Chapter 1 Prolugue

Prologue

From inside the shabby-looking house on the outskirts of Bronx, New York City, the piercing cry of a baby echoed through the dim hallway. Her wails were sharp and endless.

Across the room, her mother sat still-eyes fixed on the child but unmoving. She didn't try to hush her, didn't reach for her. She just stared, like she'd already tried everything and lost the will to try again.

The door creaked open.

Lia walked in-the owner of the house-her heels clicking against the floor with a loud noise. Her gaze swept the room like a judge entering a courtroom.

ELIZABETH POV

I looked up the moment I heard the door open. Lia's expression already told me I was in trouble.

"Aren't you going to do something about your child?" she snapped, arms folded tightly across her chest. "Her crying is becoming a damn nuisance. I took you in because you looked helpless that night, not because I run a charity. I'm not running a daycare, Elizabeth. I won't tolerate this much longer."

All I managed was a whisper. "I've tried everything I could... she just won't stop crying. I don't know what else to do."

Lia's gaze shifted to the baby in the corner. She walked over and stared down at her in silence. Her face was unreadable. Then she asked, without turning around, "Have you thought of a name yet?"

I swallowed hard. "Yes... Riven."

"Riven," she repeated softly, like she was testing the name. Then, without pause, she said, "Why don't you give her up?"

My heart stopped. "Who would take her?"

She turned to face me, then sat gently on the bed next to me. Her tone softened.

"I know someone," she said. "And they're willing to pay."

My eyes narrowed, disbelief spreading like fire in my chest. "Pay?"

Lia nodded, her voice low, deliberate. "Yes. One million dollars."

And just like that, she exited the room like she didn't just drop a bomb on me.