~ Book 1 of the Crown Collection ~
COMPLETE
I've lived the last eight years of my life in pain. Pain that should've brought me to my knees, with a big fat "Screw-you world, I'm outta here!" Still, I refused to give up. Never did I want to be that weak, pitiful woman I was with him.
Our relationship, (If you can even call it that) became toxic. I knew it was, but I didn't see this one coming. No, that's a lie. It was totally his style. It didn't surprise me at all.
I lost so much confidence because of him, so finding love was a complete no no. I just couldn't allow anybody else in after living with the devil himself. It's impossible.
The ability to trust anybody, aside from my family and my best friend was gone. But never did I imagine my life going this way, and because of it, I lost all hope of ever finding love again. Living with all that destruction almost destroyed me. I knew he was bad, but never did I think he would ruin my life. He knew how important my dreams were, and still, he destroyed everything. Crazily, I knew it was his jealousy that made him do it. I've never in my life met anybody so green-eyed before. It was all about control, and I had enough.
Since then, it's taken a long time in getting my life back on track. Yet just when I thought it was clear to move forward, I'm hit with more drama.
Can I survive it, or will the devil himself come back and destroy my happiness forever?
I was so damn naive it's no wonder I've ended up here. Kidnapped by the man who promised me forever, just as I'd begun to understand the depths of his betrayal.
It's a sad truth I didn't marry my husband for love. I married him for the life he promised to provide, and if I'm honest with myself, I married him in hopes one day he'd fill the void Lucas-my first love-left behind.
Now after so many years, they're both back. And in my desperation to feel loved, to be wanted and chosen I've walked straight into this trap. All because I forgot life's harshest lesson...
I'm not enough. No matter how much or how fiercely I love, the choice will never be me.
Especially now.
Surrounded by danger and at the mercy of my husband's enemies, I'm forced to face one final bit of truth.
Much like love, hope is for the weak.
I was a fool to believe in the vows and promises they made.