But seven days later — Kevin fell to his knees, eyes red, begging Venice to come back.
——
Venice was nothing more than the quiet owner of a small, nameless café. Yet she was also the one who had saved Kevin's life.
When assassins came for him, she had thrown herself in front of him, taking the blade meant for his heart. For three years, she stayed beside him through ruin and exile.
Later, the McAuliffe family sent twelve Maybachs and a hundred bodyguards to escort Kevin back to the McAuliffe estate. Overnight, he became the long-lost heir of the McAuliffe empire.
Before leaving, he had cupped her face and whispered, "Venice, trust me. Once I've cleared every obstacle and officially become the McAuliffe heir, I'll marry you."
Because of that promise, she kept waiting.
From the age of twenty to twenty-five, she belonged to him. For five long years, she gave him everything—her time, her love, her body. The used Durexs alone could circle her coffee shop ten times.
On her twenty-fifth birthday, Kevin told her mysteriously, "I have a special surprise for you tonight."