Chapter 1

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I hung up the phone, pain searing through me like wildfire. My mind felt thicker than the blood pooling around me, the only sound my pounding heartbeat.

The wound in my abdomen burned, the flesh blackened and corroded by acid, the stench of charred skin choking the air. Every breath tore the wound wider, sending fresh waves of torment through my body.

My trembling fingers clung weakly to the dress rack for support, while Vanessa White loomed over me, her eyes glinting with malice.

"What, calling for backup?" she sneered, her voice sharp with mockery.

The gathering crowd around us snickered, their faces dripping with judgment. Camera flashes blinded me, shutters clicking like vultures circling. Whispers cut through the air, each word a stab to my heart.

"Caught red-handed as the side chick, huh?"

"That fancy dress? Bet she earned it on her back."

Vanessa, teetering on high heels, kicked me to the floor. "You think you are hot shit? Besides your sugar daddy, who is gonna come for you?"

She seized my dress and ripped it, the blood-soaked fabric scattering like confetti. "Wearing my dress and stealing my man? Let's show everyone what a slut you are! I am Clarence's wife. You're just a toy he discarded. You think you can take my place?"

I snapped my head up, pain lancing through my chest.

Clarence Thompson and I had been together for seven years. He'd spoiled me, going out of his way to make me feel cherished. He'd drive thirty minutes after work to buy my favorite cupcakes. He'd planned ninety-nine wedding proposals to give me a fairy-tale moment.

But now, his so-called wife stabbed me and called me a homewrecker. All his love and effort were a lie.

The crowd's laughter rang in my ears, but I met Vanessa's gaze defiantly, my voice cold as ice. "I'm not some cheap fling. My name is Kimberly Lopez, of the Lopez Group."

The room erupted in mocking laughter, and even Vanessa cackled, "The Lopez Group? Since when does the world's richest family have trash like you?"

The acid gnawed at my flesh, hissing and smoking. The pain and stench made me wince.

Before I could respond, she snarled, "How dare you look at me like that?"

She aimed a vicious kick at my abdomen, right where the knife had struck. The blinding pain caused me to curl up on the floor, and cold sweat soaked my tattered dress.

Not done, she grabbed my hair and slammed my head against the floor. "Not happy? I'm his legal wife. Beating you to death would be too kind."

I gave a bitter smile, coughing up blood.

All these years, I'd been living in Clarence's web of lies. His so-called business trips were to get a marriage license with another woman. His wedding plans were never meant for me.

Our relationship was a dead end.

"I need a hospital," I rasped, prying her hand off. "If anything happens to me today, Clarence will be the first one to fall. To save himself, he'll throw you under the bus!"

Vanessa laughed, amused by the absurdity of my threat. "You think you're somebody? Think I'd be scared? Clarence would never hurt me over a toy like you!"

She raised the knife again, her eyes wild with rage, but I had no strength left to dodge.

Just then, tires screeched outside. My brother, Chris Lopez, had arrived.

I forced my eyes open, clutching my bleeding abdomen, and struggled to my feet. Staring Vanessa down, I enunciated, "I told you, my name is Kimberly Lopez. Ready to pay for this?"

Her panicked expression was almost worth the pain. Her attack and Clarence's betrayal would not be forgiven. I'd make them answer for it.