THE BILLIONAIRE'S 10TH BRIDE

ASHES, LIES AND A PROPOSAL.

ASHES, LIES AND A PROPOSAL

Valerie's POV

They all said it was a robbery gone wrong. They said an armed intruder broke into Roody's study and killed him for money but I didn’t believe a word of it.

The sound of dirt hitting his casket was the worst sound I had ever heard. It didn’t sound like earth or mud. To me, it sounded like a heavy door slamming shut, closing my old life forever.

I stood at the edge of the grave, unmoving. Rain soaked through my black veil and clung to my face like ice. I looked at the people gathered around the grave. Men in expensive suits, women in black silk, all shedding carefully measured tears.

In this city, Roody Sergio had been a king. And kings weren’t killed by thieves. They were killed by those who wanted their throne. I cried until my throat hurt. I didn't care if the mourners gossiped about how loudly I was sobbing. I didn't even care if they were looking at me.

I knew what they were really thinking. How long it would take before Roody’s empire collapsed, and who would be first to claim a piece of it.

“It’s okay, Valerie. You have me.” Mike’s voice whispered against my ear. I leaned into him without thinking, clinging to the warmth of his body.

“He was trying to tell me something,” I sobbed. “The night he died, he was terrified. He mentioned a name, someone I didn’t recognize. This wasn’t a robbery, Mike. I know it wasn’t.” He pulled me closer, his expensive cologne filling my lungs.

“Don’t think about that now,” he said gently. “You’re hurting. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.” He wiped my eyes with his silk handkerchief. His words were a thin thread of hope, and I clung to it.

As long as I had Mike, I would survive. Then his phone buzzed. Mike pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the screen. Something in his expression shifted. Worry flickered briefly, then vanished, replaced by something cold and distant.

“I have to go,” he murmured. “There’s an emergency at the office.”

“Now?” I stared at him through my tears. “The funeral isn’t even over.”

“I know.” He hugged me tightly and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek. Too quick. Too final. “I’ll come by later tonight. I promise.”

“Please stay,” I begged. “You can’t leave me here alone right now.”

“It’s important, Valerie.” He stepped back. “I have to.” He walked away without looking back.

The rain fell harder, soaking through my clothes. Every sound of dirt hitting the casket felt like it was landing on my chest.

When the funeral finally ended, people hurried toward their cars, eager to escape the storm. I turned to leave, my legs heavy, my vision blurred by tears.

That was when I saw him.

He stood beneath a massive white-barked tree, dressed in a black suit that fit him with effortless precision. He didn’t look like the others. He wasn’t grieving. He wasn’t bored. His gaze locked onto mine, unblinking, like a predator sizing up prey.

Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dangerously handsome. He had a strong, sharp jawline and high cheekbones that made him look like royalty. His skin was smooth and pale, and his hair was as black as the midnight sky, pushed back perfectly even in the rain. But it was his eyes that froze me in place.

Cold. Grey. Knowing.

It was scary how still and perfect he was, like a beautiful statue that had suddenly come to life just to watch me cry. Two massive men stood behind him, their presence unmistakably protective.

I sharply tried to walk past him, but he stepped into my path. My heart slammed against my ribs as I looked up at him. Something about him looked familiar, but I couldn't place it. Had we met before? At some fancy party? A business meeting? The memory was just out of reach.

"Who are you?" I whispered, fidgetting.

He didn’t answer right away. His gaze swept over me slowly, as if he were measuring something invisible.

"My condolences,” he said at last. His voice was deep, low, smooth, and utterly devoid of sympathy.

“Life will become very difficult for you now. Your father’s kingdom is falling. And predators are already circling.” He added, moving around me like a hawk.

Anger surged through my grief. “What the hell are you talking about? I don’t know you, and I don’t need your f*****g threats.” I snapped, curling my lips into a snarl.

He stepped closer. His shadow swallowed me whole, and the scent of leather, money, and something old and expensive surrounded me. "You do need me,” he murmured, narrowing his eyes. “Whether you know it or not.”

I scoffed. “Are you insane?” Rolling my eyes franctically.

“Marry me,” he said calmly. “And I will keep you alive.”

My breath caught. I stared at him, wanting to laugh, but I was too tired. "keep me alive? Marry you? To help me? Help me with what? Roody is dead, but I am not stupid! You can't just come to a funeral and ask a stranger to marry you!" I growled, tightening my fist.

He gave me this tiny, slow smile with cold eyes that looked suspicious. "I will be waiting for you, Valerie," he said quietly.

Before I could say anything else, he reached out. His fingers were long and cold. He put a small, thick card into my hand that made my whole body shiver.

He turned and walked toward the gate of the cemetery, the two massive men following. A long black armored car waited at the gate. It looked like a tank for a billionaire. When he got in, five more black cars followed as they disappeared into the rain.

I stood there, frozen in the rain at what had just happened. I squeezed the card in my hand so hard it hurt my palm. Then I looked down at the card. It was black with gold letters. It only had one name on it: Silas Vane.