Rick was ten years older, handsome, steady, with a good job and a charming smile. He was the first man who ever paid Kiara attention, and Jennifer—of course—approved immediately.
Later on, she couldn't help thinking that she might have wanted to marry him just to escape the prison of a home she lived in, not for love. Or perhaps it was the fact that he was the only one who paid her any attention. Either way, the result was disastrous.
Their wedding was small. Jennifer downplayed Kiara's existence so much she even introduced her daughter as her "god-daughter."
Thomas tried to smile, Maria cried tears of pride, and Jennifer handed Kiara a wedding gift: one million dollars.
"I don't need your money," Kiara said bitterly. "I just want your love."
Jennifer only smirked. "Spend it if you must. But if you do… you will never step foot in this house again."
Kiara swore she would never touch the money. And with that vow, she walked out of the Wyatt mansion, leaving behind the last shreds of her childhood.
For the first time, she thought she was free.
The first two years with Rick were bliss. He showered her with affection, encouraged her designs, told her she didn't need to work. Who needed work when she had a perfect marriage? She didn't even think twice before she agreed.
When she discovered she was pregnant, he was overjoyed.
For a moment, Kiara believed life had finally turned in her favor.
But happiness never lasted long in Kiara Wyatt's world.