burned inside me, threatening to boil over.

Suddenly, the pain from that car crash came flooding back.

…

I didn't know how much time had passed before I heard voices and footsteps outside the door.

"I know your company's struggling," Preston began. "As long as you get Yolanda pregnant, the project is yours. I'm only giving you this because we've been best friends since we were kids.

"You get to sleep with a woman and walk away with a project. It's a win-win. Don't worry. Yolanda's out cold. Just be gone before she wakes up."

With that, the door creaked open. Preston walked in, steadying a slightly drunk Rowan by the arm.

I quickly lay back down and shut my eyes.

Preston looked down at me, his lips curling into a smug smile. Then, he gave Rowan a final reminder. "She's all yours tonight. Just do exactly as I said."

Having said that, he stepped out and closed the door behind him.

My stomach twisted with nerves. In my past life, I had been drugged and hadn't known a thing about what happened that night.

However, this time, I was wide awake. I had no idea how to deal with Rowan.

Just when I didn't know what to do, I felt the mattress dip beside me. Rowan had sat down, silently watching me.

I cracked one eye open. The tenderness in his gaze didn't look anything like someone who was drunk.

So, I steeled myself and decided to go along with it.

I pretended to stir, then slowly sat up and wrapped my arms around Rowan's neck. My warm breath brushed against the hollow beneath his ear as I muttered, "Preston, what took you so long? I've been waiting forever."

The moment I touched him, his body tensed. However, he didn't push me away.

Bathed in moonlight, his chiseled features seemed veiled in mist. They were cold and sharp.

I carefully tested the waters. Once I was sure Rowan was sober, I let out a breath of relief.

Was he really sleeping with me just for the project? If that were true, then what did his sacrifice mean in my past life?

What about the promise he had whispered to me in his final moments?

Whether his feelings were real or not, I couldn't bring myself to let go. It was the only way I could survive.

So, I gathered my courage, leaned in, and kissed the corner of his mouth.

"Preston…" I cooed.

Rowan's expression darkened instantly. "What did you just call me?"

I decided to go all in. I tightened my arms around his neck, and using the most seductive voice I could manage, I whispered, "Oh, honey…"

Just like that, Rowan snapped. In a swift motion, he pinned my wrists above my head with one hand. With the other, he undid the buttons of my blouse, revealing my fair skin.

His breath grew ragged as he trailed kisses down my neck.