ra

claration of war all at once. This child, this tiny, impossible life, was a

h the hospital corridors in

holding a weeping Hayden, his hand stroking her hair, his ex

ng?" Hayden whispered, h

rrogant disdain. "She trusts me co

ld. The perfect

" Hayden pushed, her voice hardeni

can't just cast her aside. There would be a war." He paused, and his next words shattered what wa

e, our vows, reduced to a tran

ilio's shoulder. A slow, triumphant, malicious smile spread across h

. I was his gilded cage. His perform

ished floor until I reached the sanctuary of my office. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely unlock the door. I collapsed into my desk c

this lie. I couldn't let my ba

ater, I ca

unrecognizable-cold steel.

What's

he swore to give the Falcone family i

argue. A moment later, my

"Cara, I need you to look your best tonight. The an

eflection of a woman I didn't recogn

id, my voice devoid of al

e war