Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

Ashley was clearly not having it. "Who said I'm single? I'm the prized daughter of the Stewart family, blessed with looks and a degree from a top-notch university. There are plenty of men out there who fancy me. All I need to do is pick one outstanding guy, say yes to Then, with a sly grin, she added, "Ms. Nathalie, ever heard of secret marriages? You know what that means, right?"

marrying him, and that's that."

The hint was clear: she was already hitched. And the guy who gave her the Forget-Me-Not wedding ring? He was her secret husband.

But wait a minute-Nathan had told Nathalie that the Forget-Me-Not ring was one of a kind, a family heirloom meant for his future wife.

A chill ran down Nathalie's spine, and she stumbled a bit.

Ashley gave her arm a little pat, mixing mockery with a touch of pity. "Ms. Nathalie, don't long for what's not yours. Otherwise, when it's gone, you'll know just how much it hurts."

"Ashley, we're leaving," Dustin called over, and Ashley bounced off happily.

Nathalie, though, stood there, stuck in a daze, until Nathan came over, gently taking her hand. "Let's head home."

Feeling like she'd been bitten by a snake, Nathalie jerked her hand away.

Nathan's face fell, looking so forlorn. "What's up?"

Seeing the depth and sincerity on his face left Nathalie feeling muddled. What if she'd gotten it all wrong? He had always been so genuine with her.

She softened her stance, took his hand again, and said gently, "It's nothing, let's just go home."

let her lead him, still a bit dazed, as

lingered at the entrance. The Stewart family patriarch and Ashley were chatting with Mason. But as soon as they

"They act like they've seen a ghost when they see you. You're a decent

"In business, it's all about the bottom line. I just happened to take what they cherished most.

words carried a hint of

tried to cheer him

being at the top

You're at

now,

some solitude comes with

her hand tightly. "Don't leave

eye. "As long as you don't

flashed a big, genuine smile.

sincere smile put Nathalie

went to get the car, chaos

rose, saying, "Mrs. Dawson's

"Mrs. Dawson's lost it!"

perplexed, "Wasn't Greta just fine a moment

the better of her,

stripping down in front of everyone.