Introduction

The crystal award for 'Architect of the Year' felt heavy in my hand, a symbol of everything I' d built.

Beside me, my husband, Ethan Hayes, CEO of Hayes Corporation, flashed his perfect, devoted smile for the cameras.

We were New York' s power couple, Olivia Vance, the sharp architect, and her seemingly perfect marriage.

But the applause was a dull roar; I just wanted to go home.

A recent project had left me with a shattered arm, a fresh, angry scar hidden under my gown.

Ethan called it a small price for victory.

Back in our penthouse, the celebratory champagne sat untouched.

Ethan was on his phone, his voice a low, charming murmur.

Then my phone buzzed with an unknown number.

"This little flower is ready to bloom for you tonight."

My breath hitched.

Before I could react, another message arrived: a selfie of a young woman, maybe twenty.

She was in my bed, the custom headboard, silk sheets, and specific grey walls unmistakable.

"On your wedding bed, how scandalous!" the caption read.

A cold wave washed over me, a chilling realization that shattered my arm felt with sudden, sharp pain.

All my success, all my sacrifices for him, felt like a cruel, elaborate lie.

He was letting a child play in our bed.

Disgust curdled in my stomach as I looked at the man I had loved.

Something inside me broke more completely than any bone.

The love died.

Only a cold, clear decision remained: I would bring his entire empire crashing down.

I would take back my name, my life, and my freedom.