Chapter 1
Everyone says Callahan Thorne is crazy about me. Even after my mother and I were kicked out, he kept our engagement.
To give me the perfect wedding, he rehearsed it ninety–nine times by himself.
What they don’t know is that all those brides were chosen by lottery from Callahan’s ninety–nine sugar babies.
“Elara, you’re already Mrs. Thorne. Is it really so much to ask, letting each of them have their own wedding day?”
Numbly, I took the crate of cash he handed me and rushed to the hospital.
But when it’s my turn to be the bride, I saw him walk down the aisle with my father’s illegitimate daughter instead – and that’s when I finally broke.
Tears streamed down my face as I choked out, “Anyone but her! Why her?”
Callahan’s lips twisted. “She’s carrying my child.”
“Be generous, Elara. Don’t be like your mother, begging people for her medical bills in her old age.”
Under the scornful gaze of every guest, I clutched the money and fled in shame.
Then, at the hospital entrance, I saw mother’s jump. Her blood sprayed my face. Eyes wide, she used her last breath to gasp,
“Sweetie… never beg him again.”
I held my mother’s body as it grew cold and stiff. My blood felt like ice. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.
Callahan’s insistent ringtone shattered the silence. I answered on autopilot.
His lazy voice floated through. “Elara. Seraphina Hollis and I need… condoms. For tonight. Pick some up on your way back.”
My fingers trembled, ready to hang up. His voice came again. “Oh, and grab some caramel candies too. The little princess hates pain. I need to sweeten her up.”
Suddenly, a memory flashed: the night Callahan took my mother and me from that dingy apartment.
Gently sliding the ring onto my finger, he’d whispered, “Hiding from me? Made me search so long.”
“Even if you’re not the Hollis heiress anymore, you’re still my wife, Elara. I’ll give you the perfect wedding.”
Our first night, I’d winced in pain. He’d popped a caramel candy into my mouth, murmuring, “Sweeten the deal, little princess? Does that make it
better?”
I knew Callahan’s reputation. Knew he played the field. Still, I’d fallen for him, greedy for his scraps.
I ignored the canaries. Told myself it was just his act.
But Seraphina Hollis was different. He let her get pregnant.
Five years married, Callahan always used protection, no matter how passionate.
My greed had a price. His exception was the one person I despised.
If not for Seraphina, my mother wouldn’t have lost her husband. I wouldn’t have lost my father.
20:12
Whoops! My Revenge Plan To Trash EX Worked Too Well!
14.5%
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Chapter 1
As usual, he hung up first. Dazed, I watched the mortuary workers take my mother away.
When they handed me a small box, I finally shattered. Sobs wracked my body.
Just as I clutched the death certificate, my phone buzzed. “Ms. Frost? The DNA results confirm your mother was the long–lost daughter of Mr. Silas Blackwood.”
“Your flight is booked. Will you meet your grandfather? Don’t be afraid. He’s not the monster people say.”
Holding the urn tight, tears streaming, I whispered, “Yes.”
“Three days. Bring your documents. Someone will meet you.”
I stumbled home, numb. Inside, drunk voices boomed.
“Cal, Seraphina’s the wife’s half–sister! You hated her guts! Why’s she the bride today?”
Callahan swirled his wine glass, smirking. “Needs must. The mother of my child requires… suitable lineage.”
After the laughter, someone dared to ask, “What about the wife, Cal?”
ד
Callahan’s smile turned vicious. “Elara? She’s obedient. Watches me with others, even hands me the protection. It’s just a wedding. I’ll throw her another one later.”
More raucous laughter. “Not worried she’ll finally bolt? Without Seraphina, she’d still be the Hollis heiress!”
Callahan sounded bored. “She won’t. I could kick her out, she’d crawl back begging. Her sickly mom’s life depends on me, remember?”
I staggered back, colliding with someone.
“Sister. You’re back.”
I turned. Seraphina Hollis. My eyes hardened. “I have no sister.”
I headed for the side door. Seraphina shrieked.
“Ah!”
The living room chatter died instantly.
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