Hudson Lane sat behind his glass office desk, going through a stack of documents with his sharp eyes, a frown plastered to his face.

“Mr. Lane,” his assistant Eren said entering into the room, “there’s someone here who wants to see you.”

Hudson didn’t raise his head. “Who?”

“Ms. Freya, sir.”

He paused. Freya? Why would she want to see him now? Did it have anything to do with the engagement with Sophie, her sister. A flicker of curiosity crossed his sharp features.

“Bring her in,” he said, finally.

The door opened, and Freya stepped in calmly and confidently. She had come in to fulfill a mission and she wasn't giving up until she did it.

Hudson watched as she walked gracefully, her dark brown hair swaying to the side then she sat on a seat in front of him. Freya was a gorgeous lady with a slender figure, deep blue eyes and a light tanned skin.

“Ms. Freya,” Hudson said, raising an eyebrow. “To what do I owe this surprise?”

“Let’s skip the formalities,” she said. “I don’t want to waste your time. I can see you’re busy, so I’ll get straight to the point.”

Eren walked in and handed a glass of water to him.

Hudson’s brow furrowed. “Oh?” he brought the cup of his mouth and took a sip.

“I want to marry you,” she said, her voice calm and steady.

Hudson spit out the water in his mouth, coughing violently. Eren raised his brows, shock clearly written on his face, he didn't need an instruction, he quietly left the office smiling.

Hudson leaned back, momentarily taken aback. “Excuse me?”

“I want to marry you,” she repeated. “No, I will marry you.”

He studied her, a mixture of surprise and curiosity crossing his face. “And why would you do that? I'm already engaged to your sister… that’s a very bold request.”

Hudson's and Freya's parents were very close friends and because of this, her and her sister were given a chance for one of them to marry Hudson. By terms of rights, Freya was supposed to marry Hudson but Sophie had cried and locked herself up saying that she'd die if she couldn't have him. Freya didn't like seeing her sister in pain so she gave him up, moreso she didn't like Hudson and was in love with Chad.

Freya’s lips curved into a faint, confident smile. “ Mr Lane, I was the one who gave this marriage proposal to Sophie, I'm only taking back what was mine from the start. don't think there's anything wrong with that”

Hudson’s eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued. “You’re very direct, I like that. But tell me… what do I stand to gain in all this? You already rejected me once, it's only right that I get compensated”

“I can offer you part of my shares in the company and future collaboration on multi dollar projects”.

Hudson shook his head “ I am the only successor to the Lane company, I don't need your shares miss John. I doubt if I'll ever be in search of collaborations either, this company is the best construction company in the country…you already know that”

Freya sighed, she knew it wouldn't be easy satisfying the assiduous CEO “What can I do to make you marry me”

Hudson leaned forward, hands locked and chin tucked slightly inwards. “I will marry you on the condition that you fulfill three requests of mine…I'm sure you can do that.”

She swallowed hard “What are your requests?”

“I don't have any for now” he grinned “ Will you do it?”.

Freya’s lips curled into a faint, dangerous smile. “I will”.

Her main priority was getting back at Sophie, she would deal with other problems in the future.

Hudson’s sharp eyes studied her, as though she was food to be eaten . Then he rose from his seat, Slow and commanding, he crossed the space between them in a few long strides. He reached her, his hand lifting under her chin, tilting her face up so that their eyes met. She stared intently at his light green eyes that looked exactly like the the shade of a newly growing plant.

“Are you sure you want to do this? With me?... everyone knows of my ruthless means” His voice was low, almost a challenge.

Freya’s chest tightened for a brief moment

“I’ve never been so sure… or more sure about anything in my life,” she replied.

Hudson’s eyes glinted with a mixture of pride, curiosity, and amusement. He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head slightly. “Very well,” he said, a slow smirk spreading across his face. “We’ll see where this goes.”

Freya’s mind, however, was already racing. First Sophie, everything else can wait.

The first step was now complete, she should have felt happy but why did it feel like she was walking straight into the Lion's den.

Hudson’s fingers released Freya’s chin, letting her sit back slightly. He returned to his chair, eyes still studying her, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“So,” he said, leaning back, “when exactly do you want to get married?”

Freya didn’t hesitate. “Now, if possible.”

He let out a low laugh, leaning forward, amused. “You have to be joking.”

“No,” Freya said simply, her tone calm, almost indifferent. “I’m ready. If you’re not busy, it would be best if we go ahead and get our marriage registered.”

Hudson’s smirk widened. He liked this boldness, the confidence… It intrigued him. “Sure,” he said finally. “Why not? I’m not doing anything anyways.”

The both of them went to the registry and got their marriage registered.

As they stepped out of the registrar’s office, Hudson turned to her with a teasing tone. “I guess you’re my wife now, Freya… or should I call you Mrs. Lane?”

Freya met his gaze, her expression neutral. “Mr. Hudson, let’s keep in mind that this marriage isn’t based on… anything personal. It’s official, yes, but don’t expect any of us to… get attached. This is purely… a business cooperation.”

Hudson chuckled softly, the corners of his lips curling up. “I see. Noted, Mrs. Lane.”

A black car pulled up beside them. Hudson gestured toward it. “Shall I drop you off?”

Freya shook her head. “No. I’m waiting for my own car.”

“No problem,” Hudson said with a small smile. He waved casually and got into his car.

Freya watched him drive off before her own car arrived. She slid into the seat, closed the door, and let out a small sigh. She had a long way to go.

Meanwhile,Sophie laid on the couch at home, scrolling through her phone. She laughed , watching videos while munching on chips she placed in a bowl. Until something weird flashed across her screen.

Her thumb froze, her eyes widened, her heart slammed against her ribs.

It was a picture posted eleven minutes ago by Freya.

Sophie squinted her eyes, bringing the phone closer to her face.

NOW MRS LANE, written boldly with multiple hearts and blushing emojis beside it and below was a picture of a marriage certificate of Hudson and Freya with their pictures very clear.

Sophie’s breath hitched.

“No… no, no, no…” she whispered, sitting up straight. Her fingers shook as she zoomed in, as if the names would magically change. “This has to be a joke.It can’t be real.”

Her chest tightened painfully.

Freya married Hudson? Freya?

Her voice trembled. “No… Hudson is mine. He’s my fiancé. He’s supposed to be mine. We were supposed to—”

The sound of a car door shutting outside made her jump. It was Freya’s car.

Sophie scrambled to her feet, phone still in hand, and ran downstairs. Her pulse was racing, her palms were sweaty, her mind was spinning so fast she could barely think.

She reached the entrance just as Freya stepped out of her car.

Sophie’s voice tore out of her throat.

“FREYA!”

Freya stopped walking and slowly lifted her eyes to her sister, smirking.

Sophie shoved the phone into Freya’s face. “What is this?! What did you post?! Tell me it’s fake! SAY IT!”

Freya didn’t blink. “It’s real.”

Sophie’s face went pale.

Freya’s voice was steady. “Yes, Sophie. I got married to Hudson.”

Sophie staggered back as if slapped. “Wh—what? You… you WHAT?!”

Freya tilted her head slightly. “You took Chad. So I assumed you didn’t want Hudson anymore. It was only right that I married him in your place.”

Sophie’s mouth dropped open.

Her chest heaved.

“You—you thought—YOU THOUGHT?!” she screamed. “Freya, are you INSANE?! Hudson is my fiancé! MINE! How could you—how DARE you do this?!”

Her eyes filled with rage, betrayal, disbelief all at once, her hands shook violently.

“You stole him from me!” Sophie shrieked. “You thief! You wicked, selfish—”

“You knew you had a fiance but went ahead to take Chad, isn't that cheating? You can't eat your cake and have it Sophie…too much of sugar is bad for your teeth”.

“You bitch—” Sophie grabbed her arm.

She slapped Sophie hard on the face, sending her falling to the ground.

Freya walked past her calmly, not sparing her a second glance.

Her heels clicked steadily on the floor, echoing through the hallway like a countdown.

Behind her, Sophie was still yelling, still screaming, still breaking apart.

This is just the beginning, Sophie.

I will take everything from you,everything you love, everything you desire until you have nothing left. You will crawl to me to spare your pathetic life.

Sophie tried calling Hudson over and over again but it all went to voicemail. She sent him messages but no reply.

Her frustration boiled over. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Freya—her sister—had no right to take what was hers! Hudson was hers, her fiancé, the one she had claimed for herself.

In a fit of desperation, Sophie stormed out of the house and drove straight to Lane Construction company.

“I need to see Hudson Lane! Now!” she barked at the receptionist. “It’s urgent!”

The young woman looked uneasy. “I’m sorry, Ms. Sophie, but Mr. Lane isn’t seeing anyone right now.”

“I don’t care! I will see him. He’s my fiancé!” Sophie snapped, her voice rising. “I won’t leave until I see him!”

The receptionist pressed a button under her desk. “Security, please escort Ms. Sophie out.”

Sophie’s face turned red with fury. “You can’t—he has to see me! I—”

Two security guards stepped forward, gently but firmly taking her by the arms. “Please, Ms. Sophie, you have to leave.”

Sophie struggled, but it was no use. She was escorted out of the building, her heels clacking angrily as she stomped back to her car. Her chest heaved with rage.

This isn’t over, she seethed. Nothing’s over until I get what’s mine.

Back at the John residence, Sophie called a family meeting, storming into the living room with Freya calmly seated on the sofa, her posture composed, hands folded neatly.

“I want them divorced!” Sophie barked, pointing at Freya. “Hudson and Freya! They need to get divorced immediately!”

Freya’s voice was calm, almost chilling in its steadiness. “No. I’m not going to get divorced. I’m already married to Hudson. That’s final.”

Sophie’s hands shook with rage. “You—you can’t do this! You promised! You can’t—he’s mine!”

Freya met her gaze evenly. “He was mine in the first place, I only took back what you owe me”.

“Owe you?” Sophie scoffed

“Yes…Owe me” She unfolded her arms and placed them on her thighs “ An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth…Chad for Hudson”

Sophie screamed in disbelief “ Mom…Dad??”

“That's enough Sophie” their father said “ You knew you were engaged to Hudson but you still went ahead to start a relationship with another man…worse still your sister's. Imagine if the Lane family had found out…it would have said badly of us”

Sophie sobbed, she looked at their mom expecting her help but Mrs John shook her head, she wasn't in support of what Sophie had done.

“I also won’t be giving up my shares or the CEO position. If you want them, you’ll have to earn them.” Freya voiced.

Sophie’s face twisted in disbelief. “Earn them? What do you mean ‘earn them’? You gave everything to me before! I can’t believe you’re doing this. How dare you go against me?”

Their mother, seated on the sofa, gasped softly. “Freya…are you okay? You seem so different from your usual self”

“I’ve changed mom,” Freya said simply, her tone unwavering. “I won’t give away what belongs to me. Not my shares, not my position, and certainly not Hudson. If Sophie wants any of it, she’ll have to work for it herself.”

Sophie’s voice rose, cracking with desperation and fury. “This isn’t fair! You can’t go back on your word! You promised me those shares! You promised!”

Her father’s expression was tight, frustrated but calm. “Sophie… there’s nothing we can do. Freya has every right to her position, and Hudson… there’s nothing we can do about him either.”

Sophie whirled toward him, rage and panic colliding in her expression. “Nothing you can do? Do you even hear yourselves?! This isn’t how it’s supposed to happen! Freya! I—”

Freya rose, walking towards Sophie. Sophie stepped back instinctively.

“It's all my fault little sis” Freya said tucking Sophie's black hair behind her ears, just as Sophie had done before she pushed her off the roof . “I spoilt you too much and you ended up like this…but you don't have to worry” she leaned in closer and whispered in Sophie's ear “ I am going to correct that”. Then Freya walked up the stairs and to her room.

Sophie stood in that spot for a moment, her chest heaving, eyes wild with anger and disbelief. She looked to their parents, searching for support, but their expressions were unreadable,quiet, resigned, and a little fearful of the new Freya.

“This isn’t over,” Sophie hissed, her voice trembling. “It’s not over.”

Freya smiled from up the stairs, Sophie's world would crash and burn to the ground