FLASH MARRIAGE: His Revengeful Wife

"That bitch, Lauren! She thinks she is all that but she won't know what hit her when we're done with her!"

"Don't stress yourself, honey. She isn't worth your anger. And as for her, I'll make sure she can't stand up again when we take everything from her."

Outside the office, a woman stood there trembling like she had been soaked in ice for days. Her eyes were bloodshot and the back of her clothes was soaked in her cold sweat.

She stood outside the office but could hear everything that was said about her. She didn't need to strain her ears to listen as the couple inside wasn't even trying to lower their voices as if they didn't care if she heard.

Yes, the woman outside is the Lauren that was mentioned, and the couple inside the office are the two people she thought were as close as family to her-Her fiance and her best friend from college days.

Lauren felt her head spin as she listened to the mockery that came from inside the office. She felt like she wanted to disappear from that place, she wished it was all a dream, but as she stood there, the couple's voices still rang out as if telling her how stupid she was.

The female voice which Lauren recognised as Celine, her best friend continued with the conversation.

"But, Julian, when will all this end? When can we take everything from her? Especially the designs? And when will you break up with her?" She whined, then continued, "That dumb bitch stole my man! I have been good to her enough by allowing her to have you for years while I act like a best friend to her, but I'm tired. I want you back..."

Lauren, who had become so weak that she had to rest her back on the wall, felt everything was ridiculous.

Her lips twitched but her eyes stung as tears poured out like they had been waiting for that moment. She parted her lips, but immediately covered her mouth with her palm as she didn't want to attract the attention of the couple who were still oblivious that their plans had been heard.

Lauren couldn't believe the words she heard.

What did Celine mean by Lauren stealing her man? How ridiculous!

Lauren had met Julian when she was 19 years old and in college. That moment was the darkest moment of her life-the period when she lost her mother who is said to have committed suicide.

At that time, Lauren had considered Julian who had burst into her life as a light she could hold onto. Julian had pursued her for months, and he stayed with her when she fell ill due to the news of her father bringing in a new wife just days after her mother's death.

She had thought he was the best man she would ever meet and when she heard he missed his exams for her which made him repeat another year, she fell totally for his selfless act.

And that was also the time when she met Celine too and they all became close friends.

Though she was dating Julian, Celine would always be seen everywhere with them and sometimes, even on a date with Julian but Lauren had never considered it strange, but now, Lauren could finally understand-All along, she was the fool.

Lauren closed her eyes tightly and memories of when she met Celine having a meal with Julian privately and how Julian would always buy the same gift for her and Celine, and even how the apartment she and Julian lived in now was chosen by Celine, even the name of this company that was started with her ideas, money and designs was chosen by Celine.

All this while, she thought it was because Celine was more fashionable and jovial, she thought it was because Julian felt that she was special in their lives, she thought Celine was the friend that loves her so she had never suspected anything and even showed care and supported her.

"A fool! Such a big idiot!" Lauren muttered to herself as she slapped her cheeks quietly.

Tears ran down her face as she heard the conversation, but she tried not to cry out loud. She didn't know how to face the betrayers, she wished she could barge in and hit them! She wished she could slap their faces and show the world how much of a betrayer they were, but Lauren wasn't someone who would act like a shrew.

She bit her lips to stifle her cries, then continued to listen to the conversation that didn't seem to end soon.

Julian's voice sounded, "Oh my dear Celine, I understand that you have endured so much and you did all this for me. But give me some time. You know I'm doing this for our future?" he said, his voice gentle and sweet, one he had never used on Lauren before.

Lauren's lips twitched. "Now I know the difference between real and fake." Her lips curled up but her eyes were filled with pain.

Julian had never spoken so gently with her, and she had taken his calmness with her as gentleness.

Lauren closed her eyes and didn't want to listen anymore. She felt as if her heart was being pierced but as she struggled to stand up and leave, she heard the next words that shattered her whole being...

"We'll give her just 3 months to enjoy her days and after we take away all her designs and used it to get a place for you in the upcoming national design competition, I'll make her transfer the rest of her properties to me and also seize her designs catalogue then put them in your name and then, you can do anything you want with her. Well, she doesn't have anyone to rely on, so," he paused for a while and what followed was a vicious voice that came like a bullet that went straight to Lauren's brain;

"...Make her fall sick and die a natural death so no one will suspect us. We can just say she had cancer or anything."

****

Days later...

In front of a building that had a huge signboard with the words "Marriage Registry" written on it, was a woman dressed in a white corporate gown. She stood there with a phone to her left ear as she called a number, but her face was so calm-The woman is Lauren.

Days had passed and Lauren still couldn't believe that the man she had loved and lived with for years had betrayed her and even planned to kill her after seizing her remaining properties and lifetime designs.

She had cried and hoped everything was a dream but every morning when she woke up to see the empty house, Lauren's heart became calm and solid and now, she wished to confirm everything one last time.

On that day when she had visited Julian's office, Lauren had planned to tell him about his promise to get married to her before her 25th birthday.

Turns out that before Lauren's mother died, she had locked an important parcel for Lauren in the bank and it could only be opened if Lauren brought a marriage certificate before her 25th birthday. Lauren had kept this secret to herself and only her mother's lawyer knows this. Before then, she had talked to Julian and told him how she wished to get married before her 25th birthday, and he had promised her.

But as it turns out, Lauren coincidentally heard the confession.

"Ring Ring Ring!"

The sound of the call ringing was heard from her phone, and finally, the call never went through again. Lauren smiled calmly and her eyes became sharper but calmer.

She had wanted to give Julian one last chance and hoped everything was a lie, but she had been calling him since morning, and he only picked up her call once which he told her he was on his way but it's been 6 hours and he was still not here.

Lauren looked at the sky and knew it was almost the time when the registry closed and if she didn't get married before tomorrow, which was her 25th birthday, she would lose the relics her mother had kept for her.

"Tsk." Lauren sneered, "I gave you one last chance and now, I have confirmed that I'm a fool but I, Lauren Sterling will no longer be that fool. I'll make you all regret ever doing this to me! I'll return everything you planned to do to me in a thousand folds! I'll take back everything I have given to you both-The company that was built with my savings and designs, the reputation and even your lives!"

After her ruthless vow, Lauren's gaze turned calm and her mind became clear.

She looked around, then at the document in her hands. She knew she had to get married today and even if she had to marry a beggar on the street, Lauren wouldn't miss this chance!

Lauren's heart strengthened after her thought and she took a step to walk out of the building to look for any man she found, but as she was walking, her gaze was attracted to two men who stood beside a luxurious car.

"Boss, Miss Vivienne isn't picking up the call. What should we do now?" a male who seemed to be the subordinate of the man asked anxiously.

The tall man he was talking to seemed calmer and the mature and cold aura around him made even Lauren pause and stare.

The man was tall, gorgeous and the commanding aura which surrounded him would make anyone want to submit to him.

Lauren stood there and was attracted to the words the assistant had said, so she focused her full attention there as she wanted to know what was going on.

The tall man finally turned to look at his assistant, his face was cold and his eyes sharp as if nothing on earth could make him panic, he parted his lips and spat out, "If she doesn't want to come, then find another person who wishes to get married! Even if it's a woman on the street, as long as I'm able to get married and let that old man stop threatening me with the company."

Lauren's calm heart surged when she heard the man's words. She raised an eyebrow and her fist clenched beside her as if she was deliberating on something.

From the conversation between the man and his assistant, she could understand that the man seemed to be in the same situation as her.

Lauren bit her lips and though the man seemed to take the marriage casually, isn't their goal the same? A marriage certificate.

So without wasting time, Lauren gritted her teeth and walked forward before the assistant could leave to carry out the order.

"Mister seems to need a woman to get married to, right?" Lauren spoke aloud which drew the attention of the man and his assistant. They both turned to focus on Lauren who was trying to hide her nervousness under the sharp gaze of the man.

The man looked at Lauren sharply, "And who are you?" he asked, his voice cold and smooth.

Lauren felt her hand become sweaty, but she clenched her fist hard and tried to stabilise her breathing. She looked at the man with a determined expression, "I'm Lauren Sterling, and we seem to be in the same situation, why don't you choose me? I need a groom and you need a bride, isn't that perfect?"

The man was a bit stunned at first, then his eyes became sharper. He looked at Lauren intensely and Lauren also met his gaze with hers that carried desperation.

As minutes passed that seemed like hours, the man finally nodded coldly.

"Then, Miss Sterling, let's go."

***

The signing of the certificate was smooth and fast without any suspense and as Lauren stood outside the registry with her certificate in her hand, she felt dreamy.

"I'm married? Just like that?" she muttered, then her gaze turned complicated when she saw the name of the man.

Alexander Ashford.

Who doesn't know him? This was a name that resounded heavily in the country. The youngest master of the reputable Ashford family and the CEO of the multi-billion-dollar company, Ashford Empire.

When she saw his name at first, Lauren had been stunned and she had wanted to back out, but Alexander had stared at her coldly until she signed her name.

Lauren stared at the certificate that contained a picture of them that was taken, speechless.

"I seem to have bagged a big thigh," she muttered. Though she didn't know why a man like Alexander had agreed to marry her, as long as she could get the relics, then it was fine.

As Lauren was lost in thought, Alexander walked to her and tapped her shoulder which caught her attention.

"Miss Lauren." He called out calmly.

Lauren turned towards him and they both looked at each other awkwardly.

"Ahh. Well..." Lauren stammered.

"The certificate has been signed but I have my rules, Miss Lauren."

Lauren was stunned, her heart skipped a beat when she looked into the serious eyes of Alexander, "Oh.."

Alexander who saw her reaction had a smile in his eyes but he immediately hid it.

He had actually recognised Lauren when she came closer and he heard her name. He knew her because he had investigated the big families in the country and he knew the Sterling family had an heiress who cut ties with the family after her mother's death and the betrayal of her father. He also knew that she was in a relationship with a man. He also recognised her face so he hadn't thought twice before agreeing to get married to her, and also, he changed his mind the moment he took the certificate-No divorce.

"I need you to understand something, Lauren," he said quietly. "Now that we're married, there's no turning back. I don't believe in fake marriages and as far as I'm concerned, this is real."

His words sank deep causing Lauren to panic for a bit. She only wanted her safe but the finality of his words made her question the possibilities. Whatever this was and whatever it would become, as long as Celine and Julian felt the heat, she was all for it. Her pulse steadied and a slow resolve formed beneath her fear.

"I understand." She said calmly.

"I'll give you a day to pack your things," he continued. "My assistant will pick you up tomorrow."

She nodded slowly. "Alright. But I have one condition."

One of his brows lifted slightly. Alex wasn't used to people demanding, he always set the conditions.

"Which is?" He said, deciding to humour her.

"I don't want our marriage to be public for now," Lauren said and her tone sharpened instantly. Alex noticed the coldness in her eyes and for a moment, he wondered the cause of it. "I have things to settle first. Some debts need to be repaid so until then... this stays between us."

Beneath her calm exterior, there was more. Hatred and determination burned and it intrigued him. He didn't ask what she meant by her words and simply watched her.

"Three months," he said finally. "I'll give you that long to handle your affairs. After that, if you haven't finished whatever you need to do, I'll make our marriage public myself. I don't hide what belongs to me."

Lauren closed her eyes for a second, and when she opened them, they became firm, she looked pointedly at Alex and nodded, "Okay!"

Alexander finally smiled and stretched out his hand, "Hello, Mrs Ashford. Please take care of me."

***

Lauren stood outside the bank and in her hand were the relics she had just gotten. Her eyes were puffy as she had cried after seeing the things her mother had kept for her.

In that safe lay a carefully arranged collection of her mother's things and these items carried the weight of memories and secrets.

There was her mother's design book, its cover worn but still elegant. She had filled it with sketches and notes from a renowned lineage of designers. Beside it sat a deed to a jewellery company Lauren had never known existed. And nestled in a small velvet-lined box were priceless gemstones; emeralds, sapphires, and rubies to be precise.

"These... these were all hers?" she had questioned the lawyer when she saw them.

"Every single one, Lauren." Her lawyer, Aunt Catherine, who was her mother's friend, had assured her.

Lauren had felt the weight of the things and felt the thought of her mother. She closed her eyes at the thought of her mother and even standing outside, silent tears tickled down her face.

Her mother's death still haunted her. The mystery of it still ate at her as she had never believed her mother who was so strong would commit suicide. Deep down, she was certain her father's new wife had something to do with it but she just didn't have any evidence.

At the thought of the time she had wasted on a relationship instead of getting more power to avenge her mother's death, Lauren felt so much rage for herself.

The thought of how she had even quit her career just because Julian had told her to do so filled her with regret.

She bit her lips and looked at the document and box with so much emotion.

"You wanted me to see this now... because you wanted me to be ready. I am ready, Mom."

She understood now. She understood why her mother had set this up for when she was older. She had saved it for when she could protect herself and handle the ugly truths of life.

Now, Lauren was ready to stand on her own!

"I'll investigate your death and avenge you! I'll destroy the people who wished me death and make them wish they were dead! I'll become the strong woman you have always wanted me to be, mum! I'll make you proud."

In an apartment, a figure buzzed around the room, packing things into her bags and making sure nothing was left behind.

The person was Lauren. She was dressed in casual wear with her hair tied in a low bun, and she had an expressionless face as if this place wasn't somewhere she had called her home for years.

Suddenly, her eyes paused on the frame she had placed on the bedside table and finally, the emotions she had kept hidden showed on her face. Her face turned pale and her lips trembled, but she still swallowed hard and picked up her courage to walk to the frame. She picked it up with her trembling fingers and her eyes deepened with emotion seeing the three people with a joyful smile.

The picture was of Lauren, Celine and Julian. This picture was taken on their graduation and the smiles on their faces were happiness and carefreeness.

Her fingers caressed their faces and her lips gradually curled up in a small sneer.

"How could I be so stupid as not to know something was going on between you both? You both are really good pretenders!" she chuckled but it was one of self-mockery.

She felt sorry for herself. Now that she thought about it, she wondered how someone like herself had agreed to give up everything for Julian? Was he that good?

He had told her his family doesn't like the limelight and like a fool, she had given up everything and even began to work behind the scenes just for his company to grow. And the dumbest thing she had done was that she never once asked him for anything. She didn't care about what he did with her designs or whether he gave her profits. All she had ever wanted was sincerity, but it seems, she had looked too desperate for him and like a fool, she allowed herself to be played by them.

She would agree that this was her fault. But, still...

Lauren paused, then her fingers that had traced the faces suddenly clenched on the frame and with a "bang!" she threw the frame on the floor.

She watched the glass that secured the picture break into pieces and as she bent to pick up the photo from the ground, she felt tense.

With one hard pull, the photo in her hand was torn but she didn't stop, and continued to tear it into shreds, then she walked to the washroom that was in the room and flushed it.

Lauren will not allow herself to be sentimental towards people who have treated her wrong. She would give an eye for an eye!

Besides, since she was married now, she would remain loyal to Alex.

At the thought of that powerful man, her heart which was still surging calmed down and her face returned to being indifferent.

Though she couldn't give him her heart, she would make sure her loyalty lies with him.

After resolving the conflict in her heart, she calmed down and finally finished parking her bags. Lauren pulled the bag up, then looked around the room she had stayed in, and then turned around to leave without any sentiment.

Though she and Julian lived together in the same apartment, they never slept in the same bed. And for the past few months, he hadn't even been coming home with excuses that he was busy, but now she understood that all had been lies.

Lauren opened the door and walked out, but she was shocked when she got to the sitting room and saw someone she wasn't expecting.

She frowned and her hand on her bag tightened.

How come she hadn't heard the sound of someone coming in?

"Lauren-"

Lauren snapped out of her daze and looked up to see Julian looking at her bag with a frown on his face.

"What are you doing?!" Julian asked with his eyes returning to Lauren.

He had rushed back home after he was done settling things at the company with the thought of coming home to coax Lauren. He knew she would be angry at him for not adhering to the promise he had made to her, but he also knew that with some promises and sweet words, Lauren would forgive him.

Besides, it's not like they couldn't get married anytime.

But, he didn't expect to meet her with her bag as soon as he got home and this confused him.

"Where are you going with a bag, Lauren?" He asked again, this time with a serious tone that showed his dissatisfaction.

Lauren looked at the man who questioned her and she couldn't help but find it funny. She couldn't help but be amused by the fact that he was able to act nonchalantly.

She sneered, "Leaving. Can't you see?" She responded casually.

"What?!" Julian was truly stunned this time. His eyes widened as he looked at her, but then he calmed down after thinking about it.

He could understand that she was angry with him for not turning up at the wedding.

He sighed, then loosened his tie in frustration, then he walked towards Lauren to hug her but she pulled back immediately with a frown.

Julian stiffened, then smiled helplessly and those who don't know would think he was a man who loves indulging his troublesome girlfriend.

"Lauren, I'm sorry for not turning up like I had promised. But," He sighed again like he was exhausted, then he looked at her with those eyes she was familiar with.

Those eyes that had always enchanted her and made her soften every single time. He always used this on her every time she was about to flip out and like a fool, she would always fall for this, but now that she knew what was happening, she felt so angry!

Those loves she once saw in those eyes were now so clear! She had been stupid that she couldn't see the pride, arrogance and indifference.

How stupid had she been?

Then Julian, who didn't know his cover had been broken, continued with his act, "You didn't even ask me why I didn't come. We just found out that some information leaked from the company so I had no other options but to take care of it. You wouldn't want our hard work to go down the drain, right?" He asked softly, then began to walk towards Lauren with a face filled with disappointment.

"Lauren I'm disappointed with you!" He spat.

Lauren who stood quietly watching his play felt her lips twitch. She felt speechless as she watched him try to fool her.

She lowered her head, and mockery filled her eyes, "Disappointed in me? I should be the one who is disappointed, right?" she asked.

Julian paused as he was surprised by her question. Why wouldn't he be surprised? He had thought as usual, she would turn pale and beg him not to be disappointed anymore. But, then, he thought about it and felt it was normal that she was still angry so he didn't think too much, but instead continued.

"We promised to be together forever but just because of something this little, you want to leave?! Must we get married today? There is tomorrow! Next tomorrow and every day, so why pack your things to leave just because of this?! Why are you so childish?!"

Lauren's body stiffened. Her hand which held her bag tightened and her blood surged with anger.

"Childish? He called me childish?!"

Well, since he said it like this, then...

Lauren suddenly smiled and looked at Julian who was still yapping away.

"Then, go with me to get married now!"