Left for dead after her husband's ruthless betrayal, Genevieve Hartwell was supposed to be gone forever. But some women rise from the ashes stronger than ever. With a new identity and a heart fueled by vengeance, she's back-ready to take down the man who stole her life. But as she digs deeper, Genevieve uncovers secrets that shatter her all over again. Love turned to fury, trust broken beyond repair-now, it's her turn to destroy everything in her path.
Chapter 1 Betrayal.
Dinner is warm and perfect, just like George.
He sits across from me, smiling that smile that melts my heart. His blue eyes are bright under the soft glow of the candles. The table is set with all my favorite dishes - roasted chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and fresh salad.
"This is wonderful," I say, cutting into the chicken. "You didn't have to do all this."
George grins. "I wanted to. You deserve it, Genevieve."
I blush, looking down at my plate. After all these years, he still makes me feel special.
"How was work today?" he asks, pouring more wine into my glass.
"Busy, but good," I say. "We closed that big deal I told you about."
"That's great." He lifts his glass. "To my brilliant wife."
We clink glasses, and I take a sip of the rich red wine. The taste is smooth, and I savor it.
George talks about his day, telling me stories that make me laugh. The sound of our voices fills the room, warm and comforting.
But then, as I take another sip of wine, a strange feeling washes over me.
Dizziness.
It starts small, like the world is tilting just a little.
I blink, trying to shake it off.
"You okay?" George asks, his brows drawing together.
"I think... I think I had too much wine," I say with a weak laugh.
"You lightweight," he teases, but his smile seems tighter now.
The dizziness grows. My head feels heavy, and my vision blurs around the edges.
"I don't..." My words slur. "I don't feel right."
George stands, his chair scraping against the floor. He moves toward me, his face calm. Too calm.
"I've got you," he says softly.
But there's something in his voice that makes my skin crawl.
I try to stand, but my legs won't work. The room spins faster, colors blending into a hazy mess.
"George..." I whisper, my heart racing. "What's happening?"
His face is the last thing I see before darkness closes in.
That face. Calm. Cold.
And then his voice, cutting through the blackness like a knife.
"I can't pretend to love you anymore. With you gone, your wealth and the company will be mine."
---
I wake up to motion.
The hum of an engine vibrates through my body. My eyes flutter open, and for a moment, everything is blurry.
Where am I?
The dashboard of my car comes into focus. The steering wheel is right in front of me, my hands resting on it.
But I'm not driving.
My heart pounds.
I try to move, but my body won't listen. My arms are heavy, my legs useless. Panic grips me as I realize I'm completely paralyzed.
The car speeds down a dark, empty road. Trees blur past on either side.
What's happening?
How did I get here?
Fragments of memory stab at my mind - the dinner, the wine, George's face as I felt dizzy.
I can't pretend to love you anymore.
No.
This can't be real.
I struggle against the weight holding me down, but it's no use. My body is a prison, and I'm trapped inside.
The car picks up speed, the engine roaring louder. The steering wheel moves on its own, as if guided by invisible hands.
Terror claws at my throat.
I need to stop the car.
I need to get out.
But I can't move.
The road twists ahead, and the car swerves sharply. The tires screech, and my heart slams against my ribs.
Please stop.
The car doesn't listen.
It veers off the road, plowing through a patch of grass. The world tilts as the car hurtles toward a steep drop.
No.
The impact is brutal.
Metal crunches, and glass shatters around me. I'm thrown forward, my head slamming against the airbag. Pain explodes through me, but I can't even cry out.
The car flips, tumbling down the embankment. Each roll sends shockwaves of agony through my body.
And then, silence.
The car rests on its side, smoke curling from the crumpled hood.
I'm still trapped, my body limp and useless. Blood trickles down my forehead, warm and sticky.
The smell of gasoline fills the air, sharp and nauseating.
Flames flicker at the edges of the wreckage.
No.
No, no, no.
I have to get out.
But I can't move.
The fire spreads, licking closer to me. Heat sears my skin, and my breath comes in ragged gasps.
This is it.
This is how it ends.
George's voice echoes in my mind.
With you gone, your wealth and the company will be mine.
Rage surges through me, stronger than the fear.
I won't let him win.
I won't let this be the end.
The flames roar louder, consuming the car.
Heat presses against me, suffocating.
And then -
The world explodes into fire and light.
Pain consumes me, and everything goes black.
Chapter 1 Betrayal.
02/02/2025
Chapter 2 Make him pay.
02/02/2025
Other books by psycho author
More