The Philanthropist's Daughter, The Traitor's Wife

Abel Dean

Modern | Completed

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Five years ago, my parents, philanthropists who lost everything in a financial crisis, were framed for fraud and died with their names destroyed. My fiancé, Jaydan Beasley, was my only light, my savior, defying everyone to stand by me. Today, I spent my last twenty dollars on roses for him, celebrating our love, unaware that the man I adored was systematically stealing my life's work-a social impact project meant to redeem my family's name-and funneling it to his old flame, Cuba Dawson. I overheard him, his voice chillingly unfamiliar, confessing his deceit to his best friend. He called me "fragile," "trusting," a "charity case," and revealed our entire marriage was a calculated strategy to pave the way for Cuba's success. The roses slipped from my hand, my world shattering. He had meticulously planned to discard me once Cuba's company went public, leaving me with nothing, again. The man I thought was my protector was, in fact, my destroyer, turning my milestones into markers of his betrayal. The love I felt curdled into a cold, hard rage. He had taken everything-my family's name, my work, my love. But he had no idea who he was dealing with. I would make them pay. I would take it all back.

Modern Betrayal Revenge Kickass Heroine Personal growth

Chapter 10

01-06 21:33

Chapter 1

Today, I spent my last twenty dollars on roses for him, celebrating our love, unaware that the man I adored was systematically stealing my life's work-a social impact project meant to redeem my family's name-and funneling it to his old flame, Cuba Dawson.

I overheard him, his voice chillingly unfamiliar, confessing his deceit to his best friend. He called me "fragile," "trusting," a "charity case," and revealed our entire marriage was a calculated strategy to pave the way for Cuba's success. The roses slipped from my hand, my world shattering.

He had meticulously planned to discard me once Cuba's company went public, leaving me with nothing, again. The man I thought was my protector was, in fact, my destroyer, turning my milestones into markers of his betrayal.

The love I felt curdled into a cold, hard rage. He had taken everything-my family's name, my work, my love. But he had no idea who he was dealing with. I would make them pay. I would take it all back.

Chapter 1

Five years ago, a financial crisis tore through New York City, and my parents lost everything. They were philanthropists who poured their fortune into a relief fund to help families survive. But they were framed for fraud, their fund branded a scam. They died in the aftermath, their names destroyed.

I was left with nothing. Friends and family turned their backs, afraid to be associated with the Avila name.

In that darkness, my fiancé, Jaydan Beasley, was my only light. He defied everyone, handled my parents' funerals, and insisted we get married. He was my savior.

Today, I spent my last twenty dollars on a bouquet of red roses. It was for him. It was also my 99th time failing to get funding for my social impact project, a platform to connect struggling communities with resources. The project was my only link to my parents' legacy.

I arrived at the hotel bar early, wanting to surprise him. I saw him in a corner booth with his best friend, Chas Mendoza. I smiled, walking closer, the roses held tight in my hand. Then I heard his voice, and I froze.

"She has no idea, does she?" Chas asked, swirling the ice in his glass.

Jaydan laughed. It was a low, ugly sound I' d never heard before. "Adeline? Of course not. She still thinks I' m her white knight. She' s so grateful, so trusting. It's almost too easy."

My breath caught in my throat. I ducked behind a large potted plant, my heart pounding against my ribs.

"It' s been five years, man," Chas said, his voice laced with something that sounded like concern. "You funneled every good idea she's ever had to Cuba. Aren't you worried Adeline will find out?"

Cuba Dawson. The rising star of social entrepreneurship. Jaydan's old flame from college. He' d always told me they were just friends.

"Let her," Jaydan scoffed. "What's she going to do? No one will believe her. To the world, she's the daughter of criminals, and I'm the saint who married her. Cuba' s product launch is next week. Once her company goes public, she'll be set for life. I'll finally have her back."

The roses slipped from my fingers, scattering across the marble floor. The sound was silent, but it felt like a crash.

My project. My data. My five years of relentless work. He had been systematically sabotaging me, feeding my innovation to the woman he truly loved. His salvation wasn't for me. It was a strategy. He married me to steal my work, to pave the way for his long-lost love. Our entire marriage was a sacrifice for Cuba' s success.

A coldness seeped into my bones, a terrifying calm. The love I felt for him moments ago curdled into something bitter and hard. The shock was so profound it felt physical, a hollow ache spreading through my chest.

He wasn't my savior. He was my destroyer.

I looked down at the scattered roses, their petals bruised like my life. The illusion was shattered. My grief turned to ice. He had taken everything from me-my family' s name, my work, my love.

I would make them pay. I would take it all back.