Chapter 1
For three years, Mia Johnson and Daniel Smith were known throughout elite circles as the epitome of a marriage built on pure spite.
In the first year, Daniel pulled the plug on Mia's mother's life support. Mia retaliated by arranging a marriage for Daniel's father's ashes.
The second year, Mia went after the child he cared for most. Daniel struck back by withdrawing his investments, bankrupting Johnson Group overnight.
The third year, to settle the score, Mia exposed Daniel's scandalous affair to the public and then vanished without a trace.
Four years later, they crossed paths at the same event.
Daniel lounged lazily in a plush armchair, a cigarette glowing between his fingers, his arm draped around a rising starlet.
A mocking smile played on his lips as he taunted, "Regretting it now, Mia? Too bad. I've moved on."
The room erupted in knowing chuckles. Everyone whispered that Mia, desperate and with nowhere left to turn, had come back to beg.
She lowered her gaze and glanced at the massive diamond glittering on her finger.
What Daniel didn't know was that she had remarried years ago.
Her new husband was younger, incredibly wealthy, with broad shoulders. As it turned out, he was exceptionally good in bed.
*****
After a few rounds, someone suggested playing Three Truths.
When it was Daniel's turn, he smirked, his eyes drifting toward Mia.
"My heart's with someone else. Too bad it's not you.
"Life's been great these three years you were gone.
"If I could choose again, I'd never marry you."
He finished with a challenging look her way.
The room went quiet, bracing for another fight between the two.
Daniel put out his cigarette. "Look, I don't do second chances. But you are my mom's choice for a daughter-in-law."
"Just come back and be my wife like you're supposed to, and we'll call the last four years even."
Hearing his cocky talk, Mia laughed softly.
While she was away, Daniel hadn't exactly been sitting home alone. He even had some beauty hanging off him tonight.
Everyone thought she'd come crawling back.
They were wrong.
Mia picked up the dice cup. "My turn.
"I'll keep it short. Daniel, I have a kid. And no, you're not the father."
She downed the rest of her drink, stood up, and walked out.
The table was stunned for a second before people started talking.
"Daniel, come on. She's divorced. Who else is gonna want her? She's just talking crazy."
"She probably took off with your kid back then and is too proud to admit it."
Daniel's face went dark. He shoved the girl next to him aside, grabbed his jacket, and went after Mia.
His buddies exchanged looks and started whooping. "Look at Daniel chasing after his wife!"
This was the first time Daniel had ever lost control because of Mia.
Outside, the night air was cold.
Mia pulled her coat tight as her ride pulled up.
Just as she was about to get in, a fancy Rolls-Royce slammed into the back of it.
Daniel got out and threw a card at the driver. "I'm sorry for the accident. That should buy you ten new cars."
Mia watched with an icy detachment.
Three years, and he was still the same arrogant.
She turned to go, but he grabbed her arm and shoved her into his car.
"Make a scene, and we'll be all over the news tomorrow," he said, voice low and threatening.
Mia went quiet.
They'd fought enough in the past. She was tired of it.
Daniel smiled.
He knew she'd come around.
In the car, he glanced at her. "You ran off for three years. I had my fun for three years. We're even.
"Come back. We'll forget the past."
Seeing him act like he was in control, Mia snorted.
He wasn't being nice. He just didn't think she'd ever dare cross him.
After all, she used to love him so much.
But three years changed her.
"Daniel," she said calmly, "you think way too much of yourself."
He looked her over. "You've put on some weight. Got a few wrinkles, too. Couldn't afford the good stuff out there, huh?
"Then again, who else would want you but me?"