All Chapters of Burned By His Lies: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Zara’s POVI can't remember at what point I fell asleep last night but somehow I did. Waking up to the smell of coffee, I thought last night was just a dream. Not just any kind of dream, but a nightmare. But the ache in my chest, my stuffy nose, and eyes that I can just feel how swollen they are were the wake-up call I needed before the memories rush back and hit me like a freight train.It is real. The guy I just tied the knot with, the one I thought was the love of my life, belongs to someone else. The man in question is standing by the window, looking outside like he's deep in thought. He's bare-chested and the sunlight reflecting on his toned abs and chiseled face makes him look almost heavenly and peaceful.Like he could feel me staring at him, he turns and finds me standing by the door. He smiles like last night was just a scene taken out of my imagination. Like we’re just some lovey-dovey couple on their honeymoon and he wasn't leading a dual life. Like our love wasn't destro

(Zara’s POV)I stir in my sleep as I hear Adrian talk heatedly to someone. When I open my eyes, I find him talking on the phone with his back to me. The person is riling him up too much because he throws his head back and groans.His next words are so firm that I'm sure it leaves the caller shocked but I finally understand why he's so disturbed.“No, for fucks sake, Celeste. You can't come here. Can't you be patient? I already said I would be there soon and sort things out.”He steps outside and puts the call on speaker mode not knowing I'm awake. It gives me the opportunity to grab a few words.“You have been saying that for two weeks now, Adrian. You better get back here and clean up this mess you have created. You have humiliated my family and my father is pissed. You know what you'll lose.”“I’m sure you can handle your father for a little longer. And another thing, Celeste. Don't you ever threaten me again. This marriage will be revisited when I get back.”“What are you saying? A

Aria(Zara’s pov)5 years laterThe doors swing open and camera flashes almost make me go blind. The attention from the crowd makes my palms sweaty. After five years of hiding and working behind the scenes, I finally returned to New York City. Straight into the lion’s den. “Breathe, breathe, breathe, Aria,” I say under my breath as I try to give them a genuine smile but my nerves are killing me. After a couple of poses, I walk through the guests dressed in designer tuxedos and gowns. People greet me and I stop to talk to some while some whisper, "That's the brain behind the glass museum project, Aria Sterling.”“She’s so young and beautiful,” another said.“Any man would be lucky to have her. Beauty plus brains is a whole package,” another man says. I smile as I make my way to my project coordinator, Murphy. We have worked together for the past two years and he's the best at what he does.I pick up a glass of champagne from a server and quickly take a sip to calm myself down. “If it

Adrian’s Pov“Strange choice of words, don't you think, Leighton. You can't just meet a woman for the first time and claim her as your wife,” Damien says, trying to sound logical.“Stay out of this, Blackwood. This is between my wife and me. I know what I'm talking about,” I snap at him.“It’s clear you're mistaken. Aria has worked for me for years and she has only just come to the country. How can she be your wife?” He then turns to Aria and asks “Or do you know this man, Aria?”I watch her closely, waiting for her to spill the truth. She stands there stiff but what she says next feels like a bucket of cold water pouring over my body.“I’ve never met him before. Excuse me,” she says with her head down as she moves towards the door.The lies burn me more than the whiskey I've been drinking. I try to follow her but Damien blocks me. “Stay away from her, Leighton.”“I’ll advise you to step out of my way and mind your business,” I say, moving closer to his face.“She’s my business becaus

Adrian’s PovThe days drag on painfully slowly and I don't get anything from Corbett. Anxiety fills my day while worry occupies my night. I am unable to sleep at night or even focus at the office because I keep seeing her face. I see it when I close my eyes or see her in other people. I don't believe in ghosts but is there a possibility that I am being haunted by her ghost?But ghosts don't wear perfume or feel soft under your fingers but she did.“Maybe I'm finally losing my mind. Maybe grief and heartbreak finally ate up the last of my sanity,” I whisper as I lie awake in my dark room. I can barely recognize myself since the gala.But I think back to what she said before entering the car and it feels like a spark to ignite the fire within me“It was always over.”I smile at the slip-up. It could mean anything I know what she is referring to. “I’ll find out who you really are, Zara or Aria. Whoever you are.”I show up at the office the next day on Sunday because we have some project