Chapter 1
Zoey's POV
Crystal chandeliers cast warm golden light across the hotel ballroom, and the guests' smiling faces filled my heart with pure happiness. I touched the diamond necklace at my throat, feeling its cool weight against my skin.
After tonight, I'll be Asher Williams' fiancée.
The thought made me smile. In this world where humans and werewolves coexisted, the media called our love story "the perfect cross-species fairy tale." Seven years of waiting were finally about to pay off.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I said into the microphone, my voice trembling with excitement, "I'd like to share the story of how Asher and I met..."
It was at St. Mary's Orphanage. We were both twelve years old.
As the true heir to the Anderson fortune, I should have grown up in luxury, but after an accident, I ended up at that cold, lonely place. There, Asher gave me warmth.
He was a scrawny werewolf boy who got picked on by the other kids. We protected each other, depended on each other. During those hard times, we promised we'd always be together.
"We were all each other had at the orphanage," I continued, my voice catching, "Even after I returned to my birth family, I never forgot our promise..."
Moved sighs rippled through the crowd. I saw my parents, Margaret and Robert Anderson, sitting in the front row with complex emotions flickering in their eyes. When they found me three years ago, they'd opposed bringing Asher home and even cut contact for a year.
To have my family's acceptance AND the man I love—I'm so blessed.
"That skinny boy who protected me at the orphanage," I turned to gaze lovingly at Asher in his custom tuxedo, my heart racing, "is now the most precious person in my life."
Asher squeezed my hand gently. "Zoey, you saved me from the darkness," he said, his voice shaking, "Without you, I never would have escaped that place."
Thunderous applause erupted. Several female guests were actually crying:
"From orphanage to mansion—so inspiring!"
"Now THAT'S true love!"
"She never forgot where she came from!"
This is the life I want. I gazed at all those blessing faces, warmth flooding my chest.
Halfway through the ceremony, Asher leaned close to my ear. "Babe, your makeup's a little smudged."
I instinctively touched my cheek. Damn, must have been from hugging the guests.
"I'll just pop to the restroom to touch up," I said with a wink, "Back in a flash. Don't miss me too much."
"Hurry back, my princess," he kissed my cheek softly, "I'll miss you every second."
Such a sweet talker. My heart felt warm and fuzzy as I clicked across the floor in my heels. Everyone smiled and blessed me as I passed—this feeling of being surrounded by love was incredible.
After fixing my makeup, I headed back to the ballroom, but as I passed a storage room, I heard strange sounds—like someone breathing heavily.
Huh? Why would anyone be in there?
I carefully cracked the door open and peeked through the gap.
Then my world SHATTERED.
Asher had my sister Janet pressed against the wall, and they were making out furiously.
His hands were roughly tearing at her dress, sliding directly into her panties. Janet's legs wrapped tightly around his waist as she moaned.
My heart nearly stopped beating.
This isn't real. This CAN'T be real.
"God, I'm so sick of playing the innocent act," Janet gasped, her voice dripping with lust, "Watching you be all sweet to that IDIOT makes me want to puke."
"Soon, baby," Asher's voice was low and cruel, his hands getting bolder, "Once she's legally my wife, I can take everything she owns."
WHAT?
I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood, my legs shaking uncontrollably.
"Your acting is fucking incredible," Janet laughed breathlessly, "You've been playing the devoted boyfriend since the day she brought you home. Even I almost believed it."
"That stupid bitch thinks I'm still that helpless little wolf pup who needed her protection," Asher let out a harsh laugh, "She has no idea I prefer cunning women like you now."
No... impossible...
My heart pounded so hard I thought it might explode, black spots dancing in my vision.
"Once we control the company, we'll dump that waste of space," Janet moaned louder, "Anderson Corp should have been MINE all along. I've been in this family for years—why should some orphan brat take what's mine?"
"You're absolutely right," Asher agreed while groping her, "She thinks bringing me into high society was some great favor. Really, she just gave me the chance to get close to you. Janet, you're so much more interesting."
"That sanctimonious bitch thinks she's some kind of savior," Janet smirked triumphantly, "She'll never guess that the man she loves most and the sister she trusts most are planning to DESTROY her."
I'm going to be sick.
Seven years... seven years of devotion... all FAKE?
I fought the urge to scream, using every ounce of willpower not to collapse right there. Each step felt like walking on knives as I stumbled away from the storage room and into the restroom.
The woman in the mirror was pale as death, lips bloody from biting, eyes filled with despair and rage.
Stay calm, Zoey. Can't fall apart here.
I splashed ice-cold water on my face frantically. The shocking cold helped clear my head a little.
If they want to play games, I'll play along.
"Honey, are you okay?" Asher rushed over with fake concern the moment he saw me, "You look so pale."
Looking at his phony worried expression, I fought the urge to slap him across the face.
"Just nervous," I forced a sweet smile, "It's the most important moment of my life, after all."
He touched my face tenderly—the gesture made my stomach lurch. "My little princess is always so adorable."
Go to hell, you TRAITOR.
"Now let's have the couple exchange rings!" the officiant announced.
Spotlights blazed down on us again as everyone anticipated this romantic moment. I felt like I was standing on trial, countless eyes watching me.
Asher dropped to one knee, pulling out the diamond ring I'd personally selected and paid for.
"Zoey Anderson, will you marry me?"
Thunderous applause and screams erupted. I saw Janet in the crowd, wearing a perfect smile while her eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
This bitch. This pair of BASTARDS.
"I do."
My voice rang clear and sweet throughout the hall. But only I knew what those words really meant:
I'm willing to make you both suffer.
The moment the ring slid onto my finger, I felt crystalline clarity. Seven years of fairy-tale happiness shattered completely, replaced by ice-cold flames of revenge burning in my chest.
Asher stood and embraced me. Amid all the congratulations, I whispered in his ear, "I love you, my fiancé."
I'll show you both what DESPAIR really means.
