The Day I was Released From Prison, I Got Married

After our rushed wedding, I moved back into my small apartment, just as I had planned. I invited Maxwell over, crafting the perfect intimate atmosphere to lure him in. As expected, it didn’t take long before he tried to get closer, unable to resist the mood I’d created. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I stood on tiptoe, gently nibbling at his collarbone, his breathing growing heavier with each touch.

Suddenly, the sound of glass shattering echoed from the bedroom. My smile widened slightly.

Maxwell pulled back, alarmed and glanced toward the source of the noise. “What was that?” he asked, wariness creeping into his voice.

I kissed his cheek and replied coyly, “Probably just the wind. What do you think you’ll find in a woman’s apartment that’s been empty for a year?” Then, with a teasing glint in my eye, I reminded him, “Besides, you remember my one condition, don’t you?”

He seemed taken aback by my sudden forwardness, lifting me playfully in his arms and spinning me around. But as he did, I noticed the bedroom door creak open just enough to reveal the top of Lydia’s head, peeking out from the shadows. I played my part a little longer, keeping Maxwell distracted with light touches and playful teasing, until he finally left the apartment.

The moment the door clicked shut, Lydia stormed out of the bedroom, her face twisted with rage.

“You slut!” she spat. “Did you bring me here just to watch you flirt with my brother?”

Without missing a beat, I slapped her down onto the sofa. The sound of the impact was sharp and a deep satisfaction bloomed within me as I saw both sides of her face swell up, perfectly symmetrical.

Lydia’s eyes blazed with fury as she glared at me, still trying to threaten her way out of the situation. “How dare you hit me, Nichole? Who do you think you are? Believe me, I’ll—”

Before she could finish, I slapped her again. One slap may not make much of a sound, but two? That should be loud enough for everyone to hear.

Lydia held her face, shaking, but her defiance hadn’t faded. Her eyes burned with silent rage as she glowered at me.

“You’ll what?” I sneered, grabbing a fistful of her hair and forcing her to look at me. “Frame me again? Send me to prison like last time?” My voice dripped with venom as I leaned in closer. “I’ve never forgotten what you and Vivienne did. Every single day in that disgusting cell, I thought of you.”

Lydia laughed, a smug, twisted smile spreading across her lips. “Good,” she said mockingly. “I got you thrown in there once and I’ll do it again. This time, I won’t let you off. Even if you beg.”

I released her, watching her scramble to her feet, thinking she had the upper hand. But as she fled the apartment, I pulled out the recording device I had hidden in my pocket and smirked. The entire exchange had been captured perfectly. I sent the recording to Beth immediately.

Beth Roberts, a brilliant lawyer and hacker I met in prison, had been framed herself. After hearing my story, she’d agreed to help me, driven by a shared goal: to destroy the Ashford Family, piece by piece.

A few days later, I requested to move into the Ashford villa and Maxwell agreed without hesitation—this man was driven by lust. When I moved in, Lydia was so furious that she rushed back to the Ashford estate, bringing along Vivienne, who rarely showed her face.

Lydia and Vivienne claimed they missed home and insisted on staying at the villa. Maxwell was caught in a dilemma. He could assert his authority over Lydia, but not with Vivienne. Although Maxwell was the only male heir, Vivienne was still in charge of the Ashford Family until Maxwell fully took over the company. One word from Vivienne and the Ashford Corp would either accept or reject Maxwell.

I gave Maxwell a knowing look, signaling that I didn’t mind. He praised me for being so understanding.

But little did Lydia and Vivienne know, Maxwell’s and my actions were a constant thorn in their sides. Leaning into Maxwell’s arms, I gave Lydia and Vivienne a smug smile. When Maxwell let go, I returned to my humble and obedient demeanor.

Vivienne was clearly the sharper of the two. She quickly calmed Lydia down, speaking directly but politely to Maxwell, giving him both face and a subtle warning. A cunning woman indeed. Too bad she crossed paths with me.