Prologue

Nevada, USA

(Maggy)

“I, Noah, choose you, Denise, to be my wife. In front of our family and friends, I promise to love and cherish you through every obstacle that may come into our path.”

I tried to suppress my tears. I'd made a vow to myself that I wouldn’t cry today, no matter what. But I felt like my heart had been slashed to pieces when I saw how big Noah’s smile was when he stared at his bride. Back then, that smile had been meant only for me, and the glow in his eyes that I was witnessing now had been meant exclusively for me, too.

I definitely should not cry. Because I had wanted this to happen. I'd set Noah free so I could complete my mission.

I bit my lower lip to stop myself from sobbing. I should be in a hotel, getting some rest, because I would be leaving in a few hours to go back to my home country. But I found myself here instead. I was aware that I was punishing myself by watching the happy couple make vows to one another. I wanted to see Noah for the last time, to convince myself that I had done the right thing.

Noah had finally found his match.

And judging by the love written in his bride’s eyes, I had made the right decision. He'd found a woman who could love him without hesitation. The couple was deeply in love with each other. And that was the most important thing. When I saw them begin to exchange rings, I stood up and quietly walked out of the church. And since I had been sitting in the back, nobody noticed me leaving.

I went straight to my best friend’s car, which was parked nearby. Clarice was in Nevada for her honeymoon, but her husband had been suddenly called to a business meeting somewhere. That’s why he wasn’t able to accompany Clarice today.

“I can’t believe you actually let someone steal your man,” Clarice said as soon as I got into the passenger seat.

My chest tightened. “You know damn well that there are far more important things than love, Clarice. I wouldn’t have been able to focus, not until we finally ruin Benedict McClennan.”

When Clarice started driving, I glanced at the church for the last time before turning away. I leaned on the chair and shut my eyes. In my head, I could still see Noah’s adorable smile. I would bury our memories together deep in my heart and just be thankful that once upon a time, someone as good as him had accepted and loved my broken self with all his heart.

“If you knew all that, then why on earth did you decide to watch your ex-boyfriend’s wedding?”

“So I could finally put an end to this feeling. I had to pine for the last time.” A bitter smile curved on my lips. “Perhaps I will have a shot of strong liquor when I get back to Manila. I’ll drown my sorrows and wake up with a clearer head the next morning. That’s how it’s supposed to work anyway. You and I both know that we can’t afford to get distracted by our emotions at such a crucial time. How about you?” I opened my eyes and glanced at her.

Clarice married Alano McClennan, our enemy’s second son, about three weeks ago as part of her mission. “Have you gotten Alano’s company shares yet? What about Benedict’s location? You have to find that out soon so you can put an end to your so-called marriage. My goodness, Clarice.” I shook my head in disgust. “Just the thought of you being married to Benedict’s son makes me want to vomit.”

Clarice did not respond and just focused on driving. My brows furrowed when she kept evading my eyes. “Is something wrong?”

“N-nothing. I haven’t located Benedict yet. Give me a little more time, and I promise, I will give you all the information you need.”

“All right. But please hurry, okay? So you can finally be free of his son.” I took a deep breath. None of this would have happened if karma had done its job properly. For the millionth time, I could feel rage burning deep inside me.

I would do everything in my power to destroy the man who had stolen our family’s wealth and killed our parents. I would not stop until I got even. I would make Benedict McClennan pay. Clarice, my twin sister Yalena, and I were certain that Benedict’s sons were hiding him. That’s why we’d planned to lure his sons into our trap to find him. Clarice had already begun her mission with Alano. And my mission targeting Austin, Benedict’s youngest son, would start as soon as I returned to my homeland.

Karma had seemed to be on sick leave for the past few years; that’s why I decided to play its role and become Benedict’s personal karma.

Your father took me to hell over and over again these past few years. So prepare yourself because I swear I’ll take you there as well, Austin.