The Wishes We Keep — Novel

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Aubrey emerges from six long years behind bars, ready to reclaim the life that was stolen from her. But the world she returns to is not the one she remembers. The man she once loved, Cayden, is now married to someone else—a woman whose family played a role in her imprisonment. As the memories of their promises echo in her mind, a chilling realization sets in: Cayden may not just have moved on; he might want her gone for good.

With her heart torn between betrayal and longing, Aubrey discovers a luxurious villa waiting for her, a supposed gift from Cayden. But with every corner she explores, the weight of his absence looms larger. Why hasn’t he come to see her? And what secrets lurk beneath the surface of his perfect life?

As she grapples with the remnants of their shared past, a new ally emerges in the form of Dennis, who seems to carry his own burdens. Can he help her navigate this treacherous landscape, or will his loyalty to Cayden drive a wedge between them? As old wounds fester and new alliances form, Aubrey must confront the truth of her own desires—before it all slips through her fingers once more.

The Wishes We KeepChapter 1

I'd been at Cayden's side since I was eighteen. He'd plucked me from a pile of corpses, once declaring me his sharpest, most reliable blade. I'd done his dirty work, even serving time in prison for him.

"Aubrey," he'd promised, "when you get out, we'll marry."

But on the day of my release, he was nowhere to be found. I later learned he'd married the daughter of a wealthy family—someone of his own standing. Cayden insisted it was just for show, that I was the one he truly loved. But I knew he was lying.

I'd overheard him telling his subordinates, "Aubrey can't be allowed to live. Find a way to get rid of her."

He wouldn't have to dirty his own hands; he'd saved my life once, taking it back would be nothing. So why, when I was on the brink of death, did he suddenly refuse to let me go? Everything had gone exactly as he planned, hadn't it?

***

Six years had passed since my sentencing. The warden gave me a polite nod as I stepped out. I returned it with a faint smile and walked slowly into the morning light. The world stretched before me, vast and unfamiliar.