A Hearts Desire

While I Was Bleeding Out, He Lit Lanterns For Her

Katie Oettgen

As I lay on the floor of our manor, bleeding out from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, I used my last ounce of strength to call my husband, Cole. I begged him for help, my vision blurring. But the only thing I heard was the clinking of champagne glasses and his mistress's giggle in the background. "Stop the drama, June," Cole snapped, his voice cold. "We're about to go on stage. Don't call again." He hung up, leaving me to die alone on the Persian rug while he accepted an award with another woman on his arm. I woke up in the hospital days later. My baby was gone. They had removed my fallopian tube. Cole finally arrived, smelling of expensive scotch and his mistress's perfume. He didn't hug me. He didn't cry. Instead, he leaned over my hospital bed, pressing his knee into the mattress until my fresh stitches tore open and bled. "You embarrassed me by calling an ambulance," he hissed. "My mistress, Alycia, says you're faking it. Clean yourself up." He left me bleeding again to go announce a $10 million donation to Alycia's "groundbreaking" medical research. I stared at the TV screen, numb. The research Alycia was taking credit for? It was mine. I wrote that patent years ago under a pseudonym. They thought I was just a poor, orphan housewife who needed Cole's money to survive. They had no idea I was actually a billionaire scientist hiding my identity. I pulled the IV needle out of my arm. A drop of blood fell onto the divorce papers I had been hiding. I didn't wipe it off. I signed my name right over it. Then I walked into the bank, reactivated my dormant account with $128 million, and bought the penthouse directly overlooking Cole's house. The mourning widow is dead. The avenger is born.

Romance Crime Revenge Pregnancy Enemies to Lovers Pregnancy Personal Growth

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Emily's heart raced as she surveyed the grand ballroom, filled with opulent decorations –shimmering lights, exquisite floral arrangements – and influential guests. But only one thought burned in her mind…

Revenge.

Her eyes darted across the room until they landed on the man who had single-handedly ruined her family—Wyatt McKinley, the billionaire heir of the McKinley Corporation. There he was, surrounded by a circle of power and wealth, his presence commanding attention. Violent emotions of rage and burning hatred invaded Emily’s chest as she stared at him from across the room. It was time for her to exact justice and restore her family’s name.

Determined to confront him, she swiftly navigated through the crowd, skillfully manoeuvering her way closer to him, the deep navy-blue fabric of her gown swishing around her ankles. Her steps were purposeful, her posture radiating confidence. The room buzzed with excitement, but Emily remained focused on her mission. She wasn’t going to let him slip away from her grasp.

Finally, she stood just a few feet away from Wyatt, her heart pounding in her chest.

This is it.

Taking a deep breath, she subtly adjusted her evening attire, ensuring she looked her best. It was time to make her move.

As if sensing her presence, Wyatt's gaze suddenly drifted towards her. He was donned in a tailored black tuxedo that hugged his broad shoulders and accentuated his tall and well-built physique. The jacket was expertly cut, with a slim silhouette that emphasized his confident stance. Wyatt was handsome.

Framed by thick eyebrows, a deep set of piercing, steel-blue eyes held hers, conveying to her a sense of depth and shrewdness, which reflected his astute business acumen. A square jawline added to his striking appearance, accentuating his strong-willed nature. Above it sat a straight, commanding nose and furrow-free forehead, adding to his air of authority. His meticulously groomed dark hair, which was neatly styled, added to his polished appearance.

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, Emily could see curiosity flickering in his deep, mesmerizing eyes. She knew she had caught his attention.

Sprouting a confident smile, Emily approached him, her charm on full display.

“Mr. McKinley,” she greeted him with a polite smile, her voice infused with a calculated blend of warmth and confidence. “A pleasure to finally meet you.”

Taking a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter, she held it in silent toast to him, before lifting it to her lips and taking a small sip. Wyatt, taken aback by her approach, regarded her with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

Standing at an average height, the beauty before him carried herself with an air of confidence, her posture upright and purposeful. The stunning floor-length gown she wore draped gracefully over her slender figure, its form-fitting bodice accentuating her curves while still maintaining a sense of tasteful modesty. Embellished with intricate beading and sequins, the dress had a classic and slightly plunging V-cut, adding a touch of allure without compromising her elegance.

Wyatt felt himself gulp. Framed by arched eyebrows, the intelligent eyes that regarded him held his attention spellbound with their vibrant shade of hazel. In them sparked an innate curiosity and a spark of unwavering determination, reflecting a sharp intellect and a keen perception of the world around her. A slender, straight nose sat above her well-defined lips, which held a subtle, enigmatic smile.

Her dark chestnut hair was styled in an intricate updo, allowing her graceful neck to be fully visible. A few loose tendrils framed her face, softening her features and adding a touch of natural beauty to her overall look. A pair of dazzling, diamond-studded earrings that caught the light and sparkled with each turn of her head adorned her ears. Her makeup was subtle yet radiant, accentuating her eyes and adding a natural glow to her flawless complexion.

A subtle arching of her brow, coupled with the mysterious smile that still played on her lips quickly brought him back to earth. Quickly recollecting himself, he took a small sip of the wine in his hand.

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