Chapter 1 I Need To Get Married First

Unit One Prison stood as the country's most secure prison, built to keep the most dangerous criminals locked away from the world.

That morning, the street outside the prison was lined with luxury cars, their polished bodies catching the sun and throwing it across the high walls.

Rusty hinges groaned as the heavy iron gate swung open.

Out walked a slim woman, backpack slung over one shoulder, her stride purposeful.

Her short, neatly trimmed hair brushed her jawline. Sharp, lively eyes scanned her surroundings, undimmed by years behind bars. Dressed in a plain white tee and worn blue jeans, she looked far too fresh to be stepping out of a prison.

The guards posted at the gate shared uneasy glances. Could this really be the big shot those people were waiting for?

"Hayley Morgan, you're free now. Do yourself a favor and keep your nose clean," said the officer assigned to see her out, voice gentle despite his uniform.

Hayley gave a small nod, closed her eyes, and drew a deep breath, filling her lungs with freedom for the first time in years.

Four years.

After all that time, she was finally outside those walls.

"Miss Morgan!"

The shout rang out, snapping Hayley from her thoughts. Her brow creased with annoyance.

When she opened her eyes, two neat lines of bodyguards blocked her path. "Move," she barked, impatience sharpening her tone.

"Miss Morgan!" A skinny man, Gavin Reid, hustled over, forcing a nervous smile. "We're not going anywhere. Ms. Norris has instructed us to pick you up."

Hayley considered spinning around, but Gavin quickly stepped into her way. "Please don't turn around. It'll bring bad luck."

"In the past, I might have believed in things like this," Hayley said, her voice slow and clear. "But now, I only trust myself."

Hayley turned away from them and offered a deep bow toward the prison. "Lorna, I'm heading out now."

Memories rushed back-the reason she had ended up in prison. Four years earlier, her own parents had handed her over to the authorities, forcing her to take the blame for a crime their adopted daughter had committed. Someone had died in that crash, but it was Hayley who paid the price.

She remembered how small and powerless she'd been then. The other inmates had seen her as easy prey.

Survival would have been impossible if not for Lorna Norris. The woman who led the prisoners had stepped in, pulling Hayley from the jaws of cruelty and showing her how to fight back.

In time, Lorna became like a mother to her, teaching lessons that could never be learned in any classroom.

Hayley had changed. The timid girl was gone. Anyone who had crossed her had learned a quick lesson in pain.

Lorna's words stuck with her. "Hayley, if you want to last in this world, you have to be tougher than the next person. When you're ruthless, people take notice. They respect you. They know better than to pick a fight."

Hayley carried those words like armor.

Glancing around, she realized the only people waiting outside belonged to Gavin.

A cold smile touched her lips. Not a single family member had shown up to welcome her home. The message couldn't have been clearer-her parents probably figured she'd never make it out alive.

Gavin stepped forward with quiet respect. "Miss Morgan, do you want to eat something first or go back home?"

Hayley strode over to a car and grinned. "Neither. I need to get married first."

She was fully aware of her situation.

Prison had taken everything from her-connections, safety, even her name.

Lorna's reach could protect her only in the shadows.

To survive on the outside, she needed power. An alliance that would let her return to the Morgan family with her head held high.

Four years earlier, she had always been docile. All she ever wanted was for her family to accept her, and that longing was what put her in prison.

That girl was gone. Now she was determined to reclaim her place in the Morgan family and make certain that every person who had scorned or betrayed her would regret it.

Settled into the back seat, Hayley scrolled through profiles on her phone. A faint, sly smile played on her lips.

"Kaden Evans, the most influential man in Flanmery, is notoriously distant from any woman. He seems like a good choice," she murmured, lightly brushing his photo with her finger.

There was no sense in trying to approach a man like Kaden the usual way. Someone with his power and reputation wouldn't give her a second glance.

Fortunately, she remembered the engagement contract her family had drawn up with the Evans family long ago. That old promise could open doors for her now.

"Gavin, take us to Link Golf Club."

Gavin hesitated, shooting a nervous glance through the rearview mirror. "Are you sure, Miss Morgan? The word is Mr. Evans reserved the club today."

"Just follow my instructions and stop questioning me."

He swallowed hard and drove on in silence, pulse hammering in his chest.

Hayley had mentioned a marriage, and now she wanted to see Kaden Evans. Was she really planning to marry that man?