Author: Karen W Vivienne's POV My ever-loyal mafia husband had a secret. A college girl. In my last life, that secret ended with him demanding a divorce... and killing my mother to get it. But luckily, I was reborn. And I swore-in this life, I'd give Kael what he wanted and stay as far away from him as possible. The second I realized I'd gone back, I called my mother. Relief flooded me at the sound of her voice. Then I called my lawyer. I told him I wanted a divorce from Kael Throne and that he could keep everything-every cent, every property-if it meant I could leave him and this hellhole faster. And then... there was Nyssa. I'd first learned her name by accident-some gossip tabloid sent me a glossy photo, gushing over the "perfect shot" they'd taken of me and Kael. Only it wasn't me. It was her. In my last life, I never met her. But I always wondered what spell she had over him. How she'd turned my loving husband into a man capable of killing me-and my family-for her. So the next thing I did was go to Nyssa's university. Call it stubbornness, but I needed to look into the eyes of the girl who'd been at the center of my ruin. It was the first day of the semester. She was helping friends set up a booth for new students. God, I envied her. That fresh, unlined face. The energy. The way she smiled at everyone who passed. In the hour I stood there watching, she helped an old woman cross the street and found a lost kitten for a little boy. She was sunshine, spilling warmth on everyone around her. "Miss, would you like a drink? It's scorching today-and I've noticed you've been standing here for a while." Her voice pulled me from my thoughts. I froze. My plan had been to watch her from a distance, not speak to her... certainly not make friends with her. But faced with that open, guileless smile, how could I refuse? "Thanks," I said softly. She handed me a lemonade, eyes bright. "Miss, do you work here? Or are you waiting for someone?" "Just passing by," I said after a beat. "I guess I missed my college years-and my youth-and lost track of time." Her smile widened, her eyes crinkling into crescents. "I hope I can grow up to be like you. You're so beautiful." Heat crept up my neck. And I instantly regretted coming here today. People say the other woman is the most hateful. But I've never believed that. If a man wants to stay faithful, there's no woman alive who can lure him into cheating. It's always him. Always. Before I could say another word, a truck swerved out of control-barreling straight toward the sidewalk. I froze. Nyssa moved before I did. She shoved me hard to the side, her own body taking the brunt as she stumbled back. By some miracle, the driver managed to wrestle the truck away at the last second, tires shrieking as it veered off. I was unscathed. Nyssa wasn't. She'd worn a skirt, and her knees were scraped raw, blood trickling down her legs. "Are you okay?" I asked, still shaken. She shook her head, then forced herself upright. "I'm fine. Just a few scratches. They'll be gone by tomorrow." I insisted on taking her to the hospital for a more detailed check up. Because whatever else she was-my husband's secret lover-she was also good-hearted. I saw it in her eyes. She hadn't thought twice before saving me. And she was lucky. No concussion, no serious injuries. Just cuts and bruises. Relief loosened something tight in my chest. I thought for a moment, then reached into my purse, scribbled out a check, and held it toward her. "It's not much, but... take it. For what you did." "No. I didn't save you for money, miss." Her eyes-God, those eyes-were so painfully pure. I pushed the check back into her hand. "I insist. I'm grateful. And..." I hesitated, wondering if I should say it. "I'll be leaving the city soon. I want you to take good care of yourself." Nyssa's cheeks flushed as she tried to push the check back again-but before she could, her phone rang. Kael's voice burst through, loud enough for me to hear every word even without speakerphone. "Are you insane? You shouldn't play the hero. Whoever that woman was-let her die. I want you safe. Only you." If Kael knew the woman she'd saved was me, would he still say it? Probably...No, I was sure of it. Nyssa's voice softened. "Don't say things like that. I don't regret it. And I'm not badly hurt-just a few cuts." Kael was never the kind of man to raise his voice. Not even when killing someone. But now, with her, he sounded... desperate. "I don't want to hear it. I'm coming over. Don't move." So my distant, ever calm husband was capable of this-of panic, of care. I never knew. I almost laughed. When we'd just married, I'd miscarried. I'd called him in tears, shaking and terrified. His reply? That it was inappropriate for me to lose control. That we could always have another child, and as his wife, I needed to remember that emotion could never outrun reason. I'd believed him. Back then, I told myself I'd overreacted. That I'd been wrong to bother him. But now I knew better. It wasn't that I'd overreacted. It was that he didn't care. Or at least-not enough to come see his wife. ... I hadn't seen Kael since I came back. That was a blessing. But the divorce still had to be discussed, and when I heard he was at his casino, I decided to stop by. Anna, his assistant, looked awkward the moment I walked in-like she wished I'd come at literally any other time. I glanced toward his office. The curtains were drawn, but voices carried through. Nyssa's voice. "Don't do this. We're in your office-someone could walk by." Kael's low, teasing reply: "Don't do what? You have to tell me, sweetheart, so I know what to do and what not to do." "Mrs. Throne..." Anna's voice faltered. "Please," I said with a small smile, "call me Vivienne." Hearing Kael and Nyssa's playful banter, I couldn't help but be reminded of my past life. Kael had never allowed me to show any affection in front of the staff or at the casino. He always treated me like just another employee. Maybe, to him, that's all I was. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of those irrelevant thoughts. "Actually... this might not be the right time. I wouldn't want to disturb Kael and his guest. Could I leave a document with you?" I'd brought the divorce papers with me. "What document, Miss Vivienne?" "A confidential file. Give it to Kael exactly one week from today. And don't read it yourself." Anna nodded, took the envelope, and locked it away.