Ava Bianchi was divorced by Ryder, a magnetic entrepreneur, who hides more than just a business secrets. Ryder got into a contract marriage with Sophia when accident took her to an unknown hospital. He was unconscious when Sophia a Gold-digger who goes about hacking people and their business in the name of a contract marriage forced Ryder to sign a contract with her. Together, they are thrust into a deadly game of deception, blackmail, and betrayal, where every step closer to the truth puts them in greater danger. When Ava thought she had won, Sophia re-appeared with a pregnancy test. Who'll win this saga of lies and deceit? Their most ruthless adversaries? Victoria, a cunning CEO with a chilling agenda, and Julian, Ryder's enigmatic brother, whose loyalty may not lie where it seems. As the walls close in, Ava and Ryder are forced to confront not only their enemies, but the shocking secrets that bind their families-and threaten to tear them apart. With the lines between love and betrayal blurring, Ava must decide: Can she trust Ryder enough to face their enemies together, or will his secrets be the very thing that destroys them both? In a world where power corrupts and nothing is as it seems, their only hope for redemption is each other. But will love be enough to survive the storm closing in?
Chapter 1 1
"The Divorce Papers"
Ava
Ava stormed out of the lawyer's office, her stilettos clicking on the marble floor. Five years of marriage, and it had come to this. She couldn't believe Ryder wanted a divorce.
They had built an empire together, Bianchi Enterprises, a conglomerate of luxury hotels and resorts. The memory of their sweet romance, lavish wedding, and countless business triumphs now seemed like a distant dream.
As she walked to her black sedan, Ava's assistant, Rachel, approached her with a sympathetic expression.
"Ava, I'm so sorry. What did the lawyer say?" He asked.
"The usual," Ava replied, her voice tight. "Ryder's willing to give me half of everything, but I have to sign over my shares of the company." Ava's eyes flashed with determination.
"I won't let him take everything away from me. I'll fight for what's mine." Rachel nodded vigorously.
"You deserve so much better than this, Ava. We'll get through this together."
Back in her office, Ava began strategizing. She pulled out files, reviewing financial reports and making calls to loyal allies.
Her business partner and friend, Marcus, answered on the first ring.
"Ava, what's going on?" Marcus asked, concern etching his voice.
"Ryder's trying to push me out," Ava said, her tone even. "But I won't go down without a fight."
Marcus's tone turned resolute. "We'll stand by you, Ava. We've built something incredible together."
As the sun set, Ava felt a sense of resolve. She would not let Ryder undermine her contributions to Bianchi Enterprises.
Ava arrived at the luxurious Bianchi Estate, ready to confront Ryder. She found him in the study, sipping scotch.
His blue eyes met hers, devoid of emotion.
"You're really going through with this, aren't you?" Ava accused, her voice steady.
Ryder shrugged. "It's for the best, Ava. We've grown apart."
Ava's anger boiled over. "You're just trying to get rid of me so you can marry that–"
The doorbell interrupted her. Ryder's personal assistant, James, entered with a hesitant expression. "Sir, there's someone here to see you." She said.
Ryder raised an eyebrow. "Who is it?"
James hesitated. "It's...your wife."
Ava's confusion mirrored Ryder's. "What do you mean?" Ryder asked, his tone laced with unease.
James stepped aside, revealing a stunning woman with green eyes. "Hi, Ryder. I'm your wife, Sophia."
Ava's world crashed around her. What is happening? Ryder and Sophia exchanged a tender kisses, and Ava felt a chill run down her spine.
"Who are you?" Ava demanded, trying to keep her composure.
Sophia smiled sweetly. "Ryder and I got married in Vegas six years ago. I'm his real wife."
Ava's mind reeled. Was this some kind of sick joke? She thought she was Ryder's wife, but it seemed she was just a pawn in a much larger game.
Ryder stood, his expression unreadable. "Ava, I can explain–"
"Explain?"
Ava's laughter bordered on hysteria. "You're married to someone else? Someone I've never even heard of?" Sophia stepped forward, her eyes locked on Ava.
"I know this comes as a shock, but I've been patient. Ryder promised me he'd end things with you amicably."
Ava's eyes narrowed. "You're not just some gold-digger, are you? There's more to this story."
Sophia's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Let's just say Ryder and I have a complicated history."
As Ava's anger reached a boiling point, Ryder intervened. "Ava, let's discuss this calmly."
But Ava was beyond reason. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the estate, leaving Ryder and Sophia behind.
Ava couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal as she drove away from the Bianchi Estate. Ryder's words echoed in her mind: "I can explain." But how could he explain having a secret wife?
Back in her office, Ava began digging into Ryder's past. She needed answers. Rachel helped her gather information, scouring the internet and contacting old acquaintances.
As the hours passed, Ava's frustration grew. There was no record of Ryder's marriage to Sophia. No social media mentions, no news articles, nothing.
Just as Ava was about to give up, Rachel walked in with a concerned expression.
"Ava, I found something."