Annika's gaze flicked to the car Xavier was driving.

A pink Aston Martin. Lina's.

A small, tight smile tugged at her lips before she turned to Rayan. "Rayan, can you take me home?"

Rayan hesitated, glancing nervously over at Xavier.

Before Xavier could get a word in, Annika cut in smoothly, "He's got a ride. He'll probably be dropping Miss Turner off first anyway."

Xavier watched her—the stubborn set of her jaw, the way she wouldn't even look at him. His lips pressed into a hard line.

After a beat, he told Rayan, "Take her home first."

Then, gently catching Annika by the wrist, he added, voice low, "If you're not feeling well, go home and rest. I'll come back after dinner."

Annika smiled again, this time effortlessly slipping out of his grip as she slid into the car.

The engine hummed, then faded into the distance. Xavier stood there for a moment before turning and walking back into the family estate.

Inside, Molly was practically fuming. "Who does she think she is? Waltzing in and out of here like she owns the damn place?"

Xavier's brow furrowed. "Mom, this *is* her home. She has every right."

Molly let out a sharp scoff. "This house carries the Parker name—not hers."

Xavier replied, his tone utterly calm, "And neither does yours. Yet here you are, living in it."

Molly's face flushed a deep, angry red. "Xavier Parker! Is that really how you speak to your mother?"

Sinking onto the couch, exhaustion weighing heavy on him from the long night and Annika's cold demeanor, Xavier rubbed at his temples. Weariness bled into his voice.

"Mom, please. Don't make things harder for Annika. She's my wife. Even if you can't love her like your own, you don't get to mistreat her. You told her to leave—and now you're pissed she actually did? What exactly do you want from her?"

Molly's voice cut through the room like a blade. "I'd be over the moon if she just divorced you!"

The word *divorce* landed like a physical blow.

Xavier's entire expression shifted. His jaw locked tight, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop as his gaze settled on his mother.

"Mom." His voice was soft—but ice-cold. "The word *divorce* might be something Annika and I toss around in private, but no one else has the right to bring it up."

And *no one else*—in his mind—included his own mother.

The atmosphere curdled. Both Lina and Molly wore matching expressions of displeasure.

It was Willa, Xavier's grandmother, who finally broke the tense silence. "Alright," she said, voice gentle but firm. "She's just a little spoiled, Xavier. You've indulged her too much. If this is a private matter between the two of you, make sure it stays private. Don't let it spill out into the open."

Xavier dropped his gaze.

He knew he'd been so wrapped up in work lately that Annika felt invisible. That little stunt with the press? That was just her acting out. Her way of screaming for his attention.

But he hadn't expected her to actually say the word *divorce* to a reporter.

A heavy sigh escaped him. He wasn't staying.

"I'm heading home."

Lina approached as he moved toward the door. "Not staying for dinner, Xavier?"

He glanced back at her. "Did you actually come to the office with me last night?"

Lina blinked, caught completely off guard. "No... I didn't."

His frown deepened. "Then why did Mom tell Annika you were at the office with me?"

Lina shot a quick look at Molly before admitting, "I was worried about you. You'd been taking care of me all day, so I just... went to the café downstairs. In case you needed anything."

Xavier's frown turned into something sharper. "And what exactly did you think you could do for me from a café?"

Lina looked like she'd been slapped.

Molly jumped in immediately. "Xavier, watch your tone. Lina was just concerned about you."

"Her condition seems more concerning than mine," Xavier shot back. "Don't do that again. If something happens to her child, how am I supposed to explain that to Nash?"

Nash—Lina's husband—was out of town on business.

Lina had called Xavier the day before, saying she wasn't feeling well, and he'd gone with her to the hospital.

Now, with her eyes lowered, Lina murmured, "I understand. I'm sorry, Xavier. I didn't mean to cause you any trouble."

Xavier gave her one last glance, said nothing, and headed for the door. "I'm leaving."

"You're not taking Lina home?" Molly called after him.

Without turning around, Xavier replied, "Nash called earlier. He'll be here in half an hour to pick her up."

---

When Xavier walked through the front door, Annika was curled up on the couch, takeout in hand, watching some reality TV show at full volume. The noise was obnoxious—and so was the spread of junk food in front of her.

He walked over and turned the volume down a notch, eyeing the greasy containers. "You skipped a home-cooked meal for... this crap?"

"That wasn't *my* home," Annika said flatly, not even glancing his way.

Xavier knew she was hurt. He softened his voice. "You know how my mom is. Sharp tongue, soft heart."

"Wouldn't know. I've known her for over twenty years now, and all I've ever seen is the sharp-tongued part," Annika shot back.

Xavier let out a low chuckle. "What, you want a taste of her soft side now?"

A loud clatter. Annika dropped her fork onto the plate and whipped her head around, eyes blazing.

"You think this is funny, Xavier?"

The room went dead silent. Without the TV blaring, every word hung in the air, thick and heavy.

Xavier killed the television completely.

"Why'd you turn it off?" Annika demanded.

"You never used to watch these brainless shows," he remarked.

"So what if I do now? What's wrong with enjoying something mindless if I want to? Does every damn thing in life have to have some grand purpose or meaning?" Her words came out in a rush, sharp and defensive.

But Xavier just listened. Patient. Unmoving.

He knew she felt wronged. Over the years, Molly had torn her work apart, calling it worthless, and Xavier himself had often nudged her toward more studying, more schooling. But Annika was never the academic type. Reading put her to sleep. Words on a page made her eyes glaze over. She only ever loved painting—using colors and strokes to say what she couldn't put into words.

"Just being alive is a value all on its own," Annika added, quieter now.

Xavier just looked at her. That same calm, unreadable expression.

Annika felt the fight drain out of her, and she nearly laughed at herself. What was the point? He always looked at her like that when she was upset—like she was some kid throwing a tantrum. Like her feelings were just... small. Insignificant. Something to be managed.

Over time, she'd learned to say less and less.

She stood to leave, but Xavier's hand caught her wrist.

"What do you want? Let go," she snapped.

There was a flicker of anger in his voice now. "I didn't come at you for throwing around the word *divorce* to reporters. And here you are, giving me attitude."

Annika turned back slowly, a bitter smile curving her lips.

"Well, maybe you should stop and think about *why* I said it in the first place. And next time you escort Lina to her prenatal appointments? Try not to get caught. They won't dare question you—but they've got zero problem cornering me!"

Xavier Parker's gaze landed on the red, swollen mark on Annika James' face. His brows pulled together instantly. "Who did this to you?" he demanded, his voice sharp.

Annika had been facing him with her right side, so the ugly bruise on her left cheek had been hidden until now. Tilting her head back, she replied flatly, "Take a wild guess."

In all of Seattle, who else but Molly Watkins would dare lay a hand on Xavier Parker's wife?

Understanding hit Xavier like a freight train. His expression darkened, and he drew Annika closer. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you," he murmured against her hair. "You should've told me sooner."

Annika fought back the tears that had been building for what felt like forever. Molly Watkins slapping her hadn't made her cry. Lina Turner pretending to console her while actually stirring the pot hadn't made her cry. Walking home from the estate alone on an empty stomach, she'd held it together. But Xavier's simple apology nearly shattered her.

She felt so pathetic, so damn weak. For years, Xavier had played the game of slap her one moment and treat her sweet the next, and every single time, she caved.

What was she supposed to do? All she wanted right now was to just break down and bawl. Was that not allowed either? Her entire life felt like one giant mistake after another—was crying just another one to add to the list?

Turning her face away, she hastily wiped at her eyes.

Xavier retrieved the first aid kit and gently started tending to her cheek. When he saw her tears streaming down like a faucet, something tightened painfully in his chest. He leaned in and kissed them away. Annika tried to pull back, but he cupped her chin, holding her still. He kissed away every tear until her breathing hitched and turned ragged.

"I'm sorry," Xavier repeated softly. "The mine in South Africa had zero signal. I had to hike out forever just to make a damn phone call. I figured I'd wrap things up fast and get back to you. After Nash and Lina called, I only went to the hospital with her, and I was planning to come straight home right after."

He hadn't expected to be hit with such devastating news, which forced him to rush back and handle the crisis all night.

Annika just sat on the couch, utterly lost for words. Her anger wasn't because Xavier had work to do, or even because he'd gone with Lina. Hell, truth be told, she didn't even know what she was truly angry about anymore. In their three years of marriage, she'd often felt wronged, often felt furious, but whenever she dug deeper, there was never a solid, valid reason. It was just that Xavier's parents couldn't stand her, and the Turner family always treated her like dirt. But who was she to be angry? She was just the daughter of the Parkers' housekeeper. Of course his family was pissed when he picked her over all those wealthy heiresses. Bowen Flores, the Turners' eldest son, had died because of her—so naturally, they despised her guts.

Everyone said she was lucky. They accused her of being ungrateful for the cushy life she'd landed, telling her she should be thanking her stars. But Annika couldn't muster up a single ounce of gratitude. Everyone stared at her like she was some kind of object. As Xavier's wife, aside from Molly, nobody dared openly sneer at her, but nobody genuinely cared about her either. Whenever someone mentioned her name, the conversation would stall, followed by those loaded, knowing glances.

Over time, Annika grew to hate those so-called parties, galas, and holiday shindigs. She fit into no social circle. More often than not, she was home alone. With Xavier consumed by work, she'd become addicted to reality TV. At least there, with all the noise and chatter, she felt human—not just some possession.

"Still hurt?" Xavier's warm palm grazed her cheek. The ointment made her skin flush with heat.

Annika shook her head. "It stopped hurting a while ago."

Xavier looked down at her, then produced a small jewelry box from his briefcase. Inside was an exquisitely crafted pink diamond ring. Pink diamonds are rare and insanely expensive—even a quick glance screamed how valuable this stunner was. Last month, after a huge fight, Annika had hurled her wedding ring away. This was the replacement.

"You like it?" A smirk played on Xavier's lips. "How's it feel having a million bucks on your finger? Next time, don't toss it. That's a million-dollar ring." He knew her taste for the finer things.

Annika stared down at the breathtaking stone. Then, out of nowhere, she asked, "Does Lina have one too?"

Xavier was thrown. "What?"

Annika lifted her head, her eyes glistening like stars as she met his gaze. "This ring—does Lina have one?"

Ever since Bowen passed, anything gifted to Annika was also given to Lina. Molly had said it was because the Parkers and Annika owed Lina. Bowen had adored his baby sister. If he were still alive, he would've given her everything Annika received. So after his death, every single gift Annika got was duplicated for Lina. Handbags, jewelry, houses, cars—you name it. Hell, two years ago, for their wedding anniversary, Xavier had even gifted Annika a tiny private island. A few days later, Lina called to invite Annika to another island to celebrate her and Nash's anniversary. That's when Annika realized Xavier had given Lina and Nash an island too, as a commemorative gift.

After a beat, Xavier flicked her forehead, jolting her out of her spiral. "Annika," he chided, "have those reality shows fried your brain? This is your wedding ring. Why the hell would I give her one? I'm not her husband."

Annika dropped her gaze, but for the first time that day, a genuine smile touched her lips. She slipped the ring onto her finger and admired it. Her slender, pale fingers were perfect against the pink shimmer—elegant and dreamy, like a fairytale princess. Overjoyed, she snapped a picture and posted it on Instagram.

Within five minutes, it racked up likes and comments. Her friend Emma Sanchez joked, "Girl, you better sleep with one eye open from now on, or I might just sneak in and snatch that diamond!" Annika replied with a string of laughing emojis. Then, after posting her reply, she refreshed her feed and noticed Lina had just posted an update one minute ago.

It was a photo of a massive pink diamond necklace—so huge it was impossible to miss, even without enlarging the image.

Annika's happy grin instantly died.

She tapped on Lina's photo. The exquisite necklace matched her ring perfectly in color and craftsmanship. It was clearly part of a set.

Lina's caption read: "Between a ring and a necklace, I went with the necklace. More elegant, and of course, way pricier. Thanks, babe. You always think of everything. I'm so damn lucky."

Annika's mind began to buzz, the sickening realization crashing down on her like a tidal wave.

Xavier Parker didn't pick up on Annika James's distress. Not at all.

After dabbing the ointment on her cheek, he grabbed the first aid kit and headed upstairs. "I'm gonna shower. Come up when you're ready."

Annika stayed silent. She snatched her phone and deleted the post she'd just put up. The small smile on her face dissolved as she looked at her ring one more time—then she slipped it off and tucked it back into its velvet box.

She couldn't even bring herself to ask Xavier about what went down today. No matter how she framed it, his answer would always be the same.

Annika felt like she owed the Turner family everything. Owed Lina Turner everything. Like everything she had was really meant for Lina—some twisted way to give Bowen Flores a little peace in the afterlife.

For years, whenever Annika felt hurt or wronged, the second those thoughts surfaced, a door in her mind would slam shut and steal her voice completely.

Annika sat motionless on the couch. Earlier, the reality show on TV had been a welcome distraction; now, with Xavier turning it off, the silence in the living room was deafening.

In the stillness, Annika's mind drifted back to Bowen.

The Parkers and the Floreses had been family friends for generations. Xavier and Bowen were best friends, while Lina was Bowen's younger sister. Annika was the same age as Lina, three years younger than the boys. The four of them basically grew up together.

Even though Annika was just the housekeeper's daughter, her father, Andrew James, spoiled her rotten and gave her the best of everything. The Parkers paid him ridiculously well—his monthly salary as head of household rivaled what most people made in a year.

So Annika never wanted for anything growing up.

She and Xavier had their fair share of squabbles back then. Everyone at the Parker mansion was straight-up terrified of young Master Xavier, the sole heir. But Annika? She was fearless. She argued with him every single day. She even made him cry once when they were kids—not that he'd ever admit it now.

Eventually, Annika got to know the Flores siblings, who were always visiting the Parkers.

Bowen was incredibly kind. Despite his privileged upbringing, he was always so friendly and approachable, his eyes forever warm with a smile. He treated Annika like his very own little sister.

Both Annika and Lina called him "big brother."

Annika and Lina weren't exactly inseparable, but they had a playful rivalry and didn't actually dislike each other.

When did Annika first notice Lina's growing hostility? It must've started around the time they hit high school.

By the time Annika and Lina started high school, Xavier and Bowen were getting ready to graduate. They snuck into the graduation party, and Lina was a bundle of nerves the whole time.

"What's got you so nervous?" Annika asked. "Worst-case scenario, Bowen gives us a lecture. But he's too soft for even that. If Xavier gets all difficult, I'll take the heat."

But Lina's cheeks flushed as she confessed, "I'm going to tell him how I feel today."

"Tell him what?"

"I like Xavier," Lina admitted, blushing even deeper. "I've had a crush on him since we were kids."

Annika froze, a tightness wrapping around her chest.

On one hand, she didn't want to see Lina upset—that would break her heart. But picturing Xavier as Lina's boyfriend made her stomach twist in ways that hurt even worse.

That was the moment she realized her feelings for Xavier went way beyond anything she felt for Bowen.

Lina went off to give Xavier her love letter, while Annika sat sulking in the corner of the sofa. When Lina came back, her eyes were red and puffy from crying. "Annika," she choked out, "we're not friends anymore. I hate you!"

Stunned and totally confused, Annika bolted to find Xavier and demand what he'd told Lina.

"Do you have any idea what Lina said to me?" Xavier snapped.

"It doesn't matter what she said. You shouldn't have upset her!"

Seeing Annika defend Lina so fiercely, Xavier's face went red with frustration.

Finally, he burst out, "You're such an idiot, Annika!"

Xavier had called Annika an idiot a million times growing up, but this time, he sounded genuinely pissed.

Annika was furious too. She couldn't wrap her head around whatever had gone down between Xavier and Lina—one was cutting off their friendship, and the other was icing her out.

Eventually, Bowen reached out. "Annika, I know this might sound selfish, but Lina's my sister. She's spoiled, got a bit of a princess complex. Please don't be mad at her."

Annika murmured, "I don't even know why she suddenly started ignoring me." After a beat, she added, "Or Xavier."

After a pause, Bowen explained, "Lina confessed her feelings to Xavier."

"I know."

"Xavier told her he has feelings for you."

Annika's breath caught, her eyes slowly meeting Bowen's, confusion and embarrassment swirling inside her.

Bowen smiled softly, his eyes warm with reassurance. He ruffled her hair affectionately. "Annika, you're still young. Promise me, when you graduate high school, you'll sit down and have a real talk with Xavier about this. He promised he wouldn't let it mess with you until then."

Annika's cheeks turned hot.

On her fifteenth birthday, she wrote in her diary: Like the spring breeze that blows overnight and makes a thousand pear trees bloom, it's magical how every flower in my heart bursts open at the sound of his name.

But by the time she graduated high school, Xavier had already left to study abroad. He called her, asking what her college plans were.

Annika shot back defiantly, "Well, I'm not applying anywhere in the U.S."

Xavier was quiet for a second. "I'll be back next year."

"I don't care when you get back."

"Really? You don't care?"

"Nope."

"God, you're an idiot, Annika."

And with that, Xavier hung up.

Fuming, Annika fired off a long, ranty text to him—only to get a red exclamation mark in return.

He'd blocked her again, just like he always did after a fight. He'd insult her, hang up, block her on all social media, and then, a couple days later, unblock her once she'd cooled off.

To the outside world, Xavier was the picture of charm and sophistication—the perfect young heir of the Parker family. But to Annika? He was just petty and childish whenever it involved her.