A Marriage Built on Lies

a Kin

anket that pressed down on everyone. My declaration hung in the air, a

st on the polished mahogany table. The crystal glasses jumped, rattling against the saucers. "What utter nonsense is this, E

e calm, almost detached. "It is a decision. The di

After everything we've done for you? After we gave you everything? You think you can

tistic flair that could appeal to a younger market segment. You can't just toss him aside because he's a bit unconventional. Think of the optics. Think of the family name." He pause

culations, their complete disregard for my feelings-it all washed o

discussion. You will retract your ridiculous statement. You will make amends with Garrett Wolf. Or face the c

g family' s ultimate form of discipline, a brutal reminder of who was

, a searing line of fire that snapped through my elegant dress. I gasped, a sharp, involuntary intake of b

liana?" Grandfather's v

lied, my vo

f nausea, a dizzying burst of pain. I bit down on my tongue

fiant?" h

" I repeated, each w

s of fire, my dress torn and soaked with blood. Each strike pushed me closer to

d with a desperate frustration. "Why are you doing this?

e words a bitter venom. "And he never did. His heart belongs to another. I am merely a tool, a stepping stone in his desperate ga

Instead, a tense quiet descended. Grandfather' s face, usually so composed, wavered

werful voice in the family council, sighed

any lash. They knew. All along, they knew. They had orchestrated this sham, this mockery of a marriage, fully aw

I was their pride. But after Christian was born, their affection had shifted. I had worked harder, strived for more, excelled in everything, believing that recognition, that perfect

joke. My entire life, a carefully co

It was the sound of everything I believed in crumbling to dust. "You knew," I choked out, t

ut the guilt still lingered beneath the anger. "Stop th

on for her, and she feels so... used... perhaps a divorce is in everyone's best interest. With Eliana in this state, she can't possibly run King Corp effectively." He turned to me, a predato

eyes. He valued loyalty, but he valued efficiency and power more. He had always

spects. And frankly, Grandfather, my marriage to the Chen family heiress would solidify our position in th

ussing me, my life, my future, as if I were a stock opt

's truly what Eliana wants, then so be it. Divorce her. But she will bear the full consequ

back. The pain was immense, but my mind was clearer than ever. They thought they we

the pristine carpet. I looked at Grandfather, then at Christian, a cold, empty smile on my face. "Consequen

card me, replace me?" My eyes swept over their faces, registering their shock, th

ade of purple. "What are you talking about,

or your petty corporate games, I ceased to be a King. This divorce is the last thread connecting me to this family, to this empire." I lo

I will disappear. You will never see me again. And I promise y