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
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
059ALORA'S POV I had been waiting in my room for the past two hours, ever since the chaos that had unfolded downstairs. My heart was still racing from what had happened, but I needed everything to settle. Everyone had to be asleep before I could make my move. Silence was my ally tonight. Charles thought he was clever—thought he could twist things and make it look like I was lying. But he didn’t know who he was messing with. I was going to show him what smart really looked like. By now, the house had gone quiet. Lights were out in most rooms, and the occasional creak of settling wood was all that could be heard. That was my cue. I stood from my bed, my bare feet making no sound as I slipped out of the room and into the dimly lit hallway. My destination was clear: the CCTV room. That room held the truth—hard evidence of what happened that day. If I was going to expose Charles, I needed the footage. I had heard an old man named Grey was usually stationed there, but rumor had it he w
058 STANLEY'S POV After my mom had passed, Chloe and I were headed back home. It was already late at this point. I was driving. And just then, my phone began buzzing through the call. When I looked at the name on the screen, I saw that it was Alora, and I ended the call instantly. I didn't want anything to do with her. Not now. Especially now that my mother had passed away. I needed to find myself. Alora had betrayed me in the worst way ever. So I thought. After a while, I arrived home. I parked the car in the parking lot, and Chloe and I got out from the car. We both walked into the house and just as, we did. I saw Alora sitting on the couch in the parlor. I wanted to ignore her at first. But when she spotted me, she stood up and walked towards where I was. I wanted passing her, but then she blocked me. She didn't allow me to pass. "I don't have time for your nonsense, Alora. I have a lot of things way more important than the act you're putting up here right now. Let me pass
STANLEY'S POV 057I gripped her hand tightly, nodding through my uncontrollable sobs."I promise you, Mom. I promise you I won't leave Alora," I said, my voice breaking with emotion.Just as the words left my mouth, she smiled warmly at me. A smile so weak, yet so full of love."Thank you, Stanley," she whispered. "I'm glad... I know you keep to your promises."But suddenly, the machine tracking her heartbeat began to beep faster, shrill and frantic. My mom gasped for breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly as tears streamed from her closed eyes.Panic exploded inside me."Doctor! Doctor!" I screamed at the top of my lungs."Mom, hold on! I'm coming!"I sprinted out of the ward, my heart pounding in terror. I saw the doctor rushing towards me, alarmed by my cries."Something's happening! My mom — the machine — please hurry!" I stammered desperately.Without wasting a second, the doctor dashed into the room with me close behind.But it was too late.The moment we entered, my legs
ASH'S POV056The courtroom felt like it had frozen in time. My heart pounded loudly in my chest as I stood, my hands trembling, as I stood there waiting for the words of the judge, the final verdict." innocent and Mrs. Ash Collins guilty."I staggered back, my breath catching in my throat. No… this can’t be... The verdict echoed again and again in my ears, each replay slicing deeper into my soul. Across the room, Ryan jumped to his feet, unable to contain his joy. He laughed, arms raised triumphantly in the air, while the crowd erupted into wild cheers. Even the jury wore smiles of satisfaction.But for me... the world tilted dangerously.I stood there, frozen, the weight of the moment crushing me. Then, the judge’s voice thundered once more."Mrs. Ash Collins, the court sentences you to five years in prison… followed by execution by shock upon release."The words struck like lightning.Execution?My eyes widened in horror. I must have misheard him. No, no, this isn’t real!Before
ASH'S POV055My eyes widened in shock, heart lurching against my ribs, as Drake stumbled into the courtroom.He looked like a ghost: pale, bloodied, limping heavily, his clothes torn as if he had clawed his way back from death itself.How?The question screamed through my mind.How is he here?It wasn’t just me — the entire courtroom had frozen, every head turning toward him, every breath drawn taut with disbelief.Drake’s voice rang out, raw and desperate."I have proof, my lord!" he cried, staggering closer. "Do not pass the verdict yet! You must see what I have to show!"My stomach twisted violently.Panic clawed at my throat.Across the courtroom, my lawyer glanced back at me, searching my face for guidance.I gave him a slow, deliberate wink.He would understand: stall him. Crush him.Immediately, my lawyer straightened and addressed the judge."My lord," he said, voice smooth and authoritative, "there is no need for further delays. The facts are clear. Ryan Hemsworth is guilty.
STANLEY'S POV054 The party was alive, humming with laughter and the low thrum of music vibrating through the floor. Glasses clinked, voices overlapped in a warm, chaotic symphony, and from a distance, the lights bathed everything in a golden, almost dreamlike glow. To everyone else, it was perfect. But to me, it was a carefully staged lie, and I was barely holding it together. I wove through the crowd, nodding politely, my heart pounding harder with every step. I had made sure Chloe didn’t know the party had been moved earlier — the last thing I needed was unnecessary drama tonight. This moment had to be flawless. For my mother. For the story we had crafted. I pushed my way toward the stage, searching for her face among the sea of guests. She should have been here by now, front and center, smiling proudly. But she wasn’t. Panic prickled at the edge of my mind. Where was she? Without her, all of this — the fake wedding, the fake smiles — meant nothing. I stared at my watch. Time w
053[CHLOE'S POV] I stared at the old hag as she stared back at me. I knew she didn’t like me — ever since that incident when we first met. “What are you doing in this room?” she shouted. “Um, um, um, I-I, um...” I stuttered, frozen under her sharp gaze. “I asked what you’re doing in this room!” she yelled again, advancing towards me. “I was just... I...” My words stumbled out, but before I could finish, she pushed me aside roughly. Her eyes darted to the clothes I had purposely torn. Then, she turned sharply back to me, noticing the scissors still in my hand. Without warning, she slapped me hard across the face. I cupped my cheek, feeling the painful sting radiate through my skin. “What is this? What did you do?!” she bellowed. “You tore the clothes I got as a gift for my son's wife? This... this is the height of it!” Her voice cracked with anger. “I won’t tolerate this. I’ll place a call to my son and tell him everything you’ve done! I’ll have you kicked out of this house i
052 ALORA'S POV The car finally pulled to a stop at the church. The driver stepped out and opened the door for me to come out. I stepped out easily, as my gown wasn’t too complex. Once outside, I saw him—Stanley. He was standing at the church stairs, his mother beside him. He was wearing a tailored suit and looked absolutely stunning. Reporters were gathered, waiting to see the supposed bride of one of the richest business tycoons. Flashes from cameras glowed on my face as the reporters took pictures of me. Stanley walked toward me, took my hand, kissed it, and said, “Shall we?” I smiled at him. Everything felt so real. Stanley had planned everything so perfectly, I couldn't afford to mess up or fumble the act. My eyes shifted to his mother, who had her always-charming smile on. She looked at me with the eyes of a loving mother. I smiled back at her. It was unfair that soon, she wouldn’t be with us anymore. Stanley and I walked in together as the church doors were opened fo
051Ash’s POVAs the hearing began, the judge called on Ryan's lawyer."Mrs. Jane," he announced.She stepped forward confidently. Her posture was poised, her expression unreadable. Dressed in a sharp coat, she exuded authority. I had heard she never lost a case—and from the way she carried herself, I believed it. But I wasn't worried. My lawyer was better. I trusted his capabilities."My Lord," she began, voice clear, "my client, Mr. Ryan Hemsworth, has been accused of murdering his own brother, Lucas Hemsworth."She paused, then turned to the court.“Let me clarify everything. First, I’ll show the images of his brother’s dead body and the bruises he sustained after the supposed fight with Mr. Ryan.”She walked to her table, picked up her briefcase, and opened it. From inside, she pulled out a stack of photos.Approaching the judge, she placed the images before him. He studied them carefully before passing them to the jury.“Now,” she continued, “this is the first piece of evidence.