All Chapters of Brian's Poisoned Vow – Forced to Wed, Determined to Kill : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Brian’s House"Breathe, Brian. Just get through today. A few hours, and she would be out of your life for good," Leonard, his best man adjusted his tie, watching his moody reflection. Brian’s jaw clenched. His fingers trembled as he fought back the sting in his eyes. "Just a few hours, Leonard," he repeated it like a mantra, but the words tasted like ash. "Yes," he confirmed, determined to give him hope."I have a concern, Leonard,” he informed him, his voice laden with despair.Leonard gripped his shoulder and encouraged him, "Talk to me. What’s it? You can share it with me.”Brian opened his mouth, then shut it. The weight in his chest crushed the words before they could come out of his mouth. Suddenly, a hot tear escaped, then another. Leonard pulled him into a rough embrace and urged him, "Let it out, Brian. Better now than in front of Jane and the guests. Then, there was a sharp rap at the door, "Brian!" His father’s voice was like a blade and it cut his heart."Yes, Dad,"

Brian’s House The plan was set. Brian exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple as Leonard’s words echoed in his mind. “Why not before the wedding?” he asked him anxiously. "I don't want her to die with the honor that we were ever married."“No. After the wedding. Not before. If you kill her now, your parents will know it was you, giving credence to Jane's false accusation.A bitter smirk twisted Brian’s lips. “You’re right. They draw their conclusions."Leonard clapped him on the shoulder. “Exactly. Jane thinks she’s clever but we’ll handle it.” The Morning of the WeddingEverything was fine. The poison was perfectly kept in the discreet pocket inside the waistband. The sun spilled through the curtains, and a darker thought of the big smooch crossed into Brian’s mind. Brian's jaw tightened, "What of the big smooch? Guy, what if our plan fails? She’ll still be a thorn in my side if she’s alive.” Leonard’s grin was razor-sharp. “Then we make sure she isn’t. When the officiant says

PROLOGUE Government Hospital – Morning The sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the air as Valerie stepped into Dr. Summer’s office.“Good morning, Dr. Summer,” she greeted the Medical Director, her voice barely above a whisper. The doctor did not look up from his papers. Instead, his tone was dismissive and almost mocking. “Have you raised the funds for your mother's treatment, Young lady?” he asked her without interest.Valerie’s fingers tightened around the strap of her worn-out bag. “Not yet, Doctor. I wish you could assist me further, please,” she pleaded with a melancholic tone. “No," the word was final. No sympathy, no hesitation. The doctor had heard her pleas too many times. Not only that, he had exceeded the limit of help he could render and was bored with her incessant plea. Therefore, he ignored her. After waiting for his response and getting none, she walked dejectedly to her mother's ward to check on her. As she trudged to her mother’s ward. The sigh

A soft smile touched Valerie’s lips, but her voice was bold. “I would serve you fruits and nuts while I prepare your dinner, Boss.”Her words, laced with an unconscious, smoky allure, sent a jolt of pure arousal through him. Without looking away from Valerie, Brian issued his order. “You can leave, Jane. Her work starts now.”Jane’s face fell. She had expected them to conduct the interview together, to establish herself as the lady of the house by outlining duties and setting firm boundaries. She would have been the one to dismiss Valerie. To be so summarily dismissed by her was a brutal power play.She shot him a look of pure venom, but his entire focus was consumed by the beautiful eighteen-year-old beside him. “What did you just say, Brian?” Jane demanded, her voice tight with anger.Valerie shuddered under the force of Jane’s glare. To add insult to injury, Brian didn’t even bother to glance at his supposed fiancée. His gaze remained locked on Valerie as he stated firmly, “I don’t

The Paschal Miller Family HouseExhausted and disgruntled, Jane returned home with a long face. Seeking to nurse her wounds in solitude, she made for her room but was intercepted by her twelve-year-old brother, Sean.“Welcome back, Big sister,” he greeted. “We are starving.”Jane, equally hungry, fixed him with a glare and continued walking. Sean was acutely aware of his father’s hatred for him, yet he loved the man profoundly and felt a pang of hurt whenever he was neglected. The impact of Valerie's absence weighed on them and they deeply felt it - there was nothing prepared for his father to eat.“Big sister,” he persisted, walking after her, “Father has not eaten anything at all.”She halted instantly and turned her ire upon him. “How is that supposed to be my business?” she barked."Huh!"“You don't even care if I have anything to eat. What of Mom?”“Mom is not back yet,” he informed her.She would rather starve than cook, for her every attempt in the kitchen ended in disaster. To