"We are here," I said to the cab driver.

The man nodded and I got out, staring at the grand building.

My fists tightened at my sides. It was time to crash their little celebration.

I walked toward the door but two guards stopped me.

"I'm sorry, you can't go in."

"What do you mean? This is the Volkan's building, I have every right to enter."

"Entry is by invitation and Mr. Volkan made it clear that you cannot enter—"

"Julia?"

I glanced in the direction of the voice and locked eyes with her.

Her face paled and I bit hard on my bottom lip.

Lovie Knight marched forward, grabbing my arm. "What are you doing here? Atlas made it clear that you should stay at home. Why can't you follow simple orders?" She spat, running her hands through her hair. "What if someone sees you?"

"What?" I matched her tone. "Are you scared of your secret being exposed? That everyone will find out you're a fake and I am the real designer? That you're feeding on my hard work?"

Lovie raised an eyebrow, releasing me. "Wow, you have... You have grown wings, haven't you? Now, you are talking back?"

"I won't just talk back, I will show everyone your true color, Lovie."

I started walking but some security men surrounded me. I gasped when they grabbed me.

"I think you've got it all wrong, little sister. This is my runway. I am the face of Volkan Empire's latest collection." she smirked as I fought against her. "I took Atlas and I am taking this too. Nothing and no one can stop me from walking down that runway. Not even you, Julia."

My eyes widened as she walked away.

"Lovie! You won't get away with this! I promise you! I will expose you, today itself!"

She simply turned and laughed before strolling off.

I fought against the men as they tied me up, throwing me into a small storeroom outside. I fell face first, my blood boiling.

I tried to remove the ropes, but no matter how hard I fought, it was futile. I frowned when the smell of gas reached my nostrils.

Glancing around, my eyes widened when I saw a gas cylinder. My chest tightened and I pushed myself up.

I froze for a moment. My sister had done this to me? First she tried to kill me and now? All my life, I tried to win her affection and approval but now reality was glaring at me.

Lovie Knight had never seen me as family. Neither had Mother. I was always a tool for them and no matter how many times I tried to downplay it, the truth was crushing.

I tightened my fists, pushing back a sob that threatened to escape my lips. I wasn't here to cry over spilled milk. I was here to take my revenge. I was no longer a little girl — vying for her attention.

I wanted my rights. Lovie had a habit of taking things that belonged to me and I was going to break it.

I had to get out and fast. I could barely cough or breathe through the gag. My eyes scanned the room and a sigh of relief escaped my lips when I saw a blade.

Lovie... she crossed all limits. All of them — everyone I cared about, they proved they were undeserving of my love.

Atlas... how would he react to knowing his innocent princess was a murderer?

Would he be glad I was the victim? The thought almost made me laugh.

I reached for the blade as the dusty room made my skin crawl. I could already hear the speakers announcing Lovie's arrival.

I had to stop the show and expose the truth — Lovie was a liar and Atlas was her accomplice.

Those were my designs and I was no longer willing to sacrifice anything. It wasn't my fault Ryle died. Someone else did it.

So, why was I paying for these crimes? It was Atlas who chose to marry me. Yet, I was humiliated for six years.

I was facing the consequences of their decisions. It was time they faced it too.

I winced as the blade cut my skin but I continued cutting the ropes, once my hands were free — I removed the gag and gasped for air.

I walked over to the door but froze when I remembered security was outside.

If I came out, they wouldn't let me on the runway.

They had strict instructions to keep me out. I started searching for a disguise in the boxes littering the room.

This was the storeroom where all the unwanted clothes and items were kept. The ones that of course, didn't match Lovie's taste.

Without a second thought, I pulled out another dress, a sparkling black one. I sighed in relief as I saw a mask.

I wore the dress and mask, adjusting it before I exited the room. Thankfully, the guards weren't even there.

I took the chance to slip inside, strolling toward the runway hall.

I could almost hear Lovie's laughter, basking in praise she did not earn. It was time to pull the rug underneath her feet and face Atlas.

Atlas. My heart broke at his name. The first man I loved and the first man who broke my heart.

I sucked in a sharp breath and strolled inside, watching as guests started whispering amongst themselves.

My eyes locked with Lovie's green orbs. She clenched her jaw, looking shocked and irritated.

I strolled down the runway but she caught my arm midway. "Who are you and what are you doing here? You must be a measly worker, You are fired!"

"Lovie!" I turned to see Mother. She approached us, her smile wearing off as more people focused on the scene.

A masked woman, walking down the runway and stealing Lovie's spotlight? It was a sight for sore eyes.

"Who could she be?"

"She doesn't seem fazed by Miss Knight!"

"Didn't you hear me? You are fired, Get out!" Lovie spat, glaring daggers into my skin. I rolled my eyes.

"No," Mother protested and I raised an eyebrow. "She created a scene, wearing black and walking down the runway. She must apologize!"

"Yes, apologize," Lovie said, smiling. "Go on. Don't be scared. I may even forgive you."

"Shouldn't you be asking for forgiveness? After all, you are in someone else's limelight. Or can you deny that these are your sister's designs?"

Gasps rang through the room, followed by multiple camera flashes. Lovie glanced around, looking flustered.

"Is what she is saying true?!" One demanded

"Does VK designs not belong to Lovie? What a bomb!"

"Who are you and how dare you make such claims at me? I will ruin your life—"

"I am ruining yours at the moment, so, hold on." I spat. "This woman has been impersonating the real golden designer for years. She has taken credit for all the designs and the only thing she does is parade in front of cameras!"

The camera's flashed and Lovie stumbled, her eyes glazed with fury.

"How dare you make such accusations? I am the owner of these designs. I made them!"

"Did you?"

"I don't have to answer to you. I don't even know who you are."

"Lovie? What's going on here? Who is this?"

"Atlas" Lovie broke into tears. "Atlas this woman, she's saying that everything belongs to Julia. Everyone knows I am the designer, right? They are questioning it because of her."

Atlas' eyes narrowed at me, standing straight. The dark-haired man's black suit clung to him, his stance powerful and unyielding.

"What proof do you have?" Atlas boomed, narrowing his eyes. He crouched down beside Lovie, comforting her.

My heart ached, he had never defended or shown me any affection. Yet, here he was, publicly comforting my sister. Was I too hard to love?

The sturdy man glared at me, looking every bit like a Ruthless CEO in his three-piece suit and solid strides.

"Atlas! I worked so hard. yet..." Lovie cried, hiding her face in his shoulder.

"You haven't worked a day in your life, Lovie. So, how can this be true?"

"There must be something about this voice. The murderer at home speaks like this too. Security, throw her out!" Atlas growled.

"I am not going anywhere until she confesses the truth. Say it. Say that you've been stealing your sister's designs for years!"

"Enough!" Atlas boomed, his gaze icy cold. He grabbed my arm. "Since you won't leave, I will throw you out myself."

I yanked my arm from his and reached behind my mask, grinning as it fell off.

Something flickered in Atlas' eyes while Lovie's face paled.

The guests and reporters erupted into an uproar, and I grinned.

"Tell me, hubby. How can you throw me out of my runway?"

"Julia!" Mother fumed, her eyes pinning me with a glare. "How dare you come here?"

Lovie broke into a sob. "Mummy, why is she doing this? Why is Julia trying to ruin my life? She's always hurting me!"

"Stop pretending to be—"

"Enough, Julia!" Mother spat. "I thought you mended your ways. What did you say? You gave her rights to these designs. You said you were atoning for your mistake—"

"Why should I atone for something I did not do?"

Mother huffed. "Did not do?" she repeated, "You slept with your sister's fiancé and married him. His brother was driven to commit suicide because of your shameless act!" she grabbed my arm. "For the past six years, they have suffered! How can you stand here and act like a victim?"

"Look Mother, I am not here to dig up the past. I am here to discuss the present reality." I shifted my gaze to Lovie. "I am the real designer of all VK designs and I want my rights and recognition"

"All of a sudden?" Atlas growled.

I turned to see him raising an eyebrow. "Just a few hours ago, you were begging to come here. You told me you would behave and not disrupt the ceremony. Yet... you arrived and you're saying this? Disgusting!"

"What exactly do you want Julia? You want to humiliate me in front of everybody?" Lovie broke into a sob and hid in Atlas' arms.

"Can you see how much you are hurting her?" Mother spat. "Your sister is in pain!"

"What about me? What about all the pain and hard work I have put in? I shared my husband for six years. Now, she can have him, I want everything else.”

I marched over to the banners and decorations and tore them down.

"Oh no! Does this mean the rumor is true?"

"The true designer for VK designs is Julia Volkan and not Lovie Knight?"

"What did she mean by sharing her husband? What is going on?"

The reporters asked, their eyes wide and hungry for information.

"Yes, I designed everything myself, and if she insists that she did it, fine," I said and Lovie smiled, relaxing.

I reached for a sketchbook and pen, throwing it at Lovie. "Prove it and I will do the same, sketch a design!"

The room fell silent as Lovie's eyes widened. "W-what?!" She blurted. "Why should I do that? Everyone knows—"

"If she is the real designer, why would she have any problem sketching a design?

"Does this mean that she is a fake—"

"No, no. no! I am not a fake, I—" she stumbled over her words, flustered. "Why should I prove anything to her? This is my launch, why are you stealing it, Julia?"

"Sketch. If you don't draw today, everyone will know I am telling the truth. Draw!"

Lovie glanced around and picked up the paper and pencil, her hands shaking. She was about to start drawing when Atlas caught her wrist.

"Enough." He growled, throwing it away. "Lovie doesn't have to prove anything, especially not to you." He informed me. "You better watch your tone —"

"Or what?"

"Julia, you are crossing the line. You are damaging our reputation" Atlas spat and grabbed my arm, he tried to pull me out but I didn't budge.

"Hubby," I closed the distance between us, "You are sleeping with my sister, what bigger scandal can there be than that?"

"What! The CEO of Volkan Industries, Atlas Volkan is sleeping with his wife's sister?!"

I watched as Atlas' chest rose and fell with fury. He grabbed my wrist and forcefully dragged me away from the press, I fought against him till my back hit a wall.

Our eyes locked, breaths tingling. "This is what you wanted, right? To look pitiful? To destroy my image? To hurt your sister?" He snarled. "She is the only reason you are not in prison for killing my brother and still —"

"Your brother committed suicide. I didn't kill him. Someone drugged me and —"

"Again with that sick story! No one drugged you! You slid into my bed and I had to marry you!" Atlas' jaw tightened.

"I never forced you! However, I may have to force you for my rights." My breath hitched as he grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.

"What rights?" He snickered. "You think you'll walk in here, create a scene and we will accept it? Who do you think you are, Julia? It is your word, against the three of us. You are outnumbered.”

"Really? Why can't you stand in front of the press and say this? Why are you whispering?"

"Let it be, Atlas. I forgive her, she's just stressed." Lovie murmured and we turned to her.

"She—" She took a step forward and collapsed to the ground.

"Lovie!" Atlas crouched down beside her, glaring at me. "Can you see what you have caused? Julia, you are —"

"No, please, no." Lovie cried, hiding in his chest. "There is no point, my life is a joke." She sobbed and I rolled my eyes.

"Look at what you have done to your sister, shameless!" Mother rebuked.

"Get out, Julia. Leave now!" Atlas growled, his eyes darkening.

"I am not going anywhere till we return to the stage and you announce the truth."

Atlas stood, daring me to continue as he stepped forward. "And what is the truth?"

"The truth is that I am the owner of those designs. I designed those dresses and Lovie has taken the credit for years, why?" I tightened my fists at my sides, my stomach churning.

"You are the one who allowed this in the past. You said you wanted to make amends, and now..." He scoffed. "You are showing your true colors!"

"Back then, I had the wrong impression." I thought if I gave everything I had, he would love me and they would accept me.

However, despite taking everything — Lovie plotted to kill me.

"Now, my eyes have opened."

Atlas rolled his eyes and I frowned. "I think you are too late. No matter what you say or do, no one will believe you."

"Are you challenging me?" I retorted.

"No, I am stating facts. No one can ever believe you. Legally, those are Lovie's designs." I frowned and it deepened as Atlas pulled out his phone and showed me an e-document.

My face paled and my chest tightened. It felt like a rug had been pulled underneath me

"Your designs, your life. Everything belongs to me, Julia. Do you understand?"

"This… this is fake!" My knees threatened to buckle as I stared at the document.

The camera flashes tore through the moment, grounding me. I could barely hear their murmurs over the sound of my heartbeat.

The document in front of me stated that Lovie had copyright over my designs. My signature was boldly drawn there.

How?

"What did you say?" Atlas taunted. "These were your designs? You created them... Lies!" He boomed and turned to the reporters.

My heart raced. They followed us here. Mother helped Lovie stand, while she clung to her.

"This is the real proof," Atlas showed them his phone and I shook my head.

"No, I don't remember signing anything."

"Of course, you don't." He informed me, "You remember everything except the truth — how convenient."

"He's lying. These are my designs, why would I sell them off?" I almost sobbed as my heart twisted in my chest.

A tear dared to roll down my cheek and Atlas tightened his fist, looking away.

"What are those tears for? Another attempt at forced sympathy?"

Three years.

I stayed with this man for three years and he didn't bat an eye before betraying me.

He left me to die and now, this.

My stomach churned as the reporters glared at me.

"This is disgusting! She crashed her sister's runway to humiliate her!"

"I can't believe I was siding with her! Horrible!"

"Atlas? I am feeling dizzy." Lovie whispered and Atlas lifted her but he kept his gaze on me.

"Mrs. Volkan, why did you do this?"

"Yes! Why did you stoop so low?"

"Maybe this is why he is cheating! She is not a good woman!"

“Enough!” I snapped, my heart breaking as I glared at Atlas. “I am sick of this drama. Let us settle this once and for all. I insist that those documents are fake and I am ready to repeat that in any court, and add that I was either forced to sign it under duress or it is forged.”

Atlas frowned, narrowing his eyes at me. “You would dare go against me?”

“Hubby, look around. I was never with you, to begin with. I have never been a part of your life. So, from what bond do you demand loyalty?”

Our eyes locked and his lips twitched, almost as if he wanted to say something but no sound came.

“In addition, I am launching a new collection in three days and Lovie should launch another collection, it is one thing to be the designer in name and another thing to be the CEO of VK Industries. If I can prove that I am a better designer, I want that seat and not just that, I want my twenty percent back.” I declared to the press and Atlas.

“Yes, yes. Mrs. Volkan has a point. It has to be a fair fight.”

“She can’t be this bold while lying.”

“Yes, Mr. Volkan cannot reject a fair compromise, right?”

I turned to Atlas, “Deal?”

Our eyes locked. “And if you fail?”

I stepped forward. “I will publicly apologize to Lovie and —”

“You will sign a Non disclosure contract and completely license all future works to Lovie. Deal?”

My heart dropped. He… he wanted me to give her everything? All my rights and designs?

“What, Julia? Are you having cold feet?”