Chapter 1

Fiona

When I opened my husband’s office door, I find Jack and my stepsister, Jessica, locked together in a passionate kiss. The scene hit me like a truck. What the hell is going on?

I always thought Jessica was a good girl. She’d stood by me during the hardest time of my life when my mother died, and now this? My chest grows tight watching them kiss.

When she asked me to help her find a job, I didn’t hesitate to ask Jack, who just got promoted to Partner at his law firm, for help. And this is how she repays me?

By betraying me?! How long has this been going on?

I look at Jessica who has her hands all over my husband. The office door clicks shut behind me, and Jack lifts his head, a slight panic flittering in his gaze. Jessica smirks, wraps her arms around my husband’s arm, and leans into him.

“What’s going on?”

“As Jack’s secretary, I’m simply taking care of him and performing my duties,” Jessica says proudly like what she was doing wasn’t wrong.

"Is everything you've done just a lie to me?"

“You should’ve seen this coming, Fiona. Your selfishness and neglect led to this,” Jack says, and my heart cracks. Me? I’d been supporting him and taking care of everything at home so he could rise in power at work.

“Not to mention, you won’t spend even a bit of that inheritance on me. ” Jack says with a huff.

"I saved the inheritance for our family's future. I want to provide a good education and a better life for our future kids. I'm not being selfish."I hold back my tears so they don't fall.

“What about my future? I’ve told you I don’t want kids with you.”

Another crack in my soft heart. He always knew I wanted children, even when we were dating.

Jack’s eyes roam my figure before he continues, “Plus, the homely matron look isn’t working for me. There’s no sex appeal, Fiona. You’re just not attractive anymore.”

I glance down at my light pink dress, sliding my hands across the soft material. It’s a pretty dress.

When I look at Jack again, the disgust is written clearly across his expression, and the final crack spreads across my heart, breaking it into two pieces. How foolish I’ve been to trust a man to change.

“I want a divorce,” I state, forcing my voice not to quiver.

From the smile that curves his lips, I realize he doesn’t care.

Jessica laughs and then sneers at me.

“Jack is now a partner at Silverclaw Law firm,” she tells me, patting his chest. It’s like she’s staking a claim. “He’s outstanding. Do you really think he’d be afraid to divorce you?”

I glare at her, letting my anger at the situation slip through.

Jessica continues, “And to be honest, your mother’s inheritance will soon be in our pockets. Do you, a mere housewife, think you can stand a chance against us in the upper class?”

How would my mother’s five million inheritance be in their pockets?

“Stop,” Jack orders.

Jessica smiles like she’s won and leans into Jack’s side again as she says, “Jack has a meeting soon. Please leave.”

I clench my shaking hands together behind me as Jessica waves me away. Had everyone except me known about their tryst?

As I turn and leave, tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision while I struggle with the reality that my marriage and friendship are falling apart.

My life is a lie.

Starting my car, I wipe the tears on my cheeks. My hands continue to shake as I drive, and I bite into my lip to force the tears back.

Sniffling, I squint my eyes against the rain and realize I’ve parked and climbed out of my car. The light above the bar’s entrance flickers just as thunder rolls above me. My feet move on their own, bringing me closer and closer.

Music floats through the bar and people sit around quietly drinking and making conversation until I walk in looking like a cat that’s been dunked in water and then thrown into the room.

I ignore the stares from men as I walk up to the bar and order something strong. The bartender winks and turns around, grabbing a bottle of amber-colored liquid to pour into a glass with ice.

“How you doing, beautiful?” He asks, sliding the glass across the bar.

“Fine,” I mumble then lift the glass to my lips.

The spicy liquid burns a path down my throat, and I can’t hold back the coughs that force their way out of my chest. He slides a second glass toward me. I down the alcohol, again coughing as the liquid burns my chest.

“Why don’t you come to the back,” the man says. He’s beside me and his hands are on my wrists.

“Let go,” I order.

His grip tightens, and I whimper at the pain that sprouts in my wrists.

Suddenly, the man is off me and to the floor.

“The lady said let go,” a deep, husky voice rumbles. A shiver runs over me at the command and power in his voice when the man steps between me and the bartender.

Long legs lead up to a broad, muscular back with a black dress shirt stretched tight across it. My fingers twitch to reach out and touch the man, but I grip my hand into a fist to keep from embarrassing myself.

“… alright?” The hard command has dropped from the man’s tone, leaving a soft, buttery concern.

Blinking away the dizziness, I look up to find the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. Dark hair that was probably once slicked back frames soft green eyes. I continue to lift my gaze until his worried eyes find mine.

“Are you alright?” He asks again, his hand cupping my cheek and fixing my attention on him.

“You’re…” I stand and dizziness that slams into me, making me stumble.

Immediately the man pulls me to him, settling me against his warm chest. I curl into him as a thrill rushes through my body. I shouldn’t, but I want more of his touch. More warmth.

“I’m…” he murmurs, his voice soft and rumbly.

“Ethan Montgomery, the billionaire CEO of the Silverclaw Corporation,” I mutter, looking up at him. He’s the new owner of Jack’s law firm. He wasn’t at the party earlier, but his name was brought up several times.

I had heard many stories about the ruthless billionaire, and none of them were good. Everyone says he’s cold-hearted, and I’d heard Jack speak about him with fearful awe.

He’s a man no one dares to defy.

Why was he helping me?

“My savior,” I mumble, my original question turning to dust as I stare into his eyes. Green eyes I could fall into forever. “The prettiest eyes,” I slur, a giggle dropping from my lips.

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

Heat fills my cheeks, but I don’t pull away from him.

Ethan… Mr. Montgomery… he carefully leads me away from the downed bartender, his hands gently guiding me. I stumble over my own feet, but he keeps me from faceplanting into the concrete floor.

“I’d—” a hiccup interrupts me, but I don’t let it stop me. “Thank you, handsome. You have very nice arms.”

The man hums in response to my nonsensical words and ignores my wandering hands pawing at his biceps. I can’t seem to stop myself.

“Sit here,” he tells me, pulling a chair out.

“I’d rather be in your arms,” I slur, nuzzling closer and burying my nose in his chest.

“You’re warm,” I mumble, “And you smell nice.”

He freezes and then leans in, whispering, “Mate.”

As confusion falls over me, I wonder: what’s a mate?