From Prison To My Billionaire's Embrace

On the anniversary of my mother's death, I found my husband in our bed with my best friend.

The betrayal shattered me, just as a similar affair had driven my mother to suicide years before.

Consumed by a blinding rage, I exposed their secrets to the world and destroyed her career. My vengeance was swift and brutal, but it was I who ended up behind bars for a year and a half. They watched as I was dragged away, their faces a mask of disgust.

They built a life on the ruins of mine, while I was left with nothing but the four walls of a prison cell.

But in that desolate place, my anger finally burned out, replaced by a quiet resolve to rebuild.

Five years later, I walked out a new woman. I had found peace, a new family, and a love I never thought possible.

I thought the past was buried, until I ran into him again. He looked at my simple dress with pity, offering me money and a ride home, completely unaware that the man waiting for me there could buy and sell him a thousand times over.

Chapter 1

Clara POV

Ava's video of "intentionally pushing down" the popular female star Chloe went viral, leading to widespread online criticism and abuse.

I stood there, the champagne bubbles tickling my nose, watching Hailey laugh. Her hair, a cascade of sun-kissed waves, bounced as she gestured wildly, recounting some anecdote about her painting class. It was a celebration, a gallery opening for a mutual friend, but all I could focus on was the effortless way Hailey navigated the room, a stark contrast to my own quiet contentment beside Camden.

"Seriously, Clara, you have to try this canapé," Hailey urged, a glint in her eyes. "It' s divine. Like, really, truly divine."

I smiled, taking the small bite. "It is good," I conceded, but my thoughts were elsewhere. Camden, my husband, was across the room, talking animatedly with a group of investors. His charisma was a magnet, always pulling people in. I loved that about him, his drive, his ambition. My family had given him a leg up, a chance to start his tech company, and he'd soared. He promised me the world, and I believed him. I always believed him.

Hailey leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, Camden and I were talking about your studio space the other day. He thinks you could really expand if you just-"

"Hailey," I interrupted gently, my smile still in place. "My studio is perfect as it is. Small, quiet, just how I like it. I' m not looking to expand, remember? I' m happy with my little pottery business. It' s my passion, not a corporate takeover."

Hailey' s smile faltered for a split second, then snapped back into place, brighter than before. "Right, of course! Silly me. Just thinking big, you know? You deserve the best." She raised her glass. "To passion, then!"