After His Eyes Opened

"If you choose her today," I swallowed a sob. "I'll die, Atlas,"

My husband, Atlas Volkan, froze at the door. He unhooked his arm from my sister's and marched forward.

I forgot how to breathe as he approached me, the scent of his cologne invading my nose like an addiction.

How do you love someone to the point of loathing yourself?

"I have always chosen her." His words stabbed me in the chest. Turning the dagger, he continued. "Today is her big day and if you love me, don't ruin it."

Atlas turned to leave and I blurted. "You are my husband. We are married, Atlas!"

"Enough, Julia!" Lovie snapped, glaring at me "Your marriage is a sham. Atlas loves me and you know this,"

"I have a bad feeling, Atlas." I begged, "Let me come. I'm scared Atlas."

Atlas' gaze rested on me, almost as if he was worried, but the flicker in his eyes vanished as Lovie spoke.

"Choose, Atlas. Her or me?" She asked. Like that, the fog cleared and he grabbed her wrist, leaving the house.

The sound of the keys inside the lock rang through the room. They left and locked me inside.

I walked over to the closest window, watching as they drove out. My husband and my older sister - the perfect affair.

My heart ached, my body trembled with sobs. This was my life and I hated it.

I prepared coffee to clear my mind and I barely took a sip when the banging came minutes later. I stumbled, wide-eyed as the door handle shook.

Someone... someone was trying to break in!

I bolted in the opposite direction, tripping over my feet as the door fell off its hinges.

My stomach twisted into knots as we made eye contact. The man in front of me looked taller, stronger, and masked.

He reached for me but I scrambled to my feet.

I flailed my hands and kicked my feet, barely able to hear anything over the sound of heavy pants escaping my lips. I froze as something grazed my skin, pain shooting through my torso.

My hands dug into my jean pockets and I speed dialed Atlas. He was the only contact I had.

The only one I trusted.

He didn't pick up.

I kicked the man between his legs and raced up the stairs. I struggled to breathe as I continued calling Atlas.

Pick up. Pick up! Pick-

An inhuman screech escaped my lips as the man grabbed my hair, pulling me. My back collided with the wall and I was face to face with his masked face.

Before I could process anything, his hands found their way to my neck - squeezing life out of me.

My eyes threatened to pop from their sockets as a soft whimper escaped my lips. Why was he trying to kill me?

In my life, I sacrificed everything for everyone. I did everything to be loved - wanted, to be seen.

But nothing worked and now, I was dying.

I was about to be killed by a stranger in my home, while my husband of three years was at my fashion show, parading with his lover. I was going to die alone, bleeding and gasping for air.

Was this the reward for being a good person?

I spat in the masked man's face and he let out a disgusted grunt. I took the chance to enter my room and lock the door.

I dialed Atlas, again and again. My knees threatened to buckle as I registered the number of times I had called.

Fifty-seven.

My chest tightened as I glanced at the door, which threatened to pop off its hinges.

He was going to break that door soon, and Atlas hadn't answered.

I called one last time, a soft gasp escaped my lips as his voice broke through.

"Atlas!"

"What is wrong with you, Julia? Why are you determined to make your sister unhappy?"

"Someone is trying to kill me, Atlas!" I cried, my grip on the phone tightening. "They are about to break into the room, At-"

"You will do anything to get my attention, won't you?"

"Just shut up and listen for once, Atlas. A man wants to kill your wife! Is Lovie the only one you-"

The door broke down and a shiver ran down my spine as the man stepped forward, a sadistic grin on his face.

"Why are you running?" he whispered, "I am setting you free, Julia."

I stumbled, my heart falling into my stomach as I applied pressure to my torso. "Stay away! Don't come close!" I threw all the objects in the room at him, begging for him to leave.

He didn't budge.

My back hit the wall and my knees buckled as I registered blood on my hands. The adrenaline washed off as Atlas' voice reached me again.

"Yes, Lovie. That dress looks amazing on you."

"I called Sylvia and she assured me everything was fine. Was Julia lying again?" Lovie's sickeningly sweet voice followed.

My grip on the phone finally loosened, my life slipping from my grasp. As my body slacked against the wall, the fight for my life, died.

As the man lunged at me, his hands tracing my neck and squeezing - I didn't call Atlas.

I couldn't.

All my life... I had to prove myself, to fight for my place...

Why did I think it would be different with Atlas Volkan? In the end, he only saw me as his brother's murderer.

His priorities and love lay with Lovie, the one he was supposed to marry. I was the mistake he could not avoid.

The night before their wedding, I was kidnapped but escaped into his mansion, hiding in the first room I saw, drugged and barely breathing.

Atlas was in that room.

So, when we woke up to cameras and whispers - Everything changed. Rumors spread and I was forced to marry Atlas Volkan to avoid a scandal. Despite the bitterness between us, I did nothing but love Atlas Volkan.

I was the perfect wife and he was the nonexistent husband, the one who followed my sister's skirt and never found his way back.

As the man's grip on my neck tightened, a tear rolled down my cheek and life left me, slowly.

I sacrificed everything to earn his love and the one time I needed him - Atlas Volkan was nowhere to be found.

A final gasp escaped my lips and my eyes widened, my body jerking as I died a slow, cruel death.

As my vision blurred, my chest tightened. I lived my life for everyone but myself. If I was given a second chance...

I would not be my mother's obedient daughter, my sister's slave, and most definitely not Atlas' Volkan's submissive wife.

I would live for myself and walk away from everyone who never let me truly live.

As if my pleas were answered - my eyes shot open.

I jolted upright, scanning my surroundings. I was back in my room. The door... was intact. The floor wasn't littered. No vases, no objects thrown about - nothing.

Not even blood and no masked man strangling me.

I traced my neck and torso. There was no sign of a struggle or even a scratch.

Don't tell me... I've been reborn!

I scrambled to my feet, my hands tracing my body in the mirror. Fate heard my pleas, I get to live again.

"All you you humiliated me," I whispered, "Now, it's my turn." My gaze shifted to the door as loud knocks filled the room.

Steeling my nerves, I walked over to the door and opened it, hiding behind it. As the person stepped in, I raised the lamp to hit them but froze.

"Sylvia?"

"Hey! Have you gone mad?!" The maid screeched, stumbling with wide eyes. "Are you trying to kill me?!"

I glanced at the clock. Oh, it was two hours before the man arrived. This meant Lovie and Atlas were still downstairs.

"Your tea is ready." Sylvia spat, setting it on my brown bedside table. Despite being my maid for years, she only followed Atlas' orders.

In the past, I raced downstairs, begging him to stay. Not anymore. I wasn't going to ask for permission.

I wasn't going to wait till death arrived. I would attend that Runway and make it a memorable one.

"Didn't you hear me? Drink up!" She demanded and we locked eyes.

When she didn't win the staring contest, her face paled and she stared at me, confused.

She had every right to be worried and confused. After all, in the past, she bossed me around and humiliated me in my home.

I tightened my fist and glanced at the tea, recalling the lightheaded feeling I got after drinking it.

I was so weak and that was how the masked man succeeded.

Our eyes locked again as realization hit - Sylvia drugged me.

"Mr. Volkan said you should drink this and sleep. You better follow his orders, or else, we will be forced to-"

"You are fired," I spoke calmly.

The brown-haired woman's eyes widened. "W-what?" She asked. "How dare you? Who do think you are to fire me? Look, your tea is already cold, and if you don't take-"

I collected the tea and she grinned. "That is more like - ah!" She cried and I watched as her uniform turned a shade darker, soaked in hot tea.

I took a step forward and she stumbled until her back hit the wall. "Atlas, Lovie, they are not the boss of me. Much less, you."

"B-but, why are you acting this way?" Her voice shook. "I only asked you to drink tea -"

I ignored her blabbering and strolled to my walk-in closet. I had to stop the runway.

If the masked man arrived, he would kill me. No, this time I would not allow it.

I frowned as I registered the light-colored dresses in the closet.

In the past, I only wore these dresses to impress Atlas. I figured the more I looked like Lovie, the longer I could keep Atlas.

Not anymore.

I yanked the clothes from the hangers and tossed them to the ground. I raised an eyebrow when I caught sight of a bold black dress.

Perfect.

Lovie not only hated black dresses - The entire Volkan family loathed the color black.

I pulled it out and walked over to my mirror. I reached for my hair, shutting my eyes as memories of Atlas filtered through.

He told me the only good thing about me was my soft long hair.

I kept growing it to please him. So, when I grabbed the scissors and started chopping it - I felt free.

For three years, I tried to win Atlas' heart. I clung to him. However, Atlas only ever saw me as his brother's murderer.

When I was dying, he abandoned me.

Atlas Volkan took me for granted. He insulted my love and -

"I'll remind you that you are making a big mistake, you are insane!"

I turned to Sylvia. "Dispose of the dresses. Wear them, throw them out, do whatever you wish." I informed her, glancing at the clock. "I have a show to attend."

"No!" She rebuked, grabbing my wrist. I glanced at the clock, only five minutes more. "I won't let you ruin Lady Lovie's night!"

I tried to yank my arm, my eyes widening as I registered how much time had passed. I glanced out the window behind me, my heart racing as I saw the masked man entering the house.

No, no, no!

"You won't go anywhere till tomorrow, that is Mr. Volkan's order!" She said, glaring at me.

My breath hitched as the sound of banging came. He was at the door. I pushed Sylvia and raced out of the room, I had to leave through the backdoor and now.

I ran down the stairs, my heart pounding in my chest as the walls of the mansion threatened to close in on me.

I was about to step out when someone grabbed my hair. They pulled me back and I hit the dining table, crumbling to the ground.

Goosebumps ran over my skin as we locked eyes. He pulled out a knife and I pushed a chair to him, standing.

The masked man moved and I started throwing dishes at him - forcing him to take cover behind the kitchen door.

I was trapped. I glanced around, searching for something - anything to help me survive.

As he stepped forward, I grabbed the closest jar and threw the contents at him. I heaved a sigh of realization as he grunted, rubbing his eyes.

It was powdered pepper.

I bolted, running out the door without looking back. I had to get out, now!

The taller man followed me. I could hear his steps as my heart raced - loud and malicious.

Who was this masked man? Why did he want me dead?

I slipped and rolled on the ground, my knees bruising.

He pounced on me and started strangling me. I struggled to breathe, gasping for air as his grip tightened.

No, things couldn't end like this.

I couldn't lose a second time. Fate couldn't be so cruel.

Glancing around, I saw the knife from before, it must have fallen from his hand.

As the last bit of air was squeezed from me, I took my chance. I grabbed the knife and stabbed him.

The man froze, falling off me. His phone slipped out, ringing.

The sound made me flinch but my eyes widened as I registered the caller's name.

"Lovie."

My blood boiled as I picked it up.

I knew she was capable of everything - hurting, humiliating, manipulating me.

Killing me, however? That was too low, even for her.

Lovie didn't just want everything - Lovie wanted to kill me. My sister wanted to kill me?

My body slacked as the man bled, I was frozen, nursing the betrayal.

I sacrificed everything for her. I agreed to marry Ryle in the past so she could be with Atlas and this...

This was how she repaid me?

I got up, my knees wobbling. The scent of betrayal and anguish was in the air, but I dared not cry.

I had a runway to attend. I hailed a cab and got in, my fists tightening. When we saw each other, I would settle the score.

"We are here," I said to the cab driver.

The man nodded and I got out, staring at the grand building.

My fists tightened at my sides. It was time to crash their little celebration.

I walked toward the door but two guards stopped me.

"I'm sorry, you can't go in."

"What do you mean? This is the Volkan's building, I have every right to enter."

"Entry is by invitation and Mr. Volkan made it clear that you cannot enter―"

"Julia?"

I glanced in the direction of the voice and locked eyes with her.

Her face paled and I bit hard on my bottom lip.

Lovie Knight marched forward, grabbing my arm. "What are you doing here? Atlas made it clear that you should stay at home. Why can't you follow simple orders?" She spat, running her hands through her hair. "What if someone sees you?"

"What?" I matched her tone. "Are you scared of your secret being exposed? That everyone will find out you're a fake and I am the real designer? That you're feeding on my hard work?"

Lovie raised an eyebrow, releasing me. "Wow, you have... You have grown wings, haven't you? Now, you are talking back?"

"I won't just talk back, I will show everyone your true color, Lovie."

I started walking but some security men surrounded me. I gasped when they grabbed me.

"I think you've got it all wrong, little sister. This is my runway. I am the face of Volkan Empire's latest collection." she smirked as I fought against her. "I took Atlas and I am taking this too. Nothing and no one can stop me from walking down that runway. Not even you, Julia."

My eyes widened as she walked away.

"Lovie! You won't get away with this! I promise you! I will expose you, today itself!"

She simply turned and laughed before strolling off.

I fought against the men as they tied me up, throwing me into a small storeroom outside. I fell face first, my blood boiling.

I tried to remove the ropes, but no matter how hard I fought, it was futile. I frowned when the smell of gas reached my nostrils.

Glancing around, my eyes widened when I saw a gas cylinder. My chest tightened and I pushed myself up.

I froze for a moment. My sister had done this to me? First she tried to kill me and now? All my life, I tried to win her affection and approval but now reality was glaring at me.

Lovie Knight had never seen me as family. Neither had Mother. I was always a tool for them and no matter how many times I tried to downplay it, the truth was crushing.

I tightened my fists, pushing back a sob that threatened to escape my lips. I wasn't here to cry over spilled milk. I was here to take my revenge. I was no longer a little girl ― vying for her attention.

I wanted my rights. Lovie had a habit of taking things that belonged to me and I was going to break it.

I had to get out and fast. I could barely cough or breathe through the gag. My eyes scanned the room and a sigh of relief escaped my lips when I saw a blade.

Lovie... she crossed all limits. All of them ― everyone I cared about, they proved they were undeserving of my love.

Atlas... how would he react to knowing his innocent princess was a murderer?

Would he be glad I was the victim? The thought almost made me laugh.

I reached for the blade as the dusty room made my skin crawl. I could already hear the speakers announcing Lovie's arrival.

I had to stop the show and expose the truth ― Lovie was a liar and Atlas was her accomplice.

Those were my designs and I was no longer willing to sacrifice anything. It wasn't my fault Ryle died. Someone else did it.

So, why was I paying for these crimes? It was Atlas who chose to marry me. Yet, I was humiliated for six years.

I was facing the consequences of their decisions. It was time they faced it too.

I winced as the blade cut my skin but I continued cutting the ropes, once my hands were free ― I removed the gag and gasped for air.

I walked over to the door but froze when I remembered security was outside.

If I came out, they wouldn't let me on the runway.

They had strict instructions to keep me out. I started searching for a disguise in the boxes littering the room.

This was the storeroom where all the unwanted clothes and items were kept. The ones that of course, didn't match Lovie's taste.

Without a second thought, I pulled out another dress, a sparkling black one. I sighed in relief as I saw a mask.

I wore the dress and mask, adjusting it before I exited the room. Thankfully, the guards weren't even there.

I took the chance to slip inside, strolling toward the runway hall.

I could almost hear Lovie's laughter, basking in praise she did not earn. It was time to pull the rug underneath her feet and face Atlas.

Atlas. My heart broke at his name. The first man I loved and the first man who broke my heart.

I sucked in a sharp breath and strolled inside, watching as guests started whispering amongst themselves.

My eyes locked with Lovie's green orbs. She clenched her jaw, looking shocked and irritated.

I strolled down the runway but she caught my arm midway. "Who are you and what are you doing here? You must be a measly worker, You are fired!"

"Lovie!" I turned to see Mother. She approached us, her smile wearing off as more people focused on the scene.

A masked woman, walking down the runway and stealing Lovie's spotlight? It was a sight for sore eyes.

"Who could she be?"

"She doesn't seem fazed by Miss Knight!"

"Didn't you hear me? You are fired, Get out!" Lovie spat, glaring daggers into my skin. I rolled my eyes.

"No," Mother protested and I raised an eyebrow. "She created a scene, wearing black and walking down the runway. She must apologize!"

"Yes, apologize," Lovie said, smiling. "Go on. Don't be scared. I may even forgive you."

"Shouldn't you be asking for forgiveness? After all, you are in someone else's limelight. Or can you deny that these are your sister's designs?"

Gasps rang through the room, followed by multiple camera flashes. Lovie glanced around, looking flustered.

"Is what she is saying true?!" One demanded

"Does VK designs not belong to Lovie? What a bomb!"

"Who are you and how dare you make such claims at me? I will ruin your life―"

"I am ruining yours at the moment, so, hold on." I spat. "This woman has been impersonating the real golden designer for years. She has taken credit for all the designs and the only thing she does is parade in front of cameras!"

The camera's flashed and Lovie stumbled, her eyes glazed with fury.

"How dare you make such accusations? I am the owner of these designs. I made them!"

"Did you?"

"I don't have to answer to you. I don't even know who you are."

"Lovie? What's going on here? Who is this?"

"Atlas" Lovie broke into tears. "Atlas this woman, she's saying that everything belongs to Julia. Everyone knows I am the designer, right? They are questioning it because of her."

Atlas' eyes narrowed at me, standing straight. The dark-haired man's black suit clung to him, his stance powerful and unyielding.

"What proof do you have?" Atlas boomed, narrowing his eyes. He crouched down beside Lovie, comforting her.

My heart ached, he had never defended or shown me any affection. Yet, here he was, publicly comforting my sister. Was I too hard to love?

The sturdy man glared at me, looking every bit like a Ruthless CEO in his three-piece suit and solid strides.

"Atlas! I worked so hard. yet..." Lovie cried, hiding her face in his shoulder.

"You haven't worked a day in your life, Lovie. So, how can this be true?"

"There must be something about this voice. The murderer at home speaks like this too. Security, throw her out!" Atlas growled.

"I am not going anywhere until she confesses the truth. Say it. Say that you've been stealing your sister's designs for years!"

"Enough!" Atlas boomed, his gaze icy cold. He grabbed my arm. "Since you won't leave, I will throw you out myself."

I yanked my arm from his and reached behind my mask, grinning as it fell off.

Something flickered in Atlas' eyes while Lovie's face paled.

The guests and reporters erupted into an uproar, and I grinned.

"Tell me, hubby. How can you throw me out of my runway?"