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Mariane thought she had lost everything the day her mother was found dead by the roadside. Grief consumed her, leaving her with no choice but to accept a loveless marriage to Heinrich Volkov—a powerful, ruthless man with secrets as dark as his cold green eyes.

But just when she begins to accept her fate, the truth unravels.

Her mother’s death wasn’t an accident. The investigation takes a shocking turn, revealing clues that suggest she might still be alive. The deeper Mariane digs, the more the shadows close in around her. And the worst part?

Heinrich might have known all along.

Betrayal cuts deeper than any blade, and as Mariane pieces together the puzzle, she realizes that the man she shares a bed with—the man who watches her every move—is keeping far more than just business secrets.

Was she forced into this marriage to be protected? Or was she trapped to be controlled?

And if her mother is alive…

Why hasn’t she come back for her?

As Mariane’s world spirals into a web of deceit, power, and deadly desire, she’s left with only one choice: trust Heinrich, or destroy him.

But how do you fight the devil when you’re already falling for him?



THE HAUNTED HEART OF LIES

I knew I would be nervous, but not this nervous. My hands were trembling as I sat in front of the dressing table, watching my reflection in the grand, gold-framed mirror. My makeup was flawless, my dress a masterpiece of lace and satin, yet all I could focus on was the thundering of my own heart. 


I was going to exchange vows with Heinrich Volkov. 


Even after all this time he was still him—intense, infuriating, unpredictable. But here I was, in a room dripping with luxury, preparing to marry him. The decision had been made long ago, and there was no turning back. 


Outside, the world was waiting. My uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends were all here, dressed in the finest attire, mingling with powerful businessmen and politicians. Even people I barely recognized had been invited—people Heinrich insisted had to be here because, according to him, I had interacted with them at least once. 


CHAPTER 19