Chapter 1
Zoey's POV
I'll never forget what I heard the night I got engaged.
"Once she becomes my legal wife, I can take all her assets."
But let me start from the beginning.
After tonight, I would become Asher Williams' fiancée.
I looked around the brilliantly lit ballroom, unable to suppress a smile.
In this society where humans and werewolves coexisted, our love story had been dubbed by the media as "the perfect cross-species fairy tale." Seven years of waiting was finally about to pay off.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I gripped the microphone, excitement bubbling in my voice, "I want to share the story of Asher and me..."
We met at St. Mary's Orphanage when I was twelve. As the true heir of the Anderson family, I should have grown up in luxury, but due to an accident, I ended up at the orphanage. It was that skinny werewolf boy who gave me warmth, and we promised to stay together forever.
"Back then we had nothing but each other," I gazed lovingly at Asher beside me, "Even after I returned to my family, I never forgot our promise."
Asher gently took my hand: "Zoey, you were the one who saved me from the darkness."
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience:
"From orphanage to wealth - so inspiring!"
"This is TRUE love!"
I saw my parents Margaret and Robert Anderson sitting in the front row, smiling. Three years ago when they found me, they had cut off all contact for a full year because I brought Asher home.
To regain my family's acceptance while being with the man I love - this is pure happiness.
Halfway through the ceremony, Asher leaned close to my ear: "Baby, your makeup is smudged."
"I'll go touch up real quick."
"Hurry back, my little princess." He kissed my cheek softly.
After fixing my makeup, I was heading back to the ballroom when I heard strange panting sounds coming from the storage room.
How could anyone be in there?
I carefully pushed the door open a crack and peered through the gap—
Asher had my sister Janet pinned against the wall, kissing her frantically. His hands were roughly tearing at her dress, sliding directly into her panties. Janet had her legs wrapped around his waist, letting out obscene moans.
This can't be real!
"Fuck, I'm so sick of playing the innocent act," Janet panted, "Every time I see you being gentle with that idiot, I want to puke."
My heart nearly stopped beating.
"Soon, baby," Asher's voice made my blood run cold, "Once she becomes my legal wife, I can legitimately take all her assets."
WHAT? I bit my lip so hard I drew blood.
"Your acting is SO damn good," Janet laughed breathlessly, "You've been putting on this show for three years since she brought you home - even I almost believed it."
"That fool thinks I'm still the little wolf cub from the orphanage who needed her protection," Asher sneered, "She has no idea I prefer cunning women like you."
No... impossible... My vision started going dark.
"Once we control the company, we'll dump that waste of space," Janet's voice became even more brazen, "Anderson Corporation should have been mine anyway. I've been in this family for over ten years - why should some orphanage brat who just came back steal it all?"
"She thought she was doing me a favor, but really gave me the chance to get close to you," Asher continued caressing her while agreeing, "Janet, you're so much more interesting than her."
"That saint bitch thinks she's some kind of savior," Janet laughed smugly, "She'll never imagine that the man she loves most and the sister she trusts most are joining forces to destroy her."
I forced down the urge to scream and stumbled out of the storage room, rushing into the bathroom. The woman in the mirror was deathly pale, blood trickling from her lips.
SHIT! Get it together!
I splashed ice water on my face - the sting helped me focus.
Since they want to act, I'll play along to the very end.
"Sweetheart, are you okay? You look so pale," Asher approached with fake concern.
Looking at his phony worry, I fought the urge to slap him across the face.
"Just a little nervous - this is the most important moment of my life, after all." I forced out a sweet smile.
He gently caressed my face, the gesture making my stomach churn. "My little princess is always so adorable."
Go to hell, you traitor.
"Now, will the couple please exchange rings!" the officiant's voice echoed throughout the venue.
Spotlights hit us as Asher knelt on one knee, producing the diamond ring I had personally selected and paid for.
"Zoey Anderson, will you marry me?"
The crowd erupted in applause. I saw Janet standing in the crowd with a smile, her eyes gleaming with triumph.
These two pieces of shit.
"I do."
My firm voice carried throughout the entire hall. But only I knew the true meaning behind those words:
I DO want to make your lives a living hell.
