He threw money on the bed after our one-night stand.
I threw it back in his face at his own inauguration.
By sundown, we were engaged. By the week's end — married.
Franklin Flemington needed a wife to secure his empire. I needed a miracle to save my family. For two years, we played our parts flawlessly — the golden couple the whole city envied.
Behind closed doors, I was invisible to him.
When the two years were up, I handed him divorce papers without blinking.
He stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "I've given you everything a husband should. What more do you want from me, Octavia?"
I smiled, signed my name, and walked out.
I thought that was the end. I thought I'd finally won.
I forgot one thing — Franklin Flemington has never lost anything in his life. And he has no intention of starting with me.
Game on.

I drove back home after a long day. Clinton's words kept repeating in my mind.


I decided and made my way to the nursery where Lael was. I wanted to check on my baby girl.


I walked over to the wooden crib with silent and slow steps, trying not to make a sound so I won't wake her up. 


Lael was fast asleep, her tiny lips parted slightly, her little hands curled into loose fists near her cheeks. She looked so beautifully innocent, so entirely detached from the heavy storms currently tearing her parents apart.


I leaned over the rails, my massive frame casting a protective shadow over her, and reached out with a trembling hand. With the absolute tip of my finger, I gently caught the edge of her soft, fleece blanket and tucked it securely around her tiny shoulders.


I just stood there, staring down at her, a profound ache blossoming in my chest. 


Chapter 278 - ~ 277