Cain

She trusted him with her heart—he repaid her with handcuffs.

When Faith Baker takes a job at Cain Ripley's restaurant in small-town Oregon, sparks fly—and so does the cash drawer. Accused of stealing, Faith is arrested, humiliated, and betrayed by the man she trusted most. Cain says he’ll drop the charges if she returns the money. Only one problem: she doesn’t have it, because she didn't take it.

As Faith's name is dragged through the mud and her future crumbles, Cain clings to his version of the truth—until a deeper betrayal is uncovered. But it may be too late; Faith is not the same woman Cain wronged, and forgiveness has a price.

Tropes:
🩶 Second Chance
🩶 Small Town
🩶 Wrongly Accused
🩶 Other Woman Drama
🩶 Betrayal & Grovel
🩶 Short Story/Novella (35k words)

Trigger warning: This story contains depictions of domestic abuse, including physical violence, emotional manipulation, and references to past trauma and assault. Scenes involving memories of past beatings, gaslighting, and psychological distress are portrayed in the context of the main character’s recovery journey. If these topics trigger, please do not read this book. Your mental health and well-being are important, and I request that you take care of yourself.