A Wedding Vow of Vengeance

"Miss Knight! Miss Knight, can you hear me?" The voice pierced through Ashlyn's fog of consciousness like a distant echo. Her eyelids felt heavy, and a sharp pain radiated from her forehead. "Get up! How dare you still pretend to be unconscious?" Christopher's voice cut through the air like ice. Ashlyn's eyes fluttered open. The pristine white marble steps of the church swam into focus, now stained with droplets of red. Her wedding dress, once pure white, was smeared with dirt and blood. "I trusted you, Ashlyn." Christopher's voice dripped with contempt.

"To think I almost married a woman who's been sleeping around behind my back." "What... what are you talking about?" Her voice came out as a whisper. "Oh, now you're playing innocent?" He laughed bitterly. "First the affairs, and now attempting to kill Penelope? You've shown your true colors today." "Kill... Penelope?" The words felt foreign on her tongue. "Stop the act!" Christopher grabbed the wedding bouquet from a nearby chair. "Your own stepsister! She trusted you, and you pushed her down the stairs!" The white roses scattered across Ashlyn's crumpled form as he tore the bouquet apart. "The precious daughter of the Knight family." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "You're nothing but trash." "I didn't..." Ashlyn tried to stand, her legs shaking. "Save your breath." Christopher straightened his tie. "The engagement is off. The wedding is canceled. I hope you rot in hell for what you did to Penelope." Mrs. White, Christopher's mother, appeared behind him. "Christopher, darling, the guests are waiting for an explanation." "Tell them the truth, Mother." Christopher's eyes never left Ashlyn. "Tell them how the Knight family's perfect daughter tried to murder her own stepsister on her wedding day." "Such a shame," Mrs. White clicked her tongue. "And to think we almost welcomed you into our family." As their footsteps faded away, a searing pain shot through Ashlyn's head. Suddenly, images flooded her mind – not of this life, but another. Ashlyn saw herself in a battlefield. The smell of blood and dirt flow through the air. Agonizing screens of soldiers reverberated through the air. A woman in military uniform was in the distance yelling words she couldn't understand at her and yet it felt so important "Commander Hannah what are our next move." the soldier yelled through the battlefield. "What... what is this?" Ashlyn clutched her head. Unable to grasp the memories going through her head right now. "Betrayal. A knife in the back. The bitter taste of defeat." "Commander Hannah..." she whispered to herself. "I... died?" Two nurses rushed to her side, helping her onto a stretcher. Their whispers carried clearly through the quiet space as they wheeled her through the hospital corridors. "Did you see how many visitors Miss Penelope has?" The younger nurse gestured down the hall. "Her room's practically a flower shop." "Well, what do you expect?" The older nurse adjusted Ashlyn's IV. "Who'd visit someone who ruined their own wedding and tried to kill their stepsister?" "I heard she's been having affairs with multiple men," another nurse joined in. "The Knights must be mortified-" "Such a waste of a good family name," the older nurse sighed. "And that poor Miss Penelope, lying in the ICU with a concussion." "At least she has Christopher White by her side," the youngest nurse giggled. "He hasn't left her room since she was admitted." "Call the family lawyer." Ashlyn's clear voice cut through their gossip. The nurses jumped. "Miss Knight! We didn't realize you were-" "Tell him I need to discuss my shares." A cold smile played on Ashlyn's lips. "Twenty percent of Knight Enterprises, to be exact." The younger nurse dropped her clipboard. "Twenty... twenty percent?" "Oh, you didn't know?" Ashlyn's eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "My mother left them to me before she died. Now, shall I call him myself, or will you stop gossiping and do your jobs?" "But... but that's impossible," the older nurse stammered. "The Knights would never-" "Check the company records," Ashlyn interrupted. "Knight Enterprises, founded by my grandfather. Twenty percent ownership transferred to me upon my mother's death. Would you like me to continue, or would you prefer to bring me my phone?" "Right away, Miss Knight!" All three nurses scrambled toward the door. "And bring me a mirror," Ashlyn called after them. "I need to see something." Alone in the room, Ashlyn touched her throbbing forehead. Two sets of memories warred in her mind – Ashlyn Knight's life of luxury and betrayal, and Commander Hannah's battlefield experiences and ultimate death. "So this is my second chance," she whispered, clenching her fists. "Whoever did this to Ashlyn... whoever pushed Penelope..." She closed her eyes, remembering Commander Hannah's last moments – the bitter taste of defeat, the cold metal of a gun, the betrayal in her second-in-command's eyes as he pulled the trigger. "I won't let them win this time." Through the window, she could see her reflection – beneath the blood and dirt, her face was exactly the same as Commander Hannah's had been. The same high cheekbones, the same determined jaw, the same steel in her eyes. Her lips curved into a smile that would have made her enemies tremble on the battlefield. "Let the game begin." The nurses rushed back in, one holding a phone, another clutching a mirror, and the third carrying fresh bandages. "The lawyer is on line one, Miss Knight," the youngest nurse said, her voice trembling slightly. "And your stepmother is here to see you," the older nurse added. "Should we let her in?" Ashlyn's smile widened. "No. Not yet. It not time for a family reunion." As she reached for the phone, none of them noticed the strange glint in her eyes – the look of a warrior who had fought countless battles, not the socialite they thought they knew. Little did they know, the woman lying in that hospital bed was no longer just Ashlyn Knight. And she had already started plotting her revenge.

Ashlyn sat at her vanity, methodically removing the thick layers of makeup with a cotton pad. Her hands trembled slightly as she wiped away the last traces of foundation. "Miss Knight?" A nurse knocked at the door. "Your step mother would like to know when you will be discharged." "Tell her I'm indisposed." Her voice came out stronger than she expected. As the nurse's footsteps faded, Ashlyn stared at her reflection. The face looking back at her was identical to Commander Hannah's – every curve, every angle, even the small scar near her left eyebrow.

"I promise you, Ashlyn," she whispered to the mirror. "I'll make them pay for what they did to you." Her phone buzzed. A message from the family lawyer: "Miss Knight, regarding your mother's shares..." Before she could finish reading, voices drifted up from the garden below her hospital window. She recognized Mrs. White's distinctive tone. "Christopher, darling, think about it logically." Mrs. White's voice carried clearly through the evening air. "Twenty percent of Knight Enterprises... it's not something we can ignore." "Mother, she tried to kill Penelope." Christopher's voice was filled with disgust. "Nothing was proven," Mrs. White said smoothly. "And those shares... they're worth billions. Marry her, get control of the shares, then divorce her. Simple." Ashlyn moved closer to the window, barely breathing. "The company needs those shares," Mrs. White continued. "Your father's position is precarious. Without a majority stake..." "And what about Penelope?" Christopher demanded. "Keep her as your mistress if you must. But think of the business, darling. The Knights are desperate to repair their reputation after this scandal. They'll agree to anything." A bitter laugh escaped Ashlyn's lips. "So that's their game." Her phone buzzed again. The lawyer's message continued: "Your mother's will specifically states the shares can only be accessed after marriage. Would you like to schedule a meeting to discuss your options?" "Marriage..." Ashlyn's lips curved into a cold smile. She quickly typed back: "What exactly are the requirements?" The response came quickly: "Any legal marriage registered at the Civil Affairs Bureau will suffice. The shares will be transferred immediately upon registration." "Perfect." Ashlyn grabbed her coat as she exits the hospital. "Two can play at this game." At the Civil Affairs Bureau, Ashlyn sat in the waiting area, observing the couples coming and going. Her phone hadn't stopped buzzing with messages from Christopher's mother. "Consider my proposal, Ashlyn dear. Let's put this unfortunate incident behind us." "Christopher is willing to forgive you." "Think of your future, darling." Ashlyn deleted each message without responding. "Miss?" A clerk approached her. "We're closing in thirty minutes." "Just a little longer," Ashlyn murmured, scanning the room. An elderly couple shuffled past, followed by a young pair taking selfies. None suitable. Her phone rang. Christopher's name flashed on the screen. "Yes?" she answered coolly. "Ashlyn." His voice was carefully controlled. "Can we meet? To discuss... our future?" "Discussing shares, you mean?" She couldn't keep the sarcasm from her voice. "I... what?" "I heard you and your mother in the garden. Very enlightening conversation." "You were spying on us?" His tone turned angry. "Hardly necessary when you discuss your schemes so openly." Ashlyn checked her watch. "Now, if you'll excuse me-" "Don't you dare hang up on me!" Christopher's voice rose. "You need this marriage as much as-" "Actually, I don't." Ashlyn smiled into the phone. "Goodbye, Christopher." She ended the call just as the clerk approached again. "Miss, we really need to-" The bureau's doors swung open. A tall figure stepped in, his expensive suit slightly rumpled, his tie loosened. Ashlyn's breath caught in her throat. The man's features were eerily familiar – like someone from her past life, someone she thought she'd never see again. He spoke quietly to his assistant: "Get the paperwork ready. I need to be married by tonight." "But sir," the assistant protested, "Miss Harris just left you at the altar! The media-" "I don't care about the media." His voice was steel. "Find me a bride. Any bride." The fluorescent lights of the Civil Affairs Bureau flickered as Ashlyn studied the man before her. His presence commanded attention, even with his disheveled appearance. "Sir, please reconsider," his assistant pleaded. "The tabloids are already having a field day with Miss Harris leaving you at the altar. Another marriage tonight would-" "Enough, James." His voice was sharp but controlled. "Find me someone suitable in the next ten minutes." Ashlyn stood, her heart pounding. In her previous life, she had known someone with that exact same commanding presence, that same determined set of the jaw. The man looked in her direction, and their gaze connected from afar in the room. "Sorry to interrupt," Ashlyn said, moving closer. "I couldn't avoid hearing." I think we could possibly assist one another. The man's eyebrows rose slightly. Both men turned to look at her. The assistant's eyes widened in recognition. "Miss... Miss Knight?" James stammered. "The one from this morning's news?" "The very same." Ashlyn's smile was practiced perfection. "And you are?" "Richard Walker," the tall man answered, studying her with intense eyes. "Though I'm sure you already knew that." "Actually, I didn't." She met his gaze steadily. "But I do know we both need a marriage certificate tonight." Richard's eyebrows rose slightly. "And why would the infamous Ashlyn Knight want to marry a stranger?" "The same reason you're here, I imagine." She gestured to the nearly empty bureau. "Necessity." "Sir," James interrupted, "Miss Knight was involved in a scandal this morning. Her own wedding-" "Was a disaster, yes." Ashlyn's voice remained calm. "But I still have my reputation intact, despite what the gossips say." Richard's lips twitched. "Your reputation is exactly why we should discuss this further. James, get the paperwork started." The assistant hurried away, leaving them alone in the waiting area. "Let's be clear," Richard said, loosening his tie further. "What exactly do you want from this arrangement?" "Access to my shares. You?" "Privacy and peace from the media circus." He leaned against the wall. "Any other conditions?" "Just one." Ashlyn met his eyes. "Whatever you've heard about me isn't true. I'm still... a virgin." Something flashed in Richard's eyes – anger? disappointment? – before his face became neutral again. "Sign here, please," James returned with forms. "And here... and here." As they completed the paperwork, Ashlyn noticed Richard's jaw tightening with each signature. "Congratulations," the clerk announced tiredly. "You're now legally married." Richard shrugged off his coat and draped it over Ashlyn's shoulders. "It's cold outside." The drive to Richard's mansion was silent until Ashlyn spoke. "You seem unhappy about something." "Do I?" His response was clipped. "Is it because of what I said? About being a virgin?" Richard's hands tightened on the steering wheel.

"Get some sleep. We'll talk tomorrow." Richard said, with a caring voice. At the mansion, an elderly butler greeted them with barely contained excitement. "Master Walker! We've prepared the rose suite for the new mistress. I've ordered her favorite champagne, and-" "Maxwell." Richard's voice cut through the butler's enthusiasm. "Prepare the blue room instead. And set up the study next to mine." Maxwell's face fell. "But sir, the blue room? That's... that's a warrior's quarter. And Miss Knight's reputation suggests she prefers-" "The blue room," Richard repeated firmly.

"And get her some proper clothes. Nothing pink." "Yes, sir." Maxwell bowed, clearly confused. "Will you be... sharing a room?" "Not tonight." Richard turned to leave. "I need to make a call." In his private office, Richard dialed a number. "Jonathan? It's me." "Richard! Did you really get married tonight? The media is going crazy!" "Yes." Richard watched Ashlyn through the window as she explored the garden. "I found her." "Found who?" "A good woman." His voice softened. "The one we've been looking for." "That's... unexpected. Who is she?" "That's not important right now." Richard's eyes narrowed as he stare through the mirror at Ashley stunning sleeping body . "I need to go." "Wait! At least tell me her name-" Richard hung up Without her answer his friend. Richard leaned back in his chair, a sly smile playing on his lips. Jonathan stared at him, eyes wide with disbelief. "You're telling me she's in your bed right now?" Jonathan's voice was a mix of shock and amusement. Richard nodded, leaning forward. "And she wants to be president of Sparkle & Shine." Jonathan chuckled, shaking his head. "You're serious? You barely know her." "Serious as a heart attack," Richard replied, his tone unwavering. Jonathan leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And you think making her president will help her get... revenge?" Richard's eyes darkened. "Yes. Two families. Three months. I need you to make it happen." Jonathan whistled low, running a hand through his hair. "You want to bring down two entire families? That's not a small order, Richard." Richard gave him a steady look. "I trust you. Protect her reputation. Do whatever it takes." Jonathan sighed, nodding slowly. "Alright. But I hope you know what you're doing." Richard stood, clapping a hand on Jonathan's shoulder. "Thanks, Jonathan. I owe you." --- Afterwards, Richard stopped at the entrance to his dimly lit bedroom. Ashlyn was lying asleep, her breathing gentle and regular. For a moment, he observed her, feeling a sense of warmth enveloping him. Ashlyn mixed and blinked as she looked up at him. "Are you referring to Richard?" Can you tell me the current time? "Quietly," he murmured, perched on the side of the bed. "I have a gift for you." She supported herself with her elbow, her eyes shining with curiosity. "What is that?" He delved into his pocket, extracting an embossed envelope. "The presidency of Sparkle & Shine. Consider it my bride price." Ashlyn's eyes widened, and she took the envelope, her fingers brushing his. "You're serious?" "Completely," Richard said softly, watching her reaction closely. She opened the envelope, scanning the contents before looking up. "This is... incredible." Richard smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "You deserve it." Ashlyn sat up fully, her expression turning thoughtful. "I'll prepare a dowry, then." Richard's smile faltered, and he looked away. "A dowry? That's not necessary." "It's tradition," Ashlyn insisted gently, touching his arm. "And it's important to me." He nodded, though his gaze remained distant. "If that's what you want." Ashlyn leaned over, kissing his cheek softly. "Thank you, Richard." --- With the morning sun streaming through the windows, Ashlyn stood by the door, prepared to depart. Richard observed her, feeling a weight in his chest. "Stay safe," he whispered, his voice barely audible. She looked at him and gave a comforting grin. "I am going to be." "I will return shortly." Richard agreed with her leaving, even though he was feeling sad inside. Ashlyn reached her family's mansion, the impressive size of the house providing little comfort for the knot in her stomach. She stepped through the door, immediately met by the sharp voice of Mrs. Knight. "Back already, Ashlyn? Didn't think you'd show your face so soon," Mrs. Knight sneered, her eyes cold. "Where have you been?" Mrs. Knight's voice dripped with venom. "Your father is furious!" Ashlyn stood tall, refusing to be intimidated. "I came to discuss my dowry." Mrs. Knight laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Dowry? What could you possibly offer?" Ashlyn met her stepmother's gaze, her voice steady. "More than you think. I got married." Ashlyn's tone was casual. "You what?" Mrs. Knight grabbed her arm. "Guards!" She screamed. "Throw her out!" Two security guards approached hesitantly. "Before you make that mistake," Ashlyn smiled coldly, "you should know i have taken what is rightfully mine left by my mother." Mrs. Knight froze. "You're lying." Ashlyn tossed the documents on a nearby table. "Read it yourself. Oh, and those shares my mother left me? They're now active." "Impossible! You need to be married to-" Mrs. Knight's eyes widened. "Who did you marry?" "Wouldn't you like to know?" Ashlyn started up the stairs. "I'm here to collect my things. Touch me again, and I'll destroy everything you hold dear." "Your father won't have allow this!" "My father?" Ashlyn laughed. "The man who let you torture his daughter for years? He's next on my list." "List?" Mrs. Knight's voice trembled. "What list?" "Of people who hurt Ashlyn Knight." She reached the top of the stairs. "You're right at the top." As she turned away, Mrs. Knight's voice followed her, dripping with malice. "Don't think you can escape your past, Ashlyn. It will catch up to you." Ashlyn paused, her heart racing, but she didn't look back. Instead, she continued down the corridor, her mind set on the path ahead. But just then Mrs. Knight pulls Ashley hair to drag her back. "You little slut! First you try to kill Penelope, and now-" "Remove your hand." Ashlyn's voice turned arctic. "Or lose it." "How dare you!" Mrs. Knight raised her other hand to slap her. Ashlyn caught her wrist mid-swing. "I'm not the same girl you bullied yesterday."