River's POV

Nova-my best friend who helped get me out of prison. The one who smiled in my face, held my baby, and told me I'd be fine. There she was, standing in a white dress, holding the hand of the man I loved.

My legs trembled. Rowan's eyes met mine. His face went pale, like he'd seen a ghost. His mouth opened, but no words came. He clearly had no idea I'd been released.

Nova... she saw me too. Our eyes locked...and then she smiled. Like everything was perfect. Like she was the happiest woman on earth. I couldn't breathe.

No one else seemed to notice me standing there like a statue. Just them. I stumbled to the back and sat on a pew. I tried not to cry, but the tears came anyway...hot, heavy, and unstoppable.

I looked up again. They were still standing there, smiling at each other. Why did Nova help me get out? Was it to mock me? To watch me break down?

Then it hit me-she must have been the one who sent that message telling me to meet Rowan here. This was her plan all along.

I remembered how they laughed at the office, the silly jokes they shared, and how they hung out because she worked at the company too. But I never thought it would mean anything.

She was my best friend. She wouldn't betray me... right?

My chest ached, and I felt like I was falling...but there was no one to catch me. I looked down at the engagement ring on my finger. The one I never took off. The one I held onto every single day in prison.

I told myself it meant something. That he loved me. That he would wait. But it was all a lie.

All for nothing.

I wiped my tears with my sleeve and raised my head to watch the rest of the show. I noticed Rowan kept glancing at me like he expected me to cause a scene.

Then suddenly the priest spoke. "If anyone has a reason why these two should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."

And I stood up.

Every head turned.

Gasps. Whispers.

"Isn't that Rowan Kane's P.A.?"

"The assistant who disappeared after the scandal..." They recognised me. Rowan's hands began to shake. Sweat beaded on his forehead, even in the air-conditioned room.

He thought I'd speak up. Thought I'd reveal everything. But I didn't. I just looked at him for the last time. Then I turned around and walked out of the building.

The doors shut behind me, sealing in the music, the lies, and the pain. I stood outside and took a shaky breath. My eyes were sore...I had no tears left to cry. I slipped the ring off my finger and threw it far into the street.

And there-right in front of that building-I made a promise to myself: Rowan Kane was going to pay for what he did to me. At just 23, he had destroyed my life. Left me with a prison record that would stain everything I tried to build.

Now, I'd destroy him. No matter how long it took.

Piece by piece.

I started walking, trying to flag down a cab. But I was so lost in thought...thinking about everything and nothing all at once...that I didn't see the car. And before I knew what was happening, it knocked me off my feet.

Then pain-blinding and sharp, shooting through me like lightning. I heard shouting. Someone screamed my name or maybe it was in my head.

My baby.

I turned my head just enough to see her on the ground...so small, so still...and then everything went black.

~~~~

When I opened my eyes again, everything was hazy. The light above me was too bright. A steady beeping echoed somewhere nearby.

My head throbbed with a deep, dull ache. I blinked, trying to focus. White ceiling. Hospital bed. The sheet over me smelt faintly of disinfectant.

"My baby", I croaked, my voice dry and cracked. I tried to sit up, but pain shot through my skull, making me groan.

"Ouch..."

"Be careful, dear," a calm voice said beside me. I turned my head slowly and winced. A tall man stood next to me, with kind eyes and a gentle expression. I didn't know him.

"Who are you?" I asked, barely whispering.

"Oh-I'm Killian," he said with a small smile. "I was the one who brought you here. You were hit by a cab, but thank God, it wasn't too serious."

I didn't care about that.

I only cared about one thing. "Where's my baby?" My throat tightened. My heart pounded. Before he could answer, the door opened. A doctor walked in holding a clipboard, wearing the practiced, tired smile doctors always wear.

"Oh, you're awake," he said cheerfully. But I didn't look at him. I couldn't. My eyes locked on the person behind him...a nurse, walking in quietly.

In her arms was my baby.

Safe.

Whole.

Wrapped in the same little blanket I'd tucked around her that morning. I let out a shaky breath, my chest loosening for the first time since waking.

The nurse gently placed her in my arms. "There you are," I whispered. My baby blinked up at me, sleepy and soft. "You need to be careful, please."

"It looks like your baby is just two days old, and you still need more rest after giving birth. This accident could have been worse, but we thank God that you and your baby are fine." His words came with a kind smile.

I felt a soft rush of relief, even as my body still ached from the crash. He turned slightly and nodded towards the man standing quietly near the door. "Thanks also to this gentleman over here who rushed you in on time."

My eyes followed his gaze, and I looked at the man again. "I've prescribed some drugs for you to help with the pain."

"You can leave whenever you're ready; the gentleman has sorted your bills." I couldn't say anything for a moment. My throat felt tight and my eyes began to sting.

"Thank you so much, Killian. I'm so grateful you saved my life." My voice cracked a little, and I quickly wiped the tears from my cheek. I didn't even want to think about what could have happened if he hadn't shown up.

I wouldn't have been able to forgive myself if anything had happened to my baby. He gave me a small smile. "Let me know whenever you're ready to leave."

"Oh, it's fine. I can get home myself. You've done enough for me already." I didn't want to bother him anymore. He didn't argue much, but before he turned to go, he asked softly if he could have my number.

I hesitated, looking at him for a moment. Something about it made me uneasy. I didn't want him to come back expecting more than I could give.

He didn't look like the kind of man who helped just to help, and I wasn't sure I was ready to find out if I was wrong.

So I said no.

He didn't push. He just nodded slowly, almost like he had expected it. After a while he still went out of his way to get me a cab. "Be safe," he said softly. I watched the hospital fade behind me as the car pulled away.

I couldn't stop thinking about everything that had happened just in the space of two days. Even if I never saw Killian again, I'd always remember what he did for us.

Getting home was slow and painful; every step sent a sharp ache through my body, but I held my baby close and kept moving because I had made up my mind.

I couldn't stay here any longer, not after everything that had happened. I was done waiting for things to get worse. I had already planned to leave the country for good.

I was an orphan with no one to turn to. Now I have to start over somewhere far away and raise my child in peace. Even though my body screamed for rest, I began packing my bags.

I folded clothes with shaking hands, trying not to think about Nova...my best friend who I now knew would betray me. If she could turn her back on me like that, then what else was she capable of?

The night dragged on. I couldn't sleep. I lay on the bed with my baby beside me, staring at the ceiling. I thought about Rowan, about how much I gave him, how much I sacrificed.

And now, he was married to someone else, living a life I thought we were building together. I was lost in that pain when I heard footsteps...soft but steady-somewhere in the house.

My whole body froze. Fear wrapped around me so tight I couldn't breathe. I sat up, my heart racing, and reached for the lamp on the table. It was the only thing I could grab.

I crept out of the room, each step heavy with dread, and when I turned the corner, I saw him...a man in a black hoodie. "How did he get into my apartment?" 

I patiently waited for him to get close, and when he did, I raised the lamp, ready to hit him, but he was too fast. He grabbed me...his hand over my mouth, the other tight around my arm.

I fought him with everything I had, and when I broke free, I finally saw his face in the dim light.

It was Killian!

"River," he whispered my name. But it wasn't the way he said it that scared me. It was the look in his eyes.

River's POV

As soon as I moved back and opened my mouth to scream for help, his hand shot forward again and covered it tightly, silencing me before any sound could leave my lips. 

"I swear I'm not here to hurt you." He said.

I struggled hard, hitting and twisting my body, trying to get free, but his grip was too strong. He was much bigger than me, and even though I fought with everything I had, it felt like trying to fight a wall. 

My chest burned from the effort, and my heart was beating so fast it felt like it would break out of my body. I should have trusted my gut. Something about him had felt off from the beginning. 

And now here he was, in my home, in the middle of the night, holding me like this. His eyes were too calm for someone who just broke into a woman's house.

"Be silent, River," he whispered into my ear, his voice low but firm. "I'll only let you go if you don't shout." I nodded slowly, fear tightening around my throat like a rope.

He waited for a moment, then finally let me go. I stepped back quickly, coughing as I tried to catch my breath. The way he'd held me had made it hard to breathe, and my chest ached with every breath I pulled in.

"What are you doing here?" I said, my voice hoarse. "We need to leave now, River. I think someone is after your life," he said, his words barely louder than a whisper.

I stared at him in disbelief. "Why should I believe you?" I asked, my voice sharp with anger and fear.

"You broke into my house. How do you even know where I live? Did you follow me?" He looked frustrated but tried to stay calm.

"I'll explain everything later. There's no time right now."

"Well, I'm not going anywhere with you," I snapped. My whole body was shaking, not just from fear but from how wrong all of this felt. He was saying all the right words, but everything he was doing screamed danger.

"What if you are the one behind it all?" I said, taking another step back. He opened his mouth, but he stuttered, "Me... why would I...?" His voice trailed off, and for a second, something like guilt flashed across his face.

But then he stepped forward again and said, "Please, just trust me. We need to go now." Before I could respond, the sound of glass shattering exploded through the house.

I froze in place, my heart leaping to my throat. It came from the living room. Someone had broken in. "What's happening?" I asked, my voice trembling, the panic fully sinking into my bones now.

Killian's eyes widened, and this time there was no calm in them. Only urgency. "They're here," he said. "We need to leave now, River. Now." He didn't wait for me to respond.

He ran past me into the room and reached for my baby, wrapping her in a blanket and holding her carefully. Immediately I entered, I locked the room door.

I hesitated only for a second, then grabbed the bag I had packed earlier, my hands fumbling with the straps as the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway. I followed Killian to the bedroom window.

He pushed it open and helped me climb out first. I could barely breathe, my hands shaking so badly I almost dropped the bag. He handed the baby to me once he was out too, and without looking back, we ran into the streets to his car.

I didn't know who was chasing us. I didn't even know if I could trust the man beside me. I just knew one thing for sure-someone wanted me dead. Killian drove so fast I could barely think straight. 

And then all of a sudden he noticed the men were already following us. The tyres screeched as he turned from one street to another, trying to lose the car chasing us.

I sat in the back seat, holding my baby so tight against my chest that I was afraid I might wake her, but somehow, she stayed asleep through it all. My thoughts were all over the place.

Who were those men? What did they want from me? And why was this stranger-this man I barely knew...risking so much to help me? 

We kept driving, and the city lights slowly faded behind us until all I could see were trees and darkness. After what felt like forever, Killian looked into the rearview mirror, then finally let out a long breath.

"Finally," he muttered like he'd been holding it in for miles. I looked behind us too. The road was empty. No headlights, no sign of the car that had been chasing us. He didn't say much after that.

We drove a little farther, then turned off onto a dirt path deep in the woods. A small cabin came into view, hidden between tall trees. It looked like something from an old movie-quiet, far from everything. It felt like a hideout.

Killian got out of the car and opened my door. I stepped out slowly, my legs still weak, and followed him inside. The place was simple, dusty, and cold, but it was safe...or at least I hoped it was.

I sat down on the sofa while he locked the door behind us. My baby was still asleep in my arms, peaceful in a way that made me wish I could be too. I didn't even know what to say to Killian.

He had saved me again. And all I had done was accuse him, doubt him, and push him away. I felt so guilty. But why was he helping me? How did he know I was in danger?

I opened my mouth to speak, but he beat me to it. "Oh-you go first," he said, noticing I was about to talk. "No, you go," I replied, too tired to argue.

"We'll be leaving for New York first thing in the morning," he said, like it was already decided.

"We?" I asked, confused. "Why us?"

"You were already planning to leave, right?" he said. "Well, I've booked a flight for both of us. I'm the only one who can keep you safe right now." I stared at him, not even bothering to hide my confusion. 

"I don't understand anything you've been saying. Who are you, really? And why are you helping me?"

"You really want to know?" He asked, with this strange look in his eyes, almost like he was mocking me.

"Yes," I said and nodded. "I want to know." He leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms.

"Well, like, you know, I'm Killian. But what you don't know is my full name...killian Kane. I'm the first son of the Kane's family, the real heir to the Chitox company. I'm also Rowan's elder brother."

My whole body went still.

I froze, unable to even blink. Rowan? No. That couldn't be true. I dated Rowan for years. I knew everything about him...or I thought I did. He never once mentioned a brother.

Not even by accident. Had he been hiding him from me this whole time? But before I could ask, Killian continued. "I know you're wondering why I'm helping you. So I'll tell you." 

"I used to be a drug addict. My father locked me away in rehab for years, said I was a disgrace and made sure I couldn't come back. That's how Rowan took everything. But he's not clean either."

"I've been gathering proof for years. He's been running illegal businesses behind the company's name. And now I have one shot to expose him and take back what's mine. But I need a wife to do that. That's where you come in."

"A wife?" I said, shocked. "There's no way I'm marrying my ex's brother." He held his hands up, like he expected me to say that. 

"Calm down. I'm not asking for love. My father's will states that I have to settle down and have a family before I can take over. So I'm offering a contract marriage. Two years."

"I will protect you and your baby. I will help you get revenge. When it's over, we go our separate ways."

"Why me?" I know he could get any woman he wanted. "You know everything about Rowan and the company, and you're already tied to him in the media. If we do this, we both win." He replied.

"And who sent those men?" I asked, even though deep down, I already knew the answer.

"Rowan", he said. Just that one word. And suddenly, it was too much. The tears came fast. I didn't try to stop them. I had trusted Rowan. I gave him everything.

And now... now he wanted me dead. Because I knew too much. "I know about the prison," Killian said gently. "I know he set you up. I know what he did. But this is your chance to fight back."

I wiped my face with my sleeve, trying to steady my breath. "Can I think about it? I'm really exhausted."

He nodded. "Fine. But we don't have much time."

Then he led me down a short hallway and showed me a small room with a bed. I walked in and sat down, too tired to even undress. I heard him go back to the living room and shut the door behind him.

I placed my baby on the bed and lay beside her, finally letting my body rest. Sleep took me fast...I didn't even have the strength to think, because deep down, I already knew what I wanted.

When I woke, the cabin was quiet. I stepped into the living room and saw Killian sitting there, like he hadn't moved all night.

"Good morning, River," he said.

"Good morning," I replied, my voice calm. And then I looked him straight in the eye. "When are we getting married?"

He smiled. "When we get to New York",

"Then let's go. I'm ready to burn it all down."

River's POV

~One Year Later~

I woke up again, breathless, my skin warm and tingling, my heart racing like I had just run a mile. The dream was the same one I'd been having all week-Killian, close to me, his voice low and soft in my ear.

His hands on my waist, his lips brushing against mine. It was so vivid that I could almost feel it, like a memory instead of a dream. I turned my face into the pillow and groaned.

This was getting ridiculous. I was beginning to see him even when I closed my eyes. I couldn't explain it...this constant heat that followed me everywhere, creeping into my thoughts, making it impossible to think of anything else.

But today wasn't the day to get lost in daydreams. Today was important. I had a big meeting at the firm...my chance to pitch a proposal that could shift our entire strategy.

I needed to stay focused and grounded. I slipped out of bed, trying to shake the fog out of my mind, and headed downstairs to get a cup of coffee, hoping it would steady my nerves.

But the moment I stepped into the kitchen, I froze.

Killian was standing by the counter, a towel wrapped low around his waist, water still dripping from his hair, sliding down his chest. 

His back was half-turned, muscles shifting with every small movement. His body was all smooth strength...broad shoulders, firm chest, and toned arms. I'd seen him dressed up, casual, or even in gym clothes, but never like this.

Never just skin, fresh from a shower, steam still curling around him like mist. I stared before I could stop myself, my breath catching in my throat. My cheeks burnt, and my whole body felt warm.

I didn't mean to look, but I couldn't tear my eyes away. My gaze dropped to the line of his hip, where the towel barely hung on, and I felt something stir deep inside me. I imagined what it would feel like to touch him, to feel his skin against mine.

A sudden shiver ran through me, uninvited and unstoppable.

And then he turned.

Our eyes met, and I froze like a deer caught in headlights. "Do you need anything?" he asked, voice calm, low, and kind...but there was something behind it, a quiet knowing, like maybe he had seen me looking.

I swallowed hard and forced myself to speak. "I came to get a cup... of coffee," I said, stumbling over the words like I had suddenly forgotten how to form them.

"I know how tense you are. Big day," he said gently, walking toward the machine. "Just sit. I'll make you one."

I nodded and walked stiffly to the dining table, lowering myself into the chair like I didn't trust my knees to hold me. It had been a year and 6 months with Killian now, and everything about him had been steady and safe.

He never crossed the line. Never made me feel uncomfortable. We had boundaries, clear ones. Separate rooms. Respect. Space. But he was there when I needed him. Always. He took Alora out with us on weekends.

He kept every promise in the contract. But now I couldn't stop wondering what it would feel like if we ever stepped outside those lines, maybe just a one-time thing.

"Don't be tense, River. You can do this. We've come a long way, and this is the time to take back what we've always wanted," Killian said, his voice calm and steady, like it always was when I needed it most.

He placed the cup of coffee in front of me, and as he leaned in, his body came so close I could feel the warmth from his skin and the faint scent of his cologne mixed with soap still clinging to him.

For a moment, I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around him, to stay there and forget everything else. Sometimes I felt like he did it on purpose...getting too close, being too gentle...like he wanted to see how much I could take before I gave in.

I let out a small laugh before I could stop myself. "What is it?" he asked, raising a brow like he had no idea what he was doing.

"It's nothing, Killian," I said, trying to hold back the smile tugging at my lips. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, and then just like that, he turned and left the room.

I stared after him, letting out a quiet breath. "He only made things worse by doing that," I muttered, then drank up my coffee and headed upstairs. After a warm shower, I stepped into the new red dress I had picked out for today.

It was sleek and form-fitting, with a high neckline and long sleeves, the fabric smooth and rich against my skin. It hugged my waist and flared slightly at the knees, elegant but bold...exactly how I needed to feel today.

Standing in front of the mirror, I packed my red hair into a bun and then I took a deep breath. "You can do this, River," I whispered, then left the room. I stopped by Alora's room. The nanny was already with her, and I leaned down to kiss her soft cheek.

"Mommy will be back soon," I whispered. As I walked out, I glanced back at the life I'd rebuilt-brick by quiet brick, with Killian by my side.

I didn't know what the day would bring, but I knew this much: I wasn't the woman they left behind.

Not anymore.

Through a close friend, Killian secured me the position at Derma's Groups, one of New York's top firms, and I'd climbed fast, proving myself again and again. Now, I was one of the board representatives for major strategic decisions.

Today, we were pitching for a high-value global merger...one that could change everything. And what made it even more thrilling was that Chitox Groups, Rowan's firm, was also in the running.

This wasn't just business. This was the beginning of the end for him. And the beginning of everything for me. I stepped out of the house and walked straight to my black SUV car.

I opened the door, slid into the driver's seat, and shut it behind me with a sharp thud. One glance in the mirror, one long breath, and I hit the gas. The city rushed by, but my mind was already at the office.

A few minutes later, I pulled into the office lot and stepped out. I stood still for a second, my chest rising slowly as I tried to breathe the nerves away.

I straightened my shoulders and walked in. Inside, the receptionist gave me a bright smile. "Good morning, Mrs River." I gave a small nod and kept walking, barely hearing the greetings around me.

My eyes locked on the elevator doors ahead like they were the only thing that mattered. I stepped inside, and right then, my phone buzzed. I looked down. 'Board meeting starts in 10 minutes.'

Perfect. Just enough time to remind myself why I couldn't afford to lose. My mind drifted where it always went when I didn't want it to...Rowan. I hadn't seen him in a year and 6 months, and I was sure he'd send someone.

He never faced his messes. "Rowan! The son of a bitch," I muttered, half-laughing to myself. "Too dumb to pitch his idea himself." Just before the elevator doors closed, I caught a shadow in my periphery. Then a voice, sharp as a blade.

"Who did you just call a son of a bitch?" My whole body locked up. My breath stopped.

No. It couldn't be.

Slowly, I looked up-and there he was.

Rowan.

The man who betrayed me. The man who watched me fall and never looked back. His eyes met mine, and for a second, something flickered in them. Shock? Regret? I couldn't tell.

He took off his sunglasses slowly, like he couldn't believe it either. My throat was dry, but I forced the words out. He stepped inside just as the elevator doors closed behind him.

I didn't blink. I didn't flinch.

"Do I... know you?" I asked, voice calm and cold. He stared at me, completely still. Like I had slapped him without lifting a hand. And as the elevator climbed, so did the silence.

Rowan stood beside me, a little too close, like he wanted to make sure I felt the weight of his presence. He hadn't changed much...still sharp in his suit, still smug in that quiet, arrogant way.

"Well," he said, finally breaking the silence, his voice low and thick with mockery. "I have to admit, I didn't expect to see you here... not after everything that happened." 

I kept my eyes forward, jaw tight, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. He chuckled under his breath. "Still pretending to be strong, huh? Still trying to act like you belong in this world."

I turned my head slightly. "I do belong here. Just like you. Maybe even more." Rowan scoffed. "You think one little board seat makes you powerful? Please, River."

"You were nothing before me, and you're even less now. You're just trying to stay afloat in a game you don't understand." I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palm.

"You ruined me," I said quietly. "You left me to rot while you moved on like it meant nothing." He leaned in closer, voice dripping with venom.

"Because it meant nothing. You were the weak link."

"I did what I had to do, and you... well, you got what you deserved." I blinked, forcing the tears back. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"You really think you'll win this deal?" He went on, laughing. "You think they'll give that contract to a woman fresh out of a scandal, one with a prison record and a broken reputation?"

"You're a joke, River. You always were." The elevator dinged, and the doors slowly slid open. I straightened my back, stepped out, and turned to look at him one last time.

"We'll see who's laughing when this is over."