3

~Velma's POV

I woke up feeling like my body had been carved out of exhaustion, heavy and unwilling to move, and even though the morning light was already creeping across the room, I just lay there staring at the ceiling, pretending for a few seconds that nothing was waiting for me, but then I heard the soft rustle of clothes, the clink of a belt buckle, and the quiet footsteps that told me Dylan was getting ready for work.

He didn't bother turning toward me when he spoke.

"Get up and get dressed," he said, his voice cool, like he hadn't spent last night tearing me apart.

"The driver will take you to the station. Don't be late."

I didn't answer. I didn't even blink. I just kept staring at the ceiling because if I looked at him, I wasn't sure what would come out of my mouth.

He waited for a second, maybe two, but when he realized I wasn't going to give him anything, he simply walked out, closing the door in that firm way.

It took a while before I finally pushed myself up. My head felt foggy, my chest felt tight, and every breath seemed to carry the memory of his words from last night. I rubbed my face and whispered Lira's name, and she came rushing in immediately, like she had been standing outside the whole time waiting for a signal.

"Madam, good morning," she said softly, and I could see the worry in her eyes.

I cleared my throat. "Please... make me something light. Maybe tea. I don't think I can handle anything heavy."

She hesitated, and that was my first warning that something wasn't right.

"Madam..." she said quietly. "Miss Eva is here. She's in the living room. With... with your mother-in-law."

My heart jerked like someone had yanked it with a hook.

"What?" I asked, already swinging my legs out of bed. "Why is that bitch here? At this hour?"

Lira didn't answer. She didn't need to. I already knew it wasn't for anything good.

I stood up, straightened my night robe a little, wiped under my eyes, and forced my breath to calm before walking out. As I approached the living room, I pasted a smile on my face, one I didn't feel, not even a little.

"Good morning, Mother," I said, lifting my chin gently as I stepped in.

She didn't even return the smile. She just gave me that look she always gave, the one that told me I was an irritation she tolerated only because she had to. She folded her arms and looked away.

Then my eyes fell on Eva, sitting comfortably on the couch, crossing her legs like she lived here, her lips curled into that smug smile I had known all my life.

My smile dropped immediately.

"Why are you here?" I asked quietly, looking right at Eva.

She stood up slowly, enjoying every second of the moment, and she handed me a brown file as if she were giving me a gift.

"Here," she said, her smile widening.

I frowned and took the file. "What is this?"

"Open it," she replied, sounding almost excited.

I opened it, and for a moment I couldn't breathe.

It was a divorce paper. Freshly printed. Already stamped.

I looked up at her, then at my mother-in-law, and then back at the paper.

"You must be insane," I said, my voice trembling even though I tried to steady it. "You actually came to my house to give me a divorce paper? Are you mad?"

I barely finished speaking when a slap cut across my face so fast and so hard my ears rang.

My mother-in-law stood there, palm still lifted, her eyes blazing.

"How dare you raise your voice at Eva?" she snapped. "A defective, barren woman like you should know her place."

My chest burned as I held my cheek.

"Mother..." I whispered, stunned. "Why would you..."

She stepped closer. "I have always known you were a mistake. It should have been Eva from the beginning. She is everything you are not. And she will become what you failed to be. Dylan's wife. The mother of his children. This...." she pointed at the papers "will happen. Whether you like it or not."

I stared at her, then at Eva, who was practically glowing with satisfaction.

Eva folded her arms. "Dylan wants this, too. In fact, he brought it up last night. I simply fast-tracked the process."

Tears filled my eyes. "Last night? He... he only mentioned divorce last night. How did you even get papers printed and stamped by morning? That's not possible."

Eva laughed softly. "Money makes things very possible."

I shook my head. "I'm not signing anything. And if something like this is to be done, it should come from my husband, not you."

Eva smirked. "Oh, if you want it from him, then fine. Maybe this will help."

She placed her hand on her stomach, lightly, like she was touching something precious.

"I'm carrying Dylan's child, Velma," she said, her voice slow and cruel. "The child you couldn't give him."

For a moment, the room tilted.

I grabbed the edge of the couch to steady myself.

My eyes darted to my mother-in-law, who was also shocked for a second before her expression melted into joy. She rushed to Eva and pulled her into a hug.

"My daughter," she whispered, stroking Eva's hair. "Finally... finally someone has given my son and me what we truly deserve."

"No," I whispered. "No. Eva, that's not possible. That is a lie. Dylan will never cheat on me!"

She cut me off by pulling out her phone and holding the screen up to my face. A video started playing. It was dark, grainy, but painfully clear enough. Dylan was on a bed, and Eva was beside him. His arm around her.

"Does this make you believe?" she asked softly, savoring every word.

I staggered back, shaking my head over and over.

"Eva," I whispered, my voice breaking. "What did you do?"

She just smiled, like the devil dressed in silk.

"Velma," she said softly, leaning slightly toward me, "if you know what's best for yourself, if you know what will save you from more pain, you will just sign these papers and leave."

I stood there, trembling, as Eva pressed the papers into my hands, her fingers holding mine tightly, refusing to let me pull away. Her smile was sharp, almost polite, as she whispered, "I'll do you the honor of submitting this for you, Velma. Just sign it." My throat burned, tears sliding down my cheeks, but I felt trapped, her grip unrelenting, forcing my hand to the pen as if my resistance meant nothing.

Then my mother-in-law's voice thundered through the room, sharp and merciless. She yelled at the maids to pack my things, to throw everything out, to make sure I left immediately. Boxes were shoved around, drawers emptied, my life dismantled before my eyes like a cruel movie I couldn't escape. I wanted to scream, to fight, to vanish, but all I could do was cry, my heart breaking as they took everything from me in that single, devastating moment.

4

~Velma's POV

I stood there, staring at the house I'd called home for ten years, my chest tight and my legs trembling like they weren't even mine anymore. The gate slammed shut behind me, and it felt louder than any scream I could have made, like the final lock on everything I had believed in, everything I had trusted.

I pressed a trembling hand to my stomach, feeling the life inside me, our child, and my tears fell hotter and heavier than the night air could swallow. "I'm carrying his child too, mother," I whispered, my voice breaking.

I thought about our vows, the promises he made, the hands he held mine in, the love I believed in. "What happened to usDylan?" I murmured into the morning, bitter laughter shaking my lips. "And my sister... You chose her of all people in the world."

I started walking because standing still hurt too much. Every step felt heavy, every breath ragged, but I couldn't stop. "He wanted children... I know that. But I hurt too. I hurt more. "

By the time I realized how far I'd walked, my legs were sore, my feet blistered, and my arms ached from wrapping around myself to keep warm. I pulled out my phone with shaking hands, booked a ride, and within five minutes, he pulled up in front of me.

"Take me to Rosewood Estate."

"Yes, ma," he replied and hurried to start the engine.

The car pulled away, and streetlights slid past the windows like streaks of gold. My stomach throbbed with each heartbeat, and my throat felt tight.

I stared out the window and whispered to myself,

"Why... why is this happening to me?"

By the time we reached Rosewood Estate, my palms were sweaty, and my chest felt heavy. The security guards opened the gate without question, and the driver stopped right in front of the tall white house with the flower-shaped balcony.

I got out, trying to steady myself.

I did not even knock.

I pushed the door open and walked in.

My parents, my adoptive parents, sat in the living room, my father reading the newspaper, my mother scrolling through her phone. They both looked up, startled.

Mother frowned.

"Velma? What are you doing here at this hour?"

Father adjusted his glasses.

"It's early in the morning. Why are you not home with your husband?"

I swallowed, my voice shaking.

"Good morning, Mum. Good morning, Dad."

They nodded stiffly but did not stand, did not hug me, did not look happy to see me.

My mother sighed.

"Speak. What is it?"

I took a breath that hurt.

"Eva... she is secretly seeing Dylan and is even pregnant with his child. And...and.... she did something wrong, and Dylan wants me to take the fall for it. He wants me to go to prison so her life won't be ruined."

Silence.

I waited for shock.

I waited for outrage.

I waited for someone to say, "Oh my God, Velma, are you okay?"

Instead, father folded his newspaper and said calmly,

"Dylan is wealthy. He can do anything he wants. And besides, I didn't blame him since you refused to give him a child."

I blinked.

"What?"

Mother leaned back, unfazed.

"And you'd better go back and take the blame for our daughter. After everything we have done for you. Is this how you repay us?"

My mouth fell open.

"After everything you did for me? You never even treated me like your child."

Mother scoffed.

"You always envied Eva. You always wanted what she had."

"No!" I shouted, my voice cracking. "Eva always wanted EVERYTHING I ever had! Since we were kids, I always backed down. I always let her win. But now she wants my husband, and you're supporting it?"

Father shrugged.

"Why not? Our family is among the richest and largest investors in Dylan's company. It is not a bad match."

"What about me?"

"You leave the picture and find yourself another man," Mother said, nonchalantly.

The room spun.

My knees weakened.

My heart dropped.

I stared at them, speechless, breathless, shattered.

They never loved me.

They never even wanted me.

And now they threw me away.

Without another word, I walked out and slammed the door behind me.

I kept walking, even though the morning sun was already too bright for my swollen eyes. Everything felt loud... the birds, the passing cars, even my own breathing. I didn't know where I was going. My legs were shaking, but I kept moving, dragging my suitcases with me.

I whispered under my breath, almost like a prayer, "Where do I even go now..." but no answer came.

Then a deep engine sound hummed behind me. Slow. Too controlled to be random.

I turned slightly, wiping my face with the back of my hand, and a sleek black SUV pulled up beside me.

The tinted window slid down, and my stomach dropped. It was my adoptive grandfather's bodyguard.

He stepped out immediately, his expression tightening the moment he saw my face.

"Madam Velma," he said quietly, almost like he was afraid I'd break if he spoke too loud, "your grandfather sent me. Please... come with me."

He took me to a cafe close by.

"Your grandfather sent me."

I stared at him, confused and shaking. "H-How? How did he know? How did he find me?"

"He always kept someone watching over you from a distance," the bodyguard said. "Since the day you married Mr Dylan."

My mouth fell open. "What? Why?"

He nodded. "He wanted to make sure that you are safe."

He reached into a leather folder and placed items on the table: documents, a passport, a brand-new phone, an envelope, and a boarding pass.

My voice trembled. "What... what is all this?"

"Your grandfather arranged everything," he said. "A new identity for travel, money, and a flight to the next city. He wanted you far from danger."

Tears filled my eyes. "Far from danger? What does that even mean?"

"He said that he will tell you everything when the time is right," the bodyguard replied quietly. "And he is sorry it took this long to step in."

He drove me straight to the airport. My hands shook the entire ride.

When we reached the departure gate, he handed me another envelope.

"This is from him. Read it on the plane," he said.

I looked at him with watery eyes. "Thank you."

He bowed his head gently. "Stay safe."

I boarded the plane with a heart that felt torn open. As soon as I sat, I pulled out the letter and unfolded it.

My grandfather's handwriting stared back at me, shaky, old, familiar.

I am sorry, he wrote.

I failed to protect you. I should have taken you away when I saw the signs. I will make sure that I make it up to you. I give you my word.

Heal. Rest. Then I will tell you everything later.

I covered my mouth with my hand as tears poured down my face. I cried silently, cried until my chest hurt, cried until the flight attendant asked if I needed water. I cried because I had no idea what to do or what tomorrow looked like.

When the plane landed, I stepped out with weak legs and blurry eyes. The airport lights were too bright, and the noise felt too loud. My stomach growled painfully, and my head spun. I tried to keep walking, but dizziness washed over me.

"Not now... please..." I whispered.

My vision darkened.

My knees buckled.

I fell forward, right into someone.

Strong arms caught me, but my mind was slipping away. I only registered the scent of clean cologne, a chest against my cheek, and a deep voice calling for help.

Everything went black.

5

~Velma's POV

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed. A metal cuff circled my wrist, chaining me to the rail. Panic rushed through me.

"Why... why am I handcuffed? What did I do?" I whispered.

A doctor walked toward me with a clipboard. "Please calm down, ma'am. You were extremely exhausted and dehydrated. You collapsed."

He turned and spoke to someone behind him.

And then I saw him.

A tall man stood there, broad-shouldered, sharp jaw, dark eyes that looked like they could cut through steel. His presence filled the room like authority itself. Even through the haze of fear and dizziness, I couldn't ignore how striking he was. His hair was dark, perfectly styled, and a few rebellious strands fell over his forehead, giving him an untamed edge. His skin was flawless, with that kind of warm golden tone that caught the light just right.

The lines of his face were sharp but balanced, a dangerous kind of beauty that made my heart skip a beat despite everything. His lips were full, firm, and just slightly curved, as if he was always holding back a smirk that could either charm or terrify. Even in the serious, cold way he moved, there was a magnetic elegance, a presence that made the air around him feel heavy, almost alive.

I tried to look away, tried to focus on anything else, but I couldn't. There was something in the way he held himself, calm, confident, untouchable, that made me realize he wasn't just beautiful, he was dangerous beauty. And somehow, that made me both terrified and... unreasonably drawn to him.

The doctor said, "Mr. Theron, she is awake now."

He finally looked at me, his voice deep and calm, but annoyed.

"You bumped into me at the airport and passed out," he said. "I had to bring you here."

My cheeks burned in embarrassment. "I'm sorry... I did not mean to..."

He crossed his arms. "Well, because of that, I missed my flight. So you will take responsibility."

My mouth fell open.

"What... what does that even mean?"

He stepped closer, eyes fixed on mine.

"It means," he said slowly, "you owe me."

And my heart stopped, because I had nothing left to give.

I pressed my face against the pillow of the hospital bed, trying to make sense of anything. My chest heaved from exhaustion, and my hands clutched the thin blanket around me. I swallowed shakily, whispering, "I... I have no way to repay anyone. I. I don't...."

Theron's eyes snapped to mine. Dark, sharp, piercing. They cut through every word I said. He leaned against the edge of the bed like he owned the room, his expression calm but wicked, the kind that made my stomach twist.

"Look!" he said, voice low and dangerous. "You passed out, yes. But from what I see... You don't look that useless at all."

I froze. My stomach knotted. "...What do you mean?" I whispered, voice trembling as I hugged myself closer to my chest.

He straightened slightly, stepping closer, and let his gaze roam over me slowly, deliberately, like he was inspecting me. "From head to toe... you're not bad. Actually... you'll make a good fit."

I jerked upright, pressing my hands tighter against myself. "...A good fit? What do you mean by that?" I asked, voice sharp now, panic mixing with confusion.

He didn't answer. He simply turned his head slightly and barked an order at the security standing near the door. The man's eyes flicked to me, and he started moving toward the bed.

I pressed my hands to my chest, trembling as the guard stepped closer. "No! Wait! I..." My voice cracked, panic rising like a storm inside me. "...I passed out! I didn't do anything! You can't..."

My wrists were still sore from the cuffs, and I flinched, unsure of what he wanted. But then, with a swift motion, he uncuffed me. Relief washed over me so suddenly that I nearly sagged against the hospital bed. I let out a shaky sigh, my fingers rubbing the marks on my wrists.

I slowly stood, trying to steady myself, and my eyes found him, Theron. My chest tightened. I had so many thoughts racing, but the first thing that slipped out was an apology. "I... I'm sorry for making you miss your flight," I said softly, my voice almost breaking. "And... how much is the medical bill? I'll repay you."

He turned to me, a wicked, almost mischievous smile curling his lips. He laughed, a low, dangerous sound that made my stomach flutter nervously. "I already cleared it," he said simply, his eyes glinting. "You're useful to me."

I blinked, confusion and unease battling inside me. Useful? What did he mean by that? Before I could ask, a sleek black limousine pulled up outside the hospital, its engine purring like a predator ready to pounce. The driver emerged, bowing politely to Theron before opening the rear door.

Theron glanced at me. "Get in."

My eyes widened in shock. "I... I can't. I..." I tried to back away, panic rising.

He moved faster than I expected, his hand firm on my elbow. "I'm not going to hurt you," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "Come on."

Before I could protest further, he guided me into the car. My hands clutched the seat, knuckles white, and I couldn't bring myself to look at him. I finally forced myself to whisper, my voice barely audible over the hum of the engine, "Where... where are we going?"

"You'll see soon enough," he replied, eyes forward, unreadable.

The ride felt endless, my mind spinning with questions. I stared out the window, heart hammering, until finally, the car stopped. I looked around, and my jaw dropped. We were in front of a massive building, sleek and modern. A sign glinted in gold letters: a fashion house, far larger and more luxurious than anything I had ever seen, and that was because I barely go out back home.

Theron stepped out first, then turned to me. "You too," he said, offering a hand to guide me. I hesitated, my instincts screaming to run, but he didn't let go. His grip was firm but not cruel, and against my better judgment, I allowed him to lead me inside.

The interior was breathtaking. Everywhere I looked, there were units filled with clothes, jewelry, makeup, and accessories. The space was huge, with high ceilings, polished floors reflecting soft golden lights. I felt like I had stepped into another world.

Two attendants appeared, bowing respectfully to him. Theron waved them toward me. "Dress her. Make her gorgeous," he ordered casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

I froze, my mouth falling open. "What... what do you mean?" I stammered.

"Just let them perform their wonders on you," he said.