***Megan's POV***

I woke up to an empty bed but a heart filled with hope and excitement.

Joe had made love to me for the first time since we got married and God, was it good.

I sprang out of bed and made for the mirror on the wall, taking in my full figure. He finally noticed me.

Last night was a mixture of everything, soreness, hurt, and then bliss.

I covered my face as I blushed hard. It was finally becoming a reality. Joe finally wanted me.

I twirled excitedly and headed for the shower.

*****

"I need everything, pasta, sauce, and chicken. Lots of it," I told Katie.

"Ma'am, are we expecting a guest?"

"What? No..." I chuckled. "It's for me. I need to eat to my fill, Katie. I am beyond famished."

"That's expected," she whispered.

"What?"

"Nothing, ma'am."

"Come on, Katie."

"I didn't mean to pry, ma'am, but you guys made it so obvious. I couldn't help overhearing."

"What?" I chuckled, holding my sides, then sighed and blushed hard. "So I wasn't dreaming, was I?"

"The dinner night really paid off. I'm happy for you, ma'am."

Dinner night... I wasn't sure that was what helped. I wasn't sure what did, actually. I didn't believe in miracles, but this-this was definitely a miracle.

"Actually, ma'am... I think you should spice things up a bit tonight to seal everything."

"What?... Come on, I don't want to rush anything, Katie. Let it come naturally."

She shook her head, taking my hands.

"Let's go shopping."

Katie and I showed up at the mall with our heads covered in scarves for disguise.

"Is this really necessary?" I asked anxiously.

"Come on..." she dragged me along to the lingerie section.

There were all kinds of lingerie there. Katie chose the really sexy ones, and I couldn't hold back the laughter.

"I can't possibly wear this, Katie. I can't."

"Trust me on this, ma'am."

"I don't know, Katie..."

"Just trust me."

*****

The mood was right. Everything was set in place. The lights were lit and the bed was cozy. Most of all, I was looking sexy as ever.

I had on the lingerie, with a mask on, ready to put on a show for Joe tonight.

I had watched all the videos I could find on the net and practiced as hard as I could.

It was going to be a steamy night or so I thought.

The clock was ticking. Katie and the other helps had been dismissed. I was all alone in this mansion. In Joe's room, on his bed.

I heard his car drive into the driveway and I got ready to put on the best show. I ran to the bed and struck the sexiest pose I could muster.

The door unlocked and footsteps filled the stairs, uneasy ones.

Then came voices.

Hushed ones.

"I missed you, baby," a woman's voice rang out and my heart skipped.

I ran and hid under the bed like a complete fool.

"Let's go really dirty tonight," Joe's voice followed. Soon, they were in the room, their feet scurrying, knocking over the petals I had laid on the floor.

Then came the sound of clothes hitting the floor.

"I want to give you all my love tonight," Joe said, and my heart broke completely. So this was just his usual line.

"Yes, baby, and I'll scream, just the way you like it."

She fell onto the bed with a loud thud.

Miranda. That bitch. She had come home with Joe even though she knew we lived under the same roof as husband and wife

"What about Megan, though? Your little wife. The one you chose over me "

"I don't know. Don't care. She's probably sleeping right now and hey, I never chosed her over you, you know my heart has always beat for you and only you. I only got married to her so my dad would be happy and so he'd handover the rights of his empire to me, I'd divorce her soon and come get you"

She chuckled. "Really, that's some good news, you know that's why I came back, I couldn't stand the thought of knowing you were married to her. I didn't believe it."

"You know I'd never chose her over you. Now shush and let me fuck you. And hey...stop ruining the night with that hoe's name." he kissed her all over now, I could hear the smooching sounds as Miranda giggled.

"What if she hears us?" She asked even though she was yelling on purpose.

"Well, I don't care. She knows our marriage is just a transaction. She'd be crazy to expect anything more."

"Oh, Joe... you're cruel..."

"And you like it. Now shush."

She chuckled. "Sorry, daddy."

My eyes were blurry, cloaked with tears. A fool, that's what you are, Megan.

I bit my lip so hard it started to bleed as Miranda's moans filled the room.

"Yes... fuck me, Yes...!" she screamed.

Even if I had been deep asleep in my room, it would've woken me up. She needed me to hear it, to know who was in charge.

The bed vibrated under their weight, and with each passing moment, each moan, my heart tore to pieces.

I was a fool.

A big fool. It dawned on me now. I was just a pawn in Joe's little game. He played me like a toy and wrecked my heart every chance he got.

He never loved me. He never will. It was all mind games.

I needed to get out of this hell I called marriage. I needed out, and I needed it now.

This night? It was the worst night of my life. Joe had always treated me like trash, talked down on me and my family, humiliated me in public, paraded women around, but this? This was the worst thing any man could do to a woman.

Getting married to me just to get his father's empire, cheating on me with my step sister right under my nose and planning to divorce me once everything was settled.

I swore on my last breath, he was going to pay for this. He was going to regret ever treating me like trash. He and every single person who mistreated me, not leaving out my "family". They were all going to pay.

I crawled out from under the bed in shame.

Miranda and Joe froze, frightened beyond belief. I still had my mask on.

"What's that?" Miranda asked, hiding behind Joe.

"Your worst nightmare, bitch." I took off my mask aiming for her nose.

She cried out clinging to Joe as she stared at my scary face. My makeup was smudged, and I looked like a demon in wrecks.

"Are you crazy? What were you doing under my bed? Are you that pathetic?"

I smirked.

"I'm done. To hell with you and this marriage, Joe." With that, I walked out, defeated but never weak.

I could still hear their voices. "Is she always this pathetic? Is she really going to leave this marriage?"

"Megan?" Joe snorted. "She's just acting up as always. She can't do without me. Pathetic, I'd be the one to divorce her when the time is right."

His voice echoed in my head as I made for my room.

I'll show you what a pathetic woman looks like, jerk.

*****

I dragged my luggage along with me as I made my way out of Joe's exotic mansion before dawn.

My mind was made up. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to leave this hellhole.

I didn't stay till morning cause I couldn't bare to see Joe's smug face, he would never be sorry for his actions and it was useless to prepare divorce papers, he'd never sign them because he didn't get his father's blessings yet.

And hell, I'd never allow him achieve that, not at the expense of my unhappiness. I could never pretend not to be hurt by his actions so I left very early that morning.

Katie would probably be worried by morning, so I left her a note.

Not a clue to where I was headed, not like Joe would look for me, but a thank-you note stroke farewell.

I needed a fresh start.

Away from Joe. Away from my family. Away from who I was.

I didn't know when I had wandered into the middle of the road. A bright light and a blaring horn were the last things I saw before my vision went blank.

***Megan's POV***

-Six Years Later

The screams echoed in the warehouse, and blood splashed on my veiled cheeks. The man tied to the chair, hands bound and face battered, coughed out blood as he looked up at me.

"Please... please forgive me," he whimpered, tears mixing with sweat on his dirt-smeared face. "I didn't mean to betray you, please, Lady M... I beg you."

I stood tall, silent, a dark veil covering my face. Only my eyes peeked through the slit. I wasn't the same woman I was years ago who would flinch at mere act like this. His life hung by a thread, and I held the scissors.

I took a slow and deliberate step forward.

"You don't get to say my name," I said calmly.

He sobbed harder, his breath wheezing. "It was a mistake! I was desperate... they offered me money... my daughter needed..."

With a flick of my wrist, the knife slid across his throat.

His eyes widened in shock as blood gushed out, painting his shirt crimson. He gurgled, trying to scream, but it was too late. His body jerked once, then went still.

"Then you should've begged them for mercy," I said under my breath.

I stared at the lifeless body a moment longer, until the last trace of life left his eyes. Then I turned to the silent men behind me, my men.

None of them moved.

Not until I spoke.

"Clean this up," I said coldly. "Make sure the others get the message. Betrayal is never rewarded."

"Yes, Boss," one of them muttered, already moving to drag the chair and body away.

I walked out without another word. That kill hadn't made me feel anything. No thrill. No regret.

But once I was inside my private quarters, I pulled off the veil and collapsed onto the leather couch, head tilted back, eyes to the ceiling.

My hands trembled slightly. Not from guilt. But from memory, no matter the men I had slain I wasn't satisfied that they weren't Joe.

Six years ago, I had nothing.

I still remembered leaving Joe's mansion that night, barefoot, bleeding, destroyed. My dignity had been crushed under his shoe like I was nothing but a discarded toy. I wandered the streets like a ghost, my heart aching, my body weak, my eyes wild with pain.

Then the van pulled up.

It was black, quiet, and sudden. Before I could even turn around, something hit the back of my head. Sharp, cold pain. And then darkness swallowed me whole.

When I woke up, I was in a bright white room. Empty walls and no windows. My body was wrapped in bandages. My skin itched and burned. And across the room, a man sat in a chair, arms crossed.

Kai Slayer.

I hadn't known his name then. I just saw his eyes, calculating and quiet. He was young, not much older than me. He had a scar running from his jaw to the base of his neck. He looked like someone who'd lived a thousand lifetimes through violence alone.

"So you're Joe's wife," he said abruptly.

My throat was dry. I could barely sit up. For a moment I thought joe had sent him. "Not anymore."

He gave a dry chuckle. "Good. I don't like that bastard either."

I squinted at him. "Why did you save me?"

He stood, walking slowly toward me. "Because I figured the bastard finally threw you out.

"He didn't. I left."

He chuckled. "We have a common enemy, honey. And I see potential. Work for me. Become someone he can't trample on. Someone the world will kneel for."

I didn't answer then. But deep down, I was thrilled.

I took the deal.

I trained under mercenaries, bled in the sand, fought in underground rings. I studied under assassins, learned how to poison, how to shoot, how to disappear. I learned to command. I learned to lead. I handled drug trades, weapon shipments, and high-stakes deals across countries. I became a name whispered in fear, the Veiled Queen.

But nothing could've prepared me for the day I missed my period.

I tried to ignore it. I blamed the nausea on stress. I told myself it was nothing.

But Kai noticed.

He cornered me one evening, tossing a test kit into my hand. "Take it."

I stared at it, shaking.

I did.

Positive.

I was pregnant.

"It's Joe's," I whispered. My voice barely audible.

He didn't say anything for a long time. He just stared at me.

Then he stepped closer and looked me dead in the eye.

"Then you train harder," he said. "You become someone they'll fear even before they know your name. And when the time comes, you go back and take everything."

And I did.

Now, I was in my suite. My face was still veiled. My name still feared across all cities, Lady M. Noone knew who I was beneath the veil

The door opened behind me. I didn't need to turn to know it was Kai.

"They're half asleep," he said as he walked in, my two little boys trailing behind him in matching hoodies. Their eyes were sleepy, and they each clutched a toy gun.

"Mummy," Cole said first, his voice soft and warm.

Ethan didn't wait. He ran to me, arms wide open. "We're hungry."

I turned, removing the veil. My boys. My heartbeat. Ethan and Cole. Six years old and already smarter than most grown men.

"You just ate," I said, crouching to hug them.

"We want noodles," Cole mumbled.

"With egg!" Ethan added.

Kai chuckled, setting down a grocery bag. "There's cup noodles in the bag. Go warm it with the maid."

They dashed out in unison.

Kai turned to me.

"Flight's in two days. Everything's ready."

I nodded slowly. "And the facade?"

"Perfectly constructed," he said. "You're now the CEO of Raven Vogue. Your fashion business is legal, clean, and profitable. Apartment's in uptown Manhattan. Staff well trained. And... there's no ties to me or the syndicate whatsoever."

I closed my eyes for a second, breathing out.

Returning to the States.

Returning to his space. Joe had done so well for himself and taken after his father, sadly his father succumbed and gave him the empire even without my presence, alongside the conniving Miranda, he ruled the whole of the states, and with the veiled queen going there, it would trigger alot.

I sighed. "And school for the boys?"

"Enrolled," he replied. "Elite academy. Nobody will question their identity. Their records are airtight."

I moved to pour myself a glass of whiskey. My hands shook just a little as I gripped the bottle.

"You scared?" Kai asked.

I looked at him. "No. Just anxious."

I swirled the glass gently, watching the amber liquid roll against the sides.

"I'm not the same woman who left his house crying. But still... he ruined me. Now I get to show him what he created."

Kai sat on bed, folding his arms.

"You're stronger than him now. He wouldn't even recognize you."

I smirked and sipped my whiskey. "Oh, he will. The day I bring him to his knees, he'll know exactly who I am."

He stared at me for a while before standing. "We start moving tomorrow. Your first public appearance will be at the grand reopening of the New York Raven Vogue headquarters. The press will be there."

I turned back to the window.

"Let the world meet the Boss Lady."

And just like that, the curtain to my vengeance lifted, slowly, silently, like a dagger waiting to strike.

***Joe's POV***

"Don Rodriguez has proposed an alliance" Carl said barging into my study.

"Took him long enough" I smirked. "I always knew I could win him over"

Carl patted my shoulder.

"You're one proud man, Joe, meanwhile I bumped into Miranda on my way here, she says you won't speak to her."

I sighed.

"And?"

"And? She's your fiancee, you can't keep doing this, you used to obsess over her. What happened? Ever since Megan..."

"Don't mention that name here, Carl."

He shook his head.

"You're indeed proud, ever since she left you've not truly been happy, you finally got all you wanted, Megan out of the way, The empire and Miranda in your life but yet you look so down."

I sighed, maybe he was right. Ever since Megan left I've been filled with nothing but emptiness and regrets.

I thought I hated her, thought I didn't care but each time I kept finding myself secretly searching for her, but her whereabouts were unknown, I felt so empty without and yet I couldn't bring myself to admit it.

"Cut the crap, Carl and go back to work"

He shook his head walking out. Deep down I knew he was right but I was too scared to admit it, I treated Megan too harshly back then so how then was I supposed to admit I was worried about her.

I wondered if she were alright now or if she had ended up in any trouble, I searched all over town, no dead body were identified as her, which meant she was still alive but her whereabouts still unknown.

Her supposed family didn't care much about her whereabouts which was odd, Miranda had told me when we were teens that Megan was the most loved child, while she was the least favored and that Megan had always taken that chance to bully her but now thinking about everything, I feel like I was decieved.

I had mistreated her and treated her poorly when she was always the least favored child.

I missed her so much.

***Megan's POV***

The veil draped over my face fluttered slightly as the jet descended, the lights of the runway slicing through the dark sky like blades. I adjusted the thin black fabric, tucking it securely behind my ear as I gazed out of the tinted window. We were here. Back in the States. Back where everything had begun... and ended.

My fingers rested calmly on my lap, black leather gloves shielding the tremble that threatened to surface. But I didn't shake. Because I wasn't that woman anymore.

The desperate girl who once ran into the night, heart bleeding and soul in shreds, was long gone. She had died six years ago. Megan, he one who begged to be loved, who waited for Joe in cold dinner tables and empty bedrooms had vanished.

Now, only one remained. The fearless Boss Lady.

The engines whirred to a low hum as the private jet touched down with practiced ease. A smooth landing, no turbulence. Just like the life I had created over the years, calculated, guarded, without chaos. Or so I told myself.

As soon as the door opened, the crew scurried to position, lining up respectfully, heads bowed. But none dared step forward first.

Kai Slayer did.

He emerged, tall, lean, dangerously composed. He had no tie on, a dark gray suit, and sleeves rolled halfway, tattoo peeking from his forearm. His presence demanded silence, and he knew it. He was no longer just my boss. He was the king of the underground, and every bit as feared as his name promised.

He descended the stairs slowly, scanning the area like he always did, eyes cold, every sense alert.

Then, behind him, two tiny figures appeared at the doorway, little curls, green eyes just liie Joe's, solemn expressions.

My boys.

Ethan's grip on the rail was firm, like he understood the weight of where we were.

Cole blinked against the wind, his hand seeking mine without looking.

I stepped down behind them.

One after the other, I moved, every stride deliberate, every blink rehearsed. The veil shielded half my face, but I didn't need it to hide.

I wore silence like armor now.

My hand swept slightly to the side, an instinct more than thought. I positioned myself between the boys and the world.

At the bottom of the stairs, a black SUV idled, doors swung wide open.

I didn't hesitate.

Kai opened the door wider and stood aside, watching as I ushered the boys in.

"Thanks, Kai," I murmured, keeping my eyes ahead.

His gaze was unreadable. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I didn't fly across the world to play it safe," I replied. "Joe is still breathing, isn't he?"

A smile ghosted his lips. "Yeah. Unfortunately."

Ethan stared out the window, Cole leaned against my side and dozed off. Kai spoke only once, to ask if I wanted the longer route or the discreet one.

"Straight home," I said.

Home.

It felt strange calling it that.

*****

My mansion rose like a glass tower, clean and silent. The moment we entered, security systems clicked into place, automated locks blinking green. No one would get in without my permission.

Inside, the space was warm, with dark wooden floors. It was elegant, safe, and most importantly, child-friendly. But behind the luxury, there were guns in drawers, panic buttons under tables, cameras in mirrors. I had designed it that way. Just in case.

Ethan ran straight for the window, pressing his small palms to the glass.

"Mommy! We can see the whole world from here!" he yelled.

"Is there food?" Cole asked, my foodie baby.

I couldn't help the small smirk. "There's everything."

I watched them a moment longer before turning to Kai, who stood by the entrance with a brown envelope in his hand.

He extended it toward me. "Everything's in there-papers, IDs, school records, clean backgrounds."

I took the envelope, flipping it once in my gloved hand before gripping it tight.

"Perfect," I said.

*****

I stood by the window hours later, alone, holding a half-full glass of whiskey.

My reflection stared back at me. My face was flawless, makeup barely moved, lips red like blood and eyes lined with the same coldness I had built into my bones.

I wanted to look like everything they said I couldn't become. Powerful. Beautiful. Untouchable. And most importantly, Feared.

Six years ago, I had been crawling in the dirt of Joe's indifference, heart in shreds, begging to be enough.

Now, I was Lady M.

No one dared speak unless I allowed them. No man could reduce me again. Not Joe. Not anyone.

I took another sip.

My heart almost skipped.

"Mama!"

Ethan's voice rang through the space, footsteps racing toward me.

I turned just in time to catch them, both of them, in their matching pajamas, wide smiles on their sleepy faces. Cole clung to my leg like a cat, and Ethan looked up at me expectantly.

"Come read us bedtime stories," Cole said, tugging at the hem of my dress.

"Of course, honey," I said, stroking his hair. "Let's go."

But Ethan didn't move.

"Mom..." he started, hesitating.

I paused.

"Yes, baby?"

He stared at the floor for a second, then back at me. "Is our dad here?"

Everything stopped.

My heart froze. The much dreaded questions were back.

"What dad?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral.

"Well..." Ethan looked unsure. "You always told us our dad was far, far away. And now we're so far away too. So... is he here?"

For a split second, I forgot how to lie.

I crouched down to meet them, brushing Cole's hair back gently, looking between their eyes-those same green eyes I used to love on a man who shattered me.

I couldn't tell them.

So I smiled.

"Why don't we go have some late-night snacks first," I said. "Then we can talk about this tomorrow, okay?"

Cole lit up instantly. "Yay! Snacks!" he shouted, already running toward their room.

Ethan lingered, still staring at me like he knew I was hiding something. But then, he followed his brother without another word.

I rose slowly, placing the half-empty glass on the table, and exhaled quietly.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I'd decide whether the truth was worth it.