Chapter 1

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.

-

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