Chapter 5

“Dispose of her?” The words echoed in my head like a thunderclap. My hands trembled, but it wasn’t fear this time—it was fury.

I stepped out from the shadows, my heels striking against the deck floor, each step a blade.

“Dispose of me?” I said louder. Both of them turned—Maureen’s champagne glass slipped from her fingers, shattering against the floor.

“Caroline?” Xander stammered, color draining from his face. “You—how—”

“I know everything,” I hissed. “About the ransom money. About the lies. About how I was never your wife in the first place.” I looked at Maureen, her face frozen between guilt and arrogance. “You really played your parts well—congratulations.”

Xander straightened, trying to regain control. “You’ve lost your mind. You shouldn’t be here.”

I laughed, a cold, hollow sound. “Shouldn’t be here? After everything you’ve stolen? My money, my name… my son’s life?”

Maureen rolled her eyes. “Oh, please, stop acting like a saint. You were just too stupid to see it.”

Something inside me snapped. “You used me! You both used me for years, and when it wasn’t enough, you hurt my child, faked his death to hurt me??? He is also your son, you demon!”

“Watch your mouth,” Xander growled, stepping closer. “You always were dramatic. And so, what? If you learn now, then you can still be my mistress? I mean, you loved me that much, right?"

I didn’t know what to say. He still wants me to be his mistress after everything?

I stared at them both, my chest heaving. “I regret every single second I ever wasted loving either of you.”

Maureen’s smirk widened. “Well, don’t worry,” she said sweetly. “You won’t waste any more time.”

Before I could react, her hands slammed into my shoulders. I stumbled backward—heels slipping against the slick deck—and then the cold hit me. The river swallowed me whole.

The shock of it burned through me like fire. I kicked, gasping, reaching out—but the surface was already too far. Their laughter echoed above the waterline—sharp, distant, cruel.

“Help!” I screamed, but my voice broke into bubbles. The world blurred into black.

The last thing I saw was the pale glow of the yacht lights fading as I sank.

When I opened my eyes again, I was staring at a white ceiling. My body ached, every breath sharp. For a moment, I didn’t know where I was. Then the scent of antiseptic mixed with something faintly familiar—cedarwood, expensive cologne.

“Easy,” a calm voice said beside me. “You’re safe.”

I turned my head and blinked. “Colton?”

He gave a small nod, the corner of his lips lifting. “You’re awake. You’ve been asleep for a week, Caroline. But you’re alive.”

My throat tightened. “My son—Zane—he’s alive?”

Colton’s expression softened. “We’ll find out everything soon. But first, you need to calm down.”

“I saw them—Xander and Maureen—they—”

“I know,” he said firmly. “I know everything. I told you before—let me handle this. You were nearly killed, Caroline. You’ll need to let me lead the next move.”

I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to stop the shaking. “They think I’m dead, don’t they?”

Days passed, and Colton kept his word. The marriage was quiet—just a simple signing at the registrar, followed by a small dinner in his garden surrounded by lilies and soft candlelight. No reporters, no crowd. Only peace.

When he placed the ring on my finger, his gaze held mine—steady, protective, certain. “No one will hurt you again,” he said, and for the first time in years, I almost believed it.

We shared a quiet toast under the fading light. I caught myself watching him—his calm, his strength, the quiet power he carried like armor. There was something about him that made the chaos inside me still.

Maybe it was safety. Maybe it was admiration. Or maybe it was what I’d always refused to admit—that I’d been drawn to him long before I met his son.

I smiled faintly, tracing the rim of my glass. Maybe I should have married you instead, I thought.

Colton’s lips curved, as if reading my mind. “You’re thinking too loudly,” he murmured.

“Maybe,” I said softly.

His hand brushed mine—warm, certain. “Then think of this instead,” he whispered. “This time, you’re not the one who’ll lose.”

One morning, Colton entered my room, his eyes gleaming. “My son and Maureen have announced their wedding. They’re calling it a grand event. Public. Lavish.”

My heart thudded. “They’re celebrating?”

“After declaring you dead,” he said simply. “They want the world to see them win.”

He handed me a small box. Inside was a black veil.

“Get ready,” he said. “We’re attending.”

The ballroom on the cruise ship was blindingly bright, dripping in white roses and crystal chandeliers. Reporters whispered, cameras flashed. Xander stood at the altar, looking every bit the proud groom, while Maureen glittered beside him, triumphant in lace and diamonds.

Then the doors opened.

Every head turned. Colton entered first, straight-backed and regal, his arm extended toward me. I followed slowly, dressed in deep black. Gasps rippled through the room—the only color among the white. My face was hidden beneath the veil.

“Father of the groom,” the emcee announced nervously, unsure how to introduce the man beside me.

Xander turned, startled. “Dad? You’re finally here and who is that woman? Why is she wearing a black dress and covered in black veil! It’s my wedding!”

Maureen frowned. “Are you trying to ruin this?”

“This,” Colton smirked, “is my new wife, and your mother from now on.”

A murmur swept through the crowd.

Xander blinked, confused, forcing a laugh. “You got married again and to who?”

I stepped forward then, my heart pounding. Slowly, I lifted my veil. The room went silent.

Xander froze, his face draining of blood. “C-Caroline?” he choked.

I met his wide, horrified eyes and smiled faintly. “Hello, Xander,” I said. “I’m your mother now.”

The champagne glass slipped from his hand, shattering at his feet.