Blurb : Brenda Walker has spent her life trapped-first in a toxic family, then in a loveless marriage to a man who sees her as nothing more than an ornament. Weak, pitiful, and broken, she has resigned herself to a life of silent misery. That is until she meets Tony DeLuca-a cruel billionaire with a sinful touch and a dangerous past. Tony is everything Brenda isn't-powerful, dominant, and willing to take what he wants. When their worlds meet, he awakens a fire inside her that she never knew existed. But desire comes with a price. As Brenda's transformation starts, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of betrayal, blackmail, and revenge. With enemies lurking in the shadows-her vengeful husband, a deceitful sister, and Tony's obsessive ex-Brenda must decide: will she surrender to fear, or rise from the ashes to claim the love and power she deserves?
Chapter 1 A Caged Life & A Dangerous Glimpse of Freedom
Chapter 1: A Caged Life & A Dangerous Glimpse of Freedom
Brenda's POV
I hardly recognized the woman who was reflected in the mirror. My hair was perfectly groomed, my makeup covered up the fatigue that had become a habit, and the elegant black gown fit my frame perfectly. All I saw was nothingness, when I should have felt lovely.
"Brendan, are you deaf?" Daniel's icy tone brought me back to the present. His image in the mirror was as menacing as ever as he stood behind me, adjusting his cufflinks. "Tonight, I begged you to keep quiet. Don't make me look foolish.
I nodded like the submissive wife he desired, swallowing hard.
He whispered, "Good girl," and walked out of the room.
The aroma of pricey champagne and power permeated the air when we arrived at the great event a few minutes later. Daniel's hold on my arm tightened as soon as I stepped inside.
He gritted his teeth and commanded, "Smile," as a group of businessmen walked up.
Standing by his side while he talked to the men, laughing at their jokes and talking about transactions I didn't care about, I forced a grin. However, then-
Daniel hardly gave me a look as he presented me to Brenda, his wife. "She is good at appearances, but she doesn't add much to business conversations."
I felt the heat creep up my neck. Even as my chest constricted, I managed to force a courteous grin onto my lips. The men laughed without trying to disguise their laughter.
I ought to have spoken up. I ought to have spoken up for myself. However, I didn't.
"Dear sister, please stop looking so upset." A voice said quietly in my ear, sickeningly pleasant.
Camilla.
My younger sister smiled and held a glass of wine when I turned around.
"You're so silent all the time. Daniel hardly noticed you, which makes sense. She tilted her head and sipped her wine. "Were you aware that he arrived here tonight with another person?"
I felt my gut tighten. "What?"
Her eyes were bright with laughter, yet she gave me a pathetic look. "Brendan, you truly are pathetic."
Camilla was telling the truth.
I caught an appearance of Daniel speaking into a woman's ear from the other side of the ballroom. She was beautiful, tall, graceful, everything I wasn't. She leaned against him and touched his chest when she laughed.
At my sides, my hands clenched into fists.
I wasn't shocked. Daniel's affairs had never been concealed. He knew I wouldn't do anything about it, so he didn't have to.
Leaning into me, Camilla spoke in a mocking tone. "You'll remain feeble forever. As he parades his mistresses in front of you, you will always be the lady in the background.
Something broke inside of me.
I didn't feel depressed for the first time in years. I was angry. Anger, pure and simple.
I turned without thinking and left.
The air felt sharp against my hot skin, and the rooftop balcony was silent. I closed my eyes and rested against the railing.
I detested my existence. This marriage was something I detested. I detested the fact that I had allowed myself to become this submissive, mute shadow of a woman.
"You appear to be organizing an escape."
A smooth, deep voice cut through my mind.
I snapped around, gasping when I saw the man standing a few feet away.
He was tall, powerful, and broad-shouldered. He exuded authority with his piercing look and sharp jawline, and his dark suit was expertly cut.
He moved closer and said, "Are you?"
I paused. "Who are you?"
"DeLuca, Tony." He never looked away. "And you?"
"Brenda."
His mouth twitched a little. "Brenda." He uttered my name as if it had significance.
My heart was beating because of something about him. He was different from Daniel. I had never met anyone like him.
He studied me and stated, "You don't belong here." "You have no place in a cage."
I tensed up. "You know absolutely nothing about me."
"I'm not required to." He spoke in a deep, captivating voice. "Your eyes show it to me. Despite your cries for liberation, you are unable to accept it.
Emotions roiling, my chest lifted and sank. "And what do you recommend?"
His lips formed a slow, knowing smirk. It depends. Are you prepared to let go of your fear?
A familiar, steely grip pulled me back before I could react.
Daniel.
He scowled at me while digging his fingers into my wrist. "What in the world are you doing?"
The poison in his voice made me wince. "I was just-"
"Making me look foolish?" I flinched as his hold tightened. "You're already flinging yourself at another man after I turn my back for a single second?"
My mouth dropped open to object, but Tony's voice broke the silence.
"Release her."
Daniel's face darkened as he turned to face him. This is my spouse. Keep your distance from it.
Although Tony remained still, his presence was oppressive. There was a menacing glitter in his eyes, yet he didn't appear angry.
"I didn't speak to you." His eyes strayed to me. "I was conversing with her."
My breath caught.
"Brendan, will you allow him to speak for you?" Even though Tony's voice seemed serene, it made me shudder. "Will you allow him to continue to dominate you?"
I had something to say. I intended to defend my interests. However, the words refused to escape.
Daniel laughed. "She is aware of her role."
Tony smiled. "We'll see how long you allow him to think that."
I was left speechless, confused, and shaken as he turned and left without saying anything more.
His words reverberated in my head as I saw his form fade into the throng.
Will you allow him to continue to dominate you?
I had nothing to say.
Not quite yet.
Chapter 1 A Caged Life & A Dangerous Glimpse of Freedom
23/03/2025
Chapter 2 The First Step into the Fire
23/03/2025
Chapter 3 A Taste of Forbidden Desire
23/03/2025
Chapter 4 The Betrayal Web
23/03/2025
Chapter 5 The No-Return Point
23/03/2025
Chapter 6 A Perilous Partnership
23/03/2025
Chapter 7 Unveiling the Truth
23/03/2025
Chapter 8 The Enemy in the Shadow
23/03/2025
Chapter 9 A Battle on Two Fronts
23/03/2025
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