The Magnate Who Claimed My Heart

t fragile. But beneath the facade, I sensed a steeliness, a calculating glint in her eyes that betrayed her carefully constructed vulnerability. My gaze fl

s friends are always welcome. Especially old friends." My

e was understanding, Kimberli." He beamed at her, then turned to me.

even bother to hide his blatant disregard for me now. He was so cons

d, my voice flat. "I'

e, low-carb meals, so I tried to make something healthy for you!" She presented two plates. One, laden with a colorful array of grilled vegetables, lea

enjoy this. I know how particular you are about your diet." She

iled chicken was flavorless, the rice clumpy. It was an insult, a bla

it down with a delicate clink. "Kimberli, darling, did you perhaps forget to seaso

remble. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Annie! Did I do something wrong? I can make you something else! Anyt

i made this with love. Don't be so ungrateful!" He turned to Kimberli, his voi

. Over me. After everything. He was truly blind. Blinded

echoed in the suddenly silent room. "I've lost my appetite." I stood up, m

red him. I needed water. I needed to escape. He saw my retreating back, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes, a mom

don't worry, Christian. I'll take care of everything. So, about the weddi

lips. "Of course. It's all part of the plan, my love.

oze, my hand hovering over the faucet. They hadn't even bothered to lowe

ose. My purpose was to be used, to be humiliated, to be discarded. Th

rkling diamond that now felt like a shackle, slipped off my finger. I stared at it for

evoid of emotion. "I think I need to rest. I won't be joining any social events f

oor thing. I'll stay with you. I'll take care of you." He appeared

surface. His performance was flawless, almost convi

igning a cough. "I just need some quiet. You and Kimberl

u need anything." He gave me a saccharine smile, then closed the door, leaving me in the dim lig

ped in, a worried frown on his face. "Annie? Are you awake?" H

irt slightly disheveled. And then I saw it. A faint red mark on his neck

my gaze. "Christ

e soft. He sat on the edge of the bed, re

e going to be in here, could you perhaps... not? I hear Kimberli's in the guest room. Wouldn't

g about, Annie? She's just a friend." He sounded genuinely bewildered, or