Chapter 1

On the day of my parents' funeral, Maddox took my grave plot to bury Kinley's deceased dog instead.

"The young woman is grieving over her pet and she's on edge, plus she's recently pregnant. It's just a grave marker; let her have it," he said, tossing divorce papers in front of me. "She's young and fiery, threatening to abort the baby without proper recognition. Let's finalize the divorce now, and once the baby is born, you can return."

I clutched the urn and signed, feeling numb.

Back home, as I packed my bags, I overheard the mocking laughter of his friends.

"Now that she's got no parents, Maddox can do whatever he wants with her," one sneered. "Maybe once the baby arrives, she'll beg to be the nanny!"

Maddox chuckled, indifferent. "Violette is just my pet. She'll never leave me."

I stood there, numb to the scene unfolding before me, when my phone rang.

A familiar voice broke through: "Violette, I'm not dead... I'm back."

I covered my mouth in disbelief, overwhelmed with emotion. It was Cristian, the only man I've ever truly loved. Could it be? He wasn't dead?

In shock, I accidentally hung up. Trembling, I reached to call him back when the door burst open and Maddox appeared.

"Who are you trying to impress with those tears? It's just a game, don't be dramatic," Maddox said, frowning.

In his presence, I slipped the phone back into my pocket.

Once inside, Maddox's friends eyed me maliciously.

"She's such a pushover, getting told off like that."

"If she doesn't behave, Maddox might toss her aside, and she'll be begging at the door."

Their laughter echoed through the room. I stood there, having heard these taunts a million times before, numb to them now.

With a casual flick of his wrist, Maddox tossed a divorce agreement on the table and said nonchalantly, "The young lady is being unreasonable, claiming her dog appeared in a dream telling her to fight for the grave plot."

"Be patient; I've bought another plot for your parents as compensation."

"This is the divorce agreement. Sign it and move out. Once the baby is here, I'll bring you back. You'll still be the lady of the Torres household."

I stared at the divorce papers. Once upon a time, I might have felt reluctant. For the past five years, I've been obedient to Maddox.

Everyone thought I adored him, that I couldn't live without him.

But the truth is, I stayed with him because his face reminded me of the love I lost.

Looking at him, even as he hurt me time and again, I put up with it.

But now, the phone call from earlier echoed in my mind, and without hesitation, I signed my name.

Seeing how determined I was, Maddox's brow furrowed slightly.

His friends erupted into jeers: "She's bold, probably bluffing."

Ignoring their taunts, I turned to pack my belongings.

Just as I reached the stairs, Kinley, the woman Maddox adored, blocked my path.

Caressing her belly with a smug smile, she advanced on me.

I frowned, eager to leave, and turned away, but she grabbed my arm.

Leaning in, she whispered venomously, "So what if you're his wife? You're out, and I'm in."

"Being robbed of a grave feels bad, right? Wonder if your parents know. They'd turn over in their graves, two dead people less worthy than a dog!"

Her vile words about my parents unleashed my long-suppressed rage.

I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face.

Kinley fell to the ground, clutching her cheek and crying loudly, "Violette, I just wanted to explain, why did you hit me? My belly, it hurts!"

Before she finished, I was suddenly shoved heavily to the ground.

It was Maddox, rushing to Kinley's side, holding her close, and glaring at me like ice.

"Violette, I've spoiled you too much!"

"You'll stay here. If anything happens to Kinley, it's on you!"

He turned away and took Kinley into a room, calling in a family doctor.

I glanced at the door; the bodyguards blocked it, surrounded by onlookers, their eyes filled with schadenfreude.

I knew I wasn't leaving anytime soon.

I retreated to the bathroom, locked the door, and with trembling hands, dialed the number again.

Cristian picked up almost immediately, relief flooding his voice.

"Violette, I tried calling multiple times after we got disconnected."

He talked a lot, bringing tears to my eyes once again.

This time, I was certain—it really was my love, whom I thought lost forever.

He was alive, and soon he'd come to take me away.

Through my choked sobs, I gave him my location.

"Violette, wait for me. I'll be there soon."