"I'm sorry," I whispered, the words tasting like ash in my mouth. "I don't think I deserve you anymore." I sat on the edge of the bed, my broken leg throbbing in time with my shattered heart.

"It's my fault," I continued, forcing the tears to spill over. I needed to sell this. I needed him to believe I was broken, not plotting. "We lost the baby, Axel. I... I failed you. I'm useless now. You need an heir. Your father will never forgive me for losing the next heir."

I looked down at my hands, trembling in my lap. "Maybe... maybe we should just end this. Divorce me. Find someone who can give you what you need."

I held my breath. Part of me, the foolish part that had loved him for seven years, hoped he would agree. Hoped he would just let me go so I could take Mia and disappear.

But Axel didn't step away. He stepped closer.

"Hannah," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He knelt in front of me, taking my cold hands in his warm ones. "Don't ever say that. You are my wife. We are in this together."

He reached up and cupped my face, his thumbs wiping away the tears I had summoned. "We lost a child, yes. But we can try again. You aren't useless. You are everything to me."

He leaned in and kissed me. It was gentle. Tender. A lie so beautifully crafted it made my skin crawl. I forced myself not to gag. I forced myself to lean into his touch, to be the pliable, grieving wife he wanted to control.

"Everything will be okay," he whispered against my lips. "I promise."

"Sister," Mia’s voice piped up from the doorway. She was still clinging to Jasmine’s arm, looking at me with wide, fearful eyes. "You don't need to do that. You don't need to leave him. Axel loves you."

Even Jasmine chimed in, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. "She's right, Hannah. Don't be rash. You're just emotional right now. Hormones, probably. We're family. We stick together."

"Yeah," I choked out, pulling away from Axel’s touch. "Sure. I'm sorry. I just... I need time."

Axel nodded understandingly. "Take all the time you need, darling. Rest. We'll handle everything."

He stood up, ushering Mia and Jasmine out of the room. "Let her sleep," he whispered to them. The door clicked shut, plunging me back into silence.

As soon as they were gone, the mask fell. I buried my face in my hands and wept. Not for the baby this time, but for the girl I used to be.

I remembered my parents. God, I missed them so much it physically hurt.

We used to be happy. We used to be somebody. The Rossi family. My father ran a shipping empire that rivaled the Sterlings. I grew up in a world of private jets and endless summers in Como. Axel and I had been childhood friends, our parents best friends. It was a fairy tale waiting to happen.

But fairy tales have villains.

When I was twenty, my parents died in a plane crash. It was sudden, brutal, and left a crater in my life that nothing could fill. And then came the second blow. The debts. The hidden accounts. The embezzlement my father had apparently been hiding. Our empire crumbled overnight.

I was left with nothing but a mountain of debt and a terrified ten-year-old sister, Mia.

That was when the Sterlings stepped in. Axel’s parents took us in. They paid off the debts, saved our reputation, and gave us a home. I was so grateful. So blindingly, stupidly grateful.

And when Axel proposed a year later, saying it would strengthen the merger of what was left of my father’s company with his, I said yes. I was in love with him. I had been in love with him since I was sixteen. I thought he was my knight in shining armor.

I didn't know the armor was hollow.

I didn't know that while I was planning our wedding, he was already looking at Jasmine—his "adopted" sister, brought into the family when she was five—with eyes that were far too hungry for a sibling.

I wiped my face aggressively, smearing the tears across my cheeks.

I reached under the mattress and pulled out a phone I had bought months ago, back when I first suspected Axel of cheating but was too cowardly to confirm it.

My hands shook as I dialed a number I hadn't called in three years.

"Professor Smith," I said, my voice steady and cold. “It’s Hannah. I know it's late. But I need to know if that offer is still on the table. The research project in Vienna?”

"Hannah," he sighed. "That position starts in three days. And it requires total relocation. You're a married woman now."

"Not for long," I said, looking at the door where my husband had just lied to my face. "I need a way out, Professor. I need a visa, a secure location, and enough money to disappear. If you can make a room for me and my sister, I’m willing to go.”

"I can make some calls," Professor Smith said slowly, the gravity of my request sinking in. "But if you do this, there's no coming back. You burn the bridge, Hannah. The project is top secret. You'll be off the grid."

I looked at the wedding ring on my finger. The diamond that had once symbolized hope and now felt like a shackle.

"Let it burn," I whispered. "I'll be there."

"Alright," he said. "Pack light. A car will be waiting at the airport in three days. Don't be late."

The line went dead.

I stared at the phone, my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird. I pulled up another number from memory to call our trusted lawyer.

"Mr. Blackwood," I said. "It's Hannah Rossi. I want you to draft the papers. File for divorce from my husband, Axel Sterling."

"Divorce?" Mr. Blackwood sputtered. "Mrs. Sterling, surely this is a misunderstanding. Axel loves you. The merger—"

"The merger is over," I cut him off. "And there's one more thing. According to the clause in my father's will—the one Axel's father insisted on keeping to protect the Rossi name—my inheritance was held in trust until I turned twenty-five or dissolved the marriage."

"Yes," Mr. Blackwood said slowly. "Technically, that is correct. But the assets are tied up in Sterling Architecture."

"Untie them," I commanded. "Liquidate everything that belongs to the Rossi estate. Every stock, every bond, every property my father owned. And transfer it all."

"Transfer it where?" he asked.

"No," I said, looking at the photo of my parents on the nightstand. "Transfer it to my sister, Mia Rossi. Every last cent. Do it in three days.”

"Hannah," Jasmine started, her voice trembling with a performance worthy of an award. She set her fork down and looked at me with wide, watery eyes. "I just wanted to say... thank you. For forgiving me."

Axel stopped eating, watching us with a guarded expression.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Jasmine continued, a tear slipping down her cheek. "The trail was slippery. My boot lost traction, and I bumped into you. I’ve been having nightmares about it ever since. I’m just so glad we can be a family again."

I chewed slowly, swallowing the bile that rose in my throat. Liar. She had looked me in the eye and smiled before she shoved me. But I couldn't say that. Not yet. I had two days left on the clock.

I forced the corners of my mouth up into a serene, forgiving smile.

"It’s okay, Jasmine," I said, my voice dripping with honey. “Accidents happen. We can’t dwell on the past." I reached out and covered Axel’s hand with mine, squeezing it gently. "Besides, Axel and I are looking forward to it. We have a future to plan."

Axel looked at me, surprised but pleased by my sudden warmth. "We do?"

"Of course," I beamed, turning my gaze to Jasmine, locking eyes with her. "We’re going to try for another baby. Right, darling?"

The color drained from Jasmine’s face. The glass in her hand shook so hard water sloshed onto the tablecloth.

"A... another baby?" she stammered, her gaze darting to Axel.

"Yes," I said, leaning in. "The doctor said my womb is healing. And Axel needs an heir. We’re going to start trying as soon as my leg is better. Isn't that right, Axel?"

I didn't wait for his answer. I pulled him down by his lapel and planted a deep, possessive kiss on his lips.

It was a kiss of war.

I felt Axel stiffen, then relax into it, his ego stroked by his wife’s sudden desire. When I pulled away, I saw it—the pure, unadulterated rage in Jasmine’s eyes. She looked like she wanted to stab me with her steak knife.

"That's... wonderful," Jasmine choked out, gripping her napkin until her knuckles turned white.

"I think so too," I said, picking up my wine glass. "To new beginnings."

The next morning, I woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. The clock was ticking down, and I intended to make Jasmine’s life hell for every remaining second.

I called the family’s private jeweler, Mr. Henderson, and had him bring the latest collection to the estate. By noon, the living room coffee table was covered in velvet trays of diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.

"I'll take this one," I said, pointing to a diamond choker worth more than most people’s houses. "And the matching earrings. Oh, and that tennis bracelet."

"Hannah?"

I looked up. Jasmine was standing in the doorway, wearing a silk robe that was far too short, her arms crossed over her chest. She stared at the pile of jewelry with narrowed eyes.

"What are you doing?" she snapped.

"Shopping," I said breezily, holding a ruby ring up to the light. "Axel said I should treat myself. To help with the... trauma."

"That necklace is fifty thousand dollars," Jasmine hissed, stepping into the room. "You can't just spend Axel’s money like that."

"Actually," I said, my voice hardening. "I can. I’m his wife. What’s his is mine."

I turned back to Mr. Henderson. "Add the emerald pendant, too."

Jasmine marched over, her face flushing pink. "You are being ridiculous. You’re just doing this to annoy me. You know Axel is trying to secure capital for the new resort project. You’re being selfish."

"Selfish?" I laughed, a cold, sharp sound. "I lost a child, Jasmine. I nearly lost my leg. I think I deserve a little sparkle, don't you? Unlike some people who live here rent-free and contribute nothing but drama."

"I am a Sterling!" she shrieked. "I am his sister!"

"Adopted," I corrected, my voice low. "And let’s be honest, you don't act like a sister, do you?"

"What is going on here?"

Axel’s booming voice cut through the tension. He stood in the foyer, briefcase in hand, looking between us with irritation.

Jasmine immediately crumbled. She ran to him, burying her face in his chest. "Axel! She’s being so mean to me! She’s spending a fortune just to spite me, and when I tried to stop her, she said... she said I’m not really family!"

Axel sighed, the sound of a man weary of refereeing. He looked at the pile of jewelry, then at me.

"Hannah," he said, his tone scolding. "Is this necessary? You know we have the board meeting next week. We need to be liquid."

"I'm just buying a few things, Axel," I said, feigning hurt. "You told me to rest and recover. Retail therapy helps. Why is she allowed to dictate what I spend?"

"Because she looks out for this family!" Axel snapped, wrapping a protective arm around Jasmine’s waist. "She’s right, Hannah. You’re being reckless. Send the jeweler away."

I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. It wasn't about the jewelry. It was about the hierarchy. Even now, with me "broken" and "grieving," he chose her.

"So that's it?" I asked, gripping my crutch as I stood up. "She cries, and you jump? She tells me to stop, and you take her side?"

"She is my sister," Axel said, his voice dropping to a warning growl. "Stop trying to compete with her. It’s pathetic."

"Pathetic?" I echoed, stepping closer, ignoring the pain in my leg. "I am your wife, Axel. I am the woman who carried your child. I am the one who has stood by you for years."

I pointed a shaking finger at Jasmine, who was smirking into his shirt.

"She pushes me off a cliff, and you protect her. And now, I buy a necklace, and I’m the villain?"

"Hannah, stop it," Axel warned, his eyes darkening. "You’re hysterical."

"I’m not hysterical!" I shouted. "I’m waking up! You spoil her. You protect her. You choose her, over and over again."

I looked him dead in the eye, my heart pounding against my ribs.

"I’m your wife, Axel," I whispered, the question hanging heavy in the air. "Shouldn't you be choosing me?"

Axel stared at me, his jaw tight, his arm still wrapped firmly around Jasmine. He didn't let go.

"Hannah," he said coldly. "Don't make me answer that."

Axel walked into the bedroom, a massive bouquet of red velvet roses in his arms. He looked like the perfect husband from a romance novel—handsome, remorseful, and bearing gifts.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and husky. He set the flowers on the nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed, reaching for my hand. "About a while ago. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

I looked at the roses. They were beautiful. Expensive. And utterly meaningless.

"It's okay," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "I was emotional too."

"I know," Axel sighed, running a thumb over my knuckles. "Look, Hannah. You know Jasmine. She's... difficult. She's always been a spoiled brat. My parents indulged her because of her background, and I guess I picked up the habit. But it doesn't mean I don't love you."

He leaned in, his eyes searching mine for forgiveness. "I will always choose you. You're my wife. My partner. Jasmine is just... family. She's my responsibility."

He kissed me then. A soft, lingering kiss meant to erase the memory of him choosing her over me in front of the jeweler less than twenty-four hours ago.

"I promise," he whispered against my lips. "From now on, I'll be better. I'll make it up to you."

I nodded, forcing a small smile. "Okay, Axel. I believe you."

The lie tasted like ash, but he seemed satisfied. He stood up, looking relieved, and headed for the door. "I have a meeting with the board. I'll see you at dinner."

As soon as the door clicked shut, the smile vanished.

Later that afternoon, Jasmine found me in the sunroom. She was carrying a stack of fabric swatches and a tablet, looking like the picture of contrition.

"Hannah?" she said softly. "Can I talk to you?"

I looked up from my book. "What is it, Jasmine?"

"I wanted to apologize again," she said, sitting on the opposite sofa. "I really was out of line. I shouldn't have interfered with your shopping. I know you're going through a lot."

She took a deep breath, her eyes wide and innocent. "To make it up to you, I want to help with your anniversary party two days from now. I know you're still recovering, so I thought I could handle the decorations. I want it to be perfect for you and Axel. As a peace offering."

I stared at her. The audacity was breathtaking. She wanted to plan the celebration of a marriage she was actively trying to destroy.

"That's very thoughtful of you," I said, my voice steady. "Sure. Whatever you think is best."

An hour later, a courier arrived at the service entrance. He handed me a thick, sealed envelope. I took it to my room and locked the door. My hands shook as I tore it open.

Inside were the divorce papers, drafted by Mr. Blackwood exactly as I had instructed. The transfer of assets to Mia was complete. The trust was dissolved. The Rossi fortune was safe.

But there was more. A flash drive fell out of the envelope. I plugged it into my laptop and clicked on the first file.

It was footage from a private investigator I had hired months ago, back when I first suspected Axel but was too afraid to confront him.

The video played. It was grainy, taken from a distance, but unmistakable. Axel and Jasmine, in a hotel room in Paris during a "business trip." They were arguing, then kissing. Passionate, desperate kisses. Then, Jasmine laughing as she pushed him onto the bed.

"Hannah?"

I slammed the laptop shut.

Mia stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with confusion. She had come in quietly, her socks muffling her footsteps on the carpet.

"What are you watching?" she asked, stepping closer. "Why are you crying?"

I touched my cheek. I hadn't realized I was crying.

"Mia," I said, my voice trembling. "Come here."

She sat on the bed next to me. I took a deep breath and opened the laptop again. "I need to show you something. I need you to understand why we have to leave."

"But..." Mia whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "He's married to you. And she's his sister. That's... that's wrong."

"It is," I said softly. "And it's not just that, Mia. The kidnapping... they arranged it. Axel paid them off to protect her. They used you to hurt me."

"I want to go," Mia cried into my shoulder. "I don't want to stay here with them. They're monsters."

"We are going," I promised, stroking her hair. "I have everything ready. The papers are signed. The money is safe. We're leaving, Mia. Just you and me."

“Okay, Let’s go somewhere, please.”

Suddenly, the doorknob turned.

I froze.

"Go somewhere?" Axel asked, his voice dangerously calm. He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him with a soft click. "Where are you going, Hannah?"

"Oh," I let out a breathy, shaky laugh, “Axel. You startled us. We were just talking about... getting away. Mia is having a hard time, Axel. She’s traumatized. She can’t sleep. She keeps seeing those men in every shadow of this house."

I looked up at him, making my eyes plead. "I told her we could go somewhere. Maybe a trip? For our anniversary? I think a change of scenery would be good for all of us. To heal."

"Oh," he exhaled, a small, nervous chuckle escaping him. "Right. Of course. A trip sounds... actually, that sounds perfect, honey."

He walked over and sat on the other side of me, reaching for my hand. "God, you had me worried. For a second there... the way you said 'leaving'... I thought you were leaving me."

I forced a smirk onto my lips.

"Leaving you?" I asked, tilting my head. "Don't be silly, darling. I won't leave you. Unless you cheat on me."

I paused, watching his pupils dilate just a fraction.

"Which you didn't, right?"

“Of course,” he lied again.

But later that night, I saw them. Axel and Jasmine, tangled together in the sheets, his hands roaming over her skin as if I didn't exist. As if he hadn't just sworn his loyalty to me hours before.

Jasmine wanted to celebrate our anniversary? Then, I’ll give them a gift they would never forget.