Sam Shelly

Theodore Maxwell, a ruthless business tycoon driven by vengeance, plots to marry Alina Roosevelt to kill two birds with one stone: get revenge on her father and inherit everything that was rightfully his. Alina, a budding author with a heart as pure as her prose, was blissfully unaware of Theodore's ulterior motives when she said, "I do."

As Theodore's cunning plan unfolded, he found himself captivated by Alina's charm and kindness. Despite his initial intentions, he couldn't help but admire the woman he had married. But just as unexpected love began to blossom, everything crumbled with Alina’s father, who devised a cunning scheme that shattered the fragile peace in their marriage. Consumed by rage and betrayal, Theodore divorces Alina, blaming her for her father's deceit. 

It's too late to realize that Alina was a mere pawn in her father's malicious game. Regret gnawed at his heart as he desperately searched for her, but she had vanished without a trace. Haunted by the memory of his cruel actions, Theodore is set to find Alina and make amends. And he will stop at nothing. How long will Alina be successful in keeping her little secret hidden?
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“I’m not your wife anymore, Theodore!” I yelled, shoving him away from me. He had absolutely no right to march back into my life. 

“Here’s where you are wrong, Alina,” he took dangerous steps towards me until I was pushed against one of the walls, as he held me captive. “You were mine, then. You are mine now. And you, most definitely, will stay mine in the future. Not even you can separate yourself from me, Alina, because you were born to be mine!” And that’s when he smashed his lips against mine in a furious kiss. 



Theodore's Regret

Alina awoke to an empty bed, the warmth that once enveloped her replaced by a chill. Her fingers traced the vacant space beside her, a silent yearning for Theodore's presence. After freshening up, she pulled on her dress, a sense of melancholy settling over her. The night of passion lingered in her mind, and she half-expected to find Theodore missing, perhaps off to an early day at work. 


Descending the stairs, hope flickered in her chest at the sight of him standing downstairs, impeccably dressed in his typical suit. A smirk crossed his lips, and she interpreted it as a positive recollection of their shared moments. Greeting him with a happy smile, Alina's anticipation was abruptly shattered. 


The atmosphere shifted as Theodore, without warning, tossed a stack of papers in her face. They fluttered to the ground like ominous confetti, and her eyes widened with shock. As the papers settled, he deadpanned at her, instructing her. “Sign it and get out.” 


27. Shattered