Four days in the hospital gave me plenty of time to imagine James' face when I destroyed him.

Now I sat across from Davon in his small apartment, wrapped in one of his oversized hoodies because I had nothing left of my own, not even clothes. I cradled the warm mug of coffee in my hands, needing the warmth.

“I think I know how we can get back at James.” I said getting straight to the point. “When we were together, I remember him talking about making a bid for this huge construction project. He said and I quote, ‘If I get that deal, it’s going to change my life’, so I know it’s a big deal. James was also asking me for money for it. I guess that’s why he took all I had.”

"Meaning he's going all out with everything he has to secure the deal. That's great. We just have to get some money for a higher bid, draft a business proposal and then win at the auction. We'll crush his spirit first before destroying him in the eyes of the public." Davon replied, leaning forward with intensity in his eyes.

My stomach twisted.

"The auction's in two days though. I'm not sure where we're even going to be able to get a huge amount of money for it. Maybe the auction is a dud and we need to find another way to get back at James." I concluded, my eyes settling on my mug.

“How do we actually pull this off?” I asked, reluctantly looking pointedly at him.

Davon did say he had made arrangements after I woke up and I was willing to hear them, especially after he chose to say nothing while I was at the hospital.

Davon sank deeper into his love seat and pursed his lips before talking.

"Okay so don't freak out but first I managed to get some money to help with the supposed plan." He started, interlocking his fingers.

"How much?"

I raised a brow at him and took a sip of my coffee just for me to almost choke to death when I heard the amount he said.

"About three hundred thousand dollars." He said with a shrug.

I set my mug down hard on the glass tabletop and shouted.

"Tell me you did not take out a loan for this Davon. Are you insane?"

Three hundred thousand from the guy who used to steal my fries because he "couldn't afford lunch"? It was either he was a secret millionaire or he just took out a huge freaking loan for me and I was not having that.

"Woah, I didn't take out a loan. Well, not entirely. Calm down." He tried to calm me down with his hands raised up in mock surrender. "I had a trust fund. You know I didn't have a dad in college…"

"Yeah," I reluctantly replied, wondering where this was going.

"My dad came back after twenty years. Died six months later. Left me everything." His jaw tightened. "I've been using the money there to make some investments for my future so I just withdrew it all and also took out a small loan."

"You what?!" I screamed even more, catching him off guard.

I wasn't sure if it was the fact that he had that amount of money saved up and didn't tell me or the fact that his dead dad showed up in his life and he still didn't tell me! I crossed my hands and glared at him, not sure of which to be angry at him for right now.

"I can't accept that and return the loan." I scolded him, my throat tightening. "What happens if we lose and then you can't get back your money or worse you lose it all like me?"

"That won't happen. If you lose the bet then I'll get the money back and return the loan. It's a win-win situation, see?" He said, still trying to convince me.

I sighed and turned away from him, the gears in my head turning for a while before I caved a bit.

"And what if I win the bid? What happens then? How do we get the money back?"

"Then we'll win the rights and payment to carry out the project. Win win."

Davon smirked my way, making me frown and pick up my mug.

"Fine. We'll do this on one condition. If it goes south then I'll pay you back every cent. Deal?"

"Scarlett…" Davon muttered but I wasn't hearing any of it.

"Deal?" I reiterated, my voice leaving no room for argument.

"Okay," He sighed, taking the hint.

"I also have something up my sleeve but that'll be a surprise." He added, perking up.

"Davon," I drawled out his name but he shook his head, adamant about it.

"Just wait and see. I'm pretty sure you're going to love it." He said with excitement before glancing at me from head to toe. "But first we'll have to get you some new clothes."

"I don't…"

"It's non-negotiable. We can't have your first appearance in public not be jaw dropping especially when we're going to cause some problems." Davon's voice went firm but gentle.

"When you walk into that auction, I want James to see exactly what he lost. So, tomorrow morning we're going shopping and I don't want to hear any back talk about it."

He stood up and walked to his room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

My reflection stared back at me from the black screen of his TV. Borrowed clothes. Borrowed apartment. Borrowed money.

I had lost it all. It was a harsh truth but in two days, I'd face James again. In public. With cameras. With witnesses.

My hands tightened around the mug.

And this time, I wouldn't be the one thrown out and disgraced. He would.

I took a step out from my room only to hear Davon gasp at the sight of me. I smiled and smoothened my already perfect gown.

“How do I look?” I asked as if not already knowing the answer to that.

I had on a black halter neck gown that showed off my back and the back chain Davon had splurged on for me. My hair was wrapped up, allowing some tendrils to fall down and frame my face but that was not what held the outfit together. It was the diamond stud earrings that Davon had somehow managed to get his hands on. I had berated him for it, but when he told me that we were loaning it out, I relaxed a bit.

“You look stunning.” He mused, looking equally amazing in a matching black suit with silver embellishments and jewelry. His hair was coiffed back and not in the messy mop that he always left it in. Davon looked hot.

My eyes trailed down to his half open shirt, calling my attention to his chest. Was that a tattoo?

“Should we get going?” Davon’s voice called me out of my trance, making me clear my throat and put my hand in his.

“Sure.” I agreed.

With that we finally left his apartment. Our new destination? The auction.

As soon as the car came to a halt, we got down and headed into the building, murmurs already flitting around as I walked by. I could hear some of them.

A woman in pearls whispered loudly, "That's the one from the wedding scandal."

My jaw tightened, but I kept walking.

I winced at their words but Davon’s comforting touch calmed me down. Soon enough we got to the main room, my eyes immediately landing on James and Veronica as soon as I walked in. Fortunately, both of them didn’t notice me so we headed into the room and took our seats. I wanted to surprise them once I won this bid.

In two minutes the curator came forward and addressed us all.

‘Good day ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Ashton auction. There are several business deals to bid on but we’ll be starting with the best. The construction deal was put forward by Ashton Conglomerate.’

“Let us begin. We’ll start the bid at seventy thousand dollars.”

The room lit up, everyone raising their paddles bidding for the deal but I didn’t make a move. The bidding went on until James had the final bid at two hundred thousand dollars, his grin wide.

“Going once. Going twice.” The curator started until I raised my hand.

“Three hundred thousand dollars.” I announced, placing my entire life on this bet.

James and Veronica turned back to see who placed the bet, the smile from their faces wiped off when their eyes settled on me.

“Three hundred thousand. Going once. Going twice. Sold to the woman in black. “Congratulations Miss Scarlett Clear.” The curator announced, causing the room to explode in shock and whispers.

I stood up to my feet, Davon following my lead when James and his wife wasted no time in rushing over to me, disdain written all over their faces.

“How dare you come here you whore? Don’t you know your place?” James spat at me. I cocked my head and smiled, poking at him.

“Aww, is someone sad because they lost a bid? What happened, did you blow all the money you stole from me on hookers and drugs?” I asked, deliberately taking a glance at Veronica.

“Coming from someone who brought her own man whore to this event.” Veronica hissed. “Is this the man you cheated on James with? He isn’t even what I pictured. Such a way to lower your standards Scarlett.” She ended with a chuckle.

I got fed up, all my rage surging forward. Before I could say anything, my hand already reacted, flying through the air and slapping Veronica square on the cheek. She let out a surprised shriek, her hand on her red face.

“You bitch!” Veronica screeched, taking a step forward with her hand raised to return the favor but Davon was quick on his feet. He pulled me back, taking my place, his hand already stopping Veronica’s mid way.

“Touch Scarlett and I’ll make sure you suffer.” He warned as he threw Veronica’s hand away, his voice more threatening than I’ve ever heard it.

“You bastard!” James shouted out, moving to land a punch but Davon easily sidestepped it, returning the gift with even more force. James stumbled backward and crashed to the floor, his perfectly styled hair now a mess, his dignity shattered.

I was even surprised because Davon had never raised a finger on anyone until now and it was all because of me. I blinked as Davon turned to me, his features softening.

“Do you want to get your surprise now?” He asked, as if oblivious to the commotion he had caused.

I silently gave him a nod, not sure what to say. Davon pulled out his phone, tapped a few buttons and turned it to James who was still struggling to get up even with Veronica trying to help him.

The loud sounds of moans filled the room and it didn’t take a genius to guess what it was. A sex tape.

“I thought you’d like to see proof of who the real whore was when you were with Scarlett. If I’m not mistaken, this is you and Veronica just three months ago at the Fairview hotel.”

James’ mouth quivered as people gathered, each wanting a view of what Davon had shown.

“How did you get that?”

“Does it matter?” I finally retorted with a grin, following Davon’s lead. “By the end of day, the blogs should have this and much more. Next time, think of who you try to mess with.”

Davon’s hand found mine and pulled me along, leading us out of the conference hall. He didn’t say a word and neither did I but my mouth hung open in awe at what he just did for me. My heart welled up and I could feel butterflies form in my stomach.

As I followed him, I could only wonder one thing. What the fuck was that?

Since I was ready to take James and his lover down once and for all I decided to release their sex tape. Davon had shown it to them at the auction and of course people had seen it but James was smart enough to have that covered up.

Well, not anymore.

Once I anonymously posted it online, It didn’t even take up to a day for the blogs to spread the news of everything.

Now, speculations started as soon as their video was leaked to the press; courtesy of Davon, about whether I was truly the one who had an affair. Luckily for me, the crowd sided with me, dragging James’ name through the mud. His stocks plummeted and his business funding dried up trying to sort out this publicity mess. It was more than I could have hoped for but I knew that I had one more trick up my sleeve.

I smiled and dropped my phone on the nightstand, wanting to go to bed. I wanted to wait up for Davon but he had told me that he would be home late from work so now all I wanted to do was rest.

I pulled the covers closer to my body and in a minute I was fast asleep.

Three hours later, a loud noise jolted me awake, and I strained my ears to listen closely to whatever was making that sound. I stayed that way for a minute longer, and when I didn't hear anything else, I snuggled back into bed. That's when I heard the loud bang again. I sat up and turned on my side lamp, searching the room. Nothing moved.

I got out of bed and grabbed the baseball bat Davon kept beside the headboard, then carefully walked toward my bedroom door.

My heart pounded as I pressed my ear against the wood, listening for any sounds from the other side. The apartment had gone silent again, but something felt wrong. The air seemed heavier and the hairs on my arms seemed charged.

I slowly turned the doorknob and peered into the darkened hallway, the living room glowing with faint street lights. I gripped the bat tighter and stepped out, my bare feet silent on the cold hardwood floor.

"Hello?" I called out softly, immediately regretting it. If someone was in my apartment, I'd just told them exactly where I was. That was dumb.

I crept toward the living room, checking the kitchen as I passed. Everything seemed normal. Everything was exactly the same way I left it before I went to bed. I ran my hand through my hair, mentally berating myself for being so on edge but that’s when I noticed it. The front door was slightly ajar, even though I was sure I locked it behind me when I came back.

My blood ran cold. Someone was in the apartment.

Before I could react, a figure jumped out from behind the couch. I swung the bat wildly, trying to hit him, but strong hands grabbed my wrists, twisting until I cried out in pain and dropped my weapon. The man wore a mask but I could see his eyes. Dark brown and cold.

"Scarlett Clear," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You've caused a lot of trouble."

"What do you want?" I gasped, struggling against his grip. "I don't have any money…"

"This isn't about money." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a knife, the blade catching the dim light. "This is about sending a message."

Fear filled my mind as he raised the knife. I threw my weight to the side, breaking free for just a moment, but he was faster. His hand tangled in my hair, yanking me back as I screamed for help. I fell to the floor, dragging him down with me. We struggled with my hand still fighting for the knife but it was no use.

With one hit to the head, stars danced across my vision and my grip on him loosened. My assailant used the opportunity to pin my hands above my head and grin at me, his eyes glistening.

"James wanted me to give you a message," he hissed before raising the knife and plunging it down towards my chest. I closed my eyes, waiting for death but the next thing I heard was a loud thump and the sound of a body hitting the ground.

I opened my eyes to see the man next to me on the floor, passed out, the knife still in his hand. I heaved a sigh of relief and scrambled out from under his unconscious body, gasping for air at what just happened. That's when I realized that I was not alone. I looked up to see someone, holding a vase in his left hand and fury in his eyes. My breathing calmed down and my shuddering stopped.

“Davon,”

The vase dropped from his hands and he closed the distance between us, grabbing my arms and checking if I was hurt anywhere, his brows furrowed in concern.

“Did he hurt you? Are you okay?”

“James did this.” I mumbled, my body going hot and anger pumping through my veins. “James tried to kill me.”

“Are you sure?” Davon asked, unsure of whether my ex-fiancee would go to such lengths to get me out of his way.

“He told me before he tried to…” I choked up as I pointed to the man lying unconscious on the floor, the memory of the intruder almost killing me flashing through my mind. Tears welled up in my eyes and my shoulders slumped. I could have died tonight.

My hands wouldn't stop shaking. I'd come within seconds of death. If Davon had been even a minute later...

Davon pulled me close and hugged me, his warmth giving me some semblance of comfort.

“Don’t worry Scarlett. I’ll make sure he pays for this.” Davon whispered to me but I was way past letting someone help me bring James down.

I was going to destroy James myself. If he thought that the sex tape was bad he had another thing coming. Before I got the justice I deserved, I was going to make him pay on my own terms.