From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer novel Chapter 97

**Storm Behind Sleeps**

**Chapter 1**

The collapse of my family’s business was a devastating blow, one that sent ripples of despair through our lives. Creditors, relentless and merciless, cornered my parents, pushing them to the edge of an abyss from which they saw no return. It was a tragedy that unfolded slowly, like a dark cloud gathering strength before unleashing its fury.

In the aftermath, I found myself thrust into an arranged marriage, shipped overseas like a piece of cargo, bound to a stranger whose face I had never seen before. The weight of that reality bore down on me, and for three long years, I endured what felt like a living hell, shackled to a life I never chose.

Then, in the midst of my 99th forced apology, kneeling on the cold, unforgiving floor, Aiden Sinclair entered my life like a storm breaking through a suffocating silence. With an air of authority, he rewrote contracts that held me captive, sacrificing billions to liberate me from a life that felt like a prison.

When the ink dried on my divorce papers, it was beneath the iconic silhouette of the Eiffel Tower that he proposed, his voice steady and sincere. “Your past doesn’t matter,” he assured me, his gaze unwavering. “I only wish I’d found you sooner.”

For two blissful years, Aiden showered me with everything I had ever dreamed of—stars, the moon, and whatever else my heart desired. Yet, amidst all the splendor, one thing remained elusive: a wedding.

On our third Valentine’s Day together, I decided to take matters into my own hands. With a heart full of hope, I gathered our papers to schedule our marriage, envisioning the surprise that would light up his eyes. However, as I approached the clerk’s desk, her expression shifted from neutrality to concern as she scrutinized her screen.

“Miss Parker, are you sure these are correct? Mr. Sinclair has been married for five years already,” she said, her voice laced with a mixture of sympathy and disbelief.

What. The. HELL?!

The world around me faded into a blur. My heartbeat drummed loudly in my ears, drowning out all other sounds.

“What… did you say?” I managed to stammer, disbelief clawing at my throat.

“Maybe you’re mistaken? Could you check again? Aiden isn’t married. That’s impossible!” My voice was rising, tinged with desperation as emotions surged within me, spilling out in a jumbled torrent of words.

The clerk, beads of sweat forming on her brow, hesitated before turning the screen toward me.

“Miss, see for yourself. Mr. Sinclair is indeed married, exactly five years today. The spouse’s name is Raven Collins. Do you know her?”

In that moment, everything I believed shattered like glass. The world spun wildly, and I struggled to grasp the reality of the situation.

After an agonizing pause, I forced a bitter smile, my heart heavy with the weight of betrayal. “Yes… I know her. Sorry, my mistake.”

How could I not know her?

Raven was the sister Aiden had adopted from an orphanage—at least, that’s what he had told me.

**Chapter 1**

I couldn’t fathom how his so-called sister had transformed into his wife without my knowledge. Doubts gnawed at my insides, constricting my chest until it felt as though I could hardly breathe.

I don’t recall the moment I walked out of that office, but when I came to my senses, I found myself standing outside, the chill of the air contrasting sharply with the heat of my emotions. Couples who had just registered their marriages cast sympathetic glances my way, their pity palpable and suffocating.

Just as I was about to reach for my phone to call Aiden, a message pinged through, lighting up the screen.

[Zoey, it’s been eight hours since I saw you. I’m suffocating from missing you! You’ll have to make it up to me tonight!]

Once, I had interpreted his words as expressions of love, sweet and tender. Now, they felt like a cruel mockery, a reminder of the facade I had been living.

My nails dug into my palm as I trembled, anger and confusion swirling within me. I typed a reply, my fingers shaking as I composed my thoughts.

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