He threw money on the bed after our one-night stand.
I threw it back in his face at his own inauguration.
By sundown, we were engaged. By the week's end — married.
Franklin Flemington needed a wife to secure his empire. I needed a miracle to save my family. For two years, we played our parts flawlessly — the golden couple the whole city envied.
Behind closed doors, I was invisible to him.
When the two years were up, I handed him divorce papers without blinking.
He stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "I've given you everything a husband should. What more do you want from me, Octavia?"
I smiled, signed my name, and walked out.
I thought that was the end. I thought I'd finally won.
I forgot one thing — Franklin Flemington has never lost anything in his life. And he has no intention of starting with me.
Game on.

I drove through the bustling streets of Soho with a quiet determination I hadn't felt in days. It was finally time to see Octavia in person since her kidnapping. No more hiding. No more excuses.


I had the exact address of her parents' apartment saved in my phone. When I reached the building, I parked smoothly and turned to the passenger seat. The gifts I had carefully chosen sat waiting: a beautiful bouquet of fresh roses, a soft teddy bear, scented candles, and a pack of luxurious face skincare masks I knew she would love.


I gathered everything, took a steadying breath, and stepped out of the car. After texting her that I had arrived, her reply came quickly: Come in.


The apartment door opened moments later, and there she was—Octavia. She looked healthier than the last time I had seen her, though still a little fragile. A small, genuine smile curved her lips.


"Hi," she grinned back, her eyes brightening.


Chapter 165 - ~ 165