SHATTERED VOWS

o the air and the waiters moved around the guests, offering a glass of champagne to guests. The overh

ly as I proceeded amids

their partner's comments; the men were dressed in s

me, Emily Carter, the glittering scene was just nothing but a mask for

in a sleek bun, making me look like I belonged to the circle I secretly hated. Even though the dress

yself, my heart racing, sensing the purpose of my

e as my gaze locked on one man: Alexander Wolfe, the reas

just as unapproachable and intimidating as I had imagined. His tal

s cold blue eyes seemed to catch everything happening around him at once. His looks were like predator, calm, and in con

, and then a deal gone sour had bankrupted my family. My father lost his company, his reputation, and finally, his will to live. He disap

uck in my throat, my heart racing as

isper in the shadows of our once-thriving home. "P

cus

, the broken girl out for revenge. Tonight, I was a heiress: confident and powerfu

down in that darkened living room, once a succe

he spoke in agony, "I trusted him, Emily; I thought he was a fr

my heart-the heartbreak in my father's eye that was impossible

fall. "For you, Dad." I swallowed hard, forcing the memory away as I straightened my back and made my heart steady. It wasn't until

n me. Something flickered for one second in his gaze-maybe recognition? But it was gone ju

ht in my throat. I couldn't let him know who I was, not yet. The last thing I needed was to tip him off before

ession as he took one step closer. The air around us seemed to thicken with tension. "An admirer, hmm?" he mur

et too close. I forced a soft, nervous laugh, with complete innocent facial expression. "Oh, your reputation precedes you, Mr. Wo

me, overwhelming me with his presence. "Is that so? My heart was racing, but I refused

his body, the intensity in his gaze, was all-consuming. My father's voice ec

oice stronger this time, my resolve hardening once more."I'd love to get to know you better, Mr. Wolfe.

she suggested, trying to wrest the advantage back. But the reality was, with ev

ng behind the frozen exterior-perhaps curiosity, even interest. But then his face

ose to him, and then I would bring him down. But with every step away from the sparkling lights of the ballroom, the unea

ze of my thoughts. I turned, startled. A young man was on his haunches h

much," I muttered, trying to refocus. "You're welcome," he responded, his tone courteous

the plans. Just a few feet from me, Alexander had back turn

at instant, my

rush of panic as I immediately reached out my hands, trying to regain balance. I

chest...