Zara's POV

I removed my coat the moment I stepped through the front door and tossed it carelessly on the nearest sofa. Two years ago, I married the love of my life, Ethan. We were happy, or at least I thought. It felt like it was decades ago. My dream wedding had slowly turned into a nightmare. Ethan had grown cold and distant. he started coming home late and barely acknowledged my presence.

The house was eerily quiet. There was no sound of the TV or aroma of coffee that usually marked Ethan’s presence. It was unsettling. I walked to the bedroom, hoping he had fallen asleep. But when I opened the door, my world crumbled.

There he was, Ethan, my husband.

Naked.

His body was tangled with another. Jade my best friend. Her legs were wrapped around Ethan's waist as Ethan fucked her.

That felt too familiar. She was laughing, her back arched in a way that made my stomach churn. Ethan has never touched me like that, like he craved me. He gripped her thighs possessively as if Jade were his.

Their moans filled the room as Jade screamed Ethan's name. My knees buckled and I fell to the ground. I could hear the sickening sound of skin against skin.

Jade met my eyes, and she smiled at me. She looked at me with no remorse

"Oh sweetie, you are back? You don’t mind lending me your husband, do you?” she said, blinking sweetly at me.

I stared frozen. Numb. Ethan didn’t stop or flinch.

“Zara,” he said flatly, still not looking at me. “You’re early.”

Early? I stood at the doorway, watching the man I loved destroy me, and he acted like it was no big deal. Jade laughed evilly.

"Ethan and I have been dating before you got married. I wonder how gullible you've been."

I was shaking. My heart hammered in my chest. They had been doing this? Ethan pulled out of her and kissed Jade’s forehead; he moved to the side of the bed with a lazy stretch. His gaze shifted to me. There was no remorse in his eyes, only apathy. Nathan lit a cigarette; he took a long drag and smiled.

I blinked, still processing the words.

“What? What are you...”.

I didn't complete my sentence before Ethan lunged towards me, grabbing my hair forcefully. I screamed in pain.

Jade walked towards me; she blocked the entrance. I could see the evil smirk plastered on her face.

"I should've known you were a fool, Zara, too gullible. Always acting like the perfect wife and friend."

“I trusted you, Jade, with everything I had.” I choked out

Jade narrowed her eyes at me. “Well... You shouldn’t have.” I muttered quietly.

Ethan snarled, his hot, stinking breath fanning my cheeks.

“You think you’re worth anything? You are just a pretty puppet, something to show off to my friends and keep for a while."

Jade stepped closer, her laughter cruel. “Let her breathe, Ethan. No need to rush things.”

Ethan didn't care; instead, I was forcefully pulled closer. His lips were inches away from my ear. "You’re nothing, Zara."

“I never loved you,” he hissed. “I tolerated you for your wealth. And now that everything’s in my name... well, your death would be convenient.”

“But I am your wife Ethan, and you love me, remember?” I choked out again.

My eyes widened. Ethan didn't love me?

I gasped, trying to pry his hand off my neck. I couldn't believe Ethan was doing this to me. He had treated me like I was his world in the beginning. Like he loved me.

I had to fight back; everything can't end like this, so I kicked Ethan as hard as I could. He stumbled back, his grip loosening just enough for me to escape from his grasp. I dropped to the floor, trying to get as much air as I could get.

"You are so pathetic, Zara. Why did you come back? for Ethan?" she paused, then continued.

"You know, Ethan never loved you; you were just one of those spoiled brats he tried to live off their wealth. And now that our plan is successful, you are no longer needed." She spat.

I looked at Jade, her words breaking my heart into pieces. I sniffed back my tears and tried to get up.

I needed to get out of here, I thought to myself. I needed to escape.

Immediately, I ran towards the door.

Jade tried to stop me, but it was too late.

I could see Ethan following me, he was mad. "Fucking stop her right now."

Jade’s shrill cry followed. "She must not get away." Jade screamed.

I ran down the stairs without looking back, my heart pounding in my chest. just I was about to open the front door, I was yanked back forcefully.

"No," I shouted.

"You think you can just run away like that, huh? Ethan asked me.

"You fucking belong here, bitch."

I fought back; I wasn't going to let him in.

"Let me go." I screamed, trying to get out of his grip. But Ethan was too strong; he just laughed at me.

“No chance, Zara. You’re not leaving. Not now.”

I gathered all my strength and kicked him right in his crotch. he screamed in pain, loosening his grip on me. Immediately, I ran towards the door as if my life depended on it.

It was cold and dark outside. The old railing tore my skin, and I screamed in pain. Ethan and Jade ran after me as they screamed my name. But I didn't dare wait a minute. I ran through the empty streets as adrenaline coursed through my body.

My bare feet hit against the cold concrete floor; all I cared about was escaping.

My body shook in fear and despair; I could feel tiredness seeping in, but I couldn't stop.I could feel the blood trickling down my nose,I cleaned it with shaky hands and continued running.

My vision was getting blurry, but I couldn't stop. The only thought I had was to get far away. To escape from the two people I had trusted with my life.

My legs screamed. My body trembled with exhaustion. Blood ran from my nose; I wiped it with a shaking hand. Then, through the blur of tears, I saw it. A light. Flickering behind the trees. A mansion. Hope sparked. I pushed through the woods, branches slicing my arms, but I barely noticed. I stumbled. Fell. Crawled. And then him.

A towering figure loomed ahead, bathed in moonlight and shadow. He was naked. His eyes glowed molten gold. His gaze met mine. Wild. Possessive. Predatory. I collapsed at his feet, my strength finally gone. I couldn’t move. The last thing I heard was a voice low, powerful, and final.

“Take her to my bed,” the voice commanded. “She’s mine now.”