Love growing out of revenge

Caden “When is my meeting with the Stones couple?” Caden asked. “It will be at 10:20 a.m.,” Donavan replied. He hesitated, then added quietly, “But I don’t think you’ll be able to finish that meeting after what their daughter did to you.” Caden glanced at him and lowered his voice. “Donavan Frantino, keep your voice down. And don’t worry—I’m not planning anything reckless. I have a better way to tear apart their perfect, harmonious family.” Donavan said nothing, but the tension between them thickened. Caden leaned back, his thoughts drifting despite himself. He still remembered how deeply he had loved her—how real it had felt. She had taken that love for granted, leaving him with nothing but regret and anger. It still hurt. And that pain was exactly why he believed revenge would finally make him whole again. The memory crashed into him like a thunderstorm, digging rage, pain and betrayed back into his chest before he could stop it. Flash Back Beings “Hey, Amanda,” Caden said softly. “Which country do you want our wedding to be held in?” He pushed the door open as he spoke. The sound he heard next didn’t belong in that room—not with him standing there. Amanda didn’t answer him. Instead, she moaned someone else’s name. Leo froze when he noticed Caden, panic flashing across his face. He tried to pull away, but Amanda grabbed him, her voice sharp and impatient. “Don’t stop,” she said. “Why did you stop?” Leo swallowed hard, humiliation burning in his chest. He stood there exposed, the truth impossible to hide now. He had always been introduced as family. A lie Caden had never questioned—until this moment. “Amanda Stones,” Caden shouted, his voice cracking. “What the hell are you doing?” She finally turned to him, irritation replacing pleasure. “I’m busy,” she snapped coldly. “So get out—and let him finish.” The words hit harder than the betrayal itself. Caden stood frozen, his chest tight, rage roaring in his ears. This was the woman he planned a future with. The woman who had looked him in the eye and spoken of forever. For a moment, he felt something dark rise inside him—something dangerous. Then he turned. He walked out before that darkness could take control, slamming the door behind him so hard the walls shook. Outside the room, his hands trembled. That was the moment something inside Caden died. And something far worse was born. Flash Back Ends A frim hand landed on his back, steady and grounding. "Caden," a voice said quietly