Chapter 1

Five years later, I accompanied Evelyn Brown, the sister of my husband, Theodore Brown, back to Sewain first.

As soon as we arrived at the beach where The Blueways had run aground, we ran into Oliver Williams.

When our eyes met, I was momentarily stunned.

"Charlotte, long time no see," Oliver said.

I nodded, about to pull Evelyn away.

Just then, Amelia Walker came running over, affectionately linking her arm with Oliver's.

When she saw my face, her eyes widened in shock. "Charlotte, aren't you supposed to be dead?"

I stared right at her. Was Amelia really the one who had me killed five years ago?

Evelyn saw me spacing out and dragged me into the party.

Inside, there were plenty of old friends.

Everyone looked shocked. After all, Oliver and I had a messy fallout five years ago.

I nodded at them.

Then, I took Evelyn and found a seat off to the side.

The ocean and The Blueways were right in view.

Oliver slid into the chair beside me as soon as I sat down.

His eyes held an emotion I couldn't decipher.

"Charlotte, where have you been all these years?" he asked.

I couldn't help but find it almost laughable.

"After you left, I tried to find you. I searched every corner of Sewain, but you were nowhere to be found," Oliver said.

I stared at him, genuinely surprised.

He really searched the whole city for me?

With all his connections, he had no clue I was kidnapped back then.

Or maybe he was pretending not to know.

Not that it mattered now. He'd moved on, and so had I.

"I've been in Uritowand all these years," I said.

"Are you planning to leave again?" he asked.

As he finished speaking, his phone rang.

He answered the call, his expression shifting dramatically, and then hurried off.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Evelyn gave me a mischievous, gossipy look. "Charlotte, don't tell me Oliver was your first love?"

I gazed out at the ocean and said softly, "He was my first love, but also my biggest nightmare."

Before I could say more, Isabella, Amelia's best friend and my stepsister, strutted over.

Her eyes dripped with contempt.

"Well, well, Charlotte, you actually have the nerve to show your face here?" Isabella sneered.

She shot a look at Evelyn. "Hey, you'd better keep your distance. She's notorious for setting girls up with guys. It's all over Sewain."

I casually swirled my wine glass and met her gaze. "Isabella, are you talking about your mom hooking up with my dad?

"Five years and all you've managed is to grow taller, not wiser. No wonder you're always picking up what others throw away."

Isabella was so furious that she couldn't speak.

Just then, Amelia stepped onto the stage.

She took the microphone and flashed me a smile. "Charlotte, I'm really happy you could come to celebrate Oliver and my wedding anniversary.

"Oliver always says it's a shame you stormed out of Sewain back then and missed our wedding. Charlotte, will you give us your blessing?"

All eyes were on me.

I smirked, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "Are you worthy of it?"

Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Oliver, all pitiful and wronged.

But Oliver kept his gaze locked on me, not sparing her a glance.

She shot me a resentful glare, then tried to steer the conversation away.

I looked down at my phone and sent Theodore a message. [When will you and our daughter arrive?]

Theodore: [We boarded the plane. We'll be there in three hours. Take care of yourself.]

As soon as I put my phone down, Evelyn leaned in, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Charlotte, spill it. What's the real story between you and Oliver? How much drama is there between you two?" Evelyn whispered, rubbing her hands together with glee.

I knew her too well. She was ready for some juicy gossip.

If I didn't tell her, she'd be bouncing around, stopping at nothing to dig up the truth.