Diamond's POV

"I didn't do it!" I pleaded, but the officers weren't listening as they handcuffed me. I looked over at Adlyne and Crystal as they continued their fake act, and when the policemen weren't looking, they smiled at me mischievously, and that was when it clicked. 

They had it all planned. "Please, I didn't kill them. You have to believe me, officer." I cried and struggled with them, but my plea fell on deaf ears. As I struggled against the police officers, my mind reeled with the realisation that I had been set up. 

My stepmother and stepsister had planned this, and I had fallen right into their trap. I felt like a fool, and I couldn't understand how I hadn't seen it coming. Now, I was going to pay the price. I sobbed uncontrollably as I was dragged out of the house, my vision blurred by tears. 

The police officers showed no mercy, shoving me forward roughly as I stumbled and tried to catch my footing. I felt weak and defeated, my body trembling with fear and despair. I had been framed for murder, and I couldn't do anything to change that. 

The day of my trial came, and all evidence pointed to me. Then I heard the most shocking words of my life as I stood there. "Diamond Ronald, you're hereby sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Max Ronald and Lily Davin." The judge said:.

I felt my world collapse as the judge's words reverberated in my ears. Life imprisonment? For a crime I didn't commit? It wasn't fair; it couldn't be true. But there I stood, in handcuffs and an orange jumpsuit, being led out of the courtroom by the police.  

I felt numb, unable to process what was happening. It was as if I was watching it all happen to someone else, not me. As we walked out of the courtroom, I met Lily's mother crying. 

"You will rot in jail, Diamond, for killing my child," she spat in my face before the police took her away. My heart broke as I heard the words of Lily's mother. I knew she was right; there was no way to make up for the terrible things that had happened. 

She had lost everything, and now I was going to spend the rest of my life in prison. I felt hopeless as I was escorted to a police car and taken away. It was a fate worse than death, and I couldn't imagine how I would survive it. 

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It's been months of living in hell, crying every single day without talking to anyone, and praying that one day I get out of here. Then I closed my eyes, imagining a life outside these walls, but the sound of kisses interrupted me again. 

This has been happening for quite a while now. I guess they're a couple or something. The ladies beside me kissed each other, their bodies pressing close as they touched themselves. I was uncomfortable, but I couldn't escape the sound of their whispers and moans. 

"Hmmm, right there, baby," I heard one of them say. "Baby, don't stop, please," she moaned. 

I had no choice but to endure because it wasn't my personal space. Just then I heard a fire alarm, but I wasn't moved by it because some inmates would always touch the fire alarm to make everyone scared, so I knew it was fake. 

But this time the alarm didn't stop, and then I heard those words that made me freeze. "Everyone, get out of your rooms; the whole building is on fire." One of the female cops shouted. My heart pounded in my chest as I heard her words.

Just then, an idea struck my mind like a bolt of lightning. I could use this fire as a distraction, a way to escape this hell. So I took off my cell uniform and quickly pulled in my hoodie, concealing my face, and rushed towards the door. I held my breath and ran through the hallway.

The smoke was stinging my eyes as I made my way to the ground floor. When we all got outside, so many vans were already standing by, waiting to carry us all. So we had to form a line as everyone quickly entered the vans, but the police were on standby with their guns, making it difficult to escape.

I didn't want to give up either. Before I could think of anything, I saw the ladies who were making out in the room earlier running. I joined them without thinking twice. We ran for our lives without looking back, and as we ran, more women joined.

"Stop running!" the policewoman kept shouting. My heart pounded in my chest, but I kept running. Then, I heard gunshots, and fear gripped me instantly. I looked around and saw some of the women who had been running with me falling to the ground. I knew I couldn't stop.

I ran until I was off their tracks. Suddenly, a car drove past me with speed, almost hitting me. I turned to see that the car had stopped, and a lady came down. "I'm so sorry for that. Can I give you a ride to where you're going? It looks like you're in a haste. She asked. 

I was surprised when the lady stopped and offered me a ride. "Yeah, some bad guys are chasing me," I lied. "Oh, please enter the car now so you won't get caught." I knew it could be dangerous to accept a ride from a stranger, but I was desperate and had no other options. 

As I entered the passenger seat, the lady smiled at me, trying to put me at ease. "I'm so sorry," she said. "Where are you headed?" "Erm, mmm, to any nearby hotel," I stammered, trying to sound cool. 

"Oh, okay, are you sure you'd be safe there?" She asked. I just nodded. At least for now, that's the only place I could hide until I figured something out. The lady signalled her driver to take us to a nearby hotel. 

"I'm finally out of hell," I whispered to myself as I let out a sigh of relief. I felt bad for those other ladies who were shot; I wish they had succeeded the way I did. "I'm Debra, by the way," she said, stretching her hands for a handshake. 

"I'm Diamond," I replied, shaking her. The drive wasn't silent and awkward; as she said things that made me laugh, I guess she was trying to put me at ease even though she didn't know me. "Nice ring, though," I said as I looked at the flashy diamond ring she was wearing. 

"Thank you," she replied. One thing led to another and  she opened up to me that she was being forced to marry someone she didn't love. I felt sorry for her and didn't know what to say, but I knew I had to say something. 

"My opinion doesn't matter anyway, but I think you shouldn't go on with the marriage if you don't want to." I said this as Debra suddenly interrupted me with her screams. 

"Watch out!!!!" She yelled at the driver as the car veered out of control, crashing into a truck. And boom, everything went dark.

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I couldn't feel or hear anything. I had no idea how long I was unconscious, but when I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. My head was pounding, and my body ached all over. I couldn't remember what had happened, but I knew it had been bad. 

I turned to look at the calendar beside me, and that was when I noticed I had been out for 5 days. As I tried to recall what had happened to me, a beautiful lady in her late 40s walked in. "O my God," she gasped, and she immediately ran out of the room. 

The doctor came in with her and rushed over to me to check on me. "She's stable now," he said while the beautiful lady kept crying. I still couldn't understand what was going on until the woman hugged me so tight.

"Debra, my little baby, I'm glad you're finally awake." I was shocked because my name wasn't Debra, and I couldn't push her away because she seemed like she was so happy to see me, like I had gone missing before. 

The doctor brought a mirror and handed it over to me. I felt a sense of dread. I knew something was wrong. "During the accident, Debra, you were the only survivor with a destroyed face, and thank goodness your car was recognised," he said. 

"I'm sorry your driver didn't make it either," he continued, and that was when everything came flushing back. I remembered the accident, and when I raised up the mirror to look at my face, I screamed.

Diamond's POV

I saw a face I didn't recognise. I stared in shock, unable to comprehend what I was seeing. I screamed again in horror, unable to believe that this was my reflection. I looked back at the doctor, my eyes wide with terror. I couldn't believe it. 

I didn't look like my old self anymore, but I looked like Debra, the girl who offered me a lift. "Calm down, Debra. We called your parents when the police saw your belongings from the accident, so they gave us a picture to enable us to restructure your face," the doctor said. 

Tears streamed down my face as I knew my real identity was gone forever and I was now someone else entirely. The doctor tried to reassure me, but I couldn't hear him over the sound of my own thoughts. "Can you remember anything?" the doctor asked. 

I knew I had to start pretending or I'd get caught. So I shook my head. "She might have gotten amnesia due to the accident, and it will take quite a while for her to remember," he said to the lady. "Well, this is Mrs. Juan, your mother," the doctor said as Mrs. Juan moved forward to hold my hand. 

And just then the news came up on the TV in the room: "Some deadly ladies escaped from prison five days ago, and they are yet to be seen," the headline said. My face and the faces of the ladies who also escaped were shown on TV. 

"I pray they get caught soon; otherwise, they'd do worse things," Mrs. Juan said, and the doctor nodded in agreement. When I saw my face on the screen, I cried again. I was happy that I was off the police tracks, but sad that Debra had to die for me to be free again for life. 

After a thorough checkup, I was discharged the next day and taken home by Mrs. Juan. I was safe, at least for the moment. But I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at my conscience. We got to the house, and as I entered the house, I was surprised to see how big it was. 

It wasn't a mansion, but it was something like a fairy tale. Huge chandeliers, golden doors, and staircases. But as I looked in awe, I heard someone open the door in a rush, and when I turned to look, it was a man in his 50s. He rushed to me and gave me a tight hug. 

"Debra, my little princess I'm glad you're okay. I'm sorry I wasn't around, but I'm here now," he said, hugging me again. I stood in stunned silence, not knowing what to say. 

This man was Debra's father. Part of me wanted to hug him back, to soak up the comfort and love he offered. But another part of me was wary, unsure of what to do. "Welcome back, Miss Debra," the maids chorused in unison as they smiled. 

"Food is ready, maam," one of the maids said to Mrs. Juan. "I know you must be starving, Debra. Let's go eat something," she said, holding my hands and taking me to the dining table. 

<<< >>> 

I've been pretending to be Debra for weeks now and not talking too much. I was always in my room after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I spend time reading Debra's diary, learning more about her. I noticed that even after the accident, Mrs. Juan and Mr. Desmond were not always around. 

They were the kind of parents who leave their kids in the hands of maids and Nannie's. It was for the better anyway, as I didn't have to pretend too much. I got up from bed and entered the bathroom to shower. After that, I got out and put on a simple dress. Then I heard a knock on the door. 

"Yes, who's it?" I asked. "It's Clara the maid, ma. Your mom said you should put on a nice outfit because they have a surprise for you downstairs," Clara said. I wondered what it might be. "Was it Debra's birthday? I asked myself. 

So I took off the dress I had already worn and picked out another from the wardrobe. I picked a simple yet stunning outfit. It was a sky blue short dress that hugged and brought out my shape properly. For some reason, Debra and I had the same body size, and all her clothes fit. 

I struggled to zip the dress as I noticed I had gained some weight over the week. I stood in front of the mirror, critically appraising my reflection. The dress fit perfectly, highlighting my curves in a way that was both flattering and subtly seductive. I combed my hair, letting it fall in soft waves around my shoulders. 

I left the room and headed downstairs. But as I walked down the stairs, something caught my eye. There was a man pacing around the room, like he was anticipating something. "She's here," I heard Mrs. Juan say, and when he turned to face me, my breath seized, and I felt my heart stop. 

I couldn't believe who I was seeing in front of me. It was the same man I had a one-night stand with at the club where I worked months ago. "Don Nicholas is here to see you," Mrs. Juan said. He was the CEO of the largest wine company in Los Angeles. And not just any man, but one of the richest men in the city.

He was still the most handsome man I had ever seen, with piercing blue eyes and a chiselled jawline. He still had that confident air about him. I felt my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to keep my composure. I couldn't let him see how much he affected me. 

I had to play it cool, no matter how difficult it was. He rushed towards me and gave me a tight hug. "I missed you so much, and I'm glad you're okay now, Debra," he whispered in my ears, sending shivers down my spine before giving me a kiss on my cheek. 

And then it clicked: he was Debra's fiance, the one she talked about weeks ago, whom they forced her to marry. So I had a one-night stand with Debra's fiancé? He held my hand and turned to face Mrs. Juan and Mr. Desmond. "I would like to go on with the wedding," he said, making me freeze. 

I tried not to say anything that would make them figure out I wasn't Debra; there's a possibility that Debra had already agreed to this arrangement. "Well, Debra is doing much better now," Mrs. Juan said, with a smile on her face. "So I think it's time for us to move forward with the wedding." 

Nicholas nodded, his gaze never leaving my face. "I want something small. Just family and close friends. No crowds or publicity." 

"Of course, Nicholas. We'll make sure it's how you want it." "Thank you," Nicholas said, his voice soft. "I really appreciate it." I couldn't take my eyes off of Nicholas. I had seen him before, but this time, something felt different. I felt a pull towards him-a connection I couldn't explain. 

I knew I shouldn't feel this way knowing that he was Debra's fiance, but I couldn't help myself. And seeing that I was already falling for him, I didn't want to miss this opportunity to marry him. 

The day of the wedding came, and it was a small but nice one with just family members, and after that, I was finally taken to Nicholas's home. I was in awe as I entered his home. It was a grand, sprawling mansion, with gleaming gold chandeliers and sweeping staircases that added to the opulence of the decor. 

I couldn't stop looking, but my exhaustion was beginning to catch up with me. Nicholas must have noticed me yawn, because he signalled to one of the maids. "Take her to our room," he said, and the maid nodded. Just hearing the word "our room" made me blush. 

Getting to the room, I couldn't help but move around as I took in the luxurious surroundings, from the soft, satin sheets on the bed to the sparkling chandelier overhead. I was surprised to see that the wardrobe was already filled with new clothes. 

I blushed again as I imagined what would happen tonight. I took a quick bath, and I picked the most pretty nightwear, which was red in color. I was about to go to bed when the door opened and Nicholas walked in. He stopped when he saw me, a soft smile spreading across his face. 

He walked over to me and gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his fingertips touching my cheek. A shiver ran down her spine at his touch. "What a sight to come home to," he said, his voice low and intimate.

Before I could say anything, he leaned in and kissed me. The kiss was soft and sweet, and I felt myself melt into it. But then he pulled away, breaking the kiss. I didn't know why he stopped, but I felt a rush of disappointment, and before I could say anything, he spoke. 

"I have something else for you," he said, standing up and walking over to the table. He picked up a file and handed it to me. When I opened it, my eyes widened as I read the words on the page. "A contract marriage?" I asked, a note of confusion in my voice. 

"What's this for?"

"Let me make this clear," Nicholas said, and I could sense that he was about to drop a bombshell. 

"This marriage means nothing to me."

Diamond's POV

"The only reason I agreed to this marriage was because of my mom, Diamond. She's been pestering me to get married. I never intended for it to be anything more than that." My heart sank. I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. So this was all just a game to him, I thought. 

He didn't really care about me; the picture-perfect wedding, the kiss, the touch, and all the promises he made in a short while were all facades. "What do you mean this wedding means nothing to you?" I asked. 

"We'd get a divorce and terminate the contract when I find my soulmate." He said it casually. "What the hell do you mean by when you find your soulmate?" I said, my voice rising. 

"Don't raise your voice at me, Debra.., and for your question, it won't be answered, so just sign the fucking papers," he yelled. The revelation crashed over me like a wave. 

"Did I do anything wrong? Please don't do this, Nicholas." I forced the words out of my mouth, my voice barely a whisper as tears streamed down my eyes. After all the weeks of anticipating this day to come, this is all I could get. A contract marriage?

I thought this was the gateway for me to start a new life and forget about all my past, but no, my life was just starting to get worse. "Sign it now, Debra..; I don't have time to waste here," Nicholas said with a stern look, handing me a pen as I choked back a sob.

I thought he was a good man, but it seems he's showing his true evil self now. I just couldn't believe it. I tried to argue with Nicholas, trying to make him see reason. But he wouldn't listen. He had other days to be cruel to me, but he chose to be on our wedding night. How could he do this to me?

My heart was breaking as I thought of what would happen if I went back to Debra's parents. They would surely find out who I really was in no time, and I couldn't risk going to jail again. I cried, not wanting to sign the papers but knowing I didn't have a choice.

After crying for what felt like hours, I finally took the pen from Nicholas. I wiped my tears away and signed the contract, sealing my fate for a life I knew would be nothing but suffering and pain. I looked up at Nicholas, who looked really devastated. I knew something was definitely wrong with him. 

"We'd have our separate rooms and respect each other's privacy; we'd only act like couples outside, but when we're inside, we stay away from each other." 

"Then when my mom comes around or any family member, we have to share a room," Nicholas continued. "Anyways, that's it." He grabbed the bottle of alcohol and drank from it. "Happy marriage life to me," he mumbled before leaving the room. I was left alone in the room, feeling sad and confused. 

This wasn't how I wanted my wedding night to be. I lay on the bed, tears streaming down my face. This was not the life I had dreamed of. I spent the whole night crying on the bed, my eyes puffy and red from all the tears. I didn't even realise it when I fell asleep. 

When I woke up, I looked in the mirror and saw that my eyes were still swollen and red. I didn't have the appetite to eat, so I stayed in bed, crying some more. Then I heard a knock on the door. It was a maid telling me to come down for breakfast. But I wasn't hungry. I just wanted to stay in bed and cry. 

So I dismissed the maid. As the afternoon came, my stomach started to grumble. I knew I had to eat or I would faint. I took a shower, put on a simple outfit, and headed downstairs for lunch. When I got to the dining room, I noticed I was the only one there, and it made me sad.

Nicholas must have already gone to work. I sat down at the table and took a few bites of food, but I didn't have much of an appetite. I couldn't stop thinking about Nicholas and how he had treated me. But as I sat there, I heard the maids whispering. "I bet she's the new plaything for Don Nicholas," one of them said. 

"He doesn't love her. I think she only married him for his money. What a gold digger!" Hearing these words broke my heart. Not only was Nicholas being cruel to me, but the maids were saying mean things about me, too. They didn't know the truth about why I had married him, but they were still judging me. 

I felt like everyone was against me. I was so angry that I pushed the food aside and headed back to my room. But as I walked down the hall, I couldn't help but look around. I had nothing to do and was alone at home, so I decided to look around the house. I wanted to know more about Nicholas and his family. 

I looked at the pictures on the walls and the furniture in the rooms, trying to figure out more about the man I had married. I kept walking and stumbled upon a room with the door slightly open. I entered the room, and it was obvious that it was Nicholas's room. 

It had a beautiful view from the balcony. Standing there, inhaling the fresh breeze, I suddenly heard a voice and realised it must be Nicholas. We had agreed to stay away from each other, and now if he sees me in his room, he'll be so angry, so I didn't have any other option but to hide.

I hid inside the wardrobe, closing the door quietly behind me. I watched as Nicholas entered the room, but then he wasn't alone. I saw another person walk into the room, and it wasn't just anybody, but a man. What the hell is going on here? I whispered to myself.

I wondered why they would enter the room holding hands. That's a little too weird for men. It was obvious that Nicholas was really into this man from the way he let the man move his hands around his muscular chest and arms. I could see the hardness in his suit trousers. 

"You're so handsome," I heard Nicholas whisper to the man in front of him, but it was loud enough for me to hear. "Then what are you waiting for? Kiss me already," the other guy replied. And with that, I watched how Nicholas leaned in and gave him a kiss.

Did Nicholas even think about me before making out with a man in this house? No wonder the maids called me his plaything; this was who he truly was. Things were just getting worse by the day, so I married a man who is into men. I wouldn't even call this a real marriage, though. 

I didn't know how I was feeling; tears began to well up in my eyes as I watched them make out. This was my husband, the man I fell in love with the moment I saw him in the club that night. But now he was kissing another man right in front of my eyes. I could feel their warmth from where I was hiding in the closet.

The tears I had been holding rolled down my cheeks as I continued to watch them make out. Why me? Why is all this happening to me? Even if I wanted to run away, where would I start from? I asked myself all these questions but couldn't get any answers. My legs were beginning to hurt because I wasn't really comfortable in the closet.

I tried to adjust myself so I wouldn't fall off. "What's that sound?" The other man asked Nicholas, looking directly at the closet. "It's nothing, my love; don't let anything distract you," Nicholas replied. I let out a sigh of relief as Nicholas dismissed the issue because, if he had come to check, I would have been caught.

Things were starting to get really intense, as they were already naked. Nicholas pressed his body against the man, kissing his whole skin passionately. I felt fresh hatred grow as I heard the man moan with every touch.

I should be the one moaning at his touch, not some dude who looks like he has never been kissed in his life. "Desperate fool," I cursed under my breath as I sobbed silently. The closet was becoming more and more uncomfortable, making it hard for me to breathe.

Should I come out and stop this? I thought to myself. "What if Nicholas punishes me for this? I bit my lower lips painfully, knowing I couldn't come out now. And as I tried to adjust my legs again, I slipped and fell out of the closet, hitting my shoulder on the floor.

"What the fuck!" Nicholas yelled as they both tried to cover themselves with the sheets. "Who are you, and what the hell are you doing in my room?" 

What is he talking about? "What do you mean by who am I?" I asked him, trying to get myself up from the ground. "Like I said, who are you, and what are you doing in my space?" he yelled. 

"Are you like a maid or something?"

"No, I'm not," I replied, my voice filled with confusion. Was Nicholas trying to deny me because of his man? "Why are you acting like you don't know me, Nicholas?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Please, can you get out? You're interrupting our moment," the other man said. "Please stay out of this and let me talk to my husband," I replied angrily.

"Oh, I see where you get it all wrong. I'm not Nicholas," he said, making me freeze.