prologue
The wine glistened like rubies in the dim light of the royal suite, swirling dangerously in the crystal glass held by the heir to one of the most powerful dynasties in the world.
Prince William Blackthorne was already tipsy, his royal shirt slightly unbuttoned, exposing a sliver of his chiseled chest. His brooding blue eyes, darkened with heat and haze, flickered toward the woman approaching him.
Ella Kingston , dressed in a scandalous black jumpsuit that dipped daringly at the cleavage and revealed the soft curve of her back, strutted toward the bed with calculated seduction. Her hips swayed with intention—like a weapon she knew how to wield.
She handed him the wine, her lips curling into a smile that could ruin nations.
"To us, darling," she purred.
William drank, his gaze never leaving her. "You’re...beautiful."
Ella leaned in, pressing a kiss to his lips—slow, deep, claiming. She knew this night would change everything. For her. For her family. For their future. But not in the way the Prince believed.
As his hands fumbled at her waist, voice low and slurred, he whispered, “Take off your clothes.”
Ella’s smile didn’t falter. Instead, she pulled back gently and whispered, “Just a minute, baby. I need to use the restroom... Just a minute, okay?”
“What?” he blinked in confusion, reaching for her.
“Wait—wait—just a minute. I’ll be right back,” she said breathlessly, untangling from his arms and disappearing behind the thick velvet curtain.
Down the hallway, she stormed into another room where a young woman stood frozen in front of a mirror.
Daniella Rivera.
Her curls tucked under a blonde wig. Her eyes wide with fear. And her trembling hands clutching the same revealing jumpsuit.
“I can’t do this,” Daniella whispered. “This is wrong. This is not who I am.”
Ella rolled her eyes. “Have you forgotten what’s at stake? Your mother’s life? The debt? The hospital bill?”
“This isn’t fair—he thinks you’re—”
“Hurry up!” Ella snapped. “He’s drunk. He won’t know. He wants a virgin, Daniella. I’m not. You are.”
Daniella’s heart thundered. “This isn’t me.”
“No. But it has to be you. Just for tonight.”
As Daniella stared into the mirror, something inside her broke—and hardened.
The zipper closed. The mask was complete. She turned around.
Ella gave a sharp nod. “Now go. Before he starts asking questions.”
Daniella walked away, each step dragging her closer to a decision that could destroy them all.
Behind the doors of the royal suite, a prince waited for the wrong bride.
And neither of them knew...
That one night would cost them everything.
