Chapter 1

I took the fall for my ex-husband's mistress and spent eight years behind bars.

The day I was released, my ex-husband, Julian Vance, showed up at a pharmacy with a swarm of reporters, kneeling before me to beg for a second chance.

His eyes were red-rimmed as he held out a bouquet of vibrant roses.

"Amara... I've waited eight years for you."

The reporters shoved their microphones in my face, urging me to kneel and thank him for his "devotion."

As Julian wrapped me in what looked like an affectionate embrace, he leaned close and whispered in a voice as cold as a venomous snake,

"If you dare reject me, your father's ventilator will be unplugged tomorrow."

I clenched my crippled right hand, ready to explode.

Just then, an eight-year-old boy rushed over and threw his arms around Julian's leg.

"Daddy!"

A heavily pregnant Chloe Mille suddenly dropped to her knees in front of me, tears streaming down her face.

"The child is innocent..."

Every camera instantly turned toward my bloodstained face.

Then my own parents charged over.

My mother slapped me so hard I crashed onto the floor.

"You curse! Chloe is our real daughter!"

I lay on the freezing tile, watching them surround the woman who had destroyed my life as they escorted her away like a hero.

The pharmacy owner kicked me in the side.

"Murderer. Get out!"

As the rain poured down, I finally understood the truth.

They hadn't just wanted me to take the blame.

They wanted me dead.