My 'Widowed' Years Were His Biggest Lie, Now I'm Reborn to Wreck This 'American Hero'! Novel

Chapter 1 The day I returned home, the impoverished student my husband sponsored jumped to her death. He went insane and said if I hadn't driven Zoey Hart away, she wouldn't have died. To pay for so-called 'sin', I was forced to work over a dozen jobs, sending every penny to Zoey's family. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of suffering, my body finally gave up on me and I collapsed. Then I saw the trending videos-my husband was throwing a lavish birthday party for his mysterious girlfriend. I saw the supposedly dead Zoey dressed in designer gowns, very much alive.

As fireworks exploded overhead, Zoey spoke sweetly. "Three years together, but Rochelle has suffered three years too. Maybe we should end this charade." My husband pulled her close tenderly. "Fine. Since my kindhearted Zoey asks, I suppose I can forgive her. If she survives this month." I swallowed the blood rising in my throat. My dear husband, I only have seven days left to live. I wonder if you'll regret this later. I curled up on the army cot in the corner of the living room, biting down hard on an old wooden stick.

My gums throbbed from the pressure, and the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. fet it still couldn't ease the pain wracking my entire body. worked multiple jobs every day. Laughably, I couldn't even afford a box of painkillers now. Because every penny I earned had to be saved and sent to Zoey's brother. The door burst open violently Ellis Kane walked in. lis gaze swept over my huddled form on the bed. There wasn't a trace of emotion in his eyes. le strode to the bedside and brutally dragged me off the cot. My knees slammed hard against the cold, unforgiving concrete floor.

sharp pain made my vision go black. What day is it, Rochelle Pierce? Did you forget?" His voice was low and menacing. He half dragged, half-hauled me into the cramped guest bedroom. The room had no bed, only a shabby little table. On it sat a black urn, positioned with solemn precision. For over seven hundred days and nights, I had knelt here countless times. My body was violently thrown onto the prayer cushion, the impact making my stomach churn with nausea. "Today is Zoey's birthday." Ellis towered over me, looking at me like I was garbage. "And you?

You dare to lie there playing dead?" "If you hadn't been so heartless back then, forcing her to leave..." His voice carried barely contained rage. "How could she have jumped to her death during a depressive episode!" Zoey was only twenty! Her life was just beginning!" He suddenly leaned down, gripping my chin viciously. You killed someone!" Rochelle Pierce! You murdered her! You personally took Zoey's life! For the rest of your days, you'll suffer here and atone for her death!" forced the corner of my mouth up, swallowing the bitterness in my heart.

had spent three years abroad for Ellis's company, only to return and find he had sponsored a student. When I came home, Zoey Hart had brazenly moved into my marital home. The way she looked at Ellis was filled with naked possessiveness. couldn't take it anymore. After catching her yet again wearing my nightgown, clutching my pillow as she walked into the master bedroom, I finally exploded. Eyes blazing, I made my first and only demand of Ellis. Ellis, make her move out." Immediately.

Right now." Or we're getting divorced!" naively believed that ten years of childhood friendship and three years of marriage would mean more to him than a girl he'd known for mere months. But Ellis looked at me like I was a stranger, disappointment clear in his eyes. Rochelle Pierce, when did you become so cruel and vicious?" Zoey just went through something terrible. She was just harassed by her ex-boyfriend, and she has no one here to rely on." 'Besides, I already promised to sponsor her. I'm just giving her temporary shelter!

And you're threatening divorce to make me throw her out?" Finally, three days after our fight, Ellis compromised. Zoey was sent away. But that very night, Ellis received a call from the hospital. He rushed out in a daze. Hours later, when he returned, he went mad-gripping my throat and pinning me against the wall. He told me Zoey was dead. Because I had driven her away, her depression had flared, and in a moment of despair, she had jumped from a building. What followed was an avalanche of accusations.

Ellis, Zoey's brother, even friends of Zoey's who came out of nowhere-all harbored towering hatred for me. I became a murderer, a venomous, jealous wife.