Chapter 1

I was the only daughter of the city's wealthiest man, and the price of that immense wealth? Ninety-nine kidnappings since I was a child.

To ensure someone would inherit the family empire and keep me safe, my father arranged five fiancés for me.

I chose the seemingly gentle and refined Julian Hayes.

I naively believed we’d be a loving couple after we married.

But on our wedding night, he dismissed all my bodyguards.

The 100th time I was kidnapped, I was tied to the rooftop.

The kidnappers taunted me while calling Julian.

I whimpered, begging him for help, but all I got was his impatient voice.

"You've been kidnapped so many times already; you never actually die. Why make such a big deal out of it? Scarlett needs protection. What's wrong with letting her use your bodyguards?"

After the call was hung up, the kidnappers shaved my head and severed my hands.

Overnight, they finally grew tired of me, kicking me off the rooftop.

As I fell, I saw Jaxson Thorne speeding towards me on a Ducati.

He rode that black Ducati, rushing like a madman, reaching out to catch me.

But it was too late.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day I chose my fiancé.

My father laid out five photos, asking who I'd pick.

I bypassed Julian, pointing directly at the wild, captivating smile in the corner.

My father frowned, telling me:

"Jaxson Thorne fell to his death rock-climbing on Eagle Peak last week."