Hidden Heiress Rising: Married to my Ex-Husband’s Uncle

~ EVANGELINE ~ I woke up and my shoulder was screaming in pain even worse than yesterday. The cold cloth had fallen off during the night and my arm was swollen and bruised. I sat up slowly and bit my lip to keep from making noise. I was already late. Getting dressed with one hand took forever. Every movement hurt. In the bathroom mirror I saw the bruise spreading across my shoulder. It looked like an ugly dark shade of purple. I pulled on a long-sleeved shirt to cover it. Before I could make my way to the kitchen to make breakfast like I always do. A knock came in. Mrs Blackwood must be here to read to me to filth about my lateness. But opening the door Jason stood there watching me carefully. “Uhm…Good morning” I sputtered nervously. "Veronica is moving in today," he said, immediately ignoring my greetings. My heart stopped. At that point Victoria waltzes in with her phone in hand smiling. "Finally," she said. "That girl has been waiting long enough." Jason continued to s

~ EVANGELINE ~The police pounded on the door again."Police! Open the door now!"Jason stared at me with his hand still raised. "You called them.""I didn't," I said. "I swear I didn't.""Liar!"The pounding got louder. "We have a warrant! Open this door or we're breaking it down!"Jason dropped his hand and ran downstairs. I followed him with my heart racing.He opened the front door and four police officers rushed in."Jason Blackwood?" the lead officer asked."Yes, that's me. What is this about?""You're under arrest for assault and domestic violence." The officer pulled out handcuffs. "Turn around and put your hands behind your back.""What? This is ridiculous! I didn't...""Sir, turn around now."Victoria came running down the stairs in her robe. "What is going on here? Get out of my house!""Ma'am, step back," another officer said.They put handcuffs on Jason and he turned to look at me with pure hatred in his eyes."This is your fault," he said. "You're going to pay for this."

~ EVANGELINE ~The hall exploded after Damien's announcement.Cameras flashed everywhere. Reporters screamed questions. People rushed toward the stage from all directions."Damien! How long have you known about Evangeline?""Is the marriage real or fake?"Damien's security guards moved fast. They surrounded me and Damien in a tight circle and started pushing people back."Move! Everyone back!" the head of security shouted.I stood frozen on the stage. My mind couldn't process what just happened.Me? Married to Damien Blackwood?"This way, ma'am." A guard touched my elbow gently. "We need to get you out of here."Damien took my hand and pulled me toward the back of the stage.Behind us I heard Jason screaming. "She's still my wife! That marriage is fake! Someone stop them!"Victoria's voice joined his. "This is illegal! I'm calling Augustus! I'm calling the police!"We went through a door backstage and down a long hallway. The noise from the hall faded but I could still hear them."Ke

~ EVANGELINE ~ "You don't want to keep me safe. You want to own me. Just like Jason and my father did." I backed toward the door. "I'm done being owned by men." "I am marrying you to keep you safe but I am certainly not like your father or your ex." I ignored him and continued moving towards the door but before I could reach for the handle, Damien's office phone rang. His assistant's voice came through the speaker. "Mr. Blackwood, I apologize for the interruption, but you have another call on line two. It's about tonight's gala." Damien pressed the button. "What about it?" "The event coordinator needs confirmation that you'll be attending. The press is asking if you'll be bringing the new Mrs. Blackwood as your guest." My stomach dropped. "Tell them yes," Damien replied. "We'll both be there." "Stop screwing with..." I started. He hung up and looked at me. "You're coming with me tonight." "I'm not going anywhere with you." "Yes, you are. My company is hosting the biggest

~ EVANGELINE ~ The crowd parted again as Veronica and Jason made their entrance, walking side by side. Veronica's voice echoed throughout the ballroom. "Did everyone see that? She hasn't changed at all. She is still violent and stealing from others. First my designs, now her own sister's dignity.” The crowd's murmurs grew louder. They act as if they don't have a mind of their own. My ex-husband stepped forward with a bruise on his cheek that definitely looked like makeup. "That woman is violent. She has attacked me multiple times during our marriage. I have the scars to prove it." "Lies, as if I could beat a six-foot-one man," I said. "Is it?" Veronica pulled out her phone. " Everyone, I have photos. Videos that prove this mentally deranged person starts beating up her husband when things don't go the way she wants.” She turned back to me and smiled. I dreaded that smile not because I was scared but because people take domestic violence seriously especially if it's about a m