chapter1

“Trust me! I’ll take care of you and make you the most honored woman in the world!”

The man’s firm promise echoed in her ears like a cruel joke, yet Elysia Thorne could only shake her head in panic. Before she could find the strength to resist, a sudden surge of force overwhelmed her, and the world went black under the weight of agonizing pain.

When she finally regained consciousness, the room was chillingly empty. The lingering scent of the chaos that had just occurred hung heavy in the air, and the disarray of her clothes told a silent, maddening tale.

She bit her lip until it bled, clutching the torn sheets as her vision blurred with hot, uncontrollable tears.

She was a married woman. She had come to the airport with a heart full of hope to finally meet her husband. But in the shadow of a dark lounge, amidst a confusion she still didn't understand, her virtue had been stolen before she could even see his face.

What does this mean? she thought, her mind spiraling. Is this infidelity? How can I ever face the world now? How can I face him?

If she told him the truth—that she had been dragged into the darkness while waiting for him—would he believe her? Would he still accept a wife who returned to him like this? Could a marriage that had never truly begun survive such a devastating blow?

Elysia wept for the life she had lost. She had grown up in a cold, loveless household, her destiny dictated by foster parents who saw her only as a bargaining chip. She had dreamed of escaping through education, but those dreams were crushed when she was forced to marry in her sister Daphne’s stead.

The groom, Tarquin Bradford, was rumored to be disabled, and her foster parents couldn't bear to see their biological daughter "suffer." So, they used years of obligation to coerce Elysia into a life she never asked for. From dropping out of college to signing the marriage papers, no one had ever asked if she was willing.

Yet, she had tried to make the best of it. They said marriage was a woman’s second chance at life, and for two years, she had been a faithful, invisible wife while Tarquin was abroad for treatment. She treasured this marriage because it was all she had left.

But today, the very day of his return, her world had shattered.

Her phone suddenly rang, jarring her back to the grim reality. It was the housekeeper.

“The master has asked for you to return immediately,” the woman said.

Elysia’s heart skipped a beat, her voice trembling. “Is he... is he home already?”

“Yes, ma’am. The master came looking for you, but when he saw you weren't there, he left. He wants you back at the villa to sign some documents. He... he is asking for a divorce.”

Elysia’s mind went blank, the news hitting her like a physical explosion.

Tarquin wanted a divorce?

She knew he was unhappy with the arranged marriage—he had been absent on their wedding day and distant ever since. In two years, they had never met face-to-face. Yet, he had provided for her every need, ensuring she was cared for even from across the ocean. She had thought that if she could just be a good wife, they could eventually build a life of quiet respect.

“Ma’am, you needn't be too upset,” the housekeeper added, her voice tinged with a strange excitement. “The master is being very generous. He’s left you the villa, two luxury cars, and a significant settlement.”

But as Elysia looked at her reflection in the darkened lounge, she realized that no amount of money could fix the woman staring back at her. She wasn't just losing a marriage; she was losing the last shred of hope she had for a clean start.