Chapter 1
After my husband, Derek Jarrow, abused me for the 98th time, all because of Gemma Ravell, I finally gave up all hope. My heart was shattered, and I accepted the advances of his closest friend, Zion Valemont.
He promised to help me fake my own death, give me a brand–new identity, and marry me overseas.
But after I swallowed the fake–death pill Zion gave me, I regained consciousness too soon inside the coffin.
I couldn’t move a muscle, trapped in my own body, as I listened to muffled voices outside. Zion was speaking with
someone.
“Mr. Valemont, you had Derek abuse Remi Ravell, then pretended to rescue her so you could gain her trust complete- ly. Why go so far as to bury her alive after faking her death?”
“It’s the only way the Ravell family will believe she’s really gone. Only then can Gemma truly secure her place as heir, and no one will ever mention her illegitimate birth again.”
C
There was a hesitant pause. “But won’t it be too long to leave her buried for seven days until after your wedding with Gemma? What if something happens?”
“The fake–death drug lasts five days. I’ve already had water, food, and an oxygen tank placed inside the coffin. She won’t die.”
In the suffocating darkness, panic crashed over me, my heart twisting in agony.
So it was Zion who made Derek abuse me. Then he came to me as my savior, convincing me to fake my death so I could be with him, making me give up everything.
But the man who promised to marry me planned to bury me alive, only to marry Gemma after.
Now, I’d awakened too soon–and there was no water, no food in this coffin at all!
The cramped, narrow space pressed in on me, stealing my breath.
Through the wooden boards, Zion’s voice sounded muffled, but every word stabbed into me like a blade, pinning me in place.
“When Gemma’s illegitimacy was exposed, her engagement to Derek was given to her younger sister, Remi. Gemma lost her chance at love, so I’ll help her win power and position instead. I promised Gemma I’d always have her back.
“As for Remi, I’ve had Derek torment her all these years to punish her. Letting her go now is a kind of mercy. She loves me so much–she’ll stay lost forever in the dream I spun for her.”
The other person hesitated, voice tinged with guilt. “But Remi doesn’t know that faking her death means actually be-
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Chapter 1
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ing buried alive for seven days. That’s too risky. She’s terrified of the dark, and she’s claustrophobic. What if some- thing goes wrong in there…?”
“It won’t!”
Zion’s tone brooked no argument.
“The Ravell family is careful. The act has to be perfect. Seven days–she’ll only be conscious for two at most. What could happen? Besides, Derek always locked her in a closet after beating her. She should be used to it by now.
“Gemma waited five years for this chance. We can’t risk anything going wrong. Once it’s all over and I’m married to Gemma, we’ll get a fake marriage certificate abroad to fool Remi. We’ll keep her comfortable and well–fed, and she’ll never be able to return home.”
Their footsteps faded away, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t make a sound.
The drug left my mind clear, but my body was paralyzed. I couldn’t even speak.
Claustrophobia gripped me. I bit down hard on my tongue, forcing myself to stay calm. My back was drenched in cold sweat.
The pitch–black darkness reminded me of the five years I’d spent married to Derek.
Every time he abused me, he’d lock me in the closet afterward.
The memories crashed over me like a tidal wave, my stomach twisting in pain.
Two years ago, after being locked in the closet once again, it was Zion who opened the door and set me free.
In that moment, I thought I saw an angel–someone who could banish all the shadows from my life.
From then on, Zion began to pursue me relentlessly.
He cared for my battered body, soothed my shattered heart, and told me to fight back against the abuse.
How foolish I was to think I’d found my salvation.
I never realized that everything I suffered was orchestrated by Zion himself!
He had Derek hurt me, then played the hero to heal me–all for the sake of my sister, Gemma.
I bit down hard on my lip, desperately willing my body to move.
Suddenly, I heard the sound of a door opening outside.
The click of high heels was followed by a bright, girlish voice.
“Zion, are you sure nothing will happen to Remi if she’s buried for seven days? She’s being buried today–she’s still my sister, after all. Isn’t this just too cruel?”
It was like I’d found a lifeline, Inside my mind, I screamed for help, “Save me!”
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Please, just open the coffin and look at me–just once, and you’ll see I’m already awake.
I don’t want to be buried alive. I don’t want to suffocate in this darkness!
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