The Queen Claims Her Throne

# Zoe pov#

I watched the flames burn away the remnants of my old life.

Every dress, every necklace, every cheap, thoughtless gift Travis ever gave me — all of it crumbled into ash. The fire spread fast, devouring everything like it could sense my hatred, like it wanted to erase every trace of him from my existence.

But it wasn’t enough.

The heat didn’t burn hot enough to match what I felt inside.

Five years of lies.

Five years of loving a man who pretended to love me.

“I did what I had to do, David.”

His voice echoed in my skull, ripping through me like glass.

“Her mom was dying anyway. Madison’s sister needed the transplant.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, but the words wouldn’t leave, my body couldn’t stop shaking. I don't know if it’s from anger or hate..

“So you killed her?” David had snapped, voice shaking.

“I saved Madison’s sister.” Travis’s voice had been cold and so detached. Like my mother’s life meant nothing. “And I married Zoe. Isn’t that enough?”

I heard everything.

I was on my way to tell him I was pregnant when I found out he’d murdered my mother to save Madison Moon's sister.

I pressed a hand to my stomach. The tiny life growing inside me was the only reason I hadn’t completely collapsed.

Travis didn’t know and he never would.

Not until I made him pay.

A sharp sound broke through my thoughts — the click of heels against gravel.

I didn’t turn around.

I knew who it was.

“You know,” Madison’s voice was like silk soaked in poison, “I always thought you were a little unhinged.”

I clenched my jaw, staring into the fire.

“Burning your stuff like this?” She circled me slowly, like a vulture. “It’s pathetic. You’re pathetic.”

I stayed silent.

“What?” She leaned closer, voice dripping with mock concern. “Travis finally had enough of playing house?”

My nails dug into my palms.

“He’s been staying late with me, you know,” she whispered. “Not that you care. I mean, you’re used to being second choice, right?”

The fire crackled louder.

“First Ethan, now Travis. Every man you love ends up choosing me.”

I turned to leave, but she blocked my path.

Her mask slipped, and her eyes gleamed with cruelty, the bitch is finally showing her true colour.

“I should thank your mom,” Madison sneered. “Her death brought me and Travis even closer.”

I froze.

“Maybe you should’ve died with her,” Madison said, smiling. “Would’ve saved us all a lot of trouble.”

That was the final straw before I snapped.

I shoved her, hard, sending her stumbling back, almost falling into the fire..

“Are you crazy?!” she screeched, eyes wide with panic.

“Zoe!”

Travis’s voice ripped through the night, sharp and furious.

He ran toward me, and before I could react, he slapped me across the face.

The impact sent my head snapping to the side, my skin burning.

Madison gasped, clutching her chest like she was the victim.

“I—I didn’t mean to,” he stammered, reaching for me. “Zoe, please. I just… I lost control. I’m sorry.” “I just… Madison’s father… I can’t lose this deal. You understand, right? You always understand.”

He turned back to Madison, brushing soot off her skin, checking her like she was made of glass.

I stood there, blood dripping down my lip, watching them like they were strangers.

Travis didn’t look at me when he called the private medical team.

I didn’t cry.not in front of them at least.I’ll let myself break later but not now.

I walked out of the estate, my heels scraping against the pavement as the night swallowed me whole.

Travis’s voice echoed from the house, frantic and desperate as he called for help.

I climbed into my car, slamming the door shut. My hands tremble. The taste of ash lingered on my tongue, bitter and unforgiving.

I just picked up my phone and dialed a number , one I thought I would never have to use.

It rang once.

“Lear Corporation.” A man’s voice, smooth and emotionless.

I stared at the mansion in my rearview mirror, watching Travis kneel beside Madison like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.

I pressed my lips together, voice steady as stone.

“I want to disappear,” I said.

A beat of silence.

“Understood,” the man replied. “When can you come in?”

I wiped my face, smudging the streaks of soot and dried tears, and turned the key in the ignition.

“Tonight.”