Chapter 19: Griffin’s Story 45% When I watch Olivia work, I’m mesmerized. Her mind is a perfectly calibrated machine–strategic, insightful, relentless. In meetings, she cuts through corporate bullshit with surgical precision, leaving executives both impressed and slightly afraid. It’s the sexiest goddamn thing I’ve ever seen. The first time she challenged me in a board … Read more
Chapter 18: Griffin’s Story The first time I saw Olivia Johnson again, I nearly dropped my scotch. Fifteen years, four tech companies, and a billion–dollar empire later, and she still knocked the wind out of me with a single glance. She stood in the hotel bar, all legs and sharp edges, scanning the room like … Read more
Chapter 17 One year later, I stood on the balcony of our Malibu beach house, watching the sunset paint the Pacific in shades of amber and gold. The warm breeze carried the scent of salt and jasmine as I sipped my champagne, reflecting on how dramatically my life had changed. “What are you thinking about?” … Read more
Chapter 16 @ 45% The following spring, Vanessa showed up at our front door unannounced. Looking at this former It Girl who once treated me like her personal assistant, I barely recognized her. The entertainment industry chews up and spits out women like her every day. After the scandal, she was blacklisted by every major … Read more
Chapter 15 “Someone bothering you, babe?” Griffin’s deep voice came from behind us. Dom froze, his face a mask of shock. “Just some delusional ex,” I replied, running to Griffin and wrapping my arms around his waist. “What are you doing here?” “Thought I’d surprise you with dinner at Nobu,” he said, kissing my forehead … Read more
Chapter 14 Dom was forced to marry Vanessa under pressure from his conservative parents and their church community. Their wedding was a pathetic affair at the courthouse. A cheating groom and his pregnant mistress weren’t exactly the dream wedding material that got featured in Vogue. According to Megan, Vanessa complained constantly about their lack of … Read more
sment. I slow–clapped, drawing everyone’s attention. “Bravo! Let’s all congratulate the happy couple on their affair! What do you say, everyone?” Dom stared at me in disbelief. In his mind, I should’ve been sobbing in the bridal suite by now, not standing here calmly directing the circus. The media had a field day. I’d made … Read more
Chapter 11 For the next few weeks, Dom worked overtime trying to win me back. He woke up early to make me avocado toast and cappuccinos, took me shopping on Rodeo Drive whenever he had a free hour, and even suggested brunch at the little café in Venice where we’d first met. “Remember this place?” … Read more
Chapter 10 @ 45% Vanessa’s eyes widened in shock. She couldn’t believe I was so calm. The last time I’d caught her flirting with Dom–just a kiss at his birthday—I’d followed her to the studio in tears, making a scene and demanding Dom fire her. But he’d protected her, even giving her the lead in … Read more
Chapter 9 Every year for Dom’s mother’s birthday, I organized a fancy dinner at The Ivy, inviting her friends, relatives, and even her weekly bridge club–completely satisfying her need to show off to her social circle. Mrs. Reid adored me as a future daughter–in–law. For eight years, I’d been the perfect partner to her precious … Read more