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9. SMART, ARE WE?
Last Updated:
2025-01-30 08:00:01
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From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 10. IS IT A CRIME?
SOPHIA When I opened my eyes in the morning, sunlight streamed into the room, bathing everything in a warm glow. I stretched lazily, feeling the softness of the sheets around me. For a moment, I felt at peace. But then, as I lifted the sheets and realized I was completely naked, I gasped. I sat up instantly, memories of the previous night flooding back. I remembered the wine, the dizziness, and then Victor walking into the room. A smile crept onto my lips as I thought about what had happened between us. 'Does this mean Victor has finally accepted me as his wife?' I touched my lips, still tingling from his kiss. The thought that he had finally let down his walls around me filled me with hope for our future. We hadn’t even talked, but after last night, I felt that everything would change. Surely, Victor must have listened to the audio recording I sent him. As I got out of bed, my body ached in unfamiliar ways, and a faint soreness lingered between my legs. My eyes fell on the bl
Last Updated : 2025-01-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 11. HOW DARE YOU?
SOPHIA When I entered Victor's room, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, his head leaning slightly against the headrest. The sight of two empty wine bottles on the table surprised me. I had expected him to be in a better mood after last night, but instead, he looked troubled. I walked closer and gently moved the bottles away, setting them aside to avoid any accidents. His face was flushed, and his eyes looked heavy. “Victor,” I whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Victor, are you okay?” He stirred and opened his eyes slowly. Without saying a word, he grabbed my hand and pulled me down onto the bed with him. I landed on his chest, and despite his drunken state, I smiled. It was comforting to see that even now, he remembered me. But as I leaned closer, something felt… off. He didn’t smell the same as the Victor I had been with last night. I hesitated, lowering my head to sniff his jacket. The scent was different—faintly familiar but not the same. 'Am I overthinking
Last Updated : 2025-01-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 12. NEVER
SOPHIA I struggled to free my neck from Victor’s grip, but his hold was too strong. I gasped for air, scratching his hand. “You filthy thing,” he spat, his voice dripping with venom. “I’m going to kill you.” I couldn’t believe what was happening. Was this the same man who had held me so gently last night? Was he pretending to despise me just for Isabella’s sake? The thought made my eyes burn with tears. Fury bubbled inside me, and with every ounce of strength I had, I shoved him away. He staggered backward, hitting the wall behind him. “Who the hell do you think you are?” I yelled, my voice trembling with anger. “You should be ashamed of yourself, Victor. Do you think you can treat me however you like just because I’m helpless? I was tricked into this marriage! From the very beginning, no one told me you were in a coma. I was deceived into marrying you! Your brother tried to force himself on me, and for three years, I was confined to a room, taking care of you day and night
Last Updated : 2025-01-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 13. A DOUBLE STANDARD?
SOPHIA I walked out of Victor’s room feeling like the air had been knocked out of my lungs. My legs felt weak, but I forced myself to keep moving until I reached my bedroom. The moment I shut the door behind me, I collapsed onto the bed and broke down in tears. I cried until my chest ached, until my body felt drained. My mind kept replaying everything Victor had said, everything he had done. The way he looked at me now, as if I was nothing. I told myself I couldn’t stay in this house any longer. I had to leave. But where would I go? The only place I could think of was the house I once shared with my mother. It was still there, untouched. But stepping back into that house meant stepping into memories that would swallow me whole. Every corner, every room, every single thing inside would remind me of her. Of what I had lost. A part of me knew my mother would not have wanted me to live alone. That was why she sent me to my father in the first place. To give me a chance at a be
Last Updated : 2025-01-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 14. FIRST STEP
SOPHIA Evelyn turned to Lucas, playing the victim. “Look at this useless girl,” she spat. “She has no life, no future, and yet she wants to go out and disgrace this family. Do you think I’ll allow her to throw our name in the mud?” Lucas sighed, rubbing his temple as if he was already exhausted. “Mom, you need to stop making life difficult for Sophia.” Evelyn snapped her head toward him, clearly not expecting him to take my side. “Excuse me?” “She spends every day locked up in this house doing nothing. If she wants to step outside, what’s the problem? She’s not a prisoner, and she’s not a criminal.” I folded my arms, watching the exchange while Lucas continued, “Mom, you kept her locked up for three years. Three years! Even though I wasn’t around, I know what you did. And now, Victor is moving on, living his life as if she never existed. Why are you still treating her like this?” Evelyn’s face turned red with fury. “Because she’s still Victor's wife, and until their div
Last Updated : 2025-01-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 15. FIRED
VICTOR I sat in my office, gripping my pen so tightly that my knuckles turned white. My head throbbed with frustration, my patience stretched thin. It had been incredibly difficult to convince Isabella that I wasn't in my right mind when I had sex with Sophia two nights ago.The fact that Sophia sneaked into my room and threw herself at me, despite my hatred for her, showed how low and cheap she really was. That woman had become a thorn in my side. Only yesterday, my mother had called, her voice full of anger and irritation, telling me about how Sophia had disrespected her thoroughly. As if I needed another reminder of why this marriage was a mistake. I slammed my fist against the desk, making the papers tremble. “This is all your fault,” I muttered under my breath, directing my anger at the one person who had put me in this situation—my mother. She had forced this marriage on me, choosing some random woman with no class, no status, no purpose. And now, she expected me to c
Last Updated : 2025-01-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 16. I WON'T SPARE YOU
VICTOR The moment the police arrived, I felt a wave of relief. Finally, Sophia would be dealt with. Using this method, I would see to it that she paid for everything she had done so far. Isabella was truly my better half. She knew what I wanted even without me saying it.But before I could say a word to the police, she suddenly screamed. “Oh, I wanted the police to come!” she yelled, turning towards the crowd. “Yes, come and see the injustice happening right in front of your eyes!” I stiffened. What was she doing? The manager looked horrified. “Miss Sophia, please calm down....” “Don’t tell me to calm down!” she snapped, her voice sharp and furious. “This is between me and my husband.” The entire restaurant went silent. The manager’s eyes widened. “H-husband?” I clenched my fists. “Yes, my husband,” Sophia repeated, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she turned towards me. “Three years ago, I was married to Victor Sinclair while he was in a coma. And do you know wha
Last Updated : 2025-01-31From Ashes To The Billionaire's Arms 17. SICK
SOPHIA The moment Victor walked away, I felt my legs weaken. Isabella had been completely livid as I embarrassed her but she couldn't say anything in her defense. I ought to be happy at this little victory but I wasn't, not in the slightest. My chest tightened, and a sharp pain spread through my heart. I had held myself together in front of Victor, refusing to let him see me break. But now, as I walked to a quiet spot away from the crowd, I could no longer hold it in. I sank onto a bench, wrapped my arms around myself, and let the tears fall. I hated him. I hated how much I still cared. Victor was the first man I ever loved and gave myself to. The man I spent years caring for, the man I once dreamed of having a future with. But now, he had become my worst nightmare. He wasn’t just cruel...he was determined to destroy me. And Isabella? She had everything I never had—his love, his attention, his protection. Meanwhile, I was nothing but a discarded wife, a woman forced to
Last Updated : 2025-01-31
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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
