Broken

Copyright © 2023 Mara NanAll rights reservedThe characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.ASIN: B0BWX2NX1YCover design by: Mara NanLibrary of Congress Control Number: 2018675309Printed in the United States of America Contents CopyrightPrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Chapter 16Chapter 17Chapter 18Chapter 19Chapter 20Chapter 21Chapter 22Chapter 23Chapter 24Chapter 25Chapter 26Chapter 27Chapter 28Chapter 29Chapter 30Chapter 31Chapter 32Chapter 33Chapter 34Chapter 35Chapter 36Chapter 37Chapter 38Chapter 39Epilogue Trigger WarningsPlease be advised this book contains dark material that is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18. 1. Torture2. Sexual Content (Slight BDSM)3. Suicide4. Murder/ Violence Current Romances available by Mara Nan (Included with Kindleunlimited) www.linktr.ee/maranan*The Dark Side of Royalty Series - A Dark Royal Romance *The Billionaire's Nanny- An Enemies to Lovers Romance*Captive Siren- A Dark Paranormal Enemies to Lovers RomanceKindle Vella Romances *Brutal Vows- A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage RomanceBe sure to sign up for my newsletter and receive Bad Brothers: A Dark Enemies to Lovers romance as a free gift . www.linktr.ee/maranan PrologueNoahFunerals are meant for older people who have lived long and happy lives, not for a young, healthy, beautiful woman in her mid-thirties. Clara died for no reason, and it's all because of my so-called best friend, Wesley Parker.Clara was my wife, soulmate, and best friend. She was my high school sweetheart, and I thought we would share a long and happy life together. I couldn't have been more wrong.I'm lost without her. No more holding my wife in my arms, no more kisses, no more I love you’s, nothing. Just emptiness."Noah," Ted says, stepping up next to me. "My deepest sympathies to you and Luci Belle. If you ever need anything, just let me know.""I will, thank you," I answer flatly before he walks off. Ted's been a friend of the family before I was born. He was best friends with my dad and helped on the ranch.As Ted walks away, I stare at the daisies surrounding her casket. I was told daisies aren’t usually a person’s choice for a funeral, but I didn’t care. Daisies were Clara’s favorite flower, and this service is about her.One of my favorite memories comes from when Luci was just four years old. It was Easter Sunday and Clara was holding Luci’s hand while helping her find Easter eggs at our church picnic. The eggs were hidden in an open field with white daisies dancing from the light breeze.The wind blew through Clara’s soft brown curls with the brightest smile that could light up the world. Her petal pink sun dress and pink ballet flats matched her perky personality perfectly, alongside the happy daisies and Luci’s laughter.But those days are gone.My chest tightens as I stare at the rose-gold coffin I picked for Clara. Pink was always her favorite color but rose gold was as close as I could get. Our family believes in open caskets for a final goodbye. However, there was no point in having this casket open because Clara is not in it. Her remains were too scorched to show."Noah," my sister Sarah says, pulling me into a hug with watery eyes. "I'm so sorry. You know, Brad and I are here if you ever need anything."I smile the best I can and nod. "I appreciate that," I answer before she and my nephew walk off.I glance around at all the people attending Clara's funeral. There are too many to count. Clara was a third-grade teacher and enjoyed helping out in the community the best she could. She always assisted in after-school activities with Luci and cooked the best casseroles for church gatherings. Everyone loved Clara, but not as much as I did.I knew everything about Clara: Her favorite color, flower, food, perfume, movie, shampoo, hell; the list goes on. But those are just scratching the surface. I also knew Clara's ultimate fear was burning to death and go figure that is how it happened.Everyone from Clara's school is here, including her friend Hannah who repeatedly tells me how sorry she is. Well, I'm sick of hearing the word. Sorry won’t bring my Clara back; she's gone, forever.I turn around just in time to see my daughter Luci Belle being pulled into a hug by Wesley, my ex-best friend and now an enemy. He's the reason my wife was taken away from me.Wesley wanted to run for mayor and begged Clara to make a speech to help him get elected. Clara's been busy with her own projects, but as usual, she caved and told Wesley she would help. Clara should have never left the house that night because it was raining, making the roads slick. She should have been home with Luci and me eating dinner, but no. She was down at city hall assisting the man who led to her death.Clara was always ready to help anyone, and that's where she went wrong. Being the good person she was, resulted in her being stabbed in the back by a wicked fate: she was burned to death.I narrow my eyes at Wesley just as he looks up and releases Luci Belle. I step over and grab Luci's arm making her wince."Ow, Daddy, let go," she pleads, but my focus isn't on her."Noah," Wesley says in a crackled voice. "Please... I...."He doesn't get to finish his sentence because my fist meets with his jaw as he falls to the floor. All the guests gather around, stunned at what I've done, but I don't care. Wesley needs to pay for what he did. What he took away from me."Wesley!" Olivia shouts, aiding her husband."You stay the fuck away from us! Understand?!" I snap while pointing at him.Wesley looks up at