ASHLYN'S VENGEANCE

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.

Ashlyn point of view

I bent my face closer to the mirror, wiping away the heavy coatings of makeup that hid my face. I wanted to see the girl, Ashlyn very well.

After a thorough cleaning, I could now see her bold eyes, staring back at me. She was indeed a very pretty lady even without makeup.

This Ashlyn... her appearance was different, yet the fire in her eyes was the same one that burned in Hannah, the commander who was betrayed on the battlefield.

"I'll avenge you, Ashlyn, I'll make everyone that caused you pain to pay, you'll mock them just as they have mocked you," I whispered, staring at my reflection with a cold stare. "They'll regret ever underestimating us."

So, I began to think of a way to build up myself and achieve this revenge. I mean, I couldn't do it without money.

Knowing that Ashlyn's mother had left her 20% of the Knight family's shares. Made me smile. That was the tool we needed. But then, the cruel condition. I can only get those shares if I am to be married. My jaw dropped. "Who am I going to marry now, since my wedding with Chris didn't work out? How would I get the money I needed? I was stuck and didn't know what else to think about.

Just as I was lost in thought, my phone beeped, and I almost jumped. I didn't even realize it was still with me. I thought I had lost it at the church or whoever that brought me here took it. I picked it up immediately, and the caller ID showed it was Christopher's father.

Hmmm..why is he calling me? I believed he and his son would be happy embarrassing me the way they did. I thought.

I answered, "Mr. White?"

"Ashlyn," his voice was calm, and almost pleading. "How are you doing? Please, I want you to come to the house. Let's talk this through. I know there's been... some misunderstandings."

My grip on the phone tightened. "Misunderstandings? You mean the way your son humiliated me?"

He sighed, his tone softened. "I understand your anger, Ashlyn. But please, come and talk. You deserve some answers and maybe we could resolve things and you can have your wedding, Please."

I hesitated, but something in his voice, maybe desperation or honesty made me change my mind. He sounded genuine. "Fine. I'll come over."

After a quick change, I left the hospital, hailed a taxi, and instructed the driver to take me to the White family mansion. I stayed silent during the drive, my thoughts were churning as I thought about how Christopher had accused me without waiting to hear from my own side of the story. How dare he shame me like that? And now, his father wanted to talk? Oh! They better have a good explanation.

We pulled up to the White mansion, and I paid the driver. As he drove off, I took a long calming breath before making my way to the mansion entrance. I looked around, but I couldn't find anyone even the maids.

As I got to the door, I pushed it open and stepped inside.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" My voice echoed in the silence.

No answer. It felt Strange. I wandered through the empty hallways, the silence was uncomfortable. Did they invite me here to be all by myself? Like I want to be here?

"Hello?" I called again, and was a bit louder. Yet, there was no answer.

As I passed by a closed door, I heard the faint voices of a man and a woman. I guess they were too deep in their discussion to even hear my voice.

I was halfway opening the door handle when I recognized the voice. It was the voice of Christopher and his mother.

I got curious, what could they be discussing? I pressed my ears on the door to get the details of what they were saying.

Then, I froze. They were talking about me.

"...just marry her for the shares," she said, in a gentle, convincing tone. "Once you're married, you can divorce her. You'll get what you need, and also take your own cut."

My heart dropped as I strained to hear Christopher's response.

"Mother, I don't know," he said, sounding hesitant.

"Think about it, Christopher," she urged. "This is a business decision. You don't have to love her. Just... marry her, get those shares, and then you're free to do as you please. It's what's best for the family."

There was a pause, and then I heard him sigh. "Fine. I'll do it. For business."

I clutched the doorframe, my heart was beating too fast. They only wanted me for the shares, nothing more. Christopher... jezz! Is that why they called me back?

So that was why Mr Whites was so eager to make peace between us so he could bind me to Christopher. Because they wanted to take control of my inheritance? and discard me like trash? Who has no feeling?

I shook my head, the thought made my stomach turn. What was I even thinking coming back here after the humiliation?

Tears pricked at my eyes, but I bit down the pain. I wouldn't stand here and just cry. Without a word, I turned and fled out of the mansion.

As soon as I got outside, I fought to catch my breath, my chest was heaving as I tried to process what I'd just heard.

If they thought they could manipulate me, they were wrong. If they wanted to play games, I would show them how ruthless I could be.

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

By the time I got home, I already had a new plan, clear and sharp as a blade. I would get married, yes, but not to Christopher. I would find someone, anyone, and take back what was mine. Then with my shares in my custody, I would show the White family what it meant to cross Ashlyn Knight.

The next day, I arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau, looking around the room for a potential groom. I tried not to look desperate, but with each passing minute, I began to grow impatient.

Men came and went, but none seemed right, or they were already there with other women.

Just when I was starting to lose hope, thinking that it was all a bad idea, my eyes caught someone.

"Wow!" I exclaimed.

Ashlyn's point of view

"Did she really stand him up?" I murmured to myself, watching from a distance as the tall, striking man looked around, clearly waiting for someone. He had this dignified aura, yet his expression was cool, and he was acting embarrassed. Time passed, and still, no bride in sight. Was it like my case? Did his bride decide to leave him just like what Christopher did to me? Well, if that's the case, he was a little lucky she didn't have to come to say embarrassing things about him.

I watched them for a while, the man must really be a gentleman to have stayed this calm and collected. But the only person who seemed out of place was the man answering the calls and reporting.

I decided to approach him. By the time I got to where he was standing, he was glancing at his watch nervously.

"Excuse me," I said softly with a nervous smile on my face. "Is something wrong? You both look stressed."

The man turned to me, clearly surprised by my boldness I guess. "Oh, hello. I'm afraid my boss's fiancée... didn't show. Apparently, she heard some rumors about him, and now she's called it off. We only received her message an hour ago."

I glanced at the groom again, he was now sitted in a chair just a few walk from where I stood. He was roughly rubbing his hair, with his gaze fixed on the floor.

I felt so bad for him. I know how it hurts.

Without thinking, I asked the other man if I could talk to him. "Please, can I talk to him?" pointing to the supposed groom.

He hesitated for a while, thinking. "He is my boss and I'm his personal assistant. I don't know if it's the right time to talk to him."

I pleaded. "Please, I promise I won't take his time." he nodded and gave me the go-ahead. I took a deep breath and walked up to him.

"Hi," I said, trying to sound friendly. "I overheard... and I was wondering if maybe... we could help each other out. I'm Ashlyn Knight. And... I need to get married today too."

The man looked at me, slightly stunned by my words, but he quickly gathered himself and gave me a faint smile. "Ashlyn Knight, you say?" He extended his hand. "Richard Walker. And if you're serious, then I am as well. Shall we?"

I nodded, feeling so lucky and happy. "Finally," I mumbled.

I didn't know this man, yet something about his calm, confident attitude felt intriguing. Within the hour, we had completed the paperwork and exchanged our vows in a brief civil ceremony.

Richard's POV

I couldn't believe my luck. This beautiful woman, Ashlyn Knight, had just stepped into my life at the perfect moment, sparing me from what could have been a public scandal. We left the bureau as husband and wife, and though it felt surreal, it somehow felt right.

Once we reached my mansion, she turned to me and looked like she was about to say something but was uncertain.

Eventually, she began. "Richard, there's something you should know," she started, in a low but gentle voice that's barely a whisper. "I... I'm still a virgin. I don't want... I'm not ready for that part of marriage yet."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling shocked and angry, but I nodded. "I respect that, Ashlyn. This is all... new to both of us." I reached for my coat and handed it to her as a makeshift blanket. "You can sleep here tonight if you're comfortable. I'll make arrangements to sleep elsewhere."

She gave me a grateful smile, pulling the coat around her. "Thank you, Richard."

Later, as she dozed off, I walked into my study to sort through the day's events. I knew this marriage would require time and patience. But Ashlyn had shown to be kind, compassionate, and honest. Qualities I hadn't anticipated, given the stories I'd heard.

I picked up the phone and called my butler, Davis. "Davis, I want you to prepare a set of clothes for my new wife. Something stunning in blue. I want her to feel... at home."

"Yes, sir," Davis replied, sounding enthusiastic. Ashlyn did, after all, have a good reputation, even though it was almost ruined by the lies flying around. He seemed pleased to have her in the house, as though he believed the good in her without question.

As I hung up, my thoughts moved back to her innocent expression and her sincere words earlier. I couldn't quite understand it, but something about her was refreshing. Perhaps I had been too quick to judge.

I dialed my friend Jonathan. He answered after a few rings.

"Richard," he greeted, sounding surprised. "Calling me this late? What's the occasion? Do we have a problem?"

I rolled my eyes as if he was here to see me. Then, I relaxed my back, staring at the ceiling, trying to find the right words. I didn't want him to question me too much about what I was about to tell him. "Jonathan... I think I found a good woman. She's pretty and exactly what I want. You know, it's a good thing I was dished. I wouldn't have found her."

There was a pause in the line. I knew Jonathan, his mouth was probably wide open and his eyes popping out in surprise.

I kept smiling, waiting for him to respond. But it was taking forever and I had to call back his attention. "Joe? Jonathan! What is wrong with you? Man."

That was when he got himself and cleared his throat. But I tell he was still looking for what to say.

"Oh? Are you saying this arranged mess turned out in your favor after all? Is that what you actually want? I am happy for you man."

"You could say that," I replied with a small smile, though I kept Ashlyn's name to myself. But I know he would definitely ask.