My wedding day. Liam Chase, to protect his ex-girlfriend, had me sent to prison.
Using his influence as the most powerful old-money heir in the city, he pinned all of her financial crimes on me. Yet he had the audacity to look heartbroken as he made his promise,
Sweetheart, you've always been so resilient. Chloe... she's delicate, she'd never survive a day in prison.
"Just two years, Vivian. When you get out, I'll be waiting. I'll give you the wedding of the century you deserve. You'll always be my only wife."
Two years later, right on schedule, Liam appeared. But he had his arm wrapped possessively around Chloe, her belly rounded with pregnancy.
Seeing me emerge from the prison gates, a flicker of somethingdisgust? pity?crossed his eyes.
"You've been through so much, Vivian. A man keeps his word. I'm here to marry you."
"But as you can see, Chloe's carrying my child. I have to do right by her."
"You'll still get your grand wedding. But the marriage license?" He glanced at Chloe. "That will be with her."
"To the world, you'll be Mrs. Chase. Chloe's making a sacrifice here, so you'll need to care for her and the baby at home. Don't let my affection for you make you think you can mistreat them. Is that understand?"
He extended his hand as if bestowing a royal favor.
I walked right past him, ignoring his outstretched hand, focused on typing a reply to a text.
He didn't know. I'd been released a year early for my assistance in cracking a major international case. I'd been set up with someone, and we'd married quietly.
My husband was just back from a top-secret assignment. If I was late getting home, I'd be doing some serious sweet-talking.
Seeing me act as if he were invisible, Liam frowned and stepped directly into my path.
"Still playing the drama queen?"
He sighed, the sound dripping with condescension.
"Vivian, I know seeing me with Chloe... stings. But if I hadn't been missing you so desperately, I wouldn't have... sought comfort in her."
"And even without the legal document, my feelings for you haven't changed. Why be so jealous?"
Before I could form a retort, Chloe smirked, rubbing her belly.
"Oh, Vivian, you have no idea. Every time Liam and I are... intimate," she simpered, "he always whispers your name."
Her eyes suddenly welled up with practiced tears. "I love Liam, I do. But I know I'm just... your replacement."
"Don't worry, Vivian. I won't fight you for the title. Just... please don't take away my chance to stay by his side..."
Liam's eyes instantly flooded with pity. He pulled Chloe close, shooting me an accusatory glare.
My past with Liam had killed any feeling I had for him long ago.
Watching them now? It was just noise. Ridiculous noise.
"Don't flatter yourselves. I don't do sister-wives."
"Liam Chase, listen carefully! We're done. Finished. I won't marry you now, I won't marry you ever. Stop talking to yourself!"
Liam snorted before I had even finished speaking.
"Vivian, is this really the best way to get my attention?"
"After chasing me for ten years? Making sure all of Seabreeze knew you were obsessed? And with your record now? What respectable family would have you?"
"Look around! It's your release day! Where's your family? Your friends? Anyone?"
"The only person you have left in this world... is me!"
Looking at his smug, self-satisfied face, I couldn't help but shake my head in disbelief.
Three months into my sentence, my financial expertise had earned me a chance to assist in busting a massive money-laundering ring.
I made a big contribution. Got my sentence slashed.
After the case, my old boss set me up with his former student, Lucas Hunt. Works in a super-classified agency.
Our wedding was hush-hush but huge. All the important people were there.
I was only at the prison today because they invited me back to teach a seminar.
As for Liam? Yeah, I used to love him like crazy.
To stay by his side, I fought my way up in a man's world. Drank myself into the ER dozens of times. And for what? So he could frame me without a second thought for Chloe!