CHAPTER 1
EPISODE ONE
Celine stood outside the private study, her heart pounding.
She had come looking for George, hoping he would finally explain the messages threatening her family. Instead, she heard his voice through the slightly open door.
"She must never find out what happened to her father."
Celine froze.
Another man spoke, but she couldn't make out his words.
George answered sharply. "I don't care what it takes. Keep her away from those documents. If Celine discovers the truth, everything will fall apart."
Her hand flew to her mouth.
Her father?
What did George know about her father's death?
Before she could move, her phone vibrated.
An unknown number.
You have less than ten minutes to leave that hotel. George's family knows you're pregnant, and they will use your child to keep you silent.
Celine's blood ran cold.
She stared at the message, hoping it was another cruel attempt to frighten her.
Then a second message arrived.
It contained a photograph of her standing outside a clinic three days earlier.
Someone had been watching her.
Someone knew about her pregnancy.
And whoever it was knew she was marrying George that night.
Celine looked toward the study door.
She wanted to believe her husband would protect her. She wanted to walk inside, confront him, and demand the truth.
But then she remembered his words.
If Celine discovers the truth, everything will fall apart.
What if she was the truth he wanted to bury?
What if their baby was already in danger?
Her eyes filled with tears as she placed a trembling hand over her stomach.
"I'm sorry, George," she whispered. "I love you, but I can't risk our baby's life to prove it."
She hurried back to the bridal suite, removed her wedding ring, and left it beside a short letter.
Then she gathered her purse, lifted her wedding gown, and ran toward the service exit.
She didn't stop to think about the money, the guests, or the life she was leaving behind.
She only thought about the tiny life growing inside her.
For the first time since meeting George Williams, she understood that loving him might not be enough to keep their child safe.
And until she discovered the truth about her father's death, she couldn't trust anyone—not even her husband.