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71. WERE YOU MISSING ME?
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2025-03-03 22:04:20
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From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 72. COMPENSATION
SOPHIA The courtroom was an imposing space...high ceilings, dark mahogany benches, and rows of people seated in tense anticipation. A large, circular chandelier hung in the center of the room, casting a harsh but even light across the proceedings. The air smelled faintly of old books and polished wood, mixed with the distant, lingering scent of anxiety. Caleb and I walked in together, his mother right beside us. She squeezed my hand in silent reassurance, but I barely felt it. My heart was pounding too loudly, my hands clammy despite the cool temperature of the room. On the other side of the courtroom, Victor arrived with his mother, his brother, and a swarm of people who had either come to support him or to witness the spectacle that was about to unfold. I could feel their stares burning into me, some filled with judgment, others with curiosity. But I didn’t flinch. I had come here for justice. The courtroom followed the usual formalities. The bailiff instructed everyone to r
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-03From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 73. I WON'T LIE
SOPHIA The moment Victor took the stand, I watched him closely. My hands clenched into fists as he placed his hand on the Bible, repeating the same oath I had taken just moments ago. But unlike me, he had no intention of telling the truth. I could tell from the look on his face. Evelyn, my lawyer, wasted no time. She stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Mr. Sinclair, you've heard everything the plaintiff has said today. Do you confirm that her testimony is the truth?" Victor leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. "I have no idea," he said smoothly. "I was unconscious at the time. When I woke up, I was confused about everything going on around me." Liar. "And what about the mistress the plaintiff spoke about?" Evelyn asked. Victor sighed, as if this was all too tedious for him. "The woman Sophia calls my mistress was my girlfriend before my accident. Naturally, when I woke up, I was still in love with her. I didn’t even know I was married at first. I was h
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-03From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 74. THE SILVER LINING
SOPHIA After Victor sat down, Evelyn Potter said. "Mr. Lucas Sinclair, please continue and tell the court exactly what happened." Lucas exhaled deeply, his shoulders tense as he continued. "I regret everything I did," he admitted, his voice laced with guilt. "From the moment Sophia was married into our family, I thought she was just like Victor's past girlfriends, so I made the mistake of going to test her.I went to Victor’s bedroom that night. She was there with him. I tried to seduce her, but she slapped me." Murmurs spread through the courtroom. "Then my mother walked in. She was furious, and I panicked. Instead of telling the truth, I lied. I said Sophia tried to seduce me." A collective gasp rippled across the room. "And ever since then, I felt terrible about it," Lucas admitted, his voice strained. "So I left for a few years. I ran away. But when I came back, my brother had woken up, and I saw that nothing had changed for Sophia. If anything, things had gotten wo
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 75. THE TRUTH ON TRIAL
SOPHIA The second day in court began like the first....with formalities and legal proceedings. Afterward, the judge quicky went to the point. He glanced down at the papers in front of him, then spoke in a firm, measured tone. "The second claim made by the plaintiff is what we are handling next. The plaintiff alleges that during the time of her marriage to the defendant, after he woke from coma, he engaged in an extramarital affair with his mistress, causing the plaintiff to suffer greatly at his hands, enduring not only emotional, physical, and mental abuse but also a murder attempt. Also, despite being pregnant, the plaintiff was left in a burning building to die—an act carried out with the collusion of the defendant and his mistress. She was rescued but suffered lasting trauma, including physical scars and emotional distress. She is demanding JUSTICE for what was done to her." Victor sat across the courtroom, his expression carefully blank. But I could see the tension
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 76. THE UNFORGIVABLE BETRAYAL
SOPHIA As I continued speaking, I couldn’t hold back the tears. The pain, the memories....everything came rushing back too fast, too strong. "When I told Victor’s mother I needed medical attention, she refused." I swallowed hard, my voice breaking. "I was desperate. I told her I would go on social media and expose everything." That was the only reason she finally gave in. She helped me because she wanted to protect their reputation. I took a shaky breath. "When I went to the hospital, I found out I was pregnant." Gasps rippled through the courtroom. Evelyn, my lawyer, stepped forward, handing a document to the judge. "Your Honor, this is the official medical report from the doctor who examined my client at that time." The judge accepted the papers, scanning through them as I continued. "According to the reports, I was malnourished. I had barely been eating because I had no money. I had been selling off what little jewelry I had just to survive. I was so weak, and I l
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 77. THE MIND GAMES
SOPHIA The recess felt longer than it actually was. I sat outside the courtroom, on a bench next to Caleb. His mother hadn’t come with us today, so it was just the two of us. The tension from the trial still lingered in my chest, but holding Caleb’s hand grounded me. He gave my fingers a gentle squeeze before speaking. "You’ve gradually become a crybaby, you know?" His lips curled into a teasing smirk. I let out a small laugh, wiping the last of my tears. "Even if the judge forgets about you after this case," Caleb continued, his voice light but warm, "each time he sees someone crying, he’ll remember the case of one Mrs. Sophia." I smiled softly. "Have you forgotten, Caleb?" I murmured. "It’s thanks to you that I can cry whenever I want. Because when the time comes, I know you’ll always be there to make me feel better." His eyes softened, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of my hand. Before he could say anything, a familiar voice cut through the air. "Soph
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 78. THE BREAKING POINT
SOPHIA I looked Victor’s lawyer straight in the eye. "Fine," I said, my voice strong. "You want me to talk? Then I’ll talk." The courtroom fell into a tense silence. I leaned forward slightly, my tone sharp and unwavering. "What exactly could I have done?" The lawyer opened his mouth, but I didn’t give him the chance. "After Victor and his mistress left me to burn in that fire, I was traumatized. I was injured. I was bedridden for an entire month." I paused, letting the words sink in. "For one month, I couldn’t even leave my room. But that doesn’t mean I was unconscious." My nails dug into my palms. "I was aware of everything. I felt every ache, every moment of helplessness. And you’re telling me that Victor was mourning me? That he set up foundations and trust funds in my name?!" I let out a cold laugh. "Let me tell you what he was really doing." I turned slightly, motioning toward Evelyn. She nodded and stepped forward, handing evidence over to the judg
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 79. A SHATTERED ILLUSION
VICTOR I stormed into my house, slamming the door behind me. My entire body was burning with anger. Everything was falling apart. The look on the judge’s face today unsettled me. It was the first time I felt like things weren’t in my control anymore. I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening as I paced the room. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Sophia was supposed to give in. But instead, she was standing tall, fighting me, humiliating me in front of the entire world. And that bastard, Caleb...he was always right there beside her. I gritted my teeth, shaking my head. The court proceedings had been broadcasted online. Because of who I was and because of who Caleb was, this trial had turned into a public spectacle. I hated it. I hated seeing people commenting, judging me, calling me a monster. And the worst part? Even my mother joined them. She sat on the couch, her eyes red, tears streaking down her face. For the first time since this started, she looked com
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-06
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From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms EPILOGUE
MONTHS LATER The early morning sun filtered through the cream-colored curtains of Sophia and Caleb’s bedroom, casting a soft golden glow over the room. It was quiet, peaceful—too peaceful for what was about to happen. Sophia stirred in bed, her brows furrowed slightly as a sharp wave of discomfort ran through her lower back. She shifted, thinking it was just the usual pregnancy ache she’d been dealing with for weeks now. But then, a second wave came... stronger, more distinct, and she gasped, her hand flying to her belly. “Caleb…” she whispered, a mixture of nervousness and urgency in her voice. He stirred beside her, his eyes opening in slow confusion. “Soph? You okay?” “I think…” she breathed, pausing as another contraction hit, this one more intense than the last. “I think the baby’s coming.” That was all Caleb needed to hear. He jumped out of bed in a flash, suddenly wide awake, his mind scrambling to recall everything they had planned. He rushed to grab the hospital
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 20. VOWS, LOVE, AND NEW BEGINNINGS
The day finally came for Ezekiel and Irene's wedding.. The venue was a grand, open-air estate draped in soft white fabrics and adorned with cascading flowers in shades of blush, ivory, and gold. A warm breeze carried the scent of fresh roses through the air, while violins played gently in the background. The crowd was large, filled with dignitaries, friends, family, and loved ones who had gathered to celebrate the long-awaited union. Irene looked breathtaking in a flowing, pearl-white gown that hugged her frame perfectly, her veil trailing behind her like a waterfall of lace. Ezekiel stood at the altar, his face a mixture of nervousness and joy, dressed in an impeccably tailored tuxedo. Alina sat in the second row beside Zander, her fingers laced through his as they both watched the ceremony unfold. She wore a pale pink dress that shimmered softly in the light, her hair pinned in soft curls. A few people from Zander’s family had shown up too....his mother, glowing with pride, and
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 19. FINALLY ACCEPTED
After Zander and Alina left Ezekiel, Irene went back home with him, and for the first time in days, she felt true relief. Finally, the storm had calmed. Ezekiel had taken the first step, and even though it wasn’t a full embrace, it was a beginning. That was all she had ever wanted. Later that day, after they returned home, Alina and Zander were greeted by a surprise—Zander’s grandfather was waiting for them in the grand living room. He sat on his usual armchair, a newspaper resting on the table beside him and a cup of untouched tea growing cold. What surprised Alina most was the soft expression on the old man’s face. “Alina,” he called gently, waving her over. “Come sit.” She glanced at Zander, who gave her a reassuring nod. Alina walked over, heart steady but expectant. Zander’s grandfather had barely spoken a kind word to her since she’d entered the mansion. But ever since the incident with Anna—the exposed plot, the video, the fall down the stairs—his demeanor had changed. Hi
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 18. SHATTERED BONDS
Zander’s grandfather was seething when he was away from Alina and Zander. His cane trembled in his grip as his voice echoed through the room. “How dare she?” he thundered. “How could Anna try to harm Zander’s mother like that? In our home!” The anger in his voice silenced the whispers around him. Everyone, still stunned from the video Alina had shown, stood quietly as the weight of Anna’s betrayal settled over them. Zander’s mother turned toward Alina, her eyes glossy with emotion. She reached out and pulled her into a hug, her voice soft but full of gratitude. “You saved me,” she whispered. “I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if Anna had succeeded. Thank you, Alina.” Before Alina could respond, Zander stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind, drawing her into his chest. “You saved my mom,” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to the top of her head.After a while, Zander's grandfather called for Alina and Zander's mother to see him.
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 17. THE FALL OF A SCHEME
The scent of disinfectant filled the private hospital room where Anna lay on the bed, her head bandaged, her arm in a sling. Seated beside her was Daniel’s mother, her lips twisted in frustration as she leaned closer to Anna. "This is not how it was supposed to go," she hissed under her breath. “Your foolish stunt only made things worse. And that stupid son of mine—Daniel let Zander record his confession. Now, not only does Zander have the upper hand, but we’re both walking on thin ice.” Anna groaned and sat up slightly, wincing at the pain in her ribs. “Stop blaming me. Grandfather would never turn on me. I’m the one he loves most. I’m the only one who’s always been by his side.” “Love or not,” Daniel’s mother said with narrowed eyes, “you’re lying here, and that woman....Alina...is still walking around like a queen.” Anna’s expression twisted with pain and jealousy. “What hurts the most is that Zander hasn’t even visited me. Not once. I did everything for him. All I wanted w
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 16. A HOUSE DIVIDED
When Zander and Alina returned home, Zander didn’t let her walk. He cradled her gently in his arms and was carrying her toward their bedroom when a sharp voice interrupted their peaceful moment. “Zander, put her down and explain yourself right now!” Standing in the hallway was Daniel’s mother, her face twisted with fury. Beside her stood their grandfather, stone-faced and silent, while Daniel trailed behind them, his face swollen and wrapped in white gauze from the bruises Zander had given him the night before. Zander stopped, but he didn’t set Alina down. He kept his arms firmly around her as his gaze met Daniel’s mother’s accusing eyes. “This is unacceptable!” she spat. “How dare you beat up my son for your characterless wife? What sort of example are you trying to set in this family?” Their grandfather stepped forward, his cane tapping the tiled floor. “We demand an explanation, Zander,” he said in a deep, gruff voice. “You’ve become reckless...beating family, creating sc
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 15. TERMS OF PEACE
Despite her doubts and the warning that her brother would never approve, Alina gave a quiet nod and agreed. There was a strange sense of calm in her decision now. “Honestly,” she said softly, “being married to you feels a lot better than going back and letting my brother choose someone else for me again.” Zander didn’t say anything immediately, but the softness in his eyes said everything. A few seconds later, Alina added, “Still, I want to see him. Ezekiel knows the truth about Matt now, and I think I owe it to both of us to try one more time to talk to him.” Zander reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “That’s not a problem,” he said, his tone gentle. “I’ll take you to see him. I just hope he keeps his hands to himself this time. If he ever lays a finger on you again…” Alina smiled faintly and touched his chest. “He won’t. Not now.” Zander nodded, then leaned back slightly and glanced at her. “Can I make a suggestion?” “Sure.” “I was thinking,” he
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 14. THE GIFT OF LETTING GO
The sound of running water had faded, and a hush fell over the room as Zander stepped out of the bathroom. Steam followed him, curling like mist around the sharp angles of his body. He wore nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, his dark hair damp and clinging to his forehead. The tension that had gripped him earlier had dissolved beneath the warm shower, leaving him quieter, calmer—but no less conflicted. Alina, seated on the edge of the bed, looked up as he entered. Her gaze locked on him, her lips parting slightly in surprise at the sight of him. There was a long pause, a silence that crackled between them, filled with all the things neither had said. Zander reached for the towel around his neck, rubbing it through his hair, and then paused. His eyes met hers, and he spoke in a voice that was low but steady. “I never doubted you,” he said. Alina blinked, unsure of what he meant. “Earlier, when I asked if what that idiot said was true,” he continued, his tone soften
From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 13. WHO DO YOU BELIEVE?
Once they entered their bedroom, Alina didn’t waste a second. She pushed Zander gently onto the bed and climbed onto his lap, cupping his face as she captured his lips in a deep, lingering kiss. Her actions were bold, deliberate, and had one very specific goal. Just as their kiss deepened and Zander’s arms found their way around her waist, the door creaked open behind them. Anna stood in the doorway, frozen, eyes wide with horror. A second later, her face crumpled, and she turned and ran away, sobbing. Alina pulled back slowly and rolled off Zander, a sly smile curving her lips as she lay beside him. Zander looked at her, slightly breathless. “What was that smile for?” Alina sat up and brushed her fingers through her hair, still smirking. “Well, she came to my face and warned me earlier tonight. I just thought I’d return the favor... in a way she won’t forget.” Zander blinked at her. “So this was for Anna?” “Partly,” she replied calmly. “Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. B
