Nichole's POV

My whole world turned sideways when I saw Lydia standing in front of me. She was clinging to my robe that barely covered her body. My head spun with annoyance as my eyes dilated for a moment before regaining focus. She was wearing my night robe. The realization hit me like a dagger to the heart.

What was she doing here in my house? Wearing my clothes? God, where was Blake?

He really had some fucking explaining to do.

"Why are you here?" My brows knotted together as I stared at her. At the very least, I expected some sort of shock or remorse from her. Instead, she gave me a weird smile.

Her lips curled as she crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe. At this moment, she was a stark contrast to the frail girl I saw yesterday.

"Why are you even here? A part of me was wondering when you'd die in that hospital," she said with a sigh, her gaze shifting to her nails as she examined them, turning them from side to side. She clicked her tongue before looking back at me.

"But not all of us get what we want, isn't that right, love?"

Okay, what the flipping flamingo was going on? This Lydia girl just switched up her aura. It was almost intimidating, but I was never one to get so intimidated.

My fists tightened as I moved closer to her. I was going to give her a piece of my mind, once and for all.

I stepped closer, and her smirk only widened, which made me want to smack her across the face. If she kept running her mouth, it was only a matter of time before I actually did it.

"Listen, you-"

My voice caught in my throat when I heard my mother-in-law's voice.

"Honey, why are you here? You should be resting. The doctor strictly warned you not to do anything strenuous."

I scoffed in disbelief. How does opening the door count as something strenuous? What a joke.

Her voice came closer, and I could see the way she rolled her eyes. In all the years I'd been married to Blake, she had never once pretended to like me.

"Mother, it's alright. I'm fine. I was just coming to open the door for the visitor-"

"I think you mean Blake's wife," I snapped, cutting off her pretentious tone.

God, everything about her got under my skin.

My mother-in-law scoffed and turned to Lydia, her voice softening with tender care I had never received.

"Come inside, dear. You need to lie down. Your health is our top priority," she said, placing a hand on Lydia's shoulder and guiding her inside the house.

There wasn't an ounce of remorse in her eyes when she glanced at me. I hadn't been home since yesterday, and no one had bothered to call me. Lydia showed up wearing my clothes, and no one cared.

"You, girl, come inside and make breakfast. It's about time you made yourself useful, given all the money my son spends on you daily," my mother-in-law barked.

With determination, I pushed myself off the doorframe and stumbled inside. That's when my eyes met his.

"Nichole, where have you been?" Blake asked, his eyes scanning me skeptically.

I bit my tongue, shaking my head with a scoff.

"Where did you go last night? The night of our wedding anniversary, Blake Hamilton William?" I swallowed hard, tears pricking the corners of my eyes. "Do you even care about me?"

Blake ran a hand through his hair and exhaled heavily.

"Nichole, what is your problem, honestly? You've been acting out lately. It's not like you work, so we can't even call it work-related stress-"

"That's a fact. Blake, you've spoiled her too much, and now look how pompous she is. A lowly orphan like you should be grateful you even married into this family," my mother-in-law interjected.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"I never really thought all of you felt that way about me," I muttered, my voice laced with disbelief.

Gasps filled the room as I grabbed Blake's suit.

"If you hated me so much, then why did you marry me, huh?"

Blake rolled his eyes, gently taking hold of my hand. His other hand tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

"Because I love you. I don't know why you're so insecure about things that don't matter. We're a family, okay?"

The tears welled in my eyes as my fists clenched. How dare he say those words without a proper explanation for what was going on with Lydia?

"Yesterday, I saw that you-"

Blake placed a finger over my lips, silencing me.

"Shh. It's not what you think. The media is just trying to stir up drama. You know how they photoshop things."

I searched his eyes, desperate for anything to comfort me, to make me believe him. But nothing settled the unease in my heart.

"That doesn't explain why she's here, in our house," I said warily, casting a glance at Lydia, who was curled up against my mother-in-law like a puppy. "Or why she's wearing my robe."

Blake pulled me into a hug. The scent of his cologne did little to ease the tension in my heart, but I found myself sinking into his embrace.

"She came over with Mom. She spilled something on her clothes yesterday, so Mom gave her yours," he explained, rubbing my back. "Would you have preferred she wore mine?"

"NO!"

Blake chuckled, lifting my chin.

"You're so cute when you're jealous," he teased.

I wasn't amused.

"Blake, we need to-"

"We'll talk later. For now, why don't you make breakfast? Mother doesn't like to be kept waiting."

"Blake, I-"

He hushed me and nudged me toward the kitchen. I wanted to protest, but I didn't know how to say no to him.

"Fine. After breakfast, we'll talk. Okay?"

He nodded, and I sighed in relief.

Despite needing rest, I found myself working tirelessly in the kitchen. After thirty minutes, I set a buffet on the table.

Lydia squealed with joy.

"My God, this looks amazing! I can't believe you made this for me. Thanks, sis!"

My stomach churned.

"I didn't make anything for you," I muttered.

My mother-in-law scoffed, brushing past me.

"Don't be so rude. Even if you don't have parents, you're old enough to know better."

I frowned, setting the plate on the table with more force than necessary, surprised it didn't break.

"At least I don't try to ruin people's marriages," I snapped.

"Nichole, enough! It's too early for this," Blake said, diffusing the situation.

I moved to sit with Blake, but Lydia nudged me aside, dropping into the seat next to him and clinging to his arm.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed.

"Nichole, not now. Just let Lydia be," Blake said calmly.

I closed my eyes, exhaling deeply before forcing a smile.

"Sure."

I poured myself a glass of wine and downed it.

The sound of shattering glass made my head snap toward Lydia and Blake.

My heart raced in fear and shock.

"Lydia!" Blake called out as she jerked against his body, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

"What's happening to you?" I asked, horrified.

I stayed frozen in place as Lydia's face twisted in fear.

"The food... I think... it was poisoned," she stuttered, and my heart dropped.

Nichole's POV

All eyes fell on me, and I jolted back in my seat, the chair scraping against the floor as I stood up. Why was everyone staring at me?

"I didn't do anything!" I stammered.

My mother-in-law slammed her hand against the table as she stood. "I know you're jealous of the relationship between Lydia and Blake, but this is too much. How could you be so evil?"

"What?" My eyes widened in disbelief as I turned to Blake for support, but he just gave me a disgusted look.

"Baby, are you okay?" he asked, digging his hand into his pocket and pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the trail of blood slipping from the side of Lydia's mouth. She gave him a slight nod.

"Baby?" I mumbled under my breath, my throat suddenly dry. "You guys are together, aren't you?"

I noticed the way Blake's shoulders stiffened before his hand tightened around Lydia's, still refusing to spare me a single glance.

"Are you okay? Does your body hurt? I promise I'll go get the doctor," he said softly, his tone breaking my heart.

There was no longer any need to hide it. The man I loved was with another woman, shamelessly flaunting her in my face. Seeing how everyone was fawning over Lydia made me realize that, even though I was legally his wife, I was the outsider.

Three years... all for nothing.

My hand slowly moved to the satin cloth adorning the table. I'd bought it a year after we got married-a foolish attempt to make our home beautiful. It reminded me of all my years of stupidity and blind devotion.

Anger coursed through my veins. I grunted, pulling hard at the tablecloth. The sound of shattering plates echoed through the room, and everyone turned to me in shock.

Blake quickly shielded Lydia with his body, and honestly, I didn't care if he got hurt. He hurt me first.

Blake marched up to me, his footsteps heavy with fury. He was truly angry-angrier than I had ever seen him. Fear clawed at my skin, but I forced myself to remain calm.

Like a flash of lightning, a sharp slap filled the room, the force of it sending my head sideways.

My cheek burned as tears filled my eyes. He had hit me... because of her.

My body trembled as I struggled to catch my breath. Slowly, I pressed a hand to my throbbing cheek and turned to him, disbelief evident in my eyes.

Seeing him now made me realize I probably never knew him at all. I'd been blinded by my desperation to be loved by him, unable to see or accept his flaws. I'd painted a picture in my head, deluded myself with the idea of love, when in reality, I had been living in bondage.

"How dare you do that to Lydia! First, you've been acting up, and now you try to kill her? Don't you have any shame, Nichole? How could you be so cruel?"

Even now, he blamed me for everything. Was he always this manipulative, or was I just foolish?

With a grunt I launched my palm against his face and the whole room became silentsilent with shock.

"Lydia! Lydia! Lydia! Why the hell is she so important to you?" I choked on my words, my throat tight with emotion.

"I am your wife, for God's sake!" I yelled, my voice shaking the room.

"How dare you raise your hand on me, you bitch?" Blake growled. He grabbed a chunk of my hair, forcing me to meet his furious gaze. "My mom was right. I've indulged you too much."

His face tightened as he tossed me aside, treating me like trash.

I crashed against the table, the sharp edge digging into my stomach. Groaning in pain, I clutched my abdomen as a wave of dizziness washed over me. My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the floor.

Clutching my stomach, I gritted my teeth as tears poured from my eyes.

"My baby," I whispered, the words echoing in my head like a prayer. I had lost everything-but God, please, not my baby.

"No," I muttered, shaking my head in denial as I noticed the dampness spreading between my legs.

I couldn't lose my baby.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

My phone rang. My head turned sluggishly toward the sound, and a flicker of hope ignited in my chest when I saw the name flashing on the screen. My phone was just a few inches away-all I had to do was reach it.

"Dad," I whimpered, my voice weak as I reached out.

"Argh!" I cried out when Blake's foot pressed down on my hand, crushing my fingers.

My body drained of energy as I panted heavily. "Blake..."

Blake scoffed, picking up my phone from the floor. He turned to his mother with a chuckle.

"Look who's calling. It's her dad," he sneered.

"I told you this wench was nothing but a gold digger," his mother spat with disgust. "All she wanted was your money. Pretending to be an orphan was just a ploy to gain your sympathy. Thank God you've come to your senses and decided to be with Lydia. She's the perfect match for you."

I shook my head weakly, tears streaming down my face. "Blake, about my parents-it's not what you think..."

"Shut the hell up, you liar!" Blake snapped, pressing his foot harder against my hand.

I screamed in pain as he arched a brow with a smirk. He pressed the answer button on my phone.

"Let's see what Daddy has to say."

Jennifer's frantic voice rang through the line, and my eyes widened in shock. Why was she answering my dad's phone?

"My God, Nichole, where are you? Uncle's condition has worsened! You need to get here right now. He only has three hours left to live..."

Jennifer's voice cut off abruptly as Blake smashed my phone to the floor. Hope drained from me as I wiggled my fingers under his foot, desperately trying to break free.

"No, Dad," I whispered.

"Blake, please," I begged, my voice trembling. "I promise I'll explain everything, but I need to see my dad..."

Blake scoffed. "After hurting Lydia, do you think I'll let you off that easily?"

He pulled me up from the floor just as the door burst open, and police officers swarmed into the room.

The supposedly injured Lydia, who moments ago looked as if she might pass out, sprang to her feet and rushed toward them.

"Finally, you're here! Arrest her! She tried to kill me," Lydia said, smirking as she pointed at me.

I was too exhausted to fight. I needed to see my dad.

I grabbed Blake's hand, tears streaming down my face as I pleaded. "Blake, please... for everything we shared over the past few years... help me." My voice cracked, my body shaking while blake stared at me with an unreaable expression.

Nichole's POV

The door to my cell creaked open, and I saw Blake stride inside with his handbag, Lydia, curled up against his body like the snake she was.

"What do you want?" I frowned, not wanting to stare at their betrayal.

A paper flapped through the air until it was staring straight into my face.

My eyes narrowed, and then it dropped. "Divorce?" I mumbled in disbelief.

"Of course he's going to divorce you," Lydia clicked her tongue. "Blake is a very important man in society, and you, a lowlife, will only drag his name through the mud. Not to mention now that you're an ex-convict."

"Ex-convict?" I sprang to my feet with so much force that Lydia shrank back against Blake."will I be here if you didn't falsely arrest me."

"Nichole, watch yourself before you do something stupid. This doesn't have to be overdramatic. Just sign it peacefully." Blake frowned blocked my path.

Anger spun in my head, but I forced a smile, snatching the paper.

"Fine." I frowned.

When I was done, I passed it over to Blake, who smiled with satisfaction.

"You and I have nothing to do with each other.Now Let me go. I have to leave."

Blake arched a brow. "Leave? That's not possible. You stay here and cool off." He then moved further to nudge Lydia's arm.

"Let's go, babe."

"No!" I shook my head, running after them, but the bars slid shut as the officers held me back.

"Blake, you bastard!" I screamed.

*******

I stared into space, emotionless. The air was cold and dry. I didn't know how long I had been in the cell, but it didn't matter. All I did was clutch my stomach, dread filling my eyes.

Because of the Hamilton influence, I was locked up without any concrete evidence. And Blake...

Anger pooled in my chest as his face formed before my eyes.

Footsteps approached, and my head slowly whipped toward the direction of the sound. That's when I saw him-Adrian Gonzalez, my ex-fiancé. The man I had rebelliously broken off my engagement with because I didn't want to be controlled by my family.

I turned my face away before his eyes could meet mine. If he had come to gloat at my failure, I was not going to give him the satisfaction.

Even if he had come to mock me, it was expected-I had really fallen from grace.

"Open this cell at once. Do you know who you've just detained?" Adrian's harsh tone barked across the room, and I heard the guards scrambling to get the keys.

"Yes, Mr. Adrian. Please forgive my foolishness."

Adrian was one of the most powerful men in Orion Heights, also known as the City of Elites. His steps were heavy as he marched hurriedly over to where I was. My gaze was still fixed on the wall because I couldn't bear to look at him. He stopped right in front of me.

"What do you want? Have you come to mock me?" I asked coldly.

A sigh escaped his lips, and he crouched down on his knees. I shifted uncomfortably, finally turning my gaze to him.

"Nichole, I finally found you." His eyes held a subtle hint of emotion, which was strange. The man I remembered was cold and aloof-part of the reason I had broken the engagement. I didn't want to be shackled to a robot.

His hand pressed on mine, his face tight. "Even if you hated me so much, why did you have to hide from me?"

"Adrian, I..." I swallowed hard, forcing myself to speak, but Adrian cut me off.

"It's fine. You don't have to say anything." His hand brushed over my palm, sending a wave of comfort down my spine.

"I know how much you've suffered. It's my fault for not finding you sooner. But now, I can bring you back home."

Home? The word echoed in my head.

"Where's my dad?" I asked, bracing myself for the worst.

Adrian's face fell, and slowly, he shook his head. I let out a scoff, my eyes filling with tears, teeth clenched tightly. For three whole years, I hadn't visited my father, fearing he'd keep me away from the monster who betrayed me and made me suffer so much.

"I'll kill him," I mumbled under my breath, my chest heaving.

I chuckled as tears pricked the corners of my eyes. My head tilted to the side.

"No." I shook my head in denial. "Death is too good for him. I'll strip him of everything he holds dear. I'll crumble his empire. I'll be Blake Hamilton's worst nightmare. I will have my revenge on those who hurt me."

One Week Later

"Miss Valmont, it's time. Everyone is waiting for you at the banquet," Thomson, my butler, informed me. I nodded, turning back to the mirror.

It had been a week since I returned to my family. My father had been buried, and my mother didn't want to see me.

Who could blame her? I had been an unfilial, selfish daughter.

My father was the chairman of the Valmont Empire, the greatest conglomerate in Orion Heights. As his heir, everything he owned now belonged to me.

I grabbed the envelope from the table, passing it to Thomson.

"Hold this for me. I'll need it tonight," I murmured, and together, we left the room.

The door to the hall flung open, and I stepped inside. My eyes scanned the room, searching for my targets-Blake and Lydia. Oh, what a wonderful plan I had for them.

I collided against someone and looked up. Fate was truly on my side tonight.

The person before me was none other than Blake, and the woman next to him-Lydia.

"Hey, Nichole. It's good to see you again," Lydia's tiny voice chirped.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Isn't it? Our last meeting wasn't exactly friendly."

Blake grabbed my arm. "What are you doing here? How did you get out of your cage?" he scoffed. "If you're here to make things hard for me, you better leave, or I'll teach you a lesson."

"Hard?" I smirked, raising a brow.

"Nichole, please leave. This place is not meant for liars like you. And in case you didn't know, Blake has an important multimillion-dollar business contract to sign with the heiress of the Valmont Empire. Please leave."

"Indeed, he does," I scoffed.

"Get your hands off my woman before I break them. You've already done enough," Adrian's voice cut through the room, and Blake unconsciously let go of my hand.

Who wouldn't? Adrian had quite the reputation.

"Mr. Gonzalez..." Blake almost stuttered in shock.

Ignoring him, Adrian turned to me. "Are you okay? Doesn't your hand hurt?" He planted a smooth kiss on my palm.

I pushed closer to Adrian, and he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "I'm fine, babe."

"Babe?Nichole, who is this man to you?" Blake's eyes widened in shock.

I turned to Adrian with a smile. "Isn't it obvious? He's my boyfriend."

"What?" Both Lydia and Blake chorused.

"Nichole, you..." Blake started, but I snapped, cutting him off.

"What? You get to date someone else, but I can't? What a hypocrite."

"So, this entire time, you've been cheating on me? That's the only explanation since you've been in prison!"

The words made my blood boil. Without thinking, I grabbed a cocktail from one of the waitresses and threw it in his face. Lydia gasped, drawing everyone's attention to us.

"Slander my name again, and I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget," I smirked. "That is, if you survive what I have planned for you tonight."

Blake and Lydia looked confused, trying to piece my words together. Then the microphone came on, and everyone's attention shifted to the podium.

"Everyone, it's a-" Thomson's voice faded as Adrian leaned in, his hand on my waist.

"It's time," he whispered.

The stage lights illuminated me, and all eyes turned in my direction.

"Please welcome the heiress of the Valmont Empire," Thomson announced.

The room erupted in applause, while Blake stumbled back in disbelief.