chapter 7

I had fled south to Caden, thinking I could finally disappear. But even there, on a random TV bolted to a street corner, my missing-person notice flashed across the screen.

On the broadcast, Samuel apologized and called out to me like he was bleeding from the heart.

"Baby, I was wrong. I'm so sorry. Please… just give me another chance. If you come back, everything I own is yours. I'll even sign whatever loyalty contract you want.

"If I ever mess up again, you can throw me out with nothing.

"Just—please—don't disappear from my life."

I tugged my scarf up a little higher, covering most of my face without making it obvious.

I hadn't expected him to pour this much money into broadcasting a national search.

Even on the street, people kept sneaking glances, trying to match my face.

If this continued, someone would eventually recognize me. And I had no intention of ever getting dragged back into Samuel's world.

To stay hidden, I ended up pretending to be in a relationship with a man who seemed just as eager to stay off the radar.

His name was Isaias Martinez, and honestly, our first meeting already felt like fate.

I was buying snacks at a night market when he suddenly tapped my shoulder and said he was my friend.

Behind him stood several men in matching security uniforms, scanning the area like they were hunting someone.

After they left, he slipped me a blank check and disappeared.

I figured that was that. But days later, when a couple of strangers started whispering and pointing at me like they recognized my face from TV, it was Isaias who pulled me into a secluded mountain villa before they could get closer.

And just like that, he took me in.

We told everyone we were a couple, lovers of the simple life, so we kept to ourselves in the woods.

He never asked what I was running from, and I didn't ask who he really was.

For a full month, the peace felt real. I slowly let my guard down.

Today, wanting to thank him for everything, I decided to go into town and pick up a few treats.

But the moment I stepped outside, I saw it—a limited-edition Maybach I knew far too well.

The license plate was Samuel's.

He stepped out a second later.

He looked nothing like the immaculate CEO everyone knew. His hair was messy, dark circles swollen under his eyes, and his cheekbones looked sharper than I remembered.

Heart hammering, I ducked into a bakery and pressed myself behind a display of fresh croissants, hoping he hadn't caught sight of me.

Thirty minutes passed. Nothing happened.

My nerves settled. I picked out a few pastries and headed back.

He had been dying to try this new item. When I got back, I saw Isaias waiting for me near the entrance of the trail leading home, straddling his electric scooter.

He waved. "What kind of goodies did my beautiful wife get me today?"

The overly sweet nickname didn't faze me anymore.

Out in public, calling each other husband and wife made us look like any normal couple.

"I bought the new flavor you keep mentioning—the imported chocolate one. Try it later. Maybe we can learn to make it ourselves."

He grinned wide, front teeth showing. "If my lady says so, then I'll perfect the recipe."

He took the bag from my hand, still smiling.

"You were gone a long time, so I came to meet you."

I reached for the helmet he held out, just about to put it on when someone yanked me violently off the scooter.

It was Samuel.

His breathing was uneven, hair a mess, eyes bloodshot like he hadn't slept in days.

"What did you just call him?" His voice cracked. "Your… husband?

"You married him?" His grip tightened around me, almost shaking. "Do you have any idea how painful it's been looking for you?"

He pulled me into his chest, and I felt hot tears hit my neck.

"You don't know… I can only sleep with melatonin now. Every night, it's the only way I can shut my eyes.

"If I hadn't come to Caden for a business trip, who knows when I'd find you."

I tore myself out of his arms.

"Let go! I'm with someone else now. And you have Macy. Why are you still chasing me?

"Look at yourself. It's disgusting."

My harsh words hit him like a blow.

"You're still mad about Macy?" he asked, voice trembling. "You don't need to be. I took care of it. I made her get rid of the baby, and I sent her to work in a nightclub.

"She'll never bother you again."

I froze.

Samuel did that to Macy?