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Chapter 21
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2025-03-29 21:33:35
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From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 22
Benjamin.I sat at my desk, fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood, my mind racing. Julia had been here. She had gone through the company’s financial records. I clenched my jaw, staring at the stack of documents in front of me. I knew this moment would come, but I wasn’t ready for it. Now she knew—knew that the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. And if she knew that, then she also knew that I had been lying to her. Damn it. I leaned back in my chair, exhaling sharply. There was only one way to distract her now—give her what she wanted. Isaiah. I pinched the bridge of my nose. Julia had given me two days, and the clock was already ticking. If I wanted to keep her from looking deeper into the company’s finances, I needed to act fast. But first, the meeting. I straightened my tie and I was so damn determined to get that contract. This business deal was my last chance to keep the company afloat. If I could just secure this contract, I could buy mysel
Last Updated : 2025-03-29From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 23
Grey.I sat in my office, my fingers tapping against the desk as I stared blankly at the city skyline through the large glass windows. The sound of my father’s words still clung to me like a heavy chain, dragging me down into a pit of frustration. Bryce sat across from me, his arms crossed, watching me with that knowing look. He had been my best friend for years, my right-hand man in everything, but even he knew this was a situation neither of us could easily fix. "So, let me get this straight," Bryce finally spoke, breaking the silence. "Your father, the great and mighty father of all time, has put it in his will that if you don’t get married and produce an heir within two years, you inherit absolutely nothing?" I let out a humorless chuckle and leaned back in my chair. "Exactly." Bryce whistled low. "Man, that’s cold. Even for him." I shrugged. "He’s desperate. He thinks an ‘heir’ will fix things, will somehow make me care about running the family business. But you know I
Last Updated : 2025-04-01From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 24
Camilla.The sun beat down on my skin as I walked through the crowded streets, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. My feet ached from hours of trekking, and my stomach twisted in hunger, but I couldn’t afford to stop. Racheal was running out of time, and I still had no idea how I was going to come up with five thousand dollars. I had spent the entire morning searching for work—any work. But everywhere I went, the answer was the same. “Sorry, we’re not hiring."“We don’t need extra hands right now."“Try again next week."Desperation clawed at my chest. I wiped the sweat from my forehead, my fingers trembling slightly from exhaustion. I couldn’t let Racheal die. She had taken me in when I had no one, and now it was my turn to save her. With no other options, I made my way back to the same construction site I had worked at before. My body still ached from the last time, but If this was the only way to make money, I would do it. When I arrived, the foreman looked at me w
Last Updated : 2025-04-01From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 25
Julia.I carefully adjusted Isaiah’s collar, smoothing out the creases as he finished his breakfast. “Are you excited for your first day, sweetheart?” I asked, forcing a smile. He nodded, his tiny fingers gripping the edge of the dining table. “Will you come pick me up later?” “Of course,” I reassured him, kissing the top of his head. “I’ll always be there.” Just as I turned to grab his backpack, the door to the kitchen burst open, and Benjamin stormed in, his face twisted in fury. “What the hell is this, Julia?!” he roared, slamming a stack of papers onto the counter. “You locked all the company’s bank accounts? Made them only accessible to you? What kind of sick thing is this?”I straightened, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’m securing my company, Benjamin. That’s what I’m doing.” His hands clenched into fists at his sides. “This isn’t just your company now! Remember you entrusted everything to me! Honestly I would have blocked you out with I had the chance to, you stup
Last Updated : 2025-04-01From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 26
Camilla.The hospital room smelled of antiseptic and something stale—like a place where hope had long since faded. I sat beside Racheal’s bed, holding her frail, trembling hand, watching her chest rise and fall with slow, labored breaths. Her once-bright eyes were dull, her lips dry and cracked. The doctor’s words still echoed in my head. “Her other kidney is failing. If we don’t act soon, she won’t survive."I swallowed the lump in my throat and blinked back the tears threatening to fall. The small jobs I was doing barely covered food, let alone the surgery she needed. I needed more money. Fast. As if sensing my turmoil, Racheal stirred, her fingers curling weakly around mine. “Camilla…” she murmured, her voice hoarse. I leaned in. “I’m here.” Her lips twitched in what was meant to be a smile, but it barely lifted the corners of her mouth. “Don’t… worry about me.” My chest ached. “How can I not?” She exhaled shakily. “You always look so sad.” I forced a small laugh.
Last Updated : 2025-04-02From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 27
Grey.Bryce leaned back in the chair opposite mine, swirling the whiskey in his glass with a smirk on his face. "So, tell me again how the perfect date with the governor’s daughter turned into a complete disaster?" I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I don’t even know where to start." Bryce chuckled. "Start from the moment you realized she was an absolute nutcase." I shot him a glare, but he just grinned wider. "Alright." I exhaled sharply. "So, we meet at that fancy new restaurant downtown, right? She walks in, wearing this insanely sparkly dress, looking like she’s about to walk a red carpet rather than have dinner." Bryce nodded, eyes full of amusement. "Sounds normal for your usual dates." "Yeah, well, I should’ve known I was in trouble the moment she sat down and said, ‘So, tell me, Greyson, what are your thoughts on reincarnation?’" Bryce nearly choked on his drink. "No way." I deadpanned. "Dead serious." Bryce burst into laughter. "Oh, I love this already. Please c
Last Updated : 2025-04-03From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 28
Julia.The conference room was a buzz of excitement as I walked in, my heels clicking on the polished floor. I adjusted my blazer and smoothed down my skirt, feeling the familiar sense of confidence that always came before these important meetings. My team had worked tirelessly to prepare for this, and now, it was time to reap the rewards. We were about to present the new project plan to potential investors, and I knew it would be a game-changer.I made my way to the front of the room where my team was already gathered around the presentation table. There were some nods and smiles, but I could tell they were all feeling the pressure. I gave them a reassuring smile, my pulse steady despite the stakes. "Alright, team. This is our moment," I said, my voice firm but warm. "We've done the groundwork. Let’s make them see what we’ve got."The lights dimmed as the projector flickered to life, and I took my place in front of the screen, flipping through slides with the usual precision. The inv
Last Updated : 2025-04-05From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 29
Camilla.The harsh light of the early morning sun filtered through the cracks of the abandoned building, casting long shadows across the dusty floor. I blinked, disoriented, as the cold concrete floor pressed against my back. I had been sleeping on the ground for two days now, a makeshift pillow under my head. My body ached.I rubbed my eyes and sat up slowly, my fingers brushing through the tangled mess of my hair. The building was silent except for the occasional creak of the wooden beams overhead. I had gotten used to the stillness.As I stood up and gathered my things, the sound of footsteps echoed in the empty space. My heart skipped a beat, and I froze, my eyes darting toward the doorway. A man stood there, his silhouette framed by the weak light that came in from outside. He was tall, and all he did was stare at me for a while.“You need to leave,” his voice was gruff, with no hint of apology. He didn’t offer a greeting or explanation, just the command. “We’re renovating the bu
Last Updated : 2025-04-07
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From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 42
Camilla.I didn’t tell anyone.Not old lady that has been friendly lately, not even Miri—no one. If I opened my mouth, they’d try to stop me. Maybe not out of malice, maybe out of fear or love or whatever, but it didn’t matter. This was something I had to do. Alone.The newspaper felt damp in my hands, crumpled and nearly torn at the edges from how many times I’d folded and unfolded it throughout the night. The image on the front page stared up at me like a challenge—her face, my face. That woman... she could be my exact replica, if not for the blank emptiness in her eyes. And there, in bold print beneath the photograph, was the name of the venue where it all supposedly happened.I held the paper tighter, slipping past the east wing of the mansion, careful not to make the floorboards creak. My heart thundered in my chest, screaming that someone would catch me, but no one did. The morning air hit me like a slap the moment I stepped outside—sharp and cold, waking me up in ways that no a
From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 40
Camilla.The soft rays of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I stretched lazily, feeling the remnants of a wonderful dream about Grey. Last night had been perfect. He’d held me close, kissed me with such intensity, and whispered promises of forever into my ear. It had felt so real, so right. I smiled at the thought of it as I slowly sat up in bed, rubbing my eyes.But as the haze of sleep lifted, something felt… off. I glanced around, noticing immediately that the space beside me was empty. The sheets where Grey had been just hours before were cold, undisturbed. I reached out instinctively, as if hoping to feel him beside me, but there was nothing. The bed was just a bed, and it felt like it was missing a piece.A small pang of disappointment blossomed in my chest. Where did he go?I stood up and pulled on my robe, then quickly made my way out of the room. My feet moved automatically, but my mind was clouded. I hadn’t expected him to be gon
From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 39
Grey.What was she doing?Restlessly, I swept my gaze around her room, passing indifferently over the bed. I tried to pierce the darkness beyond, and focus on her bathroom where I knew she was. But the night was impenetrable. Earlier, I’d heard her splashing water. Then I’d heard sniffling. Now—nothing. Just the cry of a lonely owl.What the hell was she doing?It felt like she’d been gone for a long time, but I knew it hadn’t been more than ten or fifteen minutes. So why was I impatient? Patience had been a survival skill I’d learned long ago. But my mind was playing tricks on me—cruel, vivid tricks. I imagined her unbuttoning her blouse, baring her big, white breasts to bathe. I stood and began pacing, tugging at the crotch of my trouser. I wasn’t used to this kind of frustration.I was spoiled when it came to women. They always wanted me. All of them. I couldn’t remember one who hadn’t. But this one? She was different. A lowlife that probably doesn't even know her real name. I didn
From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 38
Camilla.I’d never known boredom could be this loud. The silence of the mansion roared in my ears as I paced around my room, again, arms folded, lips pressed into a thin line. The walls felt like they were closing in, suffocating me with every passing hour. I wasn’t a prisoner, technically, but that’s exactly what it felt like. A golden cage wrapped in luxury, yes—but a cage all the same.Grey hadn’t come to see me all day. Again.I flopped onto the bed, rolling onto my side to stare at the cold, untouched spot next to me. My hand hovered over the sheets, then clenched into a fist. I was done being ignored. If Grey wasn’t going to give me attention, then I’d get it elsewhere—even if it meant sneaking out.When Miri, one of the younger maids, walked by my room with a tray of clean towels, I sprang to the door like a woman possessed.“Miri!” I called, soft enough not to draw attention, but loud enough to make her stop.She peeked her head in, cautious. “Yes, ma?”I stepped closer, dropp
From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 37
Benjamin.I was seething.My hands were trembling, fists clenched so tightly my knuckles had turned bone white. I could still feel the sting of humiliation crawling under my skin, burrowing deep like a parasite I couldn’t kill. She threw me out—threw me out like I was some houseboy she caught stealing silverware.Julia.I could still see her face, jaw tight, eyes burning like acid when she stormed into the room and found Rose and me having sex in that bed. No words. No screaming at first. Just silence. And then hell broke loose. The sound of her voice still echoed in my ears—sharp, cold, controlled.“Get. Out.”At first, I thought she was bluffing. I sat up, dazed. “Julia, listen—”“No. No explanations. No fake apologies. Just go.”I’d never seen her like that. I wasn’t sure if it made me angrier or just… shocked. But when she turned and walked out of the room like I didn’t exist, like I didn’t matter, something inside me snapped.I didn’t even realize I’d started trashing the place u
From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 36
Julia.I don’t know how long I sat on that park bench, knees pulled to my chest, face buried in my hands. The tears had dried up, but the ache in my chest stayed, like a dull blade slowly turning. I should’ve stayed away. I wanted to stay away. Every fiber in me screamed that going back to that house, to him, was the worst idea possible. But then that was all I have, and I could not possible run away from it like a coward.Dragging myself to my feet felt like dragging a boulder. I wiped my face with the back of my hand, ignoring the judgmental looks from passersby. My legs moved on autopilot, taking me through streets that were far too familiar, back to the one place that was supposed to be safe—but hadn’t been for a long time.I unlocked the door, pushing it open slowly like the house might somehow swallow me whole.And then I saw something that took me a while to decode.A pair of women’s panties. Just lying there. On the floor. Pale pink lace.My heart stopped mid-beat. My brain st
From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 35
Julia.I woke up gasping, drenched in sweat, my chest heaving like I’d just run a marathon. My heart slammed against my ribs, the final echoes of the nightmare still clinging to the edges of my mind like cobwebs I couldn’t shake off.Then I saw him.Benjamin.Standing over me.With a pillow in his hands.For a heartbeat, I couldn’t move. I was paralyzed. My body refused to cooperate, but my mind screamed—Run. Get out.“What the hell are you doing?” I snapped, shooting up from the bed so fast that the sheets tangled around my legs. My voice cracked, equal parts fear and rage.He laughed. Actually laughed. Like I’d just told him the dumbest joke in the world.“Oh, relax,” he said, shaking his head. “If I wanted to kill you, Julia, I’ve had seven whole months to do it. Don’t be so dramatic.”Then he turned, still chuckling to himself, and walked away—pillow still in hand like none of this was completely unhinged. Like he wasn’t completely unhinged.I sat there, frozen. My fingers gripped
From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 34
Camilla.I didn’t expect to be stunned. The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of what could only be described as a palace carved out of glass and white marble. I blinked, twice, maybe three times, and even rubbed the edge of my sleeve against my eyes, hoping I wasn’t hallucinating. But no—this was real. This was Grey’s house.The walls stretched high into the sky, with delicate arches and floor-to-ceiling windows that reflected the golden dusk like they were part of the sun itself. A circular driveway curled around a fountain so pristine I could see the rippling reflection of a swan statue balanced in its center. The air smelled like lavender and wealth. There were actual gardeners trimming the already-perfect hedges, and I caught the soft echo of a grand piano playing from inside.I stood there, frozen. My heart thudded somewhere near my throat. I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe for a moment.This was his world. And I—what was I doing here?The image of the slum I left behind fla
From Dust to Ashes: A scorned Bride Chapter 33
Camilla“I’ll do it,” I said.The words slipped out of my mouth before I could catch them—like breath on a cold morning, there and gone. I didn’t even mean to say it out loud, not yet, not until I was sure.Grey’s eyes narrowed as he took a step closer, the faintest trace of shock flickering across his otherwise unreadable face. “What did you just say?”I swallowed, hard. My heart thundered against my ribcage like it wanted to escape. This was it. No going back.“I said I’ll do it. I’ll agree to the contract marriage.”Silence.Grey didn’t say anything immediately—he just stood there, watching me like I was a puzzle he hadn’t figured out yet. Like I had somehow surprised him. Which, let’s be honest, I probably had.From behind him, Bryce stepped forward, his shoes tapping against the polished floor like a ticking clock. He pulled something from his coat pocket—an envelope. He held it out toward me with both hands, like it was some kind of sacred offering.“This is yours,” he said.I b
