Born to Rule, Destined to Destroy Novel 1

Chapter 1
“Hmm… Dominic…”
The sultry murmur slithered through the closed door, halting Valeria Montoya’s hand mid-knock. A shiver raced down her spine, icy tendrils snaking from her fingertips to her core, as if plunged into a frozen abyss. Three years of marriage to Dominic Herrera had been barren of intimacy—his confessed condition a wall between them. Yet that voice, dripping with allure, unraveled her fragile trust.
Her breath snagged, disbelief clawing her chest. Dominic wouldn’t… couldn’t. He’d sworn his ailment barred such acts. She pressed a trembling hand to her temple, grasping at denial—until deep, guttural groans shattered her illusion, each one unmistakably his, etched into her soul from countless nights.
Her legs buckled, the cold wall her only brace as tears blurred her vision, spilling hot and unchecked. She stifled a sob, palm muffling the cry threatening to break free. Three years ago, his coma after the crash had claimed her life too—she’d poured herself into his recovery, defying scornful glares, her secret medical prowess coaxing him back from death’s edge. His awakening, his hand clasping hers, his vow to cherish her forever—they’d seared into her heart, a love she’d believed unshakable.
She’d sacrificed all—time, pride, self—for him. What had it earned her? Pain carved her chest, breaths ragged as betrayal’s blade twisted deep. She turned to flee this nightmare, but words drifted through the door, halting her escape.
“Dominic, it’s your anniversary with Valeria,” the woman purred, mock concern lacing her tone. “She’s probably waiting at home, the loyal little wife. Isn’t it… wrong to be here with me? What if she finds out?”
“Don’t worry, Adriana. My heart’s only ever held you. Valeria’s just a stand-in—I’ve never touched her!” Dominic’s voice, soft yet ruthless, struck like a dagger, piercing her soul.
Her chest ignited, fury and heartbreak fusing. With trembling hands, she flung the door open, its bang a thunderclap. “Dominic, what did I do to deserve this? Why lie to me?”
Dominic froze mid-motion, scrambling for a coat to shroud himself and the woman. His frown sharpened, irritation flashing as he met her gaze. “Why are you here? I told you to stay at the mansion.”
His cold dismissal slapped her, knees weakening. No pretense, no shame—just raw indifference. Tears streamed as she forced a bitter smile. “If I hadn’t come, how long would you have kept this up?”
Silence choked the room, his annoyance a palpable weight stripping her bare. Adriana broke it, voice quavering. “Don’t blame Dominic—it’s my fault.”
Valeria’s eyes snapped to her—Adriana Vasquez, Dominic’s childhood friend, once framed on his desk, then vanished. Naïve trust crumbled. Ignoring her, Valeria faced Dominic, voice hoarse. “If you didn’t want me, why not say it? Why today, our anniversary?”
His sneer was glacial. “Fine—let’s be clear. I want a divorce. Adriana should’ve been Mrs. Barnett all along.”
Her heart twisted, yet her reply steadied, eerily calm. “Fine. Divorce. But I want half the assets—not a cent less.”
Dominic’s face faltered; Adriana’s jaw dropped, their disbelief a shared gasp. Valeria, the orphan, daring to claim half the Barnett fortune? Absurd.
Adriana recovered, voice syrupy with pity. “Valeria, isn’t that unfair? Dominic built the business while you lounged at home. The Barnetts gave you everything—don’t be greedy.”
Valeria’s sneer cut back, eyes flint-sharp. “A homewrecker preaching fairness? I’m not asking—I’m stating. Go public, and it’s not my name that’ll rot.”
Her words lashed, silencing them. She strode out, night air biting her tear-streaked face. Phone in hand, she hesitated, then dialed a long-untouched number.
“Valeria? Really you?” Diego’s voice burst with restrained joy.
“Yes. Outside Dominic’s villa—pick me up. I’ll send the address.”
“On my way!”
Ten minutes later, luxury engines purred, headlights slicing the dark. Diego Navarro, her old subordinate, stepped out, concern creasing his brow at her tear-stained face. “Valeria, why’re you crying?”
She wiped her cheeks, voice steady. “It’s nothing—I’m divorcing that scumbag.”
“Divorce?” He froze, then grinned, laughter erupting. “Fantastic! You’re back, Valeria—your true self!”