Chapter 1 - The Hidden Truth
I stared at the glowing screen of the hidden phone in absolute disbelief.
The message was clear, outlining a deliberate plot to steal my home and my assets the moment I signed the marriage certificate.
Everything I thought I knew about the woman standing in front of me evaporated into thin air.
Amanda scrambled up from the floor, her pristine white gown pooling around her ankles like a puddle of spilled milk.
"Daniel, you don't understand what you are looking at," she stammered, her voice shaking.
She reached out to grab the device, but I pulled my hand back sharply.
My other arm remained wrapped tightly around Sophie, who was still trembling and burying her face against my chest.
I looked at the woman I was supposed to marry in less than five minutes.
The beautiful face I had fallen in love with now looked like the mask of a complete stranger.
"Who is Marcus, and why is he waiting for me to sign away my property?" I demanded, my voice dangerously low.
Amanda's jaw dropped, and the remaining color completely drained from her heavily contoured cheeks.
She knew she was caught, but her eyes darted around the luxurious bridal suite looking for an excuse.
"He is just a real estate broker, Daniel, I swear."
"I was trying to surprise you with a beautiful investment property for our honeymoon."
I let out a harsh, bitter laugh that echoed off the walls.
"You slapped my daughter, pulled her hair, and called her a thief."
"Do you honestly expect me to believe a single word coming out of your mouth right now?"
Sophie squeezed my hand, her tiny fingers cold and clammy.
"Daddy, I want to go home right now," my little girl whispered.
I kissed the top of Sophie's head and glared at Amanda with pure disgust.
"The wedding is officially off, and you are never coming near my daughter again."
I turned my back on her and walked toward the heavy wooden door of the suite.
Amanda let out a piercing, hysterical scream that made my ears ring.
"You can't do this to me in front of three hundred important guests!"
I didn't even bother to turn around as I reached for the brass doorknob.
Just as I pulled the door open, the burner phone in my hand vibrated violently.
A new text message from Marcus flashed across the locked screen.
May you like
The words sent a fresh wave of ice straight into my veins.
"The notary is paid off, but hurry because the biological mother's lawyer just called."
