The momentary confusion began to fade as I detangled myself out of our position.

“Careful, careful,” he said, hovering beside me as I used the cupboards as leverage to stand.

That’s when I realised, I should have just stayed on the fucking ground.

My gaze caught on the incriminating letter, innocently placed on the kitchen bench as if the printed page didn’t just rip me apart.

That’s right. That’s why I was on the floor.

Nico went to reach for me, and I flinched. He tried again and I just couldn’t.

Couldn’t look at him. Couldn’t touch him. Couldn’t hear him.

I didn’t want to.

My entire being was already breaking without the extra ammunition he was about to unload on me.

“Babe, what’s wrong. Come here, I need to make sure you’re okay.”

Instead of replying I pushed the destructive piece of paper over the counter for him to read.

A resounding quiet coated the atmosphere as he skimmed the offering.

That’s when I raised my eyes, opened my senses completely. To catalogue and watch his genuine reaction.

I wanted him to refute the words. To claim it was a misunderstanding. To curse and say he would sue the company for mixing up the wrong clients.

Anything.

But as soon as I saw his features, his body language, the unrelenting fear creeping over his frame.

I knew it was true.

My husband, my best friend, was not who he claimed to be.

Then when his guilty eyes swept up to mine my hand whipped out to slap him hard across the face.

My palm stung; my chest ached…everything hurt.

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Acknowledgements

This is for all my Wattpad readers!

Thank you for taking a chance on my work. I originally wrote Mercy Lake as a quick escape from dark romance and never thought it would lead to this. And that's all thanks to you beautiful readers who came out in full force to support and read my little novella. I am so grateful you fell in love with my characters and empathised with their struggles. These two have a special place in my heart and I know they resonated with a lot of you.

I also want to thank Lana and the Betrayal & Grovel – A Romance Heartache Book Group. Through this group I have found so many amazing stories and new authors that I adore. But best of all, I have gained a newfound passion for a subgenre of romance that has reignited my love of reading and writing. I’m truly grateful.

Also by V. Brown

Temple of Kings

Godless Creatures

Soulless Deeds

Book 3 & 4 TBA

Sin & Redemption

Mercy Lake

Runaway Girl

Medical Malpractice

Content Warning

• Sexual assault (on MMC)
• Betrayal (considered cheating by some)
• Other woman drama
• Graphic sexual content
• Strong language

Please take care of yourself, your safety and wellbeing.

About the Author