Chapter 1

Chapter 1

My brother was bullied by his roommate. He acted in self-defense, but the other guy ended up in critical condition.

My husband, the only witness who could save him, refused to show up in court. He had a ten-year reunion pact with his first love that he wouldn't miss for the world.

I knelt on the floor, begging him to testify.

He just shoved me away with a look of pure disgust. "Are you really trying to compete for my attention right now? This ten-year anniversary only happens once."

"Is your brother going to die just because I don't go? I'm not the only witness anyway. Stop trying to guilt-trip me!"

Because no one stood up for him, my brother was sentenced to three years. In prison, his depression spiraled, and he took his own life in a moment of utter despair.

Having lost my only family, I reached my breaking point. I was done with my husband.

Later, he came crawling back, crying and begging me to stay, saying he finally regretted everything.

...

"The defendant, Waylon Bennett, is found guilty of intentional assault resulting in grievous bodily harm. He is hereby sentenced to three years in prison."

I couldn't believe it. My brother had been convicted just like that.

As they prepared to lead him away, I rushed forward, desperate to reach him. A second later, the bailiffs grabbed my arms and pinned me to the floor.

I stared wide-eyed at Waylon. Tears streamed down his face as his lips moved silently. "Take care of yourself, Sis," he mouthed before he disappeared from sight.

The moment I stepped out of the courthouse, I wiped the tears from my face. I opened my phone only to see a photo my husband, Zander Vaughan, had just posted with his first love, Sutton Vance.

Zander was beaming with a look of pure happiness―a look I had never seen in the five years we were married.

For five years, he had no patience for me and never gave me a kind word. He always complained that I smelled like grease because I ran a local diner.

He said I could never compare to Sutton, who ran her own successful law firm.

I knew he didn't love me. He only married me to get back at her after they broke up years ago.

But I never expected him to be this heartless.

Before the trial, I had knelt on the ground and begged him. "Zander, please, save my brother. The hearing will be over quickly. It won't take much of your time."

Zander didn't care. He just looked at me with loathing and kicked my hand away.

"The ten-year pact only happens once. Stop being so selfish. There is a time and place to play the jealous wife."

"Besides, I'm not the only witness. Is your brother going to die if I don't go? You're just trying to manipulate me. You're pathetic."

Waylon had treated Zander like a real brother. He bought him gifts every year and treated him better than he treated me.

Zander, a college professor, had seen the whole thing, yet he refused to step up. He knew Waylon was a sweet, gentle kid who would never start a fight.

But it was too late now. I suppressed the agony in my chest and shut off my phone. I had to find a new lawyer and appeal the case.

I searched online and found a high-end firm. As I was about to hail a cab, four burly men suddenly rushed toward me. They muffled my screams and dragged me into a nearby deserted park.

"My son is still in a coma because of your brother!" one of them hissed.

"And you had the nerve to claim he was innocent in court? If I don't beat some sense into you, I'll never find peace."

It was the father of Waylon's roommate. His eyes were like daggers, filled with a murderous rage. He kicked me hard in the stomach.

I nearly blacked out from the pain, but I forced myself to look at him. "My brother did nothing wrong. Your son was a bully. He's in that hospital bed because of his own actions."

"Oh, still got a big mouth, huh? Get her, boys! Hit her until she learns her place."

He waved his hand, and the others swarmed me. They kicked and punched me ruthlessly. Through the dull thuds of their blows, I heard the sickening crack of my own bones.

"I'm telling you, this isn't over. This is just the beginning," the man spat.

After they finished using me as a punching bag, they fled the scene.

My mouth tasted like copper, and blood leaked from my lips. My body was screaming in pain. I was trying to find the strength to call 911 when my phone buzzed.

It was Zander.

"So you've got an attitude now? It took you long enough to answer," he snapped.

"Whatever, I don't have time for your drama. Get to the diner and whip up five dishes. Send them via DoorDash to the Four Seasons. Make sure it's low oil and low salt. Sutton is used to fine dining; she can't handle your greasy trash."

Zander's voice felt like a poisoned arrow piercing my heart. I couldn't tell which hurt more anymore―my broken ribs or my soul.

He didn't care about the verdict at all. He just expected me to serve him, confident that I would never say no.

I choked back a sob and hung up. I couldn't listen to his dismissive voice for one more second.

My vision blurred. Everything went black, and I collapsed onto the grass.