Our Marriage: A Twisted Revenge

GARRET

s started instantly, a ripple of hushed judgment and pity spreading

woman in a sequined gown whisper to her compa

maged goods. He' ll probably divorce her soo

voice chimed in. "Remember when he saved

eard them. He always heard everything. He glared at the women, then turned his venomous gaze back to

yes. "And a constant reminder of

y were meant to break me, to reduce me to tears. And for a fleeting second, t

e. The pain was still there, a dull ache, but it was distant, observe

d my father-in-law, roared. His voice, usually a low ru

u're making a spectacle of this family. It's the champagne talking, I' m s

lowered my gaze, a silent acknowledgment of the public disgrace.

ected me to collapse, as I always had, into his comforting e

f this. I will make it right. You know I always will. Whatever you need.

here' s nothing to make ri

ion. "But... after everything you' ve done for us

also facing ruin. The solution was an arranged marriage: my intellect, my family's remaining influence and crucial political connections, for Aiden's name a

Aiden, then, had been consumed by a righteous fury. He swore revenge. He hunted down the Stokes family, systematically dismantled their empire, destroyed their associates, including

those vows

crubbed the internet, bought out publications, intimidated anyone who dared to speak. He had used my trauma to solidify his power, to establish himself as a man not to be crossed.

that pity, he later confessed, felt like an insult to his masculinity. He resented me for

build, to have something pure and untainted. I was so excited. I wanted to tell Aiden, t

disdain. "I can't even touch her without feeling like I'm...

g about me. His words, cold and dismissive, echoed in my ears. I

me. The doctors were grim. "Due to the extreme stress and trauma," the

even then. I tried to understand his resentment, to forgive his cruelty. I yearne

to a private clinic, a discreet place away from prying eyes. It was there, amidst the ste

She introduced herself as Ember Stokes. I remembered

ard about your... difficulties." Her eyes, however, weren't on Ai

urprised. "Ember? My God, I barely rec

ace before she adopted a look of professional composu