Page 2 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

I haven’t heard that sound in two years.

Then she slips her arm through his, possessive enough to make my chest ache.

The biotech mogul and his future wife.

The perfect fairy tale.

Except Prince Charming is my husband.

No. Was my husband. He stopped being mine the day the world declared me dead.

I watch them disappear through the hotel entrance, my lungs burning so badly I forget how to breathe for a second.

“You sure you want to do this?”

Hugo’s voice cuts cleanly through the spiral in my head.

I turn toward him.

He sits beside me in an Armani tuxedo, dark hair slicked back, expression unreadable except for the tension gathered around his eyes.

Hugo never misses anything.

“Because once we walk in there,” he says quietly, “there’s no going back.”

My gaze drifts back to the entrance of the Crillon. To the doors Dante disappeared through with her.

I force myself to inhale slowly.

Dante is going to feel betrayed. Maybe he hates me for this.

I don’t even know if I blame him.

But fear is a hard thing to kill once it settles into your bones.

The entire world believes I died two years ago. If someone wanted me gone a second time, it would be easy. Unless I make sure everyone sees me come back.

My enemies won’t move if every eye in Paris is fixed on me.

At least, that’s the theory.

I close my eyes briefly.

When I open them again, I bury the panic where it belongs.

And together, we step out into the freezing December air.

I’m Valeria Delorme.

Biochemist.

Co-founder of Aurenza Biotech.

And tonight, I’m taking my life back.

“Let’s go.”

The December air cuts sharp against my skin as we climb the steps toward the ballroom.