Reborn From Ashes: The Interpol Queen

Elinor Marsh POV:

My high-powered attorney husband, Bernard Turner, had a secret. He was cheating with Davida Brandt, the daughter of our firm's most important client. I found out, and my world shattered.

My response was immediate, vengeful: a one-night stand with Bernard's charismatic partner, Cole Kirkland. That single night exploded my life, pushing me into a rapid divorce from Bernard and a new marriage to Cole. For three years, Cole was the perfect, doting husband, a stark contrast to the betrayal I had just escaped.

He was everything I thought I wanted, everything I believed I deserved after the pain Bernard inflicted.

But all of it was a lie, a meticulously crafted facade designed to keep me contained while Davida claimed Bernard, her true prize. I was merely a pawn in their cruel, elaborate game, a truth I would soon discover in the most devastating way imaginable.

The scent of Davida's expensive perfume clung to Bernard's suit jacket. I picked it up from the laundry basket. It was not his usual scent. He always wore a subtle, woody cologne. This was floral, heavy, cloying. My stomach turned. I knew that smell. Davida Brandt favored it. My mind raced. Bernard was not just working late with Davida. He was with her, intimately. My hands clenched. A cold fury settled in my chest. Shock gave way to a searing anger. The betrayal hit me hard.

I looked at my reflection in the darkened window. My face was pale. My eyes were burning. I felt a desperate need to lash out, to hurt Bernard the way he hurt me. My gaze fell on my phone. Cole Kirkland' s name flashed in my contacts. Cole, Bernard's partner, always had a knowing look in his eyes when he talked to me. He made me feel seen, desired. A reckless thought sparked. I wanted to burn Bernard's world down. I wanted to make him feel the same pain.

I pressed Cole' s number. My heart pounded. He answered on the second ring. His voice was smooth, confident. I told him I needed to talk. He listened. I did not explain much. He simply said he would be there in twenty minutes. I hung up. My hands were shaking. This was a bad idea. But I did not care. My anger fueled me.

Cole arrived promptly. He saw the fury in my eyes. He did not ask questions. He just pulled me into his arms. His touch was firm, comforting. I felt a strange sense of relief, a dangerous thrill. We went to his apartment. The alcohol flowed. Words were few. Actions spoke louder. The night became a blur of defiant passion. I wanted to forget Bernard. I wanted to erase his betrayal with someone else' s touch. Cole was there. He was present. He made me feel powerful, for a brief, fleeting time.

The next morning, I woke in Cole's bed. My head throbbed. Regret mixed with a fierce sense of rebellion. Cole was already