His Discarded Gem: Shining In The Ruthless Don's Arms

Ember’s POV

For four years, I traced the bullet scar on Chace’s chest, believing it was proof he would bleed to keep me safe.

On our anniversary, he told me to wear white because "tonight changes everything." I walked into the gala thinking I was getting a ring.

Instead, I stood frozen in the center of the ballroom, drowning in silk, watching him slide his mother's sapphire onto another woman's finger.

Karyn Warren. The daughter of a rival family.

When I begged him with my eyes to claim me, to save me from the public humiliation, he didn't flinch. He just leaned toward his Underboss, his voice amplified by the silence.

"Karyn is for power. Ember is for pleasure. Don't confuse the assets."

My heart didn't just break; it incinerated. He expected me to stay as his mistress, threatening to dig up my dead mother’s grave if I refused to play the obedient pet.

He thought I was trapped. He thought I had nowhere to go because of my father’s massive gambling debts.

He was wrong.

With shaking hands, I pulled out my phone and texted the one name I was never supposed to use.

Keith Mosley. The Don. The monster under Chace's bed.

I am invoking the Blood Oath. My father’s debt. I am ready to pay it.

His reply came three seconds later, buzzing against my palm like a warning.

The price is marriage. You belong to me. Yes or No?

I looked up at Chace, who was laughing with his new fiancée, thinking he owned me.

I looked down and typed three letters.

Yes.