Chapter 4

Zoe could barely breathe through the tightness in her chest. The more Sebastian acted as though he loved her, the worse she felt.

"I need to use the restroom."

Before he could react, she turned and all but fled.

In the restroom, she splashed cold water on her face, trying to soothe the ache inside her, but the door was suddenly flung open behind her. A strange scent reached her, and everything went black.

When she finally came to, she found herself in an abandoned warehouse with a row of black bombs strapped to her body. There was no one around, only a computer. Her heart leaped into her throat as terror took hold.

"Help! Is anyone there?"

She screamed desperately, but no one answered. Then a video call opened on the computer screen, revealing Yvonne, Sebastian's legal wife.

"You kidnapped me."

"That's right. What wife wouldn't be curious about her husband's kept woman? It's only natural to want to meet you."

The words "kept woman" cut deep. Clenching her fists, Zoe forced herself to stay calm.

"What do you want?"

"I'm giving you a chance to be with Sebastian openly. Once those bombs are activated, you'll have thirty minutes. He's already on his way. If he saves you before time runs out, I'll divorce him willingly. You can be Mrs. Lawson. What do you say?"

Zoe stared at Yvonne's flawless face in disbelief, her heart racing.

"Are you insane?"

Yvonne smiled with perfect poise, malice glittering in her eyes.

"Three's a crowd. Only one of us gets to stay in this marriage, and if Sebastian doesn't choose you, you'll die. Zoe Harper, let's see which of us has what it takes to keep him."

The screen went dark before Zoe could tell her she'd already promised Margaret she would leave Sebastian's life.

The bombs began to beep, counting down the time she had left to live. She struggled desperately against her bonds, but even when the ropes rubbed her wrists bloody, she couldn't break free.

Just as her despair was at its deepest, someone kicked the warehouse door open.

"Zo! Where are you?"

At the sound of Sebastian's frantic voice, hope lit her eyes.

"Sebastian! I'm here!"

He rushed over and pulled her into his arms.

"Don't be afraid, Zo. I'm here."

Sebastian contacted bomb disposal specialists, but they were too far away to reach them in time. All they could do was guide him remotely.

His hands shook as he worked, cold sweat streaming down his face. He cut wire after wire until only three minutes remained. There was one more wire to cut, but even the specialists couldn't tell him which one.

Zoe looked at him, then closed her eyes.

"Go. There's no time."

"No! I'm not leaving you here alone. Zo, I don't know if this is the right wire, but don't be afraid. If I'm wrong, I'll die with you."

Taking in the sweat on his forehead and his reddened eyes, Zoe began to cry, her tears falling onto the back of his hand. In him, she saw the man who'd once put himself in the path of a car to save her. Love quieted her fear.

"Okay. Together."

But before he could cut the wire, the ringtone he'd assigned to Yvonne broke in. His hands went still. After a brief hesitation, he answered, and in the empty warehouse, Yvonne's sobs were unmistakable.

"Sebastian, my stomach hurts. I'm so scared. Please come back and stay with me."