Escaping His Cage: The Phoenix Wife Returns

ight on the eve of my w

weet text from

of him with his lips inche

aptio

ight of freedom. Are you sur

. I didn't canc

the next morning and loo

his wrist-a souvenir

I was just the "safe bet," a boring broodmar

naive girl who beli

ured his perfect life

e was

pregnant a few days la

wasn't a blessing; it

dynasty? He wa

e test in my hand and m

ing to just

ng to des

documents, and prepared to b

had ju

pte

ya

minutes before the day I was suppose

he white lace of my wedding dress hanging on the closet

g a text from my nervous groom

was

rom a number I d

of that shoulder. I recognized the watch on that wrist-a Patek

i

r was pressed against him, her hand tangle

the screen: *He's celebrating his last night of

phone. I just felt a cold, heavy stone settle in the pit of my stom

of the Obsidian Club. I knew he was there. He h

ling at his phone while we were eating dinner. Liam stepping out to take a call in the mi

; they slammed together wi

a wedding dress. I watched the sunrise paint the sky in colors that felt too cheerful for a

up artist arrived, I

said, dabbing concealer u

like that,"

e, my father's arm heavy on mine. I looked at Liam standing at the altar. He looked perfect

st looked

dstein, take

steady. Deep

e to slide the diamond ring onto my finger. The

sensitive skin of his inner wrist, just pe

he woman's nails were long, pa

ntimate gesture meant to reassure his blushing brid

d. The lie ta

yone was laughing, toasting the perfect couple. I felt li

silence. I slipped aw

round your litt

emergency exit. Mark. Liam's best man.

sultry. "And he knows what he needs to do to keep the

ressed against the

e barely tolerates her as it is. If she f

playing house. Besides, Liam promised me a tri

cked on the floor, a rhythm

e than my college tuition, Liam loosened his tie.

," he said, clinking his g

liquid. I looked at th

y voice was calm.

, eyebrows rais

hout drinking. "My bottom line is lies. If you ever cross it, if

searching the depths of

ar. And you wil

nto a hug, burying his face in my neck. "You're tired

rms, staring at the wa