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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

The golden morning light streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I sighed in contentment, shifting slightly in Heinrich’s arms. He was still holding me. His grip was firm but not suffocating, his strong arms wrapped securely around me as if even in his sleep, he didn’t want to let go. 


I smiled to myself, inhaling deeply. He smelled so damn good—like expensive cologne, warmth, and something distinctly him. The scent was comforting, familiar, and it made me want to bury my face in his chest and stay there forever. 


For a moment, I allowed myself to just enjoy it. To enjoy the quiet, the warmth, the way his body molded against mine like we were meant to fit together. The pain in my abdomen had dulled overnight, though a lingering soreness remained. But it didn’t matter as much now. 


That was until Heinrich stirred, his grip tightening momentarily before he groaned and nuzzled into my hair. 


CHAPTER 27