After three years of a loveless marriage, Aella finally walks away when Tyrone’s first love returns with a five-year-old child. She rebuilds her life into a brilliant career—and soon attracts powerful men eager to marry her. But Tyrone refuses to let her go. When divorce papers destroy his business and nearly cost him his life, his obsession explodes: “Over my dead body.”
Tyrone Winter’s first love-the woman he broke up with six years ago and never really got over-suddenly came back. And Zera Caldwell didn’t come alone. She brought a five-year-old son with her. For a month, Tyrone had been hiding behind business trips, doing everything he could to stay away from home. Tonight was supposed to…
Aella pushed him off and stumbled to the bathroom. She wasn’t sick-just nauseous. Tyrone frowned, watching her go. Then he went downstairs to get her some water. He didn’t notice her swollen eyes, her hoarse voice, or the bandaged cut on her ankle. By the time he came back, Aella was climbing back into bed.…
Aella’s face went pale. Miriam noticed and told Tyrone, “Take her home, let her rest.” They walked out of the room together in silence. Nothing was said until they reached the elevator. Tyrone finally spoke. “Why do you look so pale? Didn’t sleep?” Aella let out a hollow laugh. He had spent their anniversary with…
Before he could finish, the phone started buzzing a third time. Their eyes met. Tyrone’s expression darkened. Aella’s gaze flicked down to the phone vibrating on the table. She knew that look-the tension in his shoulders, the way he tried to stay composed. She didn’t need to see the caller ID. She already knew who…
So when he’d said “It looks beautiful,” he hadn’t been talking about her. He’d been remembering her. Zera. The realization hit like a blade to the chest. The sounds around her faded, swallowed by the roar in her ears. Rage bubbled up-hot, sharp, uncontrollable. Before she even knew what she was doing, Aella tore the…
“I said I don’t want it!” she screamed. “I don’t want it! I don’t want it!” Her chest heaved as she glared at him, tears burning her eyes. “If it’s not one of a kind-if you’re not one of a kind-I don’t want it at all!” For some reason, Tyrone felt oddly relieved seeing her…
She’d ordered the set online for their first anniversary. Couple mugs. A cute selfie she’d snapped while leaning on his shoulder. He’d said it was childish and refused to use it. She’d begged him for a week – cried all night – until he finally gave in. All the emotions she’d been holding back came…
But this time… she was angry. Really angry. Because he’d forgotten their third anniversary. And no matter what gift he tried to throw at her afterward, it meant nothing. After a shower and a change into pajamas, Tyrone went downstairs and came back with a bowl of grits. He set it on the nightstand and…
His voice turned hard. “You can walk out on your own… or I’ll have security escort you out.” Her heart cracked right down the middle. Tears spilled over as she whispered, “Fine. Let’s see how far Mr. Winter will go for the woman he loves.” Tyrone’s tone went razor-sharp. “Aella, don’t make me regret marrying…
At nine o’clock sharp, Noel spotted Aella walking into the hospital, perfectly fine, helping her mother sign the discharge forms. He called Tyrone at once. Tyrone, busy packing Zera’s things, barely reacted. He just told Noel, “Take the rest of the day off.” As for Aella… there was no need to say anything. She’d come…