Two days.

The words repeated in my head like a heartbeat as I watched the sunrise from the balcony. The ocean looked peaceful, endless, mocking me with its beauty. Two days until the lawyer’s boat arrived at the north cove. Two days to get the children ready without Alexander suspecting anything. Two days to escape the man who had killed my mother to own me.

I touched the rose-gold collar around my neck. It felt heavier than ever.

Alexander stepped onto the balcony behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my waist. His large hand rested protectively on my pregnant belly. He kissed the side of my neck, right above...