Chapter 1

I was Ava Hudson, the future daughter-in-law of a prominent councilman in the city of Windhaven.

My fiancé, Leo Kennedy, was a celebrated rising star in politics, admired by all.

But deep in his heart, he harbored a love for a woman named Isabella Fuller, his untouchable ideal.

Now, the notorious crime lord Alessandro Marcello had declared his intent to marry Isabella.

I overheard Leo's chilling voice from outside the study. "Send Ava to him. No matter how ruthless he is, would he dare touch the councilman's future daughter-in-law?"

I followed his plan and married into the Marcello family.

Later, it was Leo who lost his mind.

...

In Windhaven, everyone knew Alessandro, the head of the Marcello family, was a maniac.

He was cold, brutal, and took pleasure in pressing a scalding cigar onto the back of his opponents' hands during negotiations.

Yet this man had recently demanded Leo's beloved Isabella for himself.

My fiancé, the councilman's son, locked himself in his study for two days and two nights after hearing the news.

I stood outside the carved wooden door, holding a plate of sliced fruit.

Through the crack, I caught the hushed voices of Leo and his assistant. "But Alessandro's deadline is three days after your wedding to Ava. We're out of time!"

"Then use the wedding to our advantage. On the day, with guests swarming and security at its tightest yet most chaotic, it's the perfect moment to slip Isabella away." Leo's voice carried a coldness I had never heard before.

"What about Ava? What happens to the wedding?"

"The wedding goes on as planned, but on the way to the chapel, put Ava in Alessandro's car. Tell her it's part of the plan, that she's to stall him for a few days. He wants Isabella. As long as we hide her well, he won't find her and will let Ava go."

My hand trembled, and the crystal fruit plate crashed onto the carpet.

"I can't let Isabella fall into that monster's hands. He'll destroy her."

The assistant's voice brimmed with worry. "But Ava is your fiancée. If Alessandro realizes we switched them, he'll kill her."

Leo let out a cold laugh. "What's there to fear? No matter how unhinged he is, would he dare touch the councilman's future daughter-in-law? Once this blows over, I'll find a way to bring Ava back. I'll make it up to her."

My blood turned to ice, the chill spreading from my fingertips to my heart.

My grand wedding was nothing but a perfect cover for him to save his true love.

He planned to hand his bride over to another monster's cage in front of the world.

I was merely a disposable stand-in, a pawn to buy time.

His talk of making it up to me sounded like a cruel joke.

The door opened.

Leo saw me and the mess on the floor, his expression shifting briefly.

He crouched down, reaching for my hand. "Ava, you heard everything?"

I pulled away, bending to pick up the shattered pieces myself.

The sharp crystal sliced my fingertip, and a bead of blood welled up.

Leo grabbed my wrist, drawing my finger into his mouth.

The warmth of his touch made my stomach churn.

He always did this, striking a blow then offering a sweet gesture.

"Ava, you're the only one who can help me," he said, his eyes filled with the familiar pity I knew so well.

But I knew it wasn't for me.

"For Isabella?" I asked softly.

His gaze flickered, then hardened with resolve. "For us too. As long as Isabella is safe, Alessandro's wrath won't touch us. Ava, my father's position, our future, it all hinges on this. Marry him for now. I swear I'll bring you back soon."

He pulled me into his arms, his chin resting on my head. "Don't be afraid. I'll protect you."

The words rang hollow, dripping with irony.

In his embrace, I caught the faint scent of perfume that wasn't mine.

It was Isabella's favorite, a blend of lily and chamomile.

I closed my eyes and whispered, "Okay."