Jessica Collins never imagined her dream of love and freedom would turn into a nightmare. Sold into marriage to the ruthless billionaire Raymond Shaw, she becomes a prisoner in his dangerous world of power, betrayal, and obsession. He is cold, possessive, and impossible to escape. Trapped between her past lover and a husband who both captivates and destroys her, Jessica fights to reclaim her life. But when she discovers she's pregnant, running away becomes her only option. Furious and heartbroken, Raymond will stop at nothing to bring her back. But is it love that drives him or the need to control? In a story of passion, revenge, and sacrifice, will Jessica break free, or will she fall for the man who was never meant to love her?
Chapter 1 One
Jessica's POV
The traffic light turned green.
I gripped my bag tighter and rushed across the road, my heart pounding with excitement. Today was special; I had purchased my ticket weeks before to explore the Vincent Galleria Museum, one of the city's oldest and most renowned art museums. Art has consistently been my escape, a world where I could freely communicate my emotions. The idea of witnessing iconic masterpieces in person excited me greatly.
Upon arriving at the majestic entrance, the soaring columns and detailed designs on the building's exterior left me in awe. I entered, welcomed by the subtle aroma of worn canvas and polished wood. The gentle murmur of subdued talks resonated throughout the large corridors.
I reached the security checkpoint, presented my ticket, and received a visitor badge. My fingertips grazed the plastic, anchoring me in the present. This was it.
As soon as I entered the exhibition hall, my eyes opened wide in amazement. Wall-mounted paintings of varying sizes decorated the space, each narrating a tale that transcended language. Some were lively, overflowing with color, whereas others were shadowy and enigmatic. They communicated with me in a manner I couldn't explain.
I walked slowly, taking in every detail, stopping every few moments to capture images of the ones that intrigued me the most. I longed to paint-my fingers itched to express the feelings I felt merely by observing them.
While I examined a strikingly lovely portrait of a woman with mournful eyes, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled it out and smiled when I saw the caller ID. Timothy.
"Hey," I answered, my voice soft as I continued to gaze at the painting.
"Hey, babe. Just checking in. How's it going?" Timothy's warm voice came through the speaker.
I turned away from the painting and walked toward a quieter corner. "It's amazing, Tim. Honestly, the ticket was worth every penny. I've never seen anything this breathtaking before."
He chuckled. "I can hear the excitement in your voice. I'm glad you're having fun. Listen, I want you to get ready tonight-I'm taking you out on a date."
I grinned, my heart skipping a beat. "Really? Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise," he teased. "But dress your best, okay?"
I let out a small squeal. "Okay, I will!"
"That's my girl. I'll pick you up at seven. Love you."
"Love you too," I said before ending the call.
I placed my phone back in my pocket, feeling more unburdened than ever. Today was looking to be ideal.
I spent an additional hour appreciating the artwork before finally choosing to go home. As I went outside, the sky had dimmed a little, an indication of evening approaching. I called a taxi and leaned against the window, fantasizing about my date with Timothy.
When I arrived home, something felt... wrong.
The usual warmth of our home was absent. The television was silent, and there was no aroma of my mom's cooking coming from the kitchen.
It was eerily silent.
I frowned, stepping inside and closing the door behind me. "Mom? Dad?" I called out. No response.
A heaviness filled my chest as I entered the living room; it was empty.
I ignored the heaviness and took my bag to my room before going to my parents' bedroom. I knocked gently before pushing the door open a little.
What I witnessed caused my stomach to churn.
My father sat on the bed, smiling as if he had won the lottery, while my mother sat next to him, her face pale and her eyes swollen.
"Dad? Mom?" I proceeded cautiously. "What's going on?"
My father's smile grew bigger. "Jessica, darling, please take a seat. We need to tell you something important."
I looked at my mom, but she turned her eyes away from me. My heart was pounding as I slowly took a seat next to her.
She inhaled deeply, her hands shaking as she extended them toward mine. "Jessica... you're getting married tomorrow."
The words struck me hard as if I had been punched in the stomach.
I blinked. My mind went blank.
"I'm...marrying? What?" My voice came out in a whisper, my throat tightening.
"You're getting married," my father repeated, his tone firm.
I let out a shaky laugh. "That's not funny, Dad."
My mom squeezed my hand, and I turned to her in disbelief. "Mom?"
Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn't say anything.
"You don't understand, sweetheart," my father said, his voice filled with excitement. "You're marrying a billionaire. Raymond Shaw."
My chest tightened, and the room felt smaller like the walls were closing in. "What the hell are you talking about?"
My father's expression didn't change. He looked... proud. Like he had accomplished something great.
"You see, Jessica," he continued, leaning forward, "your mother and I took a loan from Shaw Enterprises years ago. We used it to raise you, to keep this family going. But we couldn't pay it back."
I froze.
No. No, no, no.
My mother finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "We tried, Jessica. But the debt kept growing. We had no choice."
I shook my head, refusing to believe what I was hearing. "So what? You sold me off like some object?" My voice cracked.
My father laughed, actually laughed, as if this was some kind of joke. "It's not like that. It's a business deal. And we're getting more than just clearing our debt-we'll be wealthy for life!"
A strangled sob escaped my throat. "Are you serious?"
"Jessica-"
"Don't," I snapped, standing up so fast the chair screeched against the floor. "You sold me! To a man, I don't even know!"
"You should be grateful!" my father said, his voice sharp now. "Do you have any idea how lucky you are? Women would kill to be in your position!"
I stared at him, horrified. "You're insane."
My mother stood up, reaching for me, but I pulled away.
"Jessica, please-"
I shook my head, tears blurring my vision. "No. No, this can't be real."
But deep down, I knew it was.
My father was smiling. My mother was crying and tomorrow... I was getting married.
To a stranger.
To Raymond Shaw.
Chapter 1 One
06/04/2025
Chapter 2 Two
06/04/2025
Chapter 3 Three
06/04/2025
Chapter 4 Four
06/04/2025
Chapter 5 Five
06/04/2025
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