Ex-husband's Sweetest Revenge.

My Best Friend.

“Josh?” I stuttered, confusion washing over me. “What are you doing here?”

Marcus stepped back, allowing Josh to stand in front of me. He smelled different, like money mint mixed with an expensive cologne.

“Josh is your partner for this training,” Marcus explained. “He’s been assigned to guard you until you’re ready to take over your father’s mission.”

My heart raced. “Guard me? Why didn’t he tell me?”

“Because he has to keep his cover,” Marcus replied, his tone firm. “Josh isn’t just your friend; he’s been playing a role to stay close to you. The truth is, he’s a trillionaire.”

I felt dumbfounded—dumbstruck—bewildered. “What? Josh? A trillionaire? No way. He’s been driving an Uber for the past four years,” I said, turning to glance at Josh again. No, this can’t be true.

“Exactly,” Marcus said, leaning closer. “He’s been pretending to be average to protect you. His mission is to ensure your safety and prepare you for what’s ahead.”

I scoffed, running my hand through my hair. “So all those times we hung out, he was… lying to me?”

“It’s not lying in the traditional sense,” Marcus clarified. “It’s about maintaining a facade. He cares about you, but he also has a duty.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked Josh. He shrugged, his expression sincere. “Ethan, I wanted to, but I couldn’t. I had to keep you safe without overwhelming you. My job was to support you. We’ve been keeping an eye on you since you were a child, and I couldn’t afford to ruin that. We’re still best friends, but right now, we’ll be more like partners.”

I scoffed again, still unable to believe my ears. They had watched over me since I was a child. No wonder Josh always came through for me when I needed him. Even a few days ago, he had bailed me out of jail. He had seen what happened at Nora’s grandma’s birthday party, yet I had found nothing in the news.

How come everything makes so much sense now?

“So that was why you could afford to bail me out of jail?” I asked.

“Yes,” Josh admitted, his tone serious. “When I bailed you out from the Thompsons, it was part of my mission to keep you safe.”

I took a deep breath, trying to process everything. “What if I’m not ready for this? What if I can’t take on my father’s mission?”

“You will be ready Ethan Carnegie ,” Marcus said firmly. “You have Carnegie’s blood in you. And with Josh’s support, you’ll find your strength. It’s just going to take time. And fortunately, you’re a quick learner.” Marcus teased with a wink and we all giggled.

I got up from the chair, pulling Josh in for a hug.

Working with him on this was the best thing that could happen to me. He was my best friend, and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side.

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ONE MONTH LATER.

I stood in a dark training room, although not totally dark.

Five massive men stood in front of me, their muscles bulging and eyes locked on mine.

My fists were clenched, My gaze locked on each and everyone of them.

Although, I had transformed over the past month—my body now huge and fit from the relentless training—I could still feel a bit of anxiety building up inside me. “Get it together Ethan, you can do this,” I cussed under my breath.

“Remember everything you learned!” Marcus yelled from the sidelines, his voice cutting through my fears, which made me tighten my fists even more, now prepared for the first attack.

The first guy lunged at me. I sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as his fist narrowly missed my face.

I countered with a swift jab to his gut, followed by an uppercut that sent him crashing to the floor.

Just before I could take in the pleasure of defeating the first guy.

The second and third guys came at me simultaneously, trying to flank me. I ducked low, and then swept my leg out, knocking one off balance. I pivoted, driving my elbow into the other’s ribcage. He crumpled, gasping for air.

The room was filled with grunts and the sound of bodies hitting the ground. I could hear Marcus cheering me on, his expression a mix of pride and surprise. I was catching my rhythm, feeling every hit and every dodge as if it were a dance.

The fourth man, bulkier than the rest, charged at me. I braced myself. Calculating my next movements.

When he reached me, I shifted my weight and delivered a brutal knee kick to his midsection. He doubled over, and I followed up with a fierce right hook that sent him sprawling.

Marcus was right. I hadn’t learnt all this skills, yet I had defeated four men out of five, in less than five minutes. I truly had my fathers blood in me.

The last man stood back, assessing me with narrowed eyes.

I could see the fear creeping in as he hesitated, But I took the opportunity and charged at him, landing series of punches on him until he, too, lay on the floor, defeated.

Breathing heavily, I surveyed the bodies sprawled across the floor, they were all unconscious.

I turned to Marcus, whose expression was one of amazement. He nodded slowly, impressed.

“You have one more person to defeat,” he said, his tone shifting.

“Who is that?” I asked, searching the room.

Marcus didn’t respond. Instead, he turned to the entrance door and my eyes followed him.

Josh was walking in, his fists clenched and expression serious.

Wait, I hope it’s not what I’m thinking? How do I fight my best friend?