INTRO Today marked five years since the heir to the billionaire Hendrix family was sent to prison for a crime that shocked the entire nation. A crime so devastating it was buried deep, hidden from the public eye. But today, he was set to be released. The world hadn’t forgotten his name. And neither had those who wanted him to pay. Harry Hendrix, the infamous heir to the billionaire Hendrix family, had spent the last Five years locked away in one of the country’s most secure prisons. Perched uptown, the facility was guarded by three thousand elite policemen—an evidence to the danger he posed to society. Few dared to speak his name, but everyone knew the truth. Harry Hendrix wasn’t just any criminal; he was a force of nature. And today, that force was about to be unleashed. Forty cars lined up outside the guarded prison, engines rumbling in the quiet morning. They weren’t just cars—they were waiting for Harry Hendrix. Five years behind bars, and now, he was about to be fre
Ivy's Pov "You’re probably wondering how a lawyer like me ended up in a place like this ;a mansion I don’t even recognize." "My name is Ivy Smith, and this is where my story takes a turns and twist I never saw coming." "I came to New York hoping for a fresh start, thinking it would be the place where everything finally fell into place and my dream would finally come to life." "Little did I know, I was walking straight into the nightmare I never saw coming." I left my small town, thinking New York would be my chance to finally land a job as a lawyer. I got here, sure. But did I get the job? Nope. And my bank account? Yeah, it's empty. And my useless brother's debt was still hanging over me unpaid. I knew I had to do something. Then I stumbled upon an ad an heir to a wealthy family needed a hired bride for a few months, with huge benefits. It wasn’t a real marriage, just a job. Why not? The pay could cover my brother's debt, and maybe even help me open my own law firm one
A soft knock pulled me out of the little sleep I’d managed to get. Groaning, I shuffled to the door and cracked it open. The mother stood there, perfectly composed, with a maid hovering behind her like a shadow. “Good morning,” she said, her voice brisk. “You do know what today is, don’t you?” I rubbed my eyes, still half-asleep. “The wedding?” “Yes. The wedding. We’re on a tight schedule,” she snapped. “The maid will help you. The dress is ready. Just make sure you smile at the venue.” She didn’t wait for a response, just turned and disappeared down the hall. The maid gave me a curt nod and gestured for me to follow her. When I stepped into the next room, I stopped short. It looked like a tornado had ripped through a high-end boutique. Gowns hung off every available surface, shoes were scattered across the floor, and jewelry spilled out of boxes like an afterthought. “Choose something,” the maid said, her tone as lifeless as her expression. I scanned the chaos, my gaze settli
Harry Hendrix pov: I stood by the window, looking down at the scene unfolding. The rain hit her hard, soaking her from head to toe. I couldn't help but watch as she stood there, clearly furious. It almost made me laugh, but I knew I should save my amusement for later. This was only the beginning. I cracked the window open, the rain pouring harder now. "Are you going to stand there all night like a drenched chicken, or come inside?" I called out, my voice tinged with annoyance, though I couldn't help but feel a small sense of satisfaction. She glared up at me, her face scrunched in frustration. "You locked the door. How’d you expect me to get inside?" she yelled, her tone sharp, like she was daring me to argue back. I sighed, then walked away from the window. "You can come in. I think the rain's punished you enough." I could hear her footsteps as she hurried to the door. I peeled off my tuxedo, frustration building up. This whole thing is a fucking mess. I mean, sure, I
Ivy's pov I’d only been married to him for a day, and I was already over it. I barely slept, and yet, with the house staff standing around, he had me make his breakfast before storming out of the mansion without a word about where he was going. I couldn’t care less. His absence was the only peace I had. In a few months, I’d be walking out of here a millionaire, and that was all that mattered. A loud knock on the door pulls me out of my thoughts. I blink, disoriented and irritated. Who could it be now? It’s only been a day. The house guard went to answer the door, but from my room, I could hear the sound of struggling. A loud, familiar voice yelled, “Let me in!” The guard’s voice followed, firm but shaking, “You can’t get in without the master’s permission!” The commotion grew louder, and my skin crawled. What the hell was going on? I rushed down the stairs, my heart pounding, unsure of what I’d find. And then, to my shock, I saw him—my abusive older brother, David, Struggl
My eyes stayed shut, fear pinning me in place. I couldn’t bring myself to open them—I didn’t want to face whatever fate was waiting on the other side of this moment. My breathing was shallow and uneven, as the silence after the shot stretched endlessly. I whispered a shaky prayer under my breath, tears slipping down my cheeks. My chest felt tight, and my hands trembled as I forced myself to open my eyes, dreading what I might see. I opened my eyes, and the bloody scene before me froze me in place. It was like I was back in the past, reliving the nightmare I’d tried so hard to escape—the night my dad was shot right before my eyes. They had both fired. Harry clutched his arm, blood streaming down in a rush, but he stayed standing. My brother, David, lay sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood. I couldn’t tell if he was alive or dead. I moved closer to David, my hands trembles as I shook him gently. “Come on, open your eyes!” I plead, my voice cracking. Even though he had hur
I was left with two choices. Jump out of the window, even though my room was on the second floor. Or stay and let whoever was coming find me. My heart raced as I glanced at the window, the drop looked more terrifying with every second. But the footsteps were coming closer, and I didn’t have time to think. I ran to the window, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Peering down, my stomach twisted. It was higher than I thought. The ground seemed miles away, and my legs trembled at the thought of jumping. Then I saw them—guards, stationed everywhere, their eyes scanning the perimeter. Escape wasn’t going to be easy. The footsteps behind me grew louder, each one hammering into my chest like a countdown. Finally, the doorknob twisted. My breath caught, and my eyes widened in shock. The door creaked open, inch by inch, and I stood frozen, unable to move or even think. Of course, Harry's tall figure stepped in, his eyes scanning the room like he owned every inch of it
I stared at him, trying to make sense of his words. I should have refused the food? My stomach aches, not from the meal but from the weight of his smirk. The plate was empty. I had eaten it all. My palms grew clammy as I sat frozen, his gaze piercing through me. “What do you mean?” I managed to whisper. Harry leaned back casually, like he wasn’t the one making my world tilt. “Oh, you’ll find out soon enough.” His chuckle sent a chill racing down my spine. A sharp pain shot through my stomach, so intense it made me double over. I clutched at my abdomen, the ache twisting and burning like nothing I’d ever felt. It wasn’t the familiar discomfort of menstrual cramps—this was something worse and unnatural. “What did you do to me?” I gasped, barely able to get the words out. Harry stood there, watching me with that infuriating smile plastered across his face. His calmness only made the pain worse. “Hurts, doesn’t it?” he said softly, almost like he cared. But the gleam in his ey
Ivy exhaled sharply as she helped Patricia Hendrix into the sleek black car, steadying the older woman as she trembled with exhaustion. The flashing cameras, the murmuring reporters—everything felt suffocating.She turned to the driver, her voice firm but calm. “Drive safely. Get us home.”The man gave a sharp nod and pulled away from the chaotic scene.Patricia leaned against the car seat, her hands still shaking. Ivy reached for them, giving them a reassuring squeeze.“You’ll be okay, Mrs. Hendrix.” Her voice was softer now, almost a whisper. “I’ve got you.”Patricia didn’t respond, she only stared blankly ahead as the city lights blurred past the tinted windows.Ivy sighed, resting her head against the seat. She had no idea what she’d just gotten herself into again. As soon as the car pulled up to the grand Hendrix mansion, Ivy barely had time to step out before Karl Hendrix stormed onto the front steps. His sharp suit was slightly disheveled, his jaw tight with frustration.“So
The sharp wail of sirens echoed from outside, sending a wave of anticipation through the crowd.People whispered in hushed tones, their voices a mix of excitement and vindication.“He’s finally going back to where he fucking belongs.”“Knew it. He always had that look—like trouble waiting to happen.”“About time someone put him in his place.”The murmurs grew louder as the flashing red and blue lights shines eerie patterns against the walls. The police officers stepped in, their presence commanding silence.Harry, once feared, once untouchable, stood frozen. For the first time, he looked… defeated.Ivy could feel the weight of a hundred eyes on her. Judging and questioning. Was she going to stand by him, or finally let go?The police captain stepped in, his expression stone-cold as his gaze swept across the chaos. Sasha wasted no time."Arrest him! And make sure he's beaten," she demanded, her voice sharp without mercy.The officers moved in fast. Harry barely flinched as they grabb
The door burst open.Gasps filled the hallway.Harry stood—on his feet—gun still gripped in his hand.For a moment, silence.Then—"Ahh!" Adrian let out a strangled groan, clutching his stomach as he staggered back, his legs wobbling like they were about to give out. His face twisted in pain, his body slumping against the wall.Sasha’s scream tore through the air. "You shot him?!"Ivy’s hands flew to her mouth.Harry didn’t move. His jaw clenched, his knuckles white around the gun."I—I didn’t—"Adrian groaned louder, his breathing ragged. "Damn… I didn’t think you’d actually do it, man…" He slid down to the floor, his hand pressing over his stomach, shaking.Blood.Or at least, what looked like it.Security stormed in, guns drawn."Drop the weapon!"Harry’s heart pounded. His head snapped toward Adrian, who was giving the performance of a lifetime.That bastard.He hadn’t even fired the damn gun.Sasha’s chest heaved as she pointed a trembling finger at Harry, her eyes blazing with f
"Let me go, you motherfucker, or I’ll shout!" Adrian hissed, stumbling back, his eyes wild with fear.Harry cocked his head, amusement flickering in his gaze. He lifted the gun slightly, his finger grazing the trigger. "You shout, I pull the trigger," he said, his voice eerily calm.Adrian swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. His back hit the sink, nowhere left to go. "You’re insane," he breathed.Harry let out a dark chuckle. "Took you this long to figure that out?""I always knew you were," Adrian spat, gripping the edge of the sink like it could save him. "That’s why Sasha left you, you bloody criminal."Harry’s jaw clenched, but his smirk stayed. "Oh, is that what she told you?" He took a slow, measured step forward, lifting the gun just enough to make Adrian flinch. "Funny, because last I checked, she still can't get me out of her damn head."Adrian’s breathing turned ragged. "You're delusional."Harry chuckled darkly. "And you’re running out of time."Adrian swallowed hard,
The wedding carried on as if nothing had happened. The music swelled, the clinking of glasses and polite laughter filled the grand hall. Sasha, draped in her designer gown, carried herself with that rich practiced ease, her hand resting delicately in Adrian’s as they made their rounds. She didn’t spare Harry a glance—not once.Which was ironic, considering she was the one who had invited him.Harry leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest, his expression was unreadable. If Sasha thought she could act like he didn’t exist, she had another thing coming.Ivy, sitting beside him, felt the shift in his energy. His jaw was set and his smirk was calculating something. He wasn’t just here to watch—he had his own plans in mind.She didn’t know what exactly, but judging by the way his gaze flickered to Sasha, how his lips curled slightly like he was enjoying some inside joke—she knew it wouldn’t be anything good."The moment we’ve all been waiting for!" the
"Excuse me! I believe I should be the one answering that," a rich, feminine tone carried over the murmuring crowd.Heads turned, and Ivy wasn't the least bit surprised to see Sasha’s mother striding forward, poised and calculated. She held a crystal champagne flute with the ease of a woman used to commanding attention, her expensive jewelry glinting under the chandeliers.Harry’s jaw tightened as she approached."Harry," she drawled, her red lips curving into a smirk. "I see you finally grew a spine and decided to show up." She took a leisurely sip of her drink, letting the tension boil gently before turning to the press with the kind of grace only years of wealth and influence could teach.“Well, my daughter knows exactly what’s best for her,” she announced, making sure her words carried across the room. “She is about to marry the love of her life, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”The journalists, sensing the charged atmosphere, pounced."Mrs. Laurent, does this mean Sasha has compl
They stepped outside where a sleek black SUV was waiting. The chauffeur stood by, ready, but Ivy instinctively moved to help Harry into the car. He shot her a —half irritation look that seemed to scream to her to stop.Once he was settled, she climbed in beside him.The drive was smooth, the city lights flashing past in streaks of gold and blue. Neither of them spoke.Ivy stared out the window, arms folded. The silence between them wasn’t exactly awkward, but it wasn’t comfortable either. Harry, on the other hand, looked relaxed, one hand resting on his lap, the other tracing slow patterns on the leather seat.She stole a glance at him. He wasn’t looking at her. It was going to be a long night.The SUV rolled to a stop in front of the grand entrance of the exclusive venue. Ivy barely had time to take in the towering, chandelier-lit hall before her eyes landed on the oversized posters plastered across the entrance—The newlyweds to be —Sasha and Adrian, smiling like a power couple str
“Sit!” Madam Devereaux commanded, flicking her wrist dramatically as if she were casting a spell.Ivy plopped onto the chair, crossing her arms.Madam Devereaux sighed, muttering something in rapid French as she adjusted her silk scarf. “Mon dieu, such resistance. Americans…” She waved at her apprentice. “Vite, vite! We do not have all day.”The apprentice immediately got to work, laying out an intimidating number of makeup brushes.“We will start now,” Madam Devereaux announced, inspecting Ivy’s face like an artist assessing a blank canvas. “You will cooperate.”Ivy exhaled through her nose. “Yeah, yeah.”“Non, non.” Madam Devereaux tapped Ivy’s forehead lightly. “Less frowning. Wrinkles are not chic.”Ivy forced her face into a neutral expression, but her frustration was obvious.“Good girl,” the woman said, smirking as she reached for a foundation brush. “Now, let’s make you look like someone worth standing next to Monsieur Hendrix.”Ivy barely had time to process what was happenin
"Fuck!" Ivy shouted, yanking off the latest disaster of a dress and throwing it onto the growing pile on the floor. "None of these damn things fit!" She ran a frustrated hand through her hair, exhaling sharply. Her eyes flickered to the last dress—the one Harry had picked. The one she had refused to try because, of course, he couldn’t possibly know her size. Still, she was out of options. With a huff, she grabbed it and slipped it on. The moment the fabric settled against her skin, she froze. It fit. Perfectly. Like it had been made just for her. She turned to the mirror, her hands smoothing over the luxurious fabric, the deep blue hugging her curves in all the right places. It was sleek, elegant—expensive. Her lips parted slightly as she took herself in. "Damn…" she muttered under her breath. "He actually did know my size." She hated that. And maybe, just maybe, she kind of liked it too. Ivy had spent almost an hour wrestling with dresses, tossing one after anot