Discarded Girlfriend, Claimed By His Cousin

For years, I was the perfect, understanding girlfriend. I watched my boyfriend, Brendan, and his "family friend," Kasey, flaunt their affair, but my career as an event planner was tied to his powerful family, so I endured the humiliation in silence.

That all changed on the way to a charity gala I had meticulously planned. I saw a fresh hickey on Kasey's neck, a silent, screaming testament to their latest betrayal, right in front of my face.

I finally broke up with him. The fallout was immediate and brutal. My own brothers hunted me down, calling me a "gold-digging whore" before dragging me back to our family. They threw a settlement agreement at me, demanding I apologize to Brendan for the "good of the family."

When I refused, they disowned me. My career was systematically destroyed, leaving me with nothing.

I was just a pawn they had used and discarded. The weight of it all became too much, and I collapsed, alone in my new, empty apartment.

As my vision faded, I heard a key turn in the lock. It was Brendan's cousin, Graham-the quiet, powerful lawyer I'd shared a secret, passionate kiss with in the car that very same day.

Chapter 1

I saw Kasey Crane' s perfectly manicured hand already resting on the seat headrest, a casual claim on the space next to Brendan, and my stomach twisted. The sleek black car, already far too small for three people, now felt suffocating. We were supposed to be leaving for the coastal estate, a charity gala weekend I had meticulously planned for months, and she was here. Again.

My jaw tightened, a familiar ache blooming behind my molars. I was tired, always tired, of this routine. Kasey, the influencer, the "family friend" who had woven herself into every fabric of Brendan's life, leaving no space for me. I stood by the open passenger door, my overnight bag clutched in my hand, watching her. Her blonde hair, perfectly tousled, framed a face that knew exactly how to look innocent and alluring all at once.

Brendan, my boyfriend, was already behind the wheel. He hadn't even looked up, too busy adjusting the rearview mirror. It was typical. He never saw the undercurrents, or perhaps, he just didn't care enough to acknowledge them.

My eyes swept over the luxurious interior of the SUV. There was barely room for one more, let alone two. But Kasey, of course, would find a way. She always did.

I didn't argue. I didn't say a word. Years of being with Brendan, years of navigating his privileged world, had taught me silence was often the most pragmatic choice. My career, my very livelihood as an event planner, was tied to his family's company. I knew my place. I would endure. I always did.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to force a pleasant expression onto my face. It felt like stretching old, stiff fabric. I opened the back door, ready to squeeze myself into the cramped space.