018BACK AT RYAN'S HOME.The living room was quiet. Too quiet.I sat on the couch, my fingers drumming against my knee. The weight of my own thoughts pressed down on me, but I refused to let it show.This wasn’t over yet.Ryan was in custody, just as planned. But the problem? The cops weren’t fools. They’d come back for me, I knew they would, it's even part of my plan.And when they did, I’d be ready.A knock at the door.Right on time.I smirked, schooling my features before standing. Walking to the door, I called out, “Who is it?”“This is the feds,” a firm voice replied. “Mrs. Ash, we need you to step outside immediately.”I took a breath, painting my face with just the right amount of concern. Then, I pulled the door open.Two officers stood before me. Their expressions were blank, unreadable.Perfect.“How may I help you, officers?” I asked, my voice soft, unsure. “Am I in some sort of trouble? Am I… safe?”“You’re absolutely safe, Mrs. Ash,” the taller one said. “But we need yo
019"What are you saying, Detective Clark? Are you seriously accusing me of framing the man I love? I wouldn’t, for any reason, frame Ryan. Why—why the hell would I want to do that to him?""Well, you’re the only one who has the answer to that question. I don’t," he replied coldly."Detective, I’m innocent. I’m the victim here! Ryan invited his brother over to visit. He got a call and decided to step out briefly. I even asked him to get some groceries for me. But when he came back, he was so angry he lunged at his brother and started hitting him. I tried to separate them, to calm him down, but I was pushed aside, Detective."As I spoke, I let the tears fall freely from my eyes."I...I wouldn’t, for any reason, want to frame Ryan, Detective."He leaned back, a smug smirk creeping onto his lips. "Well, I never said you framed him. I guess your conscience is eager to spill the truth.""No, Detective, that’s not it. I—""Not another word from you, Mrs. Ash. This is an interrogation, not a
020The cell was cold, the kind of chill that burrows deep into your bones. I shifted on the hard bench, feeling the weight of the morning sun pressing heavily on my shoulders. My head throbbed from hours of restless thoughts—Ash’s betrayal, the blood on my hands, Lucas’s lifeless eyes staring back at me. The image wouldn’t leave.The metallic clang of a door echoed through the narrow hallway. I looked up, weary eyes narrowing as Detective Clark strode in. His expression was unreadable, the kind of mask I’d come to associate with men in his line of work. Cautious. Calculating. Relentless. He stopped just outside my cell, crossing his arms.“Morning, Ryan,” he greeted, tone clipped.“Detective,” I rasped, my throat dry. I hadn’t slept, and it showed. “Back to accuse me of more crimes I didn’t commit?”He smirked, but the expression didn’t reach his eyes. “Not today. I’m here because I believe you.”A laugh bubbled up, bitter and humorless. “You believe me? That’s rich. Yet, here I am.”
021Clark’s words were a punch to the gut—an agonizing, paralyzing blow that left me gasping. My legs felt weak, and my grip on the cold metal bars tightened until my knuckles turned white. I stared at him, disbelief and desperation twisting inside me. He was the one person I thought I could count on, and now he was leaving me to rot.“No,” I choked out, my voice breaking. The lump in my throat felt like it was choking me. “You can’t just walk away. You can’t leave me here!”Clark’s eyes met mine, regret flickering across his face before he forced a mask of resolve. “Ryan, my hands are tied. This is above me now, I can only help you get a lawyer.”“That’s not good enough!” I shouted, panic creeping into my voice. “What if the lawyer doesn’t defend me well? What if he’s paid off or doesn’t care? I’ll be screwed!”Clark sighed heavily, running a frustrated hand through his hair. The deep lines etched into his face made him look older than usual, and for a moment, he seemed as tired as I
023TWO DAYS LATER[ALORA’S POV]Earlier today, all the maids were given strict instructions. We were expecting two visitors—Stanley’s mother and Charles’s sister. We worked tirelessly, cooking and cleaning as if royalty was visiting, even though it was just two people.It was frustrating. I had better things to do, like updating the chapters of my book. But here I was, preparing meals for people who wouldn’t even appreciate my effort. As if that wasn’t enough, I was told I’d be the one to show Charles’s sister to her room and cater to anything she needed. The thought alone made me sick.“It’s just a matter of weeks, Alora, and you’ll be out of here,” I reassured myself as I walked out of the kitchen, my chores finally done.I strode to my room, locked the door behind me, and went straight to the shower. Stanley had made it clear—he wanted no issues or complaints during the visit. He even claimed he didn’t want anything that could worsen his mother’s health. That man was impossible. D
024I stared at her, my chest aching with anger and regret. Words tangled in my throat, refusing to come out. Without a second glance, I turned and walked away.The hallways felt narrower as I stormed back to my room. Lost in thought, I collided with Charles. I was too furious to speak, my expression hardening. I tried to brush past him, but he grabbed my hand.“Hey, I’m sorry,” he said, eyes earnest. “I know my sister said some harsh things. Don’t listen to her—she’s just jealous you’re prettier than she’ll ever be.”I didn’t smile. “Thank you,” I muttered. “But I have to go.”He released my hand reluctantly. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but I ignored it. I couldn’t afford to get closer to him, not when he was starting to make advances. If I let him think I felt the same, it would only make things worse.I didn’t look back. My footsteps echoed in the silence until I reached my room.STANLEY’S POVI sank into the couch, trying to bury the anxious knot in my chest. The b
025 ALORA’S POV My eyes flew wide open. Had I heard him right? Stanley Richardson—cold, ruthless, and annoyingly arrogant—had just called me his fiancée. My gaze darted to him, and then to the elegant woman beside him. She was pale, her frail figure wrapped in a classy dress that looked a size too big for her. Despite her condition, a gentle, approving smile graced her lips. I shot Stanley a look, eyebrows arching in disbelief. His jaw was tight, desperation flickering in his eyes. He leaned slightly forward, lips parting as he mouthed a single word: Please. Stanley Richardson was begging. The same man who ordered me around like a servant and regarded me as an inconvenience was now pleading. The absurdity of it nearly made me laugh. But then I caught sight of Chloe. She stood frozen at the bottom of the staircase, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her hands were curled into trembling fists, and she glared at me like I’d snatched her world away. The satisfaction that surg
026 My mouth dried up as Mrs. Richardson’s gaze locked onto me. Her eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across her features. “What do you mean by that?” she asked, her tone laced with confusion. A nervous laugh bubbled out of me before I could stop it. “Oh, Mrs. Richardson, I didn’t mean it that way!” I hurriedly waved a dismissive hand. “It’s just...Stanley loves teasing me. He always calls me his ‘maid’ to remind me of how clumsy I was when we first met.” I nudged Stanley with my elbow, forcing a strained grin. “Right, darling?” Stanley caught on quickly, letting out a low chuckle. “Yes, she almost ruined my shirt at our first meeting. Called her my personal maid ever since.” Mrs. Richardson’s face relaxed, a warm smile stretching across her lips. “Oh, you two are adorable,” she cooed. Relief washed over me, though Stanley’s grip on my waist tightened, a silent warning. “I need to grab something from my room,” I announced, offering a quick smile. “Won’t be long.” Mrs. Richard
029So, how did your whole plan of telling Stanley go? Did it work out? You see, Chloe, your problem is that you never listen. You never think things through."I don't want to speak to you, Charles. And guess what? Stanley did respond."Charles scoffed, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. "Yeah, he did. I was there. He sent you out of his goddamn room, Chloe. Can't you see that if you keep up with this behavior, you're not going to go far?""So what's your point, Charles? What is it? You just came here to taunt me? Well, thank you. I really appreciate your efforts. Now, leave my room," she said, her voice hoarse with frustration."Yes, I'm trying to prove a point, Chloe. And that point is—you’re wrong. And everyone else is right."She let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "Yeah? Are you done? Now go be with your crush, that filthy maid."Charles narrowed his eyes. "Hmm. You call her filthy? Well, that 'filthy' girl is everything—way better than you."Chloe's breath hitche
028Stanley, please just listen to me!" I begged, my voice trembling with desperation. But he didn’t listen."Don’t you listen, Chloe?" he snapped. "I said I don’t want to hear anything from you. Just get out!" His voice thundered through the room, sharp and final.Tears welled in my eyes, burning hot as they spilled down my cheeks. My chest tightened, my heart shattering into a million irreparable pieces. I stood there for a moment, hoping—praying—that he would soften, that he would take it back. But he didn’t. He turned his back on me as if I were nothing.Biting back a sob, I spun on my heels and ran. My feet barely touched the ground as I bolted from his room, my vision blurred by the flood of tears. The walls of the mansion felt suffocating, closing in on me as I hurriedly made my way to my room.As soon as I stepped inside, I collapsed onto the cold, hard floor, my body shaking with uncontrollable sobs. My hands clawed at the fabric of my dress, my breath coming in sharp, ragged
027How dare… She wanted to scream, but she held back, clenching her fists till they turned red."Trust me, I'll make sure you pay for this! I'll make sure you're thrown out of here, filthy maid!"After speaking, she glared at me and walked away, brushing past my shoulder before slamming the door shut as she left.I heaved a heavy sigh. Alora, you really need to work on your temper, I said to myself. I knew I was going to get scolded, but what's done is done.Chloe, on the other hand, stormed her way through the house as she headed for her brother's room.Her heels clicked ominously on the tiles as she walked in anger, her mind reeling back to how Alora had slapped the shit out of her."I'll make sure you pay, Alora. You'll surely get sacked, or my name isn't Chloe," she made a silent vow to herself as she barged into Charles’s room."Charles, we need to talk," she said, pacing back and forth.Charles, who was sitting on the bed, just stared at her, watching. He didn’t respond."Charl
026 My mouth dried up as Mrs. Richardson’s gaze locked onto me. Her eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across her features. “What do you mean by that?” she asked, her tone laced with confusion. A nervous laugh bubbled out of me before I could stop it. “Oh, Mrs. Richardson, I didn’t mean it that way!” I hurriedly waved a dismissive hand. “It’s just...Stanley loves teasing me. He always calls me his ‘maid’ to remind me of how clumsy I was when we first met.” I nudged Stanley with my elbow, forcing a strained grin. “Right, darling?” Stanley caught on quickly, letting out a low chuckle. “Yes, she almost ruined my shirt at our first meeting. Called her my personal maid ever since.” Mrs. Richardson’s face relaxed, a warm smile stretching across her lips. “Oh, you two are adorable,” she cooed. Relief washed over me, though Stanley’s grip on my waist tightened, a silent warning. “I need to grab something from my room,” I announced, offering a quick smile. “Won’t be long.” Mrs. Richard
025 ALORA’S POV My eyes flew wide open. Had I heard him right? Stanley Richardson—cold, ruthless, and annoyingly arrogant—had just called me his fiancée. My gaze darted to him, and then to the elegant woman beside him. She was pale, her frail figure wrapped in a classy dress that looked a size too big for her. Despite her condition, a gentle, approving smile graced her lips. I shot Stanley a look, eyebrows arching in disbelief. His jaw was tight, desperation flickering in his eyes. He leaned slightly forward, lips parting as he mouthed a single word: Please. Stanley Richardson was begging. The same man who ordered me around like a servant and regarded me as an inconvenience was now pleading. The absurdity of it nearly made me laugh. But then I caught sight of Chloe. She stood frozen at the bottom of the staircase, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her hands were curled into trembling fists, and she glared at me like I’d snatched her world away. The satisfaction that surg
024I stared at her, my chest aching with anger and regret. Words tangled in my throat, refusing to come out. Without a second glance, I turned and walked away.The hallways felt narrower as I stormed back to my room. Lost in thought, I collided with Charles. I was too furious to speak, my expression hardening. I tried to brush past him, but he grabbed my hand.“Hey, I’m sorry,” he said, eyes earnest. “I know my sister said some harsh things. Don’t listen to her—she’s just jealous you’re prettier than she’ll ever be.”I didn’t smile. “Thank you,” I muttered. “But I have to go.”He released my hand reluctantly. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but I ignored it. I couldn’t afford to get closer to him, not when he was starting to make advances. If I let him think I felt the same, it would only make things worse.I didn’t look back. My footsteps echoed in the silence until I reached my room.STANLEY’S POVI sank into the couch, trying to bury the anxious knot in my chest. The b
023TWO DAYS LATER[ALORA’S POV]Earlier today, all the maids were given strict instructions. We were expecting two visitors—Stanley’s mother and Charles’s sister. We worked tirelessly, cooking and cleaning as if royalty was visiting, even though it was just two people.It was frustrating. I had better things to do, like updating the chapters of my book. But here I was, preparing meals for people who wouldn’t even appreciate my effort. As if that wasn’t enough, I was told I’d be the one to show Charles’s sister to her room and cater to anything she needed. The thought alone made me sick.“It’s just a matter of weeks, Alora, and you’ll be out of here,” I reassured myself as I walked out of the kitchen, my chores finally done.I strode to my room, locked the door behind me, and went straight to the shower. Stanley had made it clear—he wanted no issues or complaints during the visit. He even claimed he didn’t want anything that could worsen his mother’s health. That man was impossible. D
021Clark’s words were a punch to the gut—an agonizing, paralyzing blow that left me gasping. My legs felt weak, and my grip on the cold metal bars tightened until my knuckles turned white. I stared at him, disbelief and desperation twisting inside me. He was the one person I thought I could count on, and now he was leaving me to rot.“No,” I choked out, my voice breaking. The lump in my throat felt like it was choking me. “You can’t just walk away. You can’t leave me here!”Clark’s eyes met mine, regret flickering across his face before he forced a mask of resolve. “Ryan, my hands are tied. This is above me now, I can only help you get a lawyer.”“That’s not good enough!” I shouted, panic creeping into my voice. “What if the lawyer doesn’t defend me well? What if he’s paid off or doesn’t care? I’ll be screwed!”Clark sighed heavily, running a frustrated hand through his hair. The deep lines etched into his face made him look older than usual, and for a moment, he seemed as tired as I
020The cell was cold, the kind of chill that burrows deep into your bones. I shifted on the hard bench, feeling the weight of the morning sun pressing heavily on my shoulders. My head throbbed from hours of restless thoughts—Ash’s betrayal, the blood on my hands, Lucas’s lifeless eyes staring back at me. The image wouldn’t leave.The metallic clang of a door echoed through the narrow hallway. I looked up, weary eyes narrowing as Detective Clark strode in. His expression was unreadable, the kind of mask I’d come to associate with men in his line of work. Cautious. Calculating. Relentless. He stopped just outside my cell, crossing his arms.“Morning, Ryan,” he greeted, tone clipped.“Detective,” I rasped, my throat dry. I hadn’t slept, and it showed. “Back to accuse me of more crimes I didn’t commit?”He smirked, but the expression didn’t reach his eyes. “Not today. I’m here because I believe you.”A laugh bubbled up, bitter and humorless. “You believe me? That’s rich. Yet, here I am.”