Chapter 1

I had spent two whole years playing nursemaid to Caleb Sterling's little sister. Finally, he decided it was time to put a ring on my finger.

I was floating on cloud nine as I went to pick out my wedding dress.

But when I went to find him after my fitting, I overheard a phone call between him and Mandy Sutton.

"I know you're only marrying that bitch Nora Vance because you have to for Cassie's sake, but it still hurts," Mandy whined.

She wouldn't stop complaining, but Caleb just listened with endless patience. He comforted her with a voice so sweet it made my skin crawl.

"Don't worry, Mandy. Once she finishes donating her liver to my sister, she'll be completely useless," he said.

"Since she's been so careful taking care of Cassie, I'll make sure she dies without any pain."

"She doesn't have any other family. Once she has an accident on the operating table, I'll inherit every cent she owns. Then, I'll give you the wedding of your dreams."

My legs turned to jelly, and I nearly hit the floor. I realized my entire body was drenched in a cold sweat.

I looked down at the gorgeous lace of my wedding dress. I thought this was the start of my happily ever after, but it was actually the beginning of a nightmare.

I stayed hidden for a long time before I finally forced myself to walk out. Caleb was staring at his phone, only looking up when he heard me moving.

There was no spark of admiration in his eyes. Instead, he looked annoyed.

The dress was beautiful, and I would have loved it if I hadn't heard that call. I would have asked him if I looked pretty.

But I did hear it. Maybe my parents were watching over me from heaven, waking me up before I stepped off the cliff.

They must have been frantic up there, blaming themselves for not being able to protect their daughter from a predator.

They probably moved mountains just to make sure I saw Caleb's true colors before the wedding.

"That one is fine. Just take it and let's go, stop wasting time," he said.

Hearing his dismissive tone, I suddenly couldn't understand what I had ever seen in him.

"Caleb, why do you even want to marry me?" I asked.

It was a simple question, but Caleb's face instantly darkened.

He avoided my gaze, but his voice was sharp with unearned anger.

"Nora, can you stop with the nonsense? Don't start a fight over nothing."

"You just want to hear me say I love you, right? I told you, I'm marrying you to be responsible. It's not about love!"

He raised his voice so loud that the other customers in the bridal boutique started staring.

Even with everyone watching, Caleb didn't tone it down.

"Nora, if you want to get married, do it. If not, then get lost."

"If Cassie didn't like you so much and insist on this, do you really think I'd want to be with you?"

He didn't think he'd said anything wrong. He had no idea I could see right through his hypocrisy now.

He would rather use his sick sister as an excuse than lie and say he loved me.

He hated me so much that he couldn't even bring himself to play the part of a loving fiancé.

"Fine. Then I'll get lost," I said.

I moved faster than I ever had, stripping off the dress and changing back into my clothes. Before I left, I couldn't stop myself from slapping Caleb hard across the face.

He didn't expect it. After the shock wore off, his eyes turned murderous.

Before he could start screaming, I spoke with ice in my veins. "Caleb, the wedding is off. I'm done."

I marched out of the store and drove away as fast as the speed limit allowed.

Once I got home, my composure shattered.

I always knew Caleb had a childhood sweetheart.

According to him, Mandy Sutton was the sunshine of his life.

She had lit up his entire youth and was the only spark in his miserable childhood.

He had followed her like a puppy. The quiet, straight-A student had been willing to skip class and get into fights just for her.

But later, she chose to leave him in the name of freedom and finding herself.

I thought he had moved on. I thought that was why he let me stay by his side and help him care for his sick sister.

I didn't realize that even his sweet little sister was on Mandy's side.

I had been Caleb's personal maid and ATM, all because of his silver tongue.