TWISTED HEART

PROLOGUE

HOPE JONES

Tomorrow, I’m getting married.

Even just thinking about it makes my heart race. Luke Marley and I have been together since high school — through arguments, distance, and storms — but somehow, love always found its way back to us. And now, after all these years, I’m marrying my forever.

Tonight was supposed to be pure fun — my friends had thrown me a bachelorette party. Olivia, my best friend; Evelyn, the wild one; and Samantha, the caring voice of reason. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be.

I wore a short white dress with a delicate crown resting on my head. We were laughing, music pumping through the club, when my phone rang.

“Where are you going?” Olivia asked as I stood up.

“Luke’s calling. I’ll be right back!”

Samantha rolled her eyes. “Girl, you’ll be with him in a few hours.”

“I’ll be quick!” I promised, slipping out.

“Love,” I said into the phone, smiling without meaning to.

“My sweetheart,” Luke replied. Just hearing his voice still made me blush, even after all these years.

“You alright?” he asked.

“Yes. How’s it going there?”

“These guys are drunk out of their minds,” he laughed.

“I miss you,” I admitted softly.

“Soon, you’ll be Mrs. Marley , waking up next to me every day.”

“I can’t wait,” I said. “I love you, Luke.”

“I love you too, my love. Enjoy yourself — but don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

I laughed, hung up, and went back to the dance room. The girls were still drinking.

“You’re boring, Hope,” Samantha teased.

“Guys, I told you I’d be quick.”

“Your phone should’ve been off,” Olivia added. “This is girls’ night.”

I apologized, and Evelyn suddenly grinned. “Come on, let’s dance!”

They dragged me to the dance floor, lights flashing as we moved. I still couldn’t believe this was my last night as an unmarried woman.

Halfway through the night, Olivia disappeared.

“Where’s she going now?” Samantha asked.

Evelyn smirked. “You’ll see.”

Samantha offered me a drink. “Come on, live a little.”

“You know I don’t drink,” I said.

“Fine… but are you sure about this marriage?”

I frowned. “Of course. I love Luke, he loves me, and we’ve been together for years.”

“I just want you to be happy,” she said sincerely.

“I am,” I replied without hesitation. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Marrying their soulmate?

Evelyn slid a row of shots toward me. “Last chance to party like this.”

I laughed, shaking my head — then gave in, took one, and winced at the bitter taste.

“Yesss!” she cheered.

Hi, my name is Hope Jones. I’m 24 years old, and this is my story. Walk with me.

LUKE MARLEY

These guys were beyond drunk.

I’d had enough, so I called a cab and shoved them inside.

“Luke, we’re leaving already?” Shawn complained.

“You’re boring, man,” Derek added.

“You can barely stand, and you still want to drink?” I shot back.

“There’s still more alcohol,” Shawn argued.

“And why aren’t you drinking?” Derek demanded.

“I don’t drink.”

“Ah, I see… trying to be the good boy now that you’re getting married,” Shawn teased.

They laughed, but I ignored them. “Cab’s here. Go home.”

After they left, I poured myself some juice and checked the time. Almost morning.

“Is this seat taken?”

I turned — Olivia stood there, watching me.

“Hi,” she said, setting down her bag.

“Hi,” I replied cautiously.

She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around me before pressing her lips to mine.

“Where’s everyone?” I asked.

“Don’t worry about your bride,” she said with a sly smile. “I left her at the club. I just missed you.”

Her hands slid over my chest, familiar and dangerous.

“We need to stop this, Olivia. I don’t want to hurt Hope.”

“It’s too late, Luke. Besides… how else are you going to get this?” She smirked, leaning in.

“You’re her best friend.”

“And we’ve been sleeping together for two years. We won’t get caught. Come on.”

Before I could protest, she grabbed my hand, leading me upstairs. We slipped into a room, locked the door, and kissed like there was no tomorrow.

My name is Luke Marley. I’m 26 years old.

SEAN PARKER

I parked outside my father’s house. He’d called for a family meeting, and Nathan’s and Jason’s cars were already there.

“Son,” my father greeted as I entered.

“Dad,” I nodded.

“Since you’re all here, I’ll get straight to the point,” he said, looking at the three of us. “As you know, I’m not well. I’m retiring. The Parker Empire needs a new head.”

I hid my smile. I already knew what was coming — my father had told me more than once that he trusted me to take over. I was the firstborn, after all.

“We all know who the rightful heir is,” Jason said.

“Not necessarily,” my father replied.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I want the company run by someone who is mature,” he said evenly.

“With all due respect… are you saying I’m not mature?”

“I haven’t decided yet,” he said simply.

“Dad, we agreed I was right for this,” I reminded him.

“We did,” he admitted. “But Sean, if you’re going to run the Parker Empire, you need to settle down. No more chasing women. The company needs stability and a leader with a clean image.”

“That’s me,” Nathan cut in quickly. “I’m in a committed relationship. Lobola soon.”

“Same here,” Jason added.

“You have one month,” my father said, standing. “Show me you’re ready.”

Nathan smirked. “May the best man win.”

As they left, I followed my father. “You know I’m the right choice.”

“I do,” he said. “But the public sees everything. I won’t let you tarnish this family’s name. Find a wife, Sean.”

Damn it. I’d worked too hard to let this slip away. I needed the company — if only to hide the other things I was involved in. But a wife? That was the last thing I wanted.

I pulled out my phone and called Rasta.

“Boss?” he answered.

“Find me a wife.”

Sean Parker. Twenty Nine years old. Stick around — you won’t regret it.

-

TWISTED HEART

SVL18

HOPE JONES

.

My head was pounding mercilessly, the kind of ache that made it hard to even lift it. When I finally did, the whole room spun. Samantha was sprawled out on the floor, Evelyn was passed out on the couch… and I honestly had no idea how we’d even made it back here last night.

“Guys,” I croaked.

“Mmh?” Samantha mumbled without opening her eyes.

“Guys, wake up.”

I glanced at the time—then bolted upright. “Oh, no… ohhh, no!”

“What?!” Samantha gasped, instantly awake.

“In two hours… I’m getting married!”

That made them both shoot up in a panic.

“Oh God! Ohhh God!” Samantha yelped.

“Wait, I’m calling a cab,” Evelyn said, fumbling with her phone.

I noticed dozens of missed calls from my mother and Luke. Jesus, I was in trouble. The cab arrived quickly, and we piled in, heading to the venue where I was supposed to be walking down the aisle.

“Where’s Olivia?” I asked.

“She didn’t come home last night,” Evelyn replied.

“I am never drinking again,” I muttered, though I doubted anyone believed me.

When we arrived, we rushed inside. The moment my mother saw me, she shook her head.

“Hope!” she scolded.

“Sorry, Mom.”

“We’ve been trying to call you for hours!”

“We’re so sorry, Mama,” Samantha said quickly.

“Here’s some water, Mama,” Olivia said, appearing suddenly.

“Wait, what are you doing here?” Evelyn demanded.

“When did you get here?” Samantha added.

“I’ve been trying to reach you guys forever! I’m just glad you made it.”

“Where were you last night?” I asked.

“Not important right now,” she said breezily. “You need to get ready.”

I slipped into the shower, trying to breathe. God… I couldn’t believe I was actually getting married today. Last night, I’d been excited—now a cold wave of nerves was flooding me.

“You okay?” Samantha asked from her perch on the toilet seat.

“I’m terrified.”

“It’s normal. I just want you to know I’m proud and happy for you. I know you love Luke, and I hope the two of you take good care of each other.”

“You’re going to make me cry.”

“Damn, I can’t believe you’re getting married,” she said with a grin.

“Same here.”

“Hope, get out of the water—we’re running late!” Mom called from the other room.

I stepped out, wrapped in a towel, and began dressing as the makeup artist arrived. My phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Sweetheart,” Luke’s voice came warmly. “I’ve been trying to call.”

“My phone was off, I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

“If it were up to me, we’d already be married by now. I’ve missed you.”

“You’ll see me soon, love.”

“I can’t wait to see how beautiful you look in your wedding dress.”

I couldn’t help blushing. “Babe, I’ve got to go.”

“All right.”

When I hung up, Olivia smirked. “Mmm… love is in the air.”

“Where were you last night?” I pressed again.

She blushed. “With Nico.”

“Ohhh, so you were…?”

She nodded shyly.

Mom appeared with my wedding dress. The sight of it made my heart skip. This was really happening.

.

LUKE MARLEY

.

I stood with my groomsmen, adjusting my suit. It fit perfectly, and with my fresh haircut, I knew I looked sharp. Hope was going to be blown away.

“Man, you clean up good,” Shawn said. “Especially for someone who—let’s be honest—just slept with his fiancée’s best friend last night.”

I shot him a look. “It was a mistake… I was drunk.”

Derek shook his head. “I thought you said you’d changed, Luke.”

Jack, my brother, snorted. “He’ll never change.”

“It just happened,” I muttered.

“Please,” Shawn said. “You weren’t that drunk. You just can’t keep it in your pants.”

“Hope’s a catch, man,” Derek added. “Why would you throw that away?”

“Stay out of my business,” I snapped. “And you, Shawn, cheated on your girlfriend—so don’t play saint with me.”

“Yeah, but she was a nightmare,” Shawn said. “Hope is loyal. She’s the kind of woman you marry.”

Jack gave me a sharp look. “Mess around with Olivia, and you’ll wake up with more than guilt—probably HIV.”

“Drop it,” I growled. “It’s over between me and Olivia. I promise.”

.

SEAN PARKER

.

I was pacing when Rasta arrived with a pile of photographs of women.

“What am I supposed to do with all these?” I asked.

“Boss, every one of these women is willing to pretend to be your girlfriend.”

“I’m not interested in gold-diggers. My father would spot them instantly.”

“So… why don’t you just find someone real?”

“And risk losing my business deal? No. I need this cover. If anyone asks where my money comes from, this is the story.”

“You really think you’ll find someone genuine these days?” he asked.

“That’s the point—I don’t need genuine. I need convincing.”

Nathan walked in without knocking. “With all the money you’ve got, what are you still chasing?”

“What do you want?” I asked flatly.

“Just letting you know, you’re wasting your time. Everyone knows you don’t have a girlfriend.”

“And you do? Or are we talking about Sandy again?”

“Yes, we fight, but couples do that.”

“You know nothing about my business, Nathan.”

“I know enough,” he said darkly. “If it were up to me, I’d sell the whole empire.”

“Then go back to wherever you came from.”

He smirked. “May the best man win.”

When he left, Rasta said, “We really need to find someone to fake-date you. Are you sure you can pull this off?”

“I can pull off anything,” I said.

.

HOPE JONES

.

When I saw Luke waiting at the altar, my uncle steadying me, my breath caught. Soft music filled the air, and Luke’s smile found me instantly.

“Sweetheart,” he murmured when I reached him.

“Hello,” I whispered back.

“You look stunning.”

The pastor began the ceremony—but then Olivia’s voice rang out.

“Wait! Please, just for a moment!”

Everyone turned.

“What are you doing?” Samantha hissed at her.

“There’s something I need to say,” Olivia said, stepping forward.

“Olivia,” Luke warned.

“No, Luke. I’m making things easier.”

“What’s going on?” I asked.

Olivia’s eyes found mine. “Hope, I’m sorry. I know you’ll hate me for this, but I can’t lie anymore. Luke and I have been sleeping together for two years. We’re in love.”

The air left my lungs. My eyes darted to Luke, desperate for denial, but the guilt in his expression told me the truth. Tears burned my eyes.

“It’s true?” I choked.

“Please, listen—” he began.

“Don’t deny it, Luke,” Olivia cut in. “We slept together last night too.”

Samantha gasped and lunged at her, slapping her hard before they began shoving each other. I looked at Luke one last time—and walked away.

“Hope, please!” he called.

I turned, fury shaking me. “Don’t touch me, Luke! You slept with my best friend. My best friend!”

He tried to speak. I slapped him hard across the face. “We’re done! There is no wedding!”

“You’ll regret this!” Olivia sneered.

“Shut up, Olivia!” Luke shouted.

I didn’t stay to hear more. I ran, vision blurred with tears. Outside, I nearly stumbled into the path of an oncoming car.

“You crazy?!” the driver yelled, jumping out. He was tall, lean, with dreadlocks.

“I… I’m sorry,” I stammered.

“Where are you going?”

“I don’t know.”

“Get in. I’ll take you.”

I hesitated, glancing back to see Luke chasing after me. I slid into the stranger’s car.

“My name’s Rasta. Where do you live?”

“Hope,” I said, giving him my address.

“Running away?”

“He cheated.”

“Damn. And you’re too beautiful for that.”

I said nothing. When we reached my place, I thanked him quietly before hurrying inside. Upstairs, I sank to the floor of my bedroom and sobbed until my chest hurt.

TWISTED HEART

SVL18

LUKE MARLEY

.

I wanted to turn back, to somehow undo the mess I’d made, but it was too late. Guests were already leaving. My parents stood there, watching me with deep disappointment in their eyes, shaking their heads. There was nothing I feared more than letting them down… and yet, here I was, the cause of their shame.

“Luke,” my mother said sharply. “You’ve humiliated us! The whole community will be talking about this tonight.”

“I’m sorry,” I muttered.

“Sorry?!” my father snapped. “Do you even understand what you’ve done?”

“Your womanizing will never stop, will it?” my mother went on, her voice rising. “You’ve broken that girl’s heart. And with her best friend?”

“It was a mistake,” I said weakly.

“A mistake?” She scoffed bitterly. “You couldn’t keep your pants zipped. You actually slept with her friend.”

My father shook his head. “You’ve brought shame on us, son.”

They walked away, leaving me in the heavy silence of my own guilt.

“I told you this would happen,” Jack said, stepping up beside me.

“I don’t need this right now,” I muttered.

“Run if you want, but you’re just reaping what you sowed,” he said before walking off.

Olivia appeared next. “Can we talk?”

“I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

“But—”

“Olivia! What part of ‘I don’t want to talk to you’ don’t you understand? Just leave me the hell alone.”

“I was helping you, Luke.”

“Helping me? By destroying my wedding?”

“She was stalling, Luke. You and I… we belong together.”

I actually laughed at that—short and bitter. “Are you insane? There is no love here, Olivia. It was just sex.”

“You don’t mean that,” she insisted. “Two years, Luke. That means something.”

“Bury that in your head and stop deluding yourself. I love Hope. Sleeping with you was the biggest mistake I ever made.”

“What does she have that I don’t?” Olivia demanded.

“She’s not a cheap opportunist who throws herself at other people’s men,” I shot back coldly.

The look on her face—hurt and stunned—was the last thing I saw before I turned away. “We’re done, Olivia.”

I got into my car and drove off, cursing under my breath. How could I have been so damn stupid? I tried calling Hope, but her phone wouldn’t connect.

HOPE JONES

.

I lay curled up on my bed, my face wet with endless tears. Samantha had come by earlier, but I pushed her away. I didn’t want her pity, or her sad eyes. My chest felt like it was splitting in two.

My mother stepped in. “You can’t lock yourself in here forever, Hope.”

“My life is over, Mama.”

“Don’t talk like that.” She came to sit beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

“You can’t let what happened today make you believe your life is over,” she said gently.

“The whole community is talking about me. The man I loved betrayed me… for two years, behind my back—with my best friend.” My voice cracked. “You don’t understand, Mama. I never looked at anyone else. He said he loved me. How do you do that to someone you love?”

She sighed. “Listen to me, Hope. Sometimes people come into your life not to stay forever, but to teach you a lesson. Yes, it hurts, but you still have a beautiful life ahead. You have us—we love you. You have to stand up and gather yourself, my child. Everything happens for a reason. I’m just glad you found out before you married him. It would have been harder to leave later. Go wash up and come eat.”

As she left, I knew she was right—though the pain still burned.

My little sister Amanda poked her head in. “Need help?”

I nodded, and she came in to help me out of my clothes.

“You know I never liked Olivia, right?” she said matter-of-factly.

I laughed weakly. “I know.”

“I was just waiting for your permission to knock her out.”

That made me laugh for real. She grinned and left. I went to shower, then put on my pajamas. My phone rang—it was Luke. Without hesitation, I blocked his number and went downstairs to eat.

“Look at you,” my aunt said softly. “Your eyes are so red.”

My uncle shook his head. “If that Marley boy ever crosses my path, I’ll break his bones.”

There was a knock at the door. Amanda went to open it.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” she muttered.

Luke stood there, staring at me.

“You!” my uncle barked. “What do you want here?”

“I know I’m the last person you want to see,” Luke began.

“You’re damn right!” my uncle snapped. “Get off this property before I throw you out!”

“Leave,” my aunt ordered. “Or I’ll let the dogs out.”

My mother’s voice was sharp. “You heard them—go.”

“Hope,” Luke said.

My uncle grabbed him by the shirt. “Didn’t you hear me? Get lost!”

“It’s fine, Uncle,” I said quietly, standing up.

“I don’t know what you saw in him,” my uncle muttered. “Ugly inside and out.”

I stepped outside with Luke.

“What do you want, Luke?”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

“Don’t touch me.”

“I know I hurt you—”

“You know? You humiliated me in front of everyone! What did I ever do to you?”

“It was a mistake—”

“You slept with her the night before our wedding! That’s not a mistake!”

He tried to come closer, but I stepped back.

“It’s over between us, Luke.”

“You don’t mean that.”

I took off my ring and dropped it into his hand. “I mean every word. We’re done.”

“Sweetheart, please—we can fix this.”

“Go,” my uncle barked from the doorway. “Now.”

Luke’s eyes lingered on me before I turned and went back inside, breathing deep.

SEAN PARKER

.

I was in the study with Oscar, feeling the stress pile up. The business deal was stalled—I still hadn’t found the right person for the job.

“Why don’t you just take Casette ?” Oscar suggested.

“Don’t start with that,” I said.

“She likes you—it’d be easy to fake a relationship with her.”

“She’s too much,” I said flatly.

“And obsessed with your—” He laughed.

I smirked. “I want someone I don’t know, so when the time comes to end the fake relationship, there won’t be drama.”

“Durban’s a big place, Sean. Where are you going to find this mystery woman?”

Rasta came in. “Boss.”

“Tell me you’ve got good news,” I said.

“I’ve found some girls who’d be perfect for the job—and every one of them is obsessed with you,” he said.

I sighed.

“Honestly, I think Casette is the best fit,” Rasta added.

“See?” Oscar grinned. “Told you.”

“No way,” I said.

Rasta leaned forward. “Earlier today, I picked up a woman who looked like she’d just run away from her own wedding. I didn’t ask questions, just gave her a lift home.”

“And what does that have to do with me? I’m not looking for a runaway bride.”

“Maybe if we approach her, she’ll say yes.”

“She’s got her own problems—I don’t need someone bringing baggage into this.”

Oscar shrugged. “Maybe it’s perfect—she probably wants a fresh start too.”

“I doubt it. Let’s stick with the list you had before.”

“All right, boss,” Rasta said.

Oscar leaned in. “You do know Nathan’s after the same position, right?”

“I know. That’s why I need to move fast.”

HOPE JONES

.

It was hard, but I forced myself out of bed the next morning. Hiding in my room forever wouldn’t help. I pulled on black jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers, grabbed my coat and bag, and headed for the door.

“Ready to go back to work?” my aunt asked.

“Yes,” I said firmly.

“I’m proud of you,” my mother told me with a smile.

“Come on, or we’ll be late,” Amanda urged.

We drove off together. She insisted on walking me into the hospital “so everyone could see she was the one who brought her big sister back.”

“Drama queen,” I teased.

After dropping her at school, I headed in. Being a doctor meant I didn’t have the luxury of hiding from life. In the theatre, Samantha gave me a warm hug.

“I can’t hide forever,” I told her. “At some point, I have to face reality.”

“I’m proud of you,” she said. “And honestly, he doesn’t deserve you. He belongs with Olivia.”

I laughed softly and went to work. About half an hour later, I was back in my office when Pearl, my receptionist, popped her head in.

“Ma’am, someone’s here to see you.”

A tall man stepped in. His face was familiar.

“Mind if I sit?” he asked.

“Go ahead.”

He sat across from me, his gaze unsettling. Then I remembered—he was the man who had driven me home yesterday.

“My name’s Rasta,” he said. “I have a proposal for you.”

I leaned back in my chair, frowning.

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