He threw money on the bed after our one-night stand.
I threw it back in his face at his own inauguration.
By sundown, we were engaged. By the week's end — married.
Franklin Flemington needed a wife to secure his empire. I needed a miracle to save my family. For two years, we played our parts flawlessly — the golden couple the whole city envied.
Behind closed doors, I was invisible to him.
When the two years were up, I handed him divorce papers without blinking.
He stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "I've given you everything a husband should. What more do you want from me, Octavia?"
I smiled, signed my name, and walked out.
I thought that was the end. I thought I'd finally won.
I forgot one thing — Franklin Flemington has never lost anything in his life. And he has no intention of starting with me.
Game on.

My heart hammered against my ribs, each thud echoing the frantic pace of my footsteps. 


I didn't know where I was going, only that I had to move. 


The crescent moon hung low over the ocean, casting a magical, silver glow across the waves—the only light strong enough to reach this far from the resort's manicured paths.


I pushed faster, my lungs burning. I wasn't just running from him; I was running from the terrifying possibility that my mind was finally fracturing, creating a dream-like scenario I could never actually have.


"Stop running! Please!" His footsteps were heavy and fast behind me.


"Leave me alone, Franklin!" I shouted, my voice hitching.


"I'm not! I'm not going anywhere!" he yelled back. "Just stop!"


I skidded to a halt, spinning around to face him. He caught up, doubled over and panting for air. 


"You... you just forced me to run a marathon," he managed between gasps.


Chapter 69 - ~ 69