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.

I had resumed to work two days after. Franklin wanted me to stay at home but work couldn't wait.


I stood in the doorway for a moment, taking it all in. A corner suite with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan. A big black desk in the middle. And on that desk, a simple vase with white orchids and sunflowers, my favorite flowers.


Tucked among the petals was a card in Franklin's handwriting:


"To the absolute love of my life. Congratulations baby. —F"


I smiled despite everything. Despite the threat looming over us. Despite knowing that danger was circling. Franklin had sent me flowers.


I set the card on my desk and took a deep breath. Today was important. The headlines had already gone out—"Octavia Herman Promoted to Senior Lead Developer at Flemington Group." The articles mentioned my work on the project, my role in uncovering the Dorian conspiracy, my resilience under pressure.


Chapter 224 - ~ 224