The Gilded Shackle: Rise of the Diamond Heiress

Ivy stared at the cold pasta on the table. It was their third anniversary, but the seat across from her was empty. Again.

She adjusted her baggy, gray sweater. It was three sizes too big, making her look small and unimportant. This was her "uniform." For three years, she had played the part of the poor scholarship girl who got lucky and married the richest guy at school.

The front door kicked open at midnight. Julian Vane walked in. He looked like a movie star in his sharp suit, but his face was full of disgust the moment he saw Ivy.

"Why are you still up?" Julian asked. He didn't even look at the "Happy Anniversary" banner she had spent an hour hanging.

"I waited for you," Ivy said. Her voice was quiet. "I made dinner."

Julian walked past her, tossing his car keys on the counter. "I told you I was busy with Bianca. She’s stressed about the graduation gala tomorrow. I don’t have time for your little domestic games."

Ivy felt a familiar sting in her chest. "It’s our anniversary, Julian. Three years."

Julian stopped and turned around. He looked at her messy bun and her plain face with no makeup. "Three years of a mistake, Ivy. My father forced me into this to save your family’s pathetic bakery. Don't act like this is a real marriage."

He pulled a thick envelope out of his pocket and dropped it next to the cold pasta.

"What is this?" Ivy asked, though she already knew.

"Divorce papers," Julian said. "I’m announcing it tomorrow at the gala. Bianca will be by my side. You can have the bakery and enough money to disappear. Just sign them and don't make a scene."

He headed upstairs without waiting for an answer.

Ivy sat in the dark. She didn't cry. Instead, she reached into the hidden pocket of her oversized sweater and pulled out a sleek, gold phone. It was much thinner and more expensive than the one Julian had bought for her.

She pressed a button.

"Grandfather," Ivy said. Her voice was no longer soft. It was sharp and cold. "The three years are up. He just handed me the papers."

"Good," an old man’s voice answered. "The St. Claire private jet is landing in an hour. Your teams are ready. Do you want me to destroy the Vane family tonight?"

"No," Ivy said, looking at the divorce papers. "I want to do it in front of everyone. Julian thinks he’s a king. I want him to find out he’s been living on my charity."

"As you wish, my Queen. Your wardrobe for the gala is already at the hotel. You won't be a mouse anymore."

"I'm done hiding," Ivy said. She stood up and walked to the kitchen sink. She took her wedding ring, a cheap silver band Julian had picked out in five minutes, and dropped it down the drain.

The next night, the Gilded Academy was glowing. Every rich student was there, wearing clothes that cost more than a house.

Julian stood on the stage with a microphone. Bianca was tucked under his arm, wearing a sparkling red dress. She looked like she had already won.

"Everyone, listen up!" Julian called out. The room went quiet. "Tonight is about the future. And in my future, there is no room for shadows. I am officially announcing my divorce from Ivy Thorne. She was never one of us, and today, she is finally gone."

Bianca giggled and kissed his cheek. The crowd started to whisper. "Where is she?" "Probably crying in a corner."

"Ivy!" Julian shouted into the crowd. "Come out and sign these papers. Let's finish this!"

The giant doors at the back of the hall swung open.

A woman walked in, and the room went dead silent.

She wasn't wearing a baggy sweater. She was in a dress made of black diamonds that shimmered like the night sky. Her hair was down in perfect waves, and she walked with the power of a woman who owned the world.

Julian’s hand shook, and the microphone made a loud, screeching noise. "Ivy?"

She walked up the stairs of the stage. Every eye was on her. She looked at Julian, and for the first time, he was the one who looked small.

She grabbed the divorce papers from his hand. She didn't sign them. She ripped them into tiny pieces and threw them in his face like snow.

"You’re right about one thing, Julian," Ivy said. Her voice was loud and clear through the speakers. "The marriage is over. But you didn't divorce me."

She leaned in close, her eyes flashing.

"I just bought your family's company ten minutes ago. You're not the king of this school anymore. You're just an employee."

Julian’s phone suddenly started ringing like crazy. His father’s name flashed on the screen.

Ivy turned to the crowd, but her eyes were on the door. A line of men in black suits marched in. At the front was Xavier Knight, the most powerful young billionaire in the country.

He walked right up to Ivy and bowed. "The car is waiting, CEO St. Claire."

Julian fell back against the podium. "St. Claire? You... you're a St. Claire?"

Ivy didn't answer him. She walked past him, her heels clicking loudly. But at the edge of the stage, she stopped.

"Check your bank account, Julian," she said over her shoulder. "I took back the 'charity' money I gave your father last year. You have exactly one hour to move out of my house."

She walked out with Xavier, leaving the entire school in shock.

As she stepped into the limo, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Julian.

Ivy, please wait. This is a mistake. Where are you going?

Ivy looked at the screen and smiled. She didn't reply. She watched as another car pulled up behind them, a car full of reporters.

"Let the games begin," she said.

Suddenly, the limo slammed its brakes. A black car had blocked the road. A man stepped out, and it wasn't Julian. It was someone much more dangerous.