Her Stolen Vows

The day I went to buy a crib for our unborn child, a strange woman burst into the private viewing room and plunged a knife into my pregnant belly.

How dare you flaunt another mans bastard in your belly? she snarled, twisting the handle with a crazed smile.

The cold steel pierced my womb, and the agony sent me crumpling to the floor.

She crouched down, patting my cheek. Did you really think a little tramp like you could use a baby to claw your way up? The title of Mrs. Donovan is it something you can even dream of?

Blood poured from the wound and pooled beneath me. Only then did it all click into place.

My husbandthe man I had loved for seven years, been married to for threewas really keeping a mistress.

What? Not happy about it? she gloated. Even if I kill you right here, with my status as Mrs. Donovan, nothing will happen to me!

Watching her preen, I shakily pulled out my phone and dialed my brothers number.

Alistair, come get me at the baby boutique.

My voice was terrifyingly calm. The Donovan family they have no reason to exist anymore.

My unborn child was dying inside me.

The tiny heartbeat I could once feel through my own skin was fading to nothing.

My consciousness blurred as the blood drained from my body, but the searing pain in my abdomen was a cruel anchor, keeping me tethered to the horror of the moment.

A cold rage sent shudders through my entire body.

Id heard the rumors, of coursethat Donovan was keeping a mistress. But I had given him a chance to come clean.

And this was the result. His mistress hadnt given me a chance. She hadnt given my baby a chance.

For a man like Donovan, who struggled with fertility issues, I thought he, of all people, would understand what this child meant.

Audrey, is it? Does Donovan know youre doing this?

My eyes were bloodshot as I stared her down. Did he forget to tell you that if you ever laid a hand on me, my familythe Sinclairswould make you pay in blood?

The air in the room went still for a beat, then erupted in derisive laughter from her entourage.

Wow, mistresses these days sure are feisty.

Dont you get it? Shes pregnant. And Mr. Donovan wants a kid so badly, she thinks shes hit the jackpot.

The cutting remarks were like a physical assault.

Audrey just sneered, looking down at me with a raised eyebrow.

The Sinclairs? In Southcrest, the only name that matters is Donovan.

Its hard enough for my Donovan to have children. Who knows whose bastard youre even carrying?

As Mrs. Donovan, its my duty to clean up his messes!

She kept saying it, over and over. Mrs. Donovan.

But if she was Mrs. Donovan, then who was I?

I pressed my hands to the gushing wound in my stomach, but the hot blood just streamed through my fingers, staining my skin red.

There was no time to regret coming out without my bodyguards. I cast a desperate look at the people around me, silently pleading for help.

All I got back were cold stares and mocking smirks.

And the whispers. The constant, accusing whispers.

They were calling me the other woman.

Fighting back waves of agony, I met Audreys gaze, my own eyes cold and murderous.

Ill say it again. My name is Sinclair. As in, the Sinclairs.

You can run, while Im still deciding whether or not I want you dead.

What damn Sinclairs!

Audreys face contorted with rage. She lifted her foot and viciously kicked my wound with the pointed toe of her designer heel.

In Southcrest, the sky belongs to the Donovans! Who the hell do you think you are, talking to Mrs. Donovan like that!

A blunt, crushing pain exploded through me. A mixture of blood and amniotic fluid gushed from the wound.

If this went on any longer, Id die from an embolism.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Donovan had waited on me hand and foot for eight months, all for this child.

And now, because of his child, and his mistress, I was on the verge of death.

Im going to the hospital. Now. And you will get Donovan on the phone and tell him to get his ass over there. Immediately.

I was done playing games with her. My voice was ice. Because if something happens to me today, hell kill you first.

And then, hell follow me to the grave.

Audreys eyes were filled with contempt as she burst into hysterical laughter.

After a moment, she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

Who in Gods name do you think you are? Demanding my husband come running to the hospital?

As the words left her mouth, she lifted her foot and stomped it down on my stomach.

The thin stiletto heel sank into the wound, and her eyes glinted with malice as she ground it back and forth.

The gash was ripped open wider. The sharp heel churned my insides.

The pain was so intense it felt like my heart was being torn apart.

My screams echoed through the room, mingling with Audreys maniacal laughter.

Just then, the screech of tires tore through the air outside.

A dozen Maseratis slammed to a halt in front of the boutique.

A relieved smile spread across my face. I clutched the gaping wound in my abdomen.

Staring straight into Audreys eyes, I enunciated each word with chilling clarity.

Remember this. In Southcrest, the sky belongs to the Sinclairs. Victoria Sinclair.

Now, my brother is here. Are you ready to die?

Victoria!

My brother, Alistair, roared my name as he sprinted towards me.

He was already shrugging off his bespoke suit jacket, frantically draping it over my body.

One arm wrapped around me, holding me tight, while the other pressed down hard on my bleeding stomach.

The familiar warmth of his presence was a comfort.

Im here. Dont be afraid.

His voice was soft and warm, but when he turned to face Audrey, it dropped to a lethal chill. Youre the one who did this to my sister?

Audrey was completely unfazed. She shot my brother a scornful look.

Well, well. So protective. Dont tell me the bastard in her belly is yours?

Yeah, Im the one who took care of her. What are you going to do about it? Now Im going to take care of you and your little lover, too!

The moment the words left her mouth, her bodyguards moved to surround us.

Alistair gave a single, sharp look. His own security team surged forward, and in a blur of motion, they had every one of her men on the ground.

But as I looked past them, I saw more of Audreys men pouring in from outside.

My heart sank.

Alistair, why did you only bring a few people? I asked, a new wave of fear washing over me.

It happened so fast. I was nearby, so I just brought the guys who were with me. Dont worry, Dad is on his way.

He soothed me patiently. Lets see who dares to touch my sister while Im here.

I relaxed slightly.

Then I saw Audrey, gritting her teeth as she looked at her downed men, and pulling out her phone.

Her voice instantly became sickly sweet.

Hubby, some people are bullying me! Arent you going to do something about it?

Of course, I will!

Donovans voiceso familiar, yet so foreigncrackled from the speakerphone Audrey had deliberately activated.

Familiar, because it was unmistakably him.

Foreign, because the doting, gentle tone was one I had never heard him use, not even with me.

A flash of bitterness cut through me, chipping away at the guilt I felt over my childs death.

Audrey shot a triumphant look at my brother and me, her voice a saccharine whine.

Its this guy, Alistair Sinclair. Hes already taken out a bunch of my bodyguards, and hes threatening to kill me!

Im so scared, you have to come quick, okay?

Ali Alistair Sinclair?

Donovans voice went sharp, as if someone had grabbed him by the throat.

Which Alistair Sinclair?! What the hell did you do?!

The string of questions made Audreys expression falter. She quickly switched off the speakerphone.

But we could still faintly hear Donovans enraged shouting.

Stay right where you are! Dont do anything! Do you hear me? Dont do a damn thing! Im on my way!

Audrey mumbled her location and quickly hung up.

She took a deep breath, her arrogant smirk returning.

Youre both dead meat! My husband is on his way!

He said if you end up dead, so be it. Well just throw some money at the problem. Who the hell is Alistair Sinclair anyway? Never even heard of him!

With a wave of her hand, her remaining bodyguards swarmed us.

My brothers men, as skilled as they were, were outnumbered. One by one, they fell.

A dozen burly men closed in on us.

Alistair stood up, shielding me with his body.

After just a couple of exchanges, bloody gashes appeared on his arms.

Seeing the blood welling from my brothers wounds, my vision turned red.

I struggled to grab the knife that had been dropped on the floor. Staggering to my feet, I lunged at Audrey, who was shouting with glee.

She reacted instinctively, shoving me hard. The dagger, which I had managed to plunge into her side, was ripped from my grasp.

The pain was even worse than before.

Audreys screams grew even more shrill.

Her bodyguards froze.

She clutched her side, her eyes spitting venom at me as I lay on the floor.

What are you all standing there for! Kill them! Kill them!

Her men sprang into action, and a rain of clubs fell upon us.

Alistair threw himself in front of me, taking the brunt of the blows.

The sickening thud of the weapons hitting his body echoed in my ears.

Suddenly, a warm drop of blood landed on my lips. My brothers body convulsed, and he collapsed on top of me.

Alistair? Alistair? Wake up

There was no response.

Dazed, I managed to turn my head. I could see blood pouring from a wound on the back of his head.

Before I could even process my terror, the bodyguards dragged us to the roof.

They bound us tightly and hung us over the side of the shopping mall.

Their rough handling tore at the wound in my stomach, and my clothes were soaked with blood.

My brother, hanging a few feet away, had a dark, spreading stain on the back of his white shirt.

The biting wind kept me conscious.

But my unconscious brother just swayed limply in the breeze.

A crowd had gathered below, and their jeering accusations drifted up to me.

Heard shes the mistress, got pregnant by some other guy to try and trap the husband. The wife caught them, so now theyre both getting what they deserve.

Tsk, tsk. Serves her right. Cant even be a proper mistress!

I could only keep talking to my brother, hoping my voice would wake him.

The minutes stretched on. My own consciousness was fading, and there was still no response from Alistair.

Audreys arrogant voice echoed from the rooftop.

Oh, still alive?

The sight of her made my blood boil. I clenched my jaw.

Audrey, you better let us down right now. When my father gets here, you wont be able to handle the consequences.

She just laughed, a wild, unhinged sound, and took a compound bow from one of her men.

Oh, really? Then Id better hurry up and kill the two of you, so I have some company in hell.

She drew the bow, nocked an arrow, and aimed at my brothers swaying body.

You know, Donovan and I met at an archery range. You know how good he is, right?

Unfortunately, my skills arent quite as polished.

My heart plunged. The archery range I had funded it for him.

I never imagined it would be the place where he began his affair.

The next second, a searing pain shot through me. An arrow was embedded in my shoulder. I bit down hard to keep from screaming.

So annoying. I was aiming for your brother. How did I miss by that much?

The bowstring twanged again. This time, the arrow flew true, piercing my brothers chest.

The agony jolted him awake. He let out a furious roar.

Seeing our situation, his eyes blazed with a tangible fury.

Audrey, is it? I swear to you, I will tear you limb from limb!

But Audrey just laughed maniacally, mechanically drawing, nocking, and firing.

Alistair thrashed wildly, trying to shield me with his own body.

In moments, he was riddled with arrows, his body a canvas of crimson.

A choked, gurgling sound escaped his throat.

On the rooftop, Audrey seemed to tire, leaning on the railing, panting.

Suddenly, my phone, which she had, started ringing.

She answered it, confused. Donovans frantic voice came through.

Victoria, where are you? Ill explain everything about Audrey, I promise. Just please, dont hurt her!

You dont want me to hate you for the rest of my life, do you?

I laughed.

Donovan! Its me and my brother who are about to be killed by your little pet canary!

And the child you wanted so badly is already gone!

I screamed towards the phone, but the wind snatched my words away.

The only voice that carried was Audreys, hesitant and suspicious.

Hubby? Why are you calling her?

Dont worry, Ive handled it. But you might have to pay a little something

Donovan was silent on the other end. All we could hear was his heavy breathing.

A moment later, his furious roar erupted.

Audrey! What the hell did you do to Victoria Sinclair?! Dont you know who she is? Shes the fucking Sinclair heiress! I

Audrey abruptly hung up. She frowned, staring at the number on the screen, lost in thought.

Her eyes darted back and forth as she muttered to herself.

She looked up at my brother, who was on the verge of death, and at me, still struggling.

What damn Sinclairs

Youre Victoria Sinclair?

Audrey stood over me on the rooftop where Id just been hauled back up, her pupils dilating wildly.

I gave a cold laugh in response. What? You believe me now?

Never seen Donovan that panicked before, have you?

But the next second, her trembling stopped, and a crazed look flashed in her eyes.

Impossible! Its absolutely impossible!

Im Donovans wife! Im the rightful Mrs. Donovan!

She pulled a marriage certificate from her purse and threw it at my chest. You! Youre just some dirty little secret!

I hesitantly opened the certificate, my brow furrowing.

The bright red seal, the clear security watermark, the official serial number.

Everything about it screamed that it was real.

My mind flashed back to our wedding three years ago.

Donovan had insisted on going to the registrars office alone, saying he didnt want me to get tired.

I suddenly laughed.

Laughed at how stupid I had been.

To be fooled for so many years by that piece of trash.

I looked up at Audrey, my eyes filled with nothing but boundless hatred.

Perfect. The two of you can be a legitimate couple on your way to hell.

But youre the mistress, why are you acting so righteous? Audrey suddenly shrieked.

She was panting, her voice dropping to a low growl.

But Donovan has never yelled at me before. Thats right. It must be you, you bitch, youve bewitched him!

You knew how badly he wanted a child, so you just found some random guy to knock you up, didnt you?

This child cant be Donovans its impossible

A manic light gleamed in Audreys eyes. She snatched the dagger from the ground and raised it high above me.

After I kill the bastard in your belly, youre next!

As the blade began to fall, I finally realized what she was about to do.

I twisted my body, trying to dodge.

Seeing my resistance, Audrey screamed, Hold her down! When shes dead, Donovan will only love me!

The bodyguards pinned my arms and legs. I watched in horror as Audrey raised the dagger again.

Audrey! You dare

Aaargh!

The searing pain of the blade piercing my flesh cut off my words.

I could feel the cold steel sawing across my stomach.

Waves of tearing agony washed over me, forcing me to stay conscious.

The cool wind on my exposed abdomen dropped my body temperature to freezing.

I screamed until my voice was raw, then my head fell weakly to the side.

I saw my brother, who had been on the brink of death, suddenly stir. He began to crawl towards me, his voice strained.

Victoria wait for me Im coming to save you

His eyes were bloodshot with desperation, tears streaming from the corners.

With every inch he moved, the arrows embedded in his body pushed deeper.

Seeing the trail of blood he left behind, my vision swam with rage.

Alistair! Dont move! Just go! Leave me!

But he kept crawling, his words growing fainter.

Im not leaving I cant watch my sister suffer

And I had never seen my brilliant, charming brother so broken and battered

I struggled uselessly against the hands holding me down, regret solidifying in my heart.

If if I hadnt insisted on marrying that scumbag Donovan.

If I hadnt given him a second chance when I first heard the rumors.

My child wouldnt be dead. My brother wouldnt be in this state.

I turned my head, locking my eyes on Audrey, and screamed with every ounce of strength I had left.

Audrey! You and Donovan will pay for what youve done to my brother and my child! You will pay in blood!

But Audrey was lost in her own world.

She reached into my sliced-open stomach and grabbed my lifeless child.

This bastard doesnt even look like Donovan! You lied to him! You all have to die!

Stop!

Donovan stumbled through the rooftop door, his face turning ashen at the scene before him.

The next second, the sky above the rooftop was filled with the roar of dozens of private helicopters.

My father, William Sinclair, stood at the open cabin door, looking down at the carnage below.

You dare to touch my children? Youre looking for death!