Chapter 1

The grand wedding of Ravenswood socialite Evelyn Thorne was underway, yet the groom was conspicuously absent.

Dominic Blackwood, the intended groom, had been in a vegetative state since a tragic car accident six months prior. His doctors had grimly predicted he wouldn’t survive the year.

In a desperate bid to see her son married before his untimely demise, Dominic’s mother, Eleanor Blackwood, had orchestrated this union.

The Blackwoods were among the wealthiest families in Ravenswood, yet no woman in her right mind would willingly tie herself to a man on death’s doorstep.

——

Evelyn sat before the vanity, her slender frame draped in an exquisite white wedding gown. Delicate makeup accentuated her porcelain complexion, making her resemble a freshly bloomed rose—soft, beautiful, and fragile.

But her almond-shaped eyes betrayed unease.

With only twenty minutes until the ceremony, her fingers flew across her phone screen, her heart pounding as she waited for a reply to a message she had sent hours ago.

Before being forced into this marriage, Evelyn had been in a secret relationship with Dominic’s nephew, Julian Whitmore.

Last night, she had begged Julian to run away with her—to escape this farce of a wedding.

She had stayed awake all night, staring at her phone, but no response ever came.

She couldn’t wait any longer.

Evelyn stood abruptly, clutching her phone, and made up an excuse to step out of the room.

Hurrying down the corridor, she froze when she passed a slightly ajar door.

From inside, she heard her half-sister Victoria’s delighted laughter, followed by Julian’s voice.

"I bet my foolish sister is still waiting for you to rescue her, Julian! Maybe you should go reassure her one last time. What if she changes her mind and backs out?"

"She has no choice now," Julian murmured, his lips brushing Victoria’s neck. "Even if she tries to run, the guards will drag her down that aisle by her hair."

Victoria giggled wickedly. "Evelyn would lose her mind if she knew you’ve been in my bed every night."

A violent buzzing filled Evelyn’s skull. She staggered back, gripping the wall for balance.

Her fists clenched in the fabric of her gown, nails digging into her palms as she fought back tears.

Her father had been hospitalized after Thornfield Industries collapsed.

Her stepmother, Margaret Thorne, had seized the opportunity to force Evelyn into this marriage, disguising it as a sacrifice for the family’s survival. But Evelyn knew the truth—this was Margaret’s way of discarding her.

And now, the man who had sworn to love her had betrayed her too.

No wonder Julian had urged her to go through with the wedding. He had promised to marry her after Dominic’s death—but it had all been a lie.

Every hope she had clung to shattered in an instant.

As the voices inside the room grew more intimate, Evelyn’s expression hardened.

For years, she had endured her stepmother and stepsister’s cruelty for her father’s sake. She had swallowed every injustice, believing it was her duty.

How foolish she had been.

No more.

She would no longer be their pawn.

She would take back everything they had stolen from her.

——

The ceremony began shortly after.

Clutching her bouquet, Evelyn walked down the aisle alone, the soft strains of a romantic melody filling the grand hall.

She recited her vows to an empty space and slid the wedding ring onto her own finger.

The guests exchanged confused glances, but she ignored them.

From this moment on, she was Mrs. Blackwood—untouchable.

But her new husband, the man who had once ruled Eldermere with an iron fist, had mere months left to live.

——

That evening, Evelyn was escorted to Dominic’s mansion in the heart of St. Elric District—a sprawling estate worth over 150 million dollars.

Before she could take in the opulence, Mrs. Wilkins, the stern housekeeper, ushered her straight to the master bedroom.

Her breath caught at the sight of the man lying motionless on the massive bed.

Dominic’s sharp, aristocratic features were still striking despite his pallor. His strong jawline, high cheekbones, and the faint shadow of stubble gave him an air of regal authority, even in unconsciousness.

Had he been healthy, a woman like Evelyn would never have been allowed near him.

Before the accident, Dominic Blackwood had been a titan of industry—the ruthless CEO of Blackwood Group, one of Eldermere’s most powerful corporations.

Rumors painted him as a man with connections in both the boardroom and the underworld. Those who crossed him never lived to regret it.

And now, against all odds, Evelyn was his wife.

The bedroom door creaked open, pulling her from her thoughts.

Julian stood there, his expression carefully arranged into one of concern.

"Evel—Mrs. Blackwood," he corrected with false deference. "I’m sorry I couldn’t get to you sooner. Things were… complicated today."

"You’re addressing me incorrectly," Evelyn said coldly. "I just married your uncle. Show some respect."

Julian’s eyes flickered with irritation before he forced a smile. "I know you’re upset. But I didn’t run away with you because I didn’t want you to suffer. Dominic is already dead in all but name. Once he’s gone, I’ll make sure you inherit everything. Then we can finally be together."

He reached for her hands, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "His fortune will be ours."

The memory of him tangled with Victoria flashed in Evelyn’s mind. Disgust coiled in her stomach.

"Don’t touch me!" She wrenched her hands away, her voice sharp enough to make Julian flinch.

Since when had Evelyn ever spoken to him like this?

She had always been soft-spoken, pliant—never defiant.

Had she discovered his betrayal?

Panic flickered in Julian’s eyes. He stepped closer, ready to spin another lie—

Then his gaze locked on something behind Evelyn. His face drained of color.

"H-He—" he stammered, pointing.

Evelyn turned.

Dominic’s fingers twitched.

Then, slowly, his eyes opened.