My Ex wife Is A Hidden Heiress

Flash Marriage To My Best Friend's Father

Madel Cerda

I was once the heiress to the Solomon empire, but after it crumbled, I became the "charity case" ward of the wealthy Hyde family. For years, I lived in their shadows, clinging to the promise that Anson Hyde would always be my protector. That promise shattered when Anson walked into the ballroom with Claudine Chapman on his arm. Claudine was the girl who had spent years making my life a living hell, and now Anson was announcing their engagement to the world. The humiliation was instant. Guests sneered at my cheap dress, and a waiter intentionally sloshed champagne over me, knowing I was a nobody. Anson didn't even look my way; he was too busy whispering possessively to his new fiancée. I was a ghost in my own home, watching my protector celebrate with my tormentor. The betrayal burned. I realized I wasn't a ward; I was a pawn Anson had kept on a shelf until he found a better trade. I had no money, no allies, and a legal trust fund that Anson controlled with a flick of his wrist. Fleeing to the library, I stumbled into Dallas Koch-a titan of industry and my best friend's father. He was a wall of cold, absolute power that even the Hydes feared. "Marry me," I blurted out, desperate to find a shield Anson couldn't climb. Dallas didn't laugh. He pulled out a marriage agreement and a heavy fountain pen. "Sign," he commanded, his voice a low rumble. "But if you walk out that door with me, you never go back." I signed my name, trading my life for the only man dangerous enough to keep me safe.

Romance CEO Billionaires Age Gap One-night Stand

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Valenticia's POV:

I stood in the kitchen, my fingers trembling slightly as I arranged strawberries around the rim of a porcelain plate. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the rich aroma of buttered croissants and scrambled eggs.

"Is this alright, madam?" Maria, the maid, held up a crystal vase filled with soft pink peonies-Dmitri's favourite.

"It's perfect," I whispered, my voice barely rising above a whisper.

"Madam, shall I bring in the flowers?" She asked, once again.

"Yes, please." I offered a smile, clutching the hem of my lavender dress. "Set them by the table."

When she was done, I turned to her with a wide smile. "Thank you, Maria."

She nodded, returning the smile before retreating into the corridor.

I wanted everything to be perfect.

Tomorrow would be our first anniversary. One year since I had married Dmitri Galden, trading my heart and future for an arranged marriage.

It was meant to be, something his grandfather wanted, but somewhere along the lines, my heart had betrayed me. I had fallen in love with my husband, despite the cold, business-like terms that bound us.

And for the first time in a year, he finally acknowledged me as his wife and consummated our marriage last night.

Since It was the first night we had shared a bed, I am convinced that it was the beginning of something real.

I smoothed my dress, a lavender silk that Dmitri had once complimented. My hair fell in loose waves over my shoulders, and I dabbed a bit of his favourite perfume on my wrists. I wanted everything to be perfect.

A creak echoed through the hall. I turned, my heart leaping.

"Dmitri?"

He stood at the entrance, already dressed in a black suit, his brown hair was still damp from a shower, strands clinging to his forehead. He looked every bit the powerful CEO, exuding a cold, unapproachable aura.

"I made breakfast," I said, forcing brightness into my voice. "I thought we could celebrate early-"

"I don't have time." He said, coldly.

"But... I wanted us to have a nice breakfast, you know, before our anniversary." I took a hesitant step forward. "It's been a year, Dmitri. I thought-"

"Don't." His gaze slid past me. "I have meetings all day."

"Please." My voice cracked. "Just a few minutes. I made your favourite-"

He was already walking away.

Feeling really desperate, I reached out for his sleeve. "Dmitri!"

He paused. "Let go, Valenticia."

"Just one bite. One sip of coffee. Anything. Please."

He turned, and the look in his eyes stole the breath from my lungs. There was nothing there, no warmth, no recognition. Just coldness.

"I said I don't have time."

And then he was gone.

I stood there, my arm still outstretched, my hand grasping nothing but air.

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