My thoughts dragged me backward, to the years I had wasted. Back in college, I had been so foolish, so certain. I had fallen in love with Leandro first. My heart beat only for him. So when my father demanded I marry him to merge our families’ businesses, I didn’t even hesitate. I thought it was destiny—that he wanted me, too. For a time, it even felt true. He had been sweet, attentive, the perfect fiancé.
But that didn’t last. His true nature revealed itself slowly—whispers of late nights, lipstick-stained collars, excuses wrapped in lies. And then Nadine. My best friend. The betrayal was so sharp, I should have walked away then. But I stayed. Now I saw the price of my silence. And it was my daughter paying it.
I returned home with a weight crushing me from all sides. The house felt emptier than it had ever been. My hands shook as I pressed them against the dining table, trying to steady my breath. That was when I heard footsteps—heels clicking against the marble floor.
Nadine.
She stood there like she owned the place, her hand resting over her stomach, a smug smile on her lips. And then Leandro entered, his hand casually brushing her arm. My chest tightened with rage.
“What is she doing here?” I snapped.
“She’ll be staying with us for a while,” Leandro said casually, as if announcing the weather. “And you’ll be cooking. For her.”
I stared at him, stunned. “And why would I do that?”
“Because you’re the reason the baby is in danger. You should take responsibility.” His voice was sharp, commanding, as if I were nothing but a servant.
“I don’t want to,” I spat, shaking my head.
Leandro’s eyes hardened. “I’m not asking, Emerald. I’m ordering.” He stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous.
I pulled away, rage and heartbreak colliding in my chest. “I don’t want to. Let’s just divorce now.”
He blinked, then laughed bitterly. “Divorce? Is that it? You’re threatening me with divorce because I asked you to cook for your friend?”
“You know that’s not it!” I shouted. “This is about Gwen! She’s kidnapped! And instead of helping me, you froze my accounts—you won’t even lift a finger to save her!”
Leandro sneered. “Gwen? Come on. You’re not even sure they have Gwen. What if they’re lying? Or… what if you’re using her to get money out of me?”
“What?” My voice broke.