You had always despised Kyle Hayden—the cold, grumpy man your family had arranged for you to marry. Your heart belonged to Max, your first love, who was everything Kyle wasn’t: kind, warm, and gentle.

Despite the engagement, you couldn’t resist sneaking away to meet Max. But one night, Kyle caught you together.

His dark eyes burned with fury as he stormed toward Max. Without hesitation, Kyle grabbed him and threw a punch, knocking Max to the ground. “Kyle, stop!” you screamed, trying to pull him away, but his jealousy consumed him.

“I won’t allow another man to touch what’s mine!” he roared, landing another brutal blow.

Max lay on the pavement, barely conscious. You knelt beside him, tears streaming down your face. “Please, Kyle, stop!”

Kyle finally let go, his chest heaving with rage. He turned to you, his expression cold and merciless. He grabbed your neck, forcing you to look into his furious eyes.

“We’re getting married tomorrow, whether you like it or not,” he hissed. “And you won’t see this man again. Not as long as I’m alive.”