Blurb: A marriage built on secrets. A passion fueled by betrayal. And a love that could destroy them both... Elena Carrington thought her life was under control-until she was forced into a marriage with Aiden Laurent, the billionaire heir she has despised for years. What was meant to be a strategic business deal quickly turns into a high-stakes game of survival when Elena uncovers the shocking truth about her father's death, her family's dark past, and the deadly conspiracy that has linked her fate to Aiden's. As Elena and Aiden are drawn deeper into a world of lies, manipulation, and dangerous power plays, they find themselves on the run from enemies they didn't even know existed. Aiden's icy demeanor hides the secrets he's spent years trying to bury-but as their chemistry ignites and the truth comes to light, Elena begins to wonder: is Aiden a victim of his family's legacy, or the mastermind behind the web of betrayal? With each new twist, Elena is forced to choose between love and survival. And when Sofia, Aiden's sister, enters the picture with motives of her own, everything Elena thought she knew begins to unravel. Is Sofia an ally or another enemy waiting to strike? But the biggest shock is yet to come: when a cryptic message reveals that someone within their inner circle has been orchestrating everything from the start. The question now is simple: can Elena trust anyone? As the walls close in and Elena's past collides with her present, she must make a choice that will change everything. But in the end, one burning question remains: Is Aiden the man who will save her-or the one who will destroy her? And when Elena uncovers the truth, will it be too late to escape the trap that's been set for them both? A phone call shatters the silence: "You think you're running away from me, Elena? You're already trapped." The line goes dead.
Chapter 1 The wedding from Hell
"I do."
Two words. Just two words.
They slipped from my lips like venom, searing my pride with every syllable.
Cameras flashed, champagne flowed, and the opulent hall echoed with applause. But none of it drowned out the bitter truth-I had just married the man I hated most in this world.
Aiden Drake.
Billionaire tycoon. Ruthless negotiator. My family's sworn enemy.
And now... my husband.
His cold blue eyes locked onto mine, sharp enough to cut glass. His smirk-cocky and insufferable-made my blood boil. The tailored tux hugged his tall, arrogant frame like it was stitched with the devil's own thread.
I wanted to slap that smug look right off his face.
Instead, I kissed him.
Not a soft, romantic kiss. No. This was war.
Our lips met like a battlefield-fierce, unyielding, and electric. The crowd thought it was passion.
It was rage.
When we finally pulled apart, Aiden leaned in, his whisper like ice against my burning skin.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Drake. You've just made the worst deal of your life."
I smiled sweetly.
"Not if I ruin you first."
Because this marriage wasn't about love.
It was revenge wrapped in silk and vows.
And I was going to destroy him-one kiss at a time.