Chapter 1 PAIN OF REJECTION

Ashlyn's point of view

"Are you ready, Ashlyn? It's finally your big day!" My makeup artist beamed, as she adjusted my makeup framing my face.

I nodded, smiling at her.

"You're such a beautiful bride. I'm sure your groom will be stunned to see how gorgeous you look."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in my heart. I was almost going to explode out of happiness. "I think so. I mean... it all feels like a dream." swaying my voice, half from my nervousness and the other half from joy. I couldn't believe it was happening...my wedding day.

"Let's make sure it's perfect," she said, smiling as she touched up a stray curl. My reflection looked back at me as I stared at myself in the mirror, every detail made me look extraordinary. From my lace-up shoulder wedding gown to the shiny pearls, my own eyes were full of something I couldn't describe.

I clutched the bouquet, inhaling the sweet scent of the roses. Everything felt just right, perfect just the way I had dreamt of it.

**************

As the church doors swung open, the sight before me nearly stole my breath. Rows of smiling faces, friends and family, turned toward me. And the gentle music by John Legend, "All Of Me" gave me goosebumps.

I began my walk down the aisle, with my heart beating so fast and almost screaming in my mind out of joy. From the corner of my eyes, I could see the smiling and happy faces of my loved ones.

Everything was perfect.

I kept walking slowly like I owned the place. It was my day and I didn't care. As I got closer to the altar, I noticed Christopher's expression. He wasn't smiling. His eyes were hard, and his lips were pressed into a thin line. I got confused. He was supposed to be as happy as I was right? I didn't understand what was going on.

"Christopher?" I whispered, feeling a bit shocked as I stepped up beside him. But before I could ask, he cut me off.

"Ashlyn," he started, in a cold and unrecognizable voice. "How could you?"

My stomach twisted. "What... What do you mean? What are you talking about?"

"Don't play innocent, you hypocrite." he sneered, very loud enough that some of our guests exchanged confused glances. "I know everything. About you... about your affairs... and about how you tried to harm Penelope. You selfish and wicked can you be? Huh!"

My cheeks burned as murmurs rippled through the crowd. "What? Christopher, that's... that's not true!" I stammered, feeling my eyes well up with tears. "I would never do that... I didn't..."

"Lies," he spat, as his face twisted with disgust. "I can't believe I almost married someone as deceitful as you. To think that you almost deceived me into marrying you? Shame on you, Ashlyn! Shame!!"

"Christopher, please, listen to me!" I went further to hold him, but he just stepped back, ripping the bouquet from my hands and letting the petals scatter onto the floor.

"You're nothing to me, Ashlyn. This wedding is over. I'm done with you." And with that, he turned his back on me, leaving me stranded at the altar, feeling broken and humiliated.

"I... I didn't do it. Please, don't go," I whispered, as tears covered my eyes. Today wasn't supposed to end this way.

Oh! No.. It was meant to be perfect.

I felt the eyes of everyone in the room burning into me. Whispers swirled, some faces contorted in judgment. While some felt pity for me and cursed at Christopher. I could hear the sounds of pictures capturing me.

Suddenly, my vision blurred, and before I could process what was happening to me, everything went black.

***************

I opened my eyes, squinting against the harsh white light. My head throbbed, and when I touched my forehead, I winced, feeling a bandage there. Where was I?

The dull beeps around me slowly made me understand that...I was in a hospital.

I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced me back down. That's when it hit me...my failed wedding, the false accusations, and how embarrassed I felt. Causing me to tear up again. But... as I lay there, something else crossed my mind, it was Memories, strange and unfamiliar, yet vivid.

A battlefield. Shouts of men under my command. My name... Hannah. Commander Hannah.

I squeezed my eyes shut, gripping the sheets as more memories flooded in. My betrayal... the sting of a knife... and darkness. I... I had died. But how was I here, in this broken body, with Ashlyn's face?

It felt like fate had given me a second chance...a chance to set things right. I was still Hannah, but now I was Ashlyn too.

Just then, I heard voices outside the door, the hushed whispers of nurses I guess.

"No one's coming to visit her," one nurse was saying, in an almost pitiful tone. They were gossiping about me, Right?

"Well, everyone's with her stepsister, Penelope," another nurse replied. "After all, Penelope's the one they care about now."

The first nurse sighed. "I almost feel bad for her. Left at the altar, then just tossed aside... and not even a single visitor."

My grip on the sheets tightened. So, they all abandoned me, did they? They thought I was a shame? Or an outcast now? They didn't know the fire that was reigniting within me.

The door creaked open, and one of the nurses entered with a small smile. Acting like she didn't say anything. Or maybe, she wasn't the one talking. "You're awake! How are you feeling?"

I met her gaze, she looked unfriendly. "Do you know who I am?"

She looked surprised. "You're Ashlyn Knight, right?"

"That's right," I said coolly, feeling a bit satisfied by her surprise. "And I own shares in the Knight family assets. I have every right to be treated with respect. Now, go make me a cup of tea."

Her eyes widened, and she took a step back, fumbling to compose herself. "Oh... I didn't realize... I'm so sorry, Miss Knight. I'll go now."

She practically stumbled out of the room, and moments later, I heard a rush of hurried footsteps in the hallway.

I smirked, they have to treat me well here and do whatever I ask. I'll make them know that I wasn't just some cast-off.

Let her hurry. This was only the beginning.