The Betrayal Within (revenge)

Olivia's voice trembled as she spoke, each words scraping painfullyout of her throat. Her eyes were swollen and red, tears clinging to her lashes as though they refused to fall again after all she had already shed.

"Why would you do such a thing, Lucas?" she whispered, clutching her arms around herself as if to keep from breaking apart. "You took everything I had... and left me with nothing." Her breath hitched, her chest rising and falling unevenly. "Tell me... how can you be so cruel?"

Lucas didn't move or soften. His expression remained cold, as though she were a stranger rather than the woman he had vowed to love.

"I am your husband, young woman," he said flatly. "And as your husband, I have the right to be in charge of your properties. Besides, it's already in my name."

Olivia's brow knitted in confusion, panic creeping into her expression. "Wh-what?" she stammered, shaking her head slowly. "What do you mean they are in your name? I don't... I don't understand."

Lucas's tone didn't change, his words dripping with indifference. "I said exactly what I meant," he replied coolly. "The properties now belongs to me." His gaze hardened as he looked down at her. "You should be grateful I'm taking care of you, instead of questioning my actions."

Olivia's anger flared. "Grateful?" she repeated, her voice rising as anger replaced with disbelief. "You're my husband, Lucas, not my savior. Those properties were my parents'. They worked for them. They were meant for me."

Lucas shrugged, his eyes glinting with a mixture of disdain and boredom. "Your parents are dead," he said bluntly. "And I'm your husband." He stepped closer, his voice lowering slightly, carrying an unspoken threat. "That makes me the rightful owner. You'd do well to remember your place, Olivia."

Olivia staggered back as though he had struck her. Her heart pounded violently in her chest. Her voice rose, her words laced with desperation. "This isn't right. You can't just take everything from me. What about our marriage vows? What about love and respect?"

Lucas's laughter was cold and mirthless. "Love and respect? You're just a means to an end, Olivia. A way for me to secure what I want. Don't be foolish enough to think this is about love."

Olivia felt a chill run down her spine as Lucas's true nature revealed itself. Her eyes widened in horror as the reality of her situation sank in.

"You're disgusting," she spat, her voice trembling with rage. "You used me, manipulated me, and now you're taking everything from me. What kind of monster are you?"

Lucas's expression didn't change, his voice still cold and detached. "I'm a businessman, Olivia. And in business, you do what it takes to succeed. You should be grateful I'm willing to take care of you, despite your... limitations."

Olivia's anger boiled over, and she took a step forward, her hands clenched into fists. "Take care of me? You're not taking care of me, you're suffocating me. You're destroying me, Lucas. And I'll never forgive you for it."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're dramatic, Olivia. It's not becoming. You should calm down and accept your fate. After all, you're my wife now. And wives do as their husbands say."

He paused, his tone turning slightly condescending. "Besides, you are still the manager of the company, and your best friend Maddie is by your side to support you in anything. So why all the stress?"

Olivia's eyes narrowed, her anger and betrayal simmering just below the surface. "You think keeping me as a figurehead in the company makes everything okay? You think I'm just going to sit back and let you control everything? You're delusional, Lucas."

Lucas's smile was cold and calculating. "We'll see about that, Olivia. We'll see about that."

"You're enjoying this, aren't you? Watching me suffer, manipulating me, taking everything from me. You're a master manipulator, Lucas. But you won't get away with it. I'll find a way to take you down, to expose you for the monster you are."

Lucas's smile never wavered, his eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and warning. "You're making empty threats, Olivia. You have no power here. I'm the one in control, and you're just a pawn in my game. You'd do well to remember that."

Olivia's eyes flashed with defiance, her voice rising in anger. "I'll never forget, Lucas. I'll never forget what you've done to me. And I'll make sure you pay for it."

Olivia stormed out of the mansion, the heavy doors slamming shut behind her as if sealing her pain inside those walls. Her heels struck the driveway sharply as she crossed it. when she reached her car, her hands were shaking so badly that it took her two tries to unlock the door.

She slid into the driver's seat and slammed the dor. Her chest tightened, and her breaths came in shallow gasps as tears finally broke free. She gripped the steering wheel, her forehead resting against it as she sobbed.

"How could he do this to me?" she whispered hoarsely, her voice cracking in the empty's car. "How could I be married to someone so heartless?"

Her phone buzzed beside her. Maddie's name flashed across the screen.

Olivia hesitated for a second before answering, her fingers trembling. "Maddie..." Her voice broke the moment she spoke. "Everything is falling apart."

"Olivia?" Maddie's voice sharpened with concern. "Where are you? What happened this time? What did he do?

"I'm in my car," Olivia said, sucking in a shaking breath. "I just left the mansion. Maddie... he took everything. The properties... my parents' properties, he tranferred them to his name. He looked at me like I was nothing."

"What?" Maddie exclaimed. "That man has lost his goddamn mind!"

Olivia laughed bitterly, tears rolling down her cheeks. "He told me i should be GRATEFUL he's taking care of me. He said i should remember my place." Her voice trembled, anger bleeding into it. "My place, Maddie, can you imagine?"

"That's abuse," Maddie said firmly. "That's control. Olivia, that's not okay."

"I know," Olivia whispered, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. Her reflection in the windshield looked unfamiliar-eyes swollen, lips trembling, a woman barely holding herself together. "I'm so tired, Maddie. I can't keep living like this. I feel trapped... like I'm suffocating."

There was a brief pause on the line before Maddie spoke again, softer this time. "What do you want to do now?"

Olivia straightened in her seat, her grip on the steering wheel tightening as resolve slowly replaced despair. "I want this to end," she said quietly. "Once and for all." Her voice grew steadier. "I'm going to the police station. Right now."

Maddie exhaled slowly. "Are you sure, Liv? Involving the police... it might make things messy. Maybe you could talk to a lawyer first? Or try to settle it privately?"

Olivia's eyes widened, disbelief cutting through her pain. "Settle it?" she echoed sharply. "Maddie, he's manipulating me. He's controlling my life, my finances-everything. This isn't something I can fix by talking." Her voice softened, breaking again. "I'm scared, Maddie. And I need help."

Maddie's tone changed immediately, filled with regret. "I'm sorry. You're right. I didn't mean it like that." She paused. "If this is what you want, then I'm with you. I support you, bestie, no matter what."

Olivia let out a shaky breath, some of the tightness in her chest easing. "Thank you," she murmured. "I don't know what l'd do without you." A faint, fragile smile tugged at her lips. "I love you."

"I love you too, my darling," Maddie replied gently.

"Please be careful. Call me the moment you get there, okay?"

"I will," Olivia promised.

She ended the call and started the engine, her heart pounding as she pulled out of the driveway. The road ahead blurred slightly through her tear-filled eyes, but she forced herself to focus. This was it. She was choosing herself-for the first time in a long while.

As she drove, her phone lay silent beside her, the hum of the engine the only sound filling the car. Then, without warning, a dark van swerved in front of her, blocking her path completely.

Olivia gasped, slamming her foot on the brakes. The car screeched to a halt, her heart leaping violently into her throat.

"What the-?" she whispered, panic flooding her veins.

Her hands trembled as she stared at the van, confusion quickly giving way to fear. The engine idled loudly in the tense silence. Swallowing hard, Olivia unlocked the door and stepped out of the car, her legs unsteady beneath her.

"What's going on? Who are you? And why the hell would you block my path?" she demanded, her voice shaking slightly.

Before she could react, two hefty men with masks emerged from the van, their movements swift and calculated. One of them approached her, a cloth in hand, and covered her nose with it. The sweet, pungent smell wafted up, and Olivia's world went dark.

Olivia's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the stark reality of her surroundings. She found herself in a dingy, abandoned room, the walls cracked and worn, the air thick with dust.

Groggily, she sat up, her head spinning as she tried to piece together what had happened. Her clothes were slightly ripped, but aside from a few bruises, she seemed unharmed.

"Hello? Anyone there?" she called out, her voice shaking slightly. She waited for a response, but the only sound was the echo of her voice off the walls. She called out again and again, but there was only silence.

As the reality of her situation sank in, Olivia's fear gave way to determination. She stood up, smoothing out her ripped clothes, and made her way to the door.

She tried the handle, and to her relief, it opened easily. She stepped out into the bright sunlight, blinking away the dimness of the abandoned room. Unexpectedly, she saw her car outside at a distance.

As she made her way back to her car, Olivia's mind began to clear. She remembered her decision to go to the police station. But what had happened between then and now? She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

With a sense of urgency, Olivia drove home, as she entered the mansion, she was met with a shock. Lucas stood in the foyer, his eyes blazing with anger. Without warning, he reached out and slapped her across the face, the sound echoing through the hallway.

The force of the slap sent Olivia stumbling backward. Her heel caught on the edge of the rug, and she barely managed to keep herself from falling. Her hand flew to her cheek, the sting burning hot against her skin. She stared at Lucas in disbelief.

"What was that for?" she demanded, her voice shaking-not with fear, but with outrage.

Lucas's face was twisted with fury. He shoved his phone toward her, his hand trembling as he pointed at the screen. "Are you asking me?" he shouted. "Explain this to me. Explain it now!"

Her heart thudded painfully as she took the phone from his grip. The moment the video began to play, the blood drained from her face.

She watched herself on the screen. The footage had been cut and framed in a way that twisted reality, turning violation into something ugly and false.

Her breath hitched.

"No..." she whispered, her fingers tightening around the phone. "This... this isn't how it happened."

She looked up at Lucas, confusion written plainly across her face. "How did you get this?" she asked, her voice low and unsteady. "Who did this?"

Lucas's expression was cold, merciless. "What do you mean, how did I get it?" he snapped. "Ask your miserable self, you slut."

The word struck harder than the slap.

Olivia's knees weakened, and she sank to the floor. Her chest ached as tears spilled over, not from guilt, but from the sheer horror of being accused of something she did not do.

"I didn't cheat on you," she said firmly, her voice breaking slightly. "I did no such thing, you manipulative son of a bitch."

Lucas laughed in a harsh, mocking sound that made her stomach churn. "You expect me to believe you when the proof is right there?" he sneered. "You think I'm blind?"

She shook her head slowly, tears streaming down her face. "You think I would do this?" she asked, her voice cracking under the weight of disbelief. "After everything? You think I would willingly betray you?" Her eyes searched his face desperately. "I thought you knew me."

His expression darkened further, his lips curling with disgust. "I know exactly what you are," he spat. "A cheating wife. A liar. You went out to meet men for pleasure. You're filthy."

Olivia's tears fell faster now, her heart breaking with every word, but her voice remained steady. "I was kidnapped," she said clearly. "I didn't choose any of that."

Lucas scoffed. "Kidnapped?" he repeated cruelly. "Did you even watch the video? You looked perfectly willing."

Her hands clenched into fists as she shook her head. "I don't remember anything," she said, her voice trembling with frustration. "They drugged me. They covered my face. I woke up afterward with no memory of what happened." She met his gaze, her eyes burning. "I know what was done to me-and I know what I did not do."

Lucas said nothing. He simply took the phone back from her, turned on his heel, and walked out of the room.

The door slammed shut behind him.

Olivia remained on the floor, shaking as the images replayed cruelly in her mind. The video hadn't shown consent, but her being violated. She knew that. But Lucas didn't want to see it.

And that was what shattered her most.

Her hands trembled as she reached for her phone and dialed Maddie's number. When Maddie arrived minutes later, Olivia told her everything-the kidnapping, the video, Lucas's accusations. Her voice wavered, but her words were clear and unwavering.

Maddie's face hardened as she listened. When Olivia finished, she crossed her arms tightly.

"I told you not to go to the police station, Olivia," Maddie said sharply. "Why didn't you listen to me?"

Before Olivia could say another word, Lucas appeared in the doorway. His presence sucked the air out of the room. His eyes narrowed as he caught the last part of their conversation.

"Police station?" he repeated slowly, his voice sharp with menace. "So you were planning on reporting me?"

Olivia turned toward him, startled. Her lips parted, but no words came immediately-not because she was guilty, but because of what he might do.

Lucas didn't wait.

"Maddie," he snapped, his tone cold and commanding. "Leave us. Now."

Maddie hesitated, her eyes flicking between them, but the tension in the room was suffocating. She stepped back slowly and exited without another word.

The moment the door closed, Lucas's gaze locked onto Olivia, burning and unforgiving.

"Answer me," he demanded. "Were you planning on going to the police?"

Olivia's legs gave out beneath her, and she sank to her knees, the weight of everything pressing down on her became unbearable. Tears streamed down her face, her chest tightening as she struggled to breathe.

"You were hurting me," she said, her voice trembling but clear. "You've been hurting me for a long time." She lifted her head to look at him, her eyes shining with pain and resolve. "I couldn't take it anymore. I still can't."

She swallowed hard, her hands curling into fists. "You treat me like I don't matter. Like I'm nothing. Whether you love me or not doesn't change the fact that I am your wife. And you don't get to destroy me."

Lucas's expression didn't soften. If anything, his lips curled into a slow, cruel smile.

"I'd like to see you try reporting me," he said coldly. "Let's see how brave you are when I release that video for everyone to see."

The words hit her like ice water, which made her froze. Her heart thundered violently as realization crashed into her all at once-the kidnapping, the video, his certainty, his control.

It was him.

Rage surged through her, burning away the shock. She shot to her feet, her hand raised instinctively. "You asshole!"

Before her palm could connect, Lucas caught her wrist midair, his grip tight and unyielding. He leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear.

"You better behave yourself," he whispered, his voice low and venomous. "Because if this goes public, being my wife won't protect you, it'll ruin you." His lips curved into a smirk. "Your reputation. Your job. Your life. One wrong move, and everyone sees that video."

He released her wrist roughly, straightening as if nothing had happened.

Olivia stood there, shaking, her fists clenched at her sides. Tears blurred her vision, the crushing reality that the man she married was capable of this.

Lucas turned and walked out of the room without another glance, leaving Olivia standing alone in the silence, her heart pounding with fury, grief, and the terrifying clarity that she was no longer just trapped...

She was being threatened.

Flashback ***

Olivia twirled in front of the mirror, her wedding dress shimmering in the light. "Maddie, how do I look in this dress?" she asked, grinning widely.

Maddie smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "You look stunning, my love. You're going to make a beautiful bride."

Olivia's eyes sparkled as she checked her reflection. But then her face fell as she touched her ear. "Oh my God, I think I've lost one of my earrings," she exclaimed, panic rising in her voice.

Maddie's brow furrowed in concern. "It must have fallen off somewhere. Maybe you should go check before you're called."

Olivia nodded, lifting her gown as she went outside to search. She walked back along the path she'd taken earlier, her eyes scanning the ground. Finally, she spotted the earring lying on the grass. "Oh, here it is," she said, relieved, as she picked it up.

Just as she was about to stand up, she heard a voice behind her. "Don't marry him." Olivia turned to see an old man standing behind her. He looked ancient, with deep lines etched into his face, and his eyes seemed to bore into her soul. She felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Sorry?" she asked, wanting him to repeat himself.

The old man's eyes locked onto hers. "I said, don't marry the man you're planning to marry," he replied, his voice low and urgent.

Olivia's curiosity was piqued. "Who are you, and why are you saying this?" she asked, her voice firm.

The old man's expression was serious. "I'm a foreseer, and it will be dangerous for you if you marry him."

Olivia's brow furrowed in confusion. "Um, can you explain? I don't understand," she said, her eyes searching for answers.

But before the old man could respond, Maddie appeared beside her. "Olivia, it's time. What are you still doing here?"

Olivia was caught off guard. The man had disappeared. She turned to ask Maddie if she'd seen the old man, but he was nowhere to be found. "Did you see that man?" she asked Maddie, her voice uncertain.

Maddie looked at her quizzically. "Which man is that?"

Olivia hesitated, wondering if she'd just imagined the whole encounter. "Um... well, it's nothing. Let's go now," she said, pushing the strange encounter to the back of her mind.

As they walked to the hall, Olivia couldn't shake off the feeling that the old man's words had left her with. She pushed the thought aside and focused on the ceremony ahead. Maybe she had just been imagining things, she thought.

As she walked down the aisle with her dad, she felt a sense of joy and anticipation. A few minutes later, they exchanged vows, and the pastor asked her the final question. "Will you take this man as your lovely wedded husband?"

Olivia's voice was clear and firm. "Yes, I do."

Flashback ends ***

Olivia's body wracked with sobs as she relived the memories of her wedding day with Lucas. She couldn't believe how blind she had been, how naive. The old man's words echoed in her mind.

She realized now that he must have been a messenger from God, sent to warn her about the dangers of marrying Lucas. But now, it was too late.

If only she had listened, she thought, tears streaming down her face. If only she had paid attention to the warning signs, she might have avoided the pain and suffering that followed. But she had been blinded by love, convinced that Lucas was the one.

As she wept, Olivia cursed the day she met Lucas. She cursed the moment she said "I do" to a man who would turn out to be her worst nightmare. She felt a deep regret, a sense of "what if?" What if she had listened to the old man? What if she had followed her intuition?

At some point, she wondered how she had fallen in love with a man like this in the first place. He wasn't so cold to her, but all of a sudden, he turned into a devil.

Lucas Garrison has always been a handsome young man with chiseled features and piercing eyes, his demeanor is cold and calculating. As an orphan, he has learned to rely only on himself. His sharp jawline and chiseled lips give him a strong, confident presence. And he would do anything to get what he wants.

Olivia Smith, on the other hand, is a beautiful young woman with striking features and a warm smile, who was always optimistic and friendly. Her parents treated her like a princess.

Her friendly nature and kind heart make her a beloved figure to those around her, but she is also strong-willed and determined.

Her eyes are now filled with sadness and vulnerability after the loss of her parents. Now, she is facing challenges with her husband, Lucas.

The weight of her regret was crushing, and Olivia felt like she was drowning in her tears. She cried until she was exhausted, until her body couldn't take it anymore. And then, finally, she fell asleep, her tears still wet on her cheeks.

The next day, Olivia resigned herself to her fate, determined to endure the situation until she could find a way to delete the incriminating video from Lucas's phone.

She got ready for work, her mind focused on avoiding Lucas and his manipulative games. As she drove to work, she felt a sense of calm wash over her, and her determination to keep her emotions in check.

Upon arriving at the office, Olivia settled into her workspace, trying to blend into the background. However, her colleagues seemed more interested in discussing the unexpected arrival of Maddie Jekins, the famous social media influencer. Whispers and murmurs filled the air as employees marveled at Maddie's stunning beauty.

"Is that not Maddie Jekins?" someone asked, eyes wide with excitement.

"What is she doing here?" another colleague wondered.

"She looks more beautiful in person," a third person chimed in.

One enthusiastic admirer even went so far as to say, "If I could marry her, and I had to go to jail for a year as a condition, I would for her sake." The comments were coming from both male and female employees, all of whom seemed captivated by Maddie's presence.

Maddie Jekins was indeed a stunningly beautiful young woman, with a radiant smile and sparkling eyes. Her skin was adorned with a smattering of freckles across her cheeks and nose, adding a touch of whimsy to her features. Her rich, dark brown hair cascaded down her back, and her bright smile could light up a room. Maddie exuded a warm and friendly energy, making her a joy to be around.

But what really caught Olivia's attention was the fact that Maddie was her close friend, a bond that had been forged over years of friendship since elementary school. But she never made mention of her coming to the office today.

As Olivia pondered the unexpected arrival of her friend, she couldn't help but wonder, "What could Maddie be doing here?"

Just then, Lucas emerged from his office, a confident smile spreading across his face. "This is the new Assistant Manager," he announced, his voice authoritative and commanding.

"What?" Olivia asked, shocked at the news.