Steven’s POV
Flashback
“I’ve completed the mission, Alpha,” Williams’s voice cut through the quiet of my office, his presence a ghost in the room. His steps were soundless, but his words carried weight.
“So, you’ve found out everything about Ashley?” I asked, not bothering to look up from the stack of documents in front of me.
“Yes, Alpha. I’ve even installed cameras in her house, just to make sure we didn’t miss anything,” Williams added, the cold satisfaction in his voice clear.
“Good job,” I muttered, a smirk curling on my lips. *I always know how to stay ten steps ahead.*
Flashback Ends
The weight of the memory hung in the air as I sat in my office, the sky outside darkening to a deep shade of purple. I stared out the window, but my mind wasn’t on the view-it was on the hunt. The one who had killed my betas. Whoever it was, they couldn’t hide forever. I will find you. You won’t get away from me.
My fists clenched involuntarily, my rage simmering beneath the surface, threatening to spill over. But I had learned to control it over the years.
The office phone rang, its sharp tone pulling me back to reality. I picked it up without hesitation.
“Sir, you might want to turn on your TV. There’s something being broadcasted that concerns you,” Debby’s voice was tight with unease.
Without a word, I switched on the screen. The image that filled the screen made my jaw tighten. Maya. A live interview, her face on full display.
“So, you’re declaring your intention to enter the fashion industry?” the interviewer asked, his tone respectful but probing.
Maya smiled, her expression smooth and confident. “Everyone always says I have the looks for it, so I thought, why not give it a try?”
“Impressive! You’re already heir to the Bray empire, and you’re marrying one of the wealthiest businessmen soon, yet you still want to build your own career. You’re truly inspiring, Miss Maya.”
Maya chuckled, the sound light and carefree. “Actually, you’re a little off. I haven’t opened my business yet. I’m modeling for S Clothings on a contract basis for the next three months.”
My eyes narrowed. S Clothings? That’s my company.
“Wait, isn’t that your fiance’s company?” the interviewer asked.
“Yes, it is. Though, to clarify-he’s no longer my fiance. I dumped him.”
The words hit me like a slap to the face. I turned off the TV, my anger flaring to life. Who dumped whom, Maya?
I called out sharply. “Debby.”
She appeared in the doorway within seconds, as if she had been waiting for my command.
“When did we sign a contract with Maya as our model?”
Debby hesitated for a moment. “She came in saying she’d already discussed it with you. The fashion director signed the deal with her.”
I clenched my jaw, keeping my voice low and controlled. “So you all just believed her without checking with me? Do you think I’m that careless?”
“Well… she was your fiancee,” Debby faltered, glancing down at the floor.
I resisted the urge to growl, my patience wearing thin. “Get the fashion director. Tell him he’s fired. I want his resignation letter on my desk by tomorrow morning.”
Debby’s eyes widened, but she didn’t protest. “Understood, sir.”
I paused, adding coldly, “And Debby, if there’s another mistake like this, you’ll be packing your things too. Is that clear?”
She nodded, her face pale. I could see she was afraid of me, but it was too late for her to turn back now.
As I left the office, a dark satisfaction settled over me. *People forget who I am sometimes. That’s their mistake.* My power was my weapon, and I wielded it with precision.
******
Ashley’s POV
I sat on the cold, sterile floor of the hospital room, my fingers tracing invisible patterns on the floor as tears slipped down my cheeks. Everything felt so heavy. My mind couldn’t process the whirlwind of emotions that had hit me all at once. Marrying Steven in three days? How did I end up here?
“Ashley?” Mabel’s voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me from my misery. She was standing in the doorway, her eyes full of concern as she hurried toward me. “Why are you sitting here alone? And why haven’t you answered your phone?”
I wiped my eyes quickly, trying to hide the tears, and forced a smile. “Oh, Mabel, I didn’t even realize the time.”
Mabel knelt beside me, her hand gently touching mine. “Sweetie, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?”
I swallowed hard, my throat tight with emotion. “I’m… getting married,” I whispered, my voice shaking as the words escaped me.
“What?!” Mabel’s eyes went wide, her shock evident. “Since when? To who?”
I hesitated, the words feeling like stones in my throat. Finally, I spoke, each syllable like a weight dragging me under. “To Steven Blackwood.”
Mabel’s expression shifted from confusion to disbelief. “Ashley, we talked about this. You said you’d never agree to marry him. Why would you do this now?”
I closed my eyes, torn between the lies I had to tell and the truth that could destroy everything. *I can’t tell her about the threats. About Steven’s dark power, his control over me.*
“I… I changed my mind. He came by, and we talked. We decided to marry in three days.” I forced the lie out, even though it tasted like acid on my tongue.
She studied me carefully, her gaze piercing through the mask I was trying to hold up. “Ashley, if this was really a happy occasion, why are you crying?”
I looked away, quickly wiping my eyes. “I’m not crying. I… my eyelashes were just poking my eyes.”
Mabel sighed, not buying it for a second, but she let it go. “Did Steven threaten you? Tell me the truth.”
My heart stopped. *I want to tell her. I want to scream the truth to her, but I can’t.* I fought to hold back the flood of tears threatening to spill. “No one forced me, Mabel. Steven… he was my first love, my childhood love. We made promises, and now we’re keeping them.”
She studied me for a moment longer, then shrugged. “Alright, if that’s how you feel. Let’s get you home.”
******
The Next Morning
The house was quiet, too quiet. I barely heard Mabel’s footsteps as she slipped on her shoes.
“Are you coming with me to work today, sweetie?” she asked, her voice light but with a hint of worry.
“No, I’m starting my job hunt today,” I replied, forcing a smile.
She nodded, though I could see the concern still clouding her face. “Have a good day, and don’t let Doctor James boss you around too much!”
I nodded, watching her leave. The door clicked shut, and I was left alone in the heavy silence.
Just as I reached for my phone, it buzzed. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the name on the screen.
“Hello?”
“Five minutes,” Steven’s voice was cold and commanding. “You have five minutes to be dressed and outside, or there will be consequences.”
A shiver ran down my spine. There’s no escaping him now.