My Fiancé Betrayed Me, So I Married the Devil by Force

MARILYN

“Your fiancé was caught in bed with another woman.” The detective’s voice was flat and cold. “When her husband walked in on them, Bernard killed him.”

I froze in the middle of the precinct hallway, the words striking hard enough to steal my breath.

My head spun and the corridor blurred at the edges.

“No…” I clutched the cold metal railing. “Bernard wouldn't do that.”

The detective gave me a look of pity before turning away and walking down the hall.

Caught in bed with another woman.

Then Bernard killed him.

Those words kept repeating in my mind.

Tears slipped down my cheeks, feeling hot on my skin.

The heavy doors at the end of the hall pushed open and my sister, Evelyn, rushed toward me.

“Marilyn, what happened?” She grabbed my shaking shoulders, her face full of deep worry. “What did the detective tell you?”

“Evelyn…” My voice broke. “He told me Bernard was having an affair. He believes Bernard killed the woman’s husband because they were caught having sex.”

“What?” Evelyn pulled me into a tight hug. “That's crazy. It's a lie, Marilyn. The police are trying to trick you. They want you to give up on him.”

I buried my face in her shoulder. “Are you sure? What if he really did it?”

“He didn't.” She drew back and wiped my cheek with her thumb. “You know Bernard. He worships you. He loves you more than life itself. Come on. He's waiting for us inside. Ask him yourself.”

Evelyn took my cold, trembling hand and led me down the dark hallway to the visitor room.

The room was freezing and smelled of rust and bleach. A thick glass wall split it in two.

Bernard sat on the other side. His hair was a mess, his eyes red and swollen, and a dark purple bruise covered his cheek.

The moment he saw me, he jumped up and slapped both hands on the glass.

“Marilyn!” His voice came through the small speaker, muffled but urgent. “Thank God you came.”

I lowered myself on the hard plastic chair.

My legs felt unsteady as I picked up the receiver.

“Bernard…” I held it close, my fingers shaking. “Tell me the truth. Please.”

“I swear, baby, I'm innocent.” He leaned his forehead on the glass. “You have to believe me.”

“The detective thinks you were in bed with his wife.” Fresh tears slid down my face. “He thinks you cheated on me and killed him.”

“That's a lie. An absolute lie.” Bernard struck the frame with his fist, making me flinch.

“I swear on my mother’s grave, I never touched that woman. I went to their house for a business deal. The wife wanted to hire me for a building project.”

“Then why is the husband dead?” I gripped the receiver, my heart racing.

“Because he was paranoid.” Bernard’s eyes darted over my face. “He snapped. He accused me of looking at his wife, grabbed a heavy brass statue, and tried to kill me. I fought back, and he fell and hit his head on the desk. It was self defense.”

I stared at him, struggling to draw a full breath. “Bernard… I'm so scared.”

Evelyn stepped behind me, placing her hands on my shoulders.

“Look at him, Marilyn.” She spoke gently. “Bernard always takes care of you. He's been there for our whole family since Mom and Dad died in that crash. He'd never cheat on you.”

Bernard looked up at me. When he saw my hesitation, his expression shifted.

“Marilyn, how can you doubt me?” He pressed his palms flat to the glass. “After everything I've done for you?”

I swallowed, my throat burning. “I'm not doubting you. I'm just confused.”

“When your parents died, who took care of you?” Bernard leaned closer, his eyes fixed on mine. “Who paid off your family’s massive debts? Who bought food when you had nothing? I did.”

“Bernard, please…” I lowered my eyes to the desk.

“And what about Malcolm? Your little brother?” Bernard raised his voice into the receiver. “He's in the hospital right now. Who's going to pay for his treatment and weekly medicine if I'm locked in a cell? You? You can't afford his hospital bills alone. Malcolm will die without my money.”

“Stop, please.” I covered my face with my hand, guilt pressing in until I could barely breathe.

“Then you have to save me.” Bernard’s expression turned serious. “The man who died was an executive at Reign Conglomerate. The police aren't running this investigation. Conall Reign is. He controls this entire city. Take my self defense files directly to him.”

I gasped and stared at him. “Conall Reign? The billionaire? No, Bernard. Everyone knows about him. They call him the devil of Wall Street. He ruins lives for sport. He demands terrible prices from people and is an old lecher.”

“I don't care!” Bernard slammed the receiver on the glass panel. “Do whatever he demands. Do you hear me, Marilyn? I don't care what he asks you to do. Agree to anything. Save my life.”

I sat frozen, shaken by the selfish intensity in his eyes.

Evelyn reached inside her leather bag and pulled out a thick manila envelope before placing it firmly in my lap.

Bernard met my eyes again.

“Please, Marilyn…” His voice softened through the speaker. “I love you so much. You're my savior. Save our family. Save Malcolm. Please go to Conall Reign.”

I looked down at the envelope in my hands.

Malcolm was lying in a hospital bed and Bernard had taken care of me after our parents died.

I couldn’t let him die.

I wiped the tears from my cheeks and looked at Bernard through the glass.

“Okay.” My voice was small, but firm. “I'll go to Conall Reign. I'll save you.”

With that, I stood, turned and headed out.

As I walked to my car, one thought stayed with me. I felt as if I were leaving Bernard’s life behind and heading straight into the lion’s den.