He Framed Me, So I Laughed At His Fake Lov

Chapter 1

8 years ago, a poisoning incident at my restaurant killed several people.

My parents called me a murderer and cut all ties with me.

The victims' families pinned me to the ground and forced poison down my throat, saying they wanted me to know what it felt like to be poisoned to death.

I was sentenced to 8 years in prison because of the case.

After I got out, I changed my name, started over with a new identity, and took a job washing dishes at a small-town diner. Life was quiet and uneventful, and that was enough for me.

I had thought I would spend the rest of my life that way, but my ex-husband, Adrian Lawson, tracked me down.

His catering company had gone public and was at the height of its success.

The reporters all turned their cameras and microphones toward me.

"Ms. Bennett, Mr. Lawson has been engaged for 8 years but has never married. So he's been waiting for you all along!"

I couldn't help letting out a cold laugh.

What they didn't know was that the person who had allowed his schoolmate to switch my suppliers 8 years ago, then made me take the blame when disaster struck was—Adrian Lawson!

*****

The camera flashes nearly blinded me, but Adrian remained perfectly composed.

The restaurant owner, Maggie Taylor, was beside herself with excitement. She handed him her business card and asked for a photo. When I didn't move, she turned around and called out to me.

"Nora, come take a picture with Mr. Lawson! He's one of the youngest titans in the food-service industry. Once we get a photo with him, our diner is bound to become famous. I'll give you a raise then!"

At Maggie's words, my hands paused over the dishes, but I didn't look up.

The reporters, however, spotted me and immediately swarmed over.

"Ms. Bennett, so you've been hiding at this diner. You used to be such a talented chef, but now you're washing dishes here. Do you feel disappointed?"

"We heard your ex-husband has been waiting for you all these years and has postponed his wedding to his fiancée several times. Is there anything you'd like to say?"

I ignored them and kept working with my head down.

Yet my fingers gripping the rim of the bowl began to tremble uncontrollably.

I knew Adrian's methods far too well.

I didn't believe he still had any feelings for me. All I could do was stay on guard.

The standoff continued until Adrian walked over to me and reached out to block the reporters' cameras.

His face darkened as he said, "This is a private matter between me and my ex-wife. We won't answer any questions. Please leave immediately."

Then he turned to me, his gaze complicated.

"Nora." He paused. "It's been a long time."

Hearing his voice again after 8 years made my hand shake.

Crash.

A porcelain bowl slipped from my hand and shattered on the floor.

Flying shards cut my fingers, and drops of blood fell from my fingertips.

Adrian immediately took my hand in his, frowning. "How could you be so careless?"

I quickly pulled my hand back and turned to apologize to Maggie over and over.

"Maggie, I'm sorry. I'll clean it up right away. Just deduct the cost of the bowl from my wages."

Before Maggie could recover from her shock, a bright voice came from the entrance.

"Adrian, why are you here? You left without saying a word. Your parents and I were all worried about you."

I looked toward the voice and saw a gentle-looking woman walk in. She slipped her arm through Adrian's.

It was Vivian Lane. 8 years ago, she had caused countless guests to be poisoned to death. And now, she was Adrian's fiancée.

Behind her stood my biological parents who had cut ties with me 8 years ago.

Vivian's gaze swept over me, then she gave a disdainful smile.

"Ms. Bennett, it's been a long time. Oh, right! Your parents have taken me in as their goddaughter now, so we're sisters now."