Today marks our fourth wedding anniversary. My gaze lingered on the keys resting on the table — the red Ferrari I had arranged for Sebastian. He’d talked about owning one for years, and I wanted to surprise him. My other hand drifted to my stomach, a soft smile forming on my lips.
Soon, we would have a baby.
Life felt complete. It felt safe. Perfect, even.
That illusion shattered when Logan walked into my room without knocking. He had done that all my life, ever since we were children, but today something in his expression made my chest tighten.
“Isabella,” he said, voice strained and rough. “Sebastian already has a wife.”
For a second, I just stared at him. Then I let out a small laugh, because the claim sounded too absurd to take seriously.
“That’s your anniversary greeting?” I teased lightly, turning back to the mirror to fix my earrings. “You’re supposed to congratulate me, not start rumors. Is this about you thinking he’s not right for me again? We settled this when I chose to marry him. It’s been four years, Logan.”
“I’m serious,” he insisted, stepping closer. “He’s legally married — and it’s to his secretary, Candela. I checked everything. There are documents, registrations. He’s been lying about his identity from the start.”
My heart faltered, but I forced myself to stay calm.
“Enough,” I said quietly, meeting his eyes. “Not today. I don’t want to hear this.”
“I’m trying to protect you,” he replied, frustration slipping into his tone.
“And he saved my life once,” I countered. “He cares about me. Why would he lie? We’ve been together for years—”
“Exactly,” Logan cut in. “Four years, yet you don’t know anything about his family. Where he came from. His background. You handed him your company, let him handle your finances… and you don’t see the problem?”
“You’re saying this,” I murmured, “because you still haven’t gotten over me.”
His silence answered for him.
“Logan,” I softened, “please don’t ruin this. Don’t destroy something good just because you can’t move forward.”
“Isabella—”
“I don’t want to argue anymore.” I grabbed my coat, stepping past him, ignoring the slight shake in my hands.
He reached for me, but I pulled away before he could touch me.
The wind at the pier was chilly, brushing against my skin, yet I barely noticed. The yacht floated gently, adorned with delicate lights and scattered roses. It looked peaceful… romantic. I pushed Logan’s words aside. They couldn’t be true.
Clutching the small gift box, I stepped forward. “Happy anniversary,” I murmured softly.
Then suddenly—
A shove.
The world tilted, and icy water swallowed me.
I tried to kick upward, but my limbs felt heavy, unresponsive. Panic clawed at my chest. The memory of past trauma — the drowning I had barely survived years ago — resurfaced, dragging me deeper into fear. My lungs burned. The cold wrapped around me, pulling me into darkness.
My vision blurred. Everything faded.
Then I sensed movement above me. A splash. Someone had jumped in.
For a moment, it felt like history repeating itself. Four years ago, during a violent storm, someone had pulled me from the sea — a stranger who became my husband. I remembered the warmth of his grip, the reassurance in his voice, the comfort that made me fall for him.
Now, strong arms circled me again.
My fading consciousness clung to that thought.
If he was saving me… then Logan must be wrong. Sebastian cares about me.
Distant voices reached me, faint but clear enough.
“Candela, have you lost your mind? You could’ve killed her pushing her like that!”
Candela.
Logan’s warning echoed in my mind.
“I want her gone,” Candela snapped angrily. “Why won’t you just finish it? Four years of pretending is enough. I’m tired of waiting.”
My heart froze.
“I told you I can’t yet,” Sebastian replied, irritation lacing his voice. “I still need her company… her money. I have debts to clear. Once everything is under my name, I’ll return to my family. Then my father will take me back.”
Candela let out a bitter laugh. “Or is it because you’ve grown attached?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he shot back. “I’ve never loved her. You’re the one I care about. She’s just a means to an end. So stop acting recklessly until this is over.”
Candela sighed. “Fine.”
A door slammed.
Silence followed, and darkness claimed me completely.
The next thing I heard was a steady beeping sound. My eyes slowly opened, the blurry shapes forming into a hospital room.
Beside me sat Sebastian.
His face showed concern, worry etched perfectly — the image of a devoted husband. Anyone would’ve believed him.
But not me.
“Isabella,” he murmured, reaching for my hand. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let you go ahead alone. Are you hurt?”
Something inside me fractured quietly, yet I kept my expression calm.
“We still have the investment signing tomorrow,” he continued carefully. “You’ll be able to attend, won’t you? It’s important.”
“It may need to be postponed,” I replied softly.
“That’s difficult,” he said quickly. “If you’re not well enough, I can sign for you. Just authorize me temporarily.”
“And why should I?” I asked evenly.
He blinked, surprised. “Because I’m your husband. Everything’s going to be shared ownership anyway.”
I forced a faint smile. “I’d like to rest first.”
He leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Of course. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.”
Once he left and the door closed, my composure cracked. My fingers trembled as I grabbed my phone.
I dialed Logan’s number.
When he answered, my voice was quiet but steady.
“Logan… tell me everything you’ve found about Sebastian.”
