Chapter 1

I held my breath outside the study. My heart ached with every word uttered inside.

The conversation carried on inside.

“Mr. Brody, Lulu has a gentle heart and a trusting nature. Please, take care of her.”

“Don’t worry, sir. If Lulu hadn’t risked her life to save me from that fire five years ago, I wouldn’t be here today. I’ll protect her for the rest of my life.”

Cole Brody paused for a moment before continuing, “However, getting Lulu pregnant was just repayment for her kindness, nothing more. Bethany is threatening to break up with me over it. Who knows what other crazy things she might do out of jealousy?”

My father, Adrien Theroux, appeased him with a smile.

“Please don’t take it to heart, Mr. Brody. She’s just being childish. A few harsh lessons will set her straight.

“Vincent Holt is not only crippled, but he is also infamous for being a violent madman. Even an idiot like Bethany wouldn’t be stupid enough to throw herself at him. Anyone with half a brain knows who to choose.”

Cole sighed and said, “Still, Lulu is carrying my child. I can’t let her suffer.”

“Yes, of course.” Adrien nodded.

My body went numb.

So, in my father’s eyes, I was just a stepping stone for his illegitimate daughter, Lulu.

To Cole, the man I had once loved more than anything in the world, I meant nothing.

My nails dug into my palms, and the taste of bile rose in my throat.

I staggered back and collided with the vase by the entryway.

The sound of shattering porcelain split the air.

The study door swung open. Cole frowned as he saw my tear-filled eyes.

“Are you still upset about the matchmaking arrangement?”

He said with a troubled expression, “I tried talking your father out of it, but he’s made up his mind to marry you to the Holt family.”

When I did not respond, he leaned in closer and said, “There is another way. If you were carrying my child, the Holt family wouldn’t want you.”

His hypocrisy made my stomach turn.

I sneered and said, “How generous of you! But I’ll pass.”

I turned to leave, but his hand suddenly clamped around my wrist.

Cole shoved me up against the wall. His tone was harsh as he spoke.

“Bethany, be grateful that I’m giving you a choice. Don’t you remember how you used to beg me to sleep with you?”

Rage burned through me. I swung my hand at his face, but before the blow could land, my father rushed from behind him and grabbed my wrist.

He flung my arm away. His face was dark with rage. “Have you lost your mind, Bethany?! Mr. Brody is offering you a way out! Show some gratitude!”

Before I could say anything, a honeyed voice sounded from behind.

“Dad, Cole, please don’t be mad. It’s my fault! Bethany only lost her temper because I upset her.”

Lulu Theroux walked over with her round belly. Cole immediately rushed to help her. There was a look of concern on his face.

“Silly girl, how could this be your fault? You’re just too kind for your own good. You shouldn’t be on your feet. Let’s get you to your room.”

Before leaving, he turned around and warned me.

“Bethany, I’m throwing you a lifeline, not giving you a license to lash out. Think it over.”

Once they were gone, my father’s tone finally softened.