Vows of Betrayal — Bubbles' Engraved Collar

If Ethan married her, they'd share the ports, the casinos, and the protection At first, people called her a homewrecker. Then, the narrative shifted. They praised Chloe.

Young, gorgeous, graceful. Born for the mafia life. The real Mrs. Shaw. Ethan can love Emma.

But marriage is another story. I stared at that comment for hours. To them, I was good enough for his past. Just not the wife he showed the world.

Change of plans. Take me to the wedding planner. Since they already chose the real bride, the least I could do was fix the name. On my way to the planner, the vet called.

Miss Reed, Bubbles is due for his annual checkup tomorrow. Hearing his name, my heart softened. I almost changed my mind. Eight years ago, a rival family kidnapped me. Ethan took two bullets, saving my life, leaving him with permanent nerve damage in his lower back. After that, I couldn't be alone.

I couldn't sleep in the dark. Ethan brought home a rescue dog, beaten up just like I was. I can't be with you every second, but he can. He had Bubbles trained as a personal protection dog. On the back of the collar, he engraved,

E. E. Always come home. At the planner's office, our wedding plan was laid out on a tablet. Page one. Our bridal portraits.