Chapter 3: Face with the truth

"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."