All Chapters of HEIRESS OF RUIN: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

ELISEAlone at last, I stand before the full-length mirror in my bridal suite. The woman staring back at me is both familiar and foreign. In my previous life, this reflection represented my dreams of love and partnership. Now, it symbolizes nothing but my naiveté and blindness."You look perfect," my stylist had gushed in that other timeline, the one where I walked blindly into destruction.I meet my own eyes in the mirror and whisper, "Perfect for revenge," so softly no one could possibly hear.For a moment, I imagine the pristine white fabric of my wedding dress stained with the blood of those who betrayed me, of Alexander, Natasha, my father. The vivid image should disturb me, instead, it brings a cold satisfaction.I turn away from the mirror and move to my desk, pulling out my tablet. The screen lights up with a background photo of Alexander and me, smiling during our engagement party.I swipe it away with disgust.Opening a new document, I title it "Wedding Notes" for anyone who

ELISEThe makeup brush moves gently over my cheek, adding a little glow to my skin. The sun is slowly setting outside the large windows of my penthouse, covering the city in golden light.I will stand beside Alexander at our pre-wedding gala in less than an hour, smiling for cameras and accepting congratulations from Rosienne's wealthiest people."You have such lovely cheekbones," the makeup artist remarks, tilting my chin to catch the light. "I'm just making them stand out a little more."I give her a small smile, though my mind is busy sorting out tonight's guest list, of who will be useful, who is a threat, and who I still need to figure out.It feels strange. I am preparing for battle while getting ready for a party."Let's make your eyes stand out more," the makeup artist suggests. "It'll match that stunning red dress."That dress. My small act of defiance.Alexander won't like it. He has picked out a blue gown for me. He expects me to wear it. The thought of his controlled frust

ELISEI time my move with precision, watching the server with the tray of Dom Pérignon Rosé Gold Methuselah 1996 make his way through the room.Alexander mentioned earlier that each 4 liter bottle costs about 49,000. An extravagance meant to impress the guests.The crystal flutes catch the light from the chandeliers, creating tiny prisms across the polished marble floor.The young server follows his predictable path between the east entrance and the area where the most influential guests have gathered, his white-gloved hands steady despite the fortune he carries.Three, two, one...I step directly into his path, positioning myself so when we collide, the champagne will splash exactly where I need it to.The server's eyes widen in alarm when he realizes what's about to happen, but momentum carries us both forward.I can see the exact moment he recognizes me and the horror that crosses his face at the inevitable collision."Oh!" I gasp as the golden liquid cascades across my gown.The co

ELISEKiran’s height and presence are suddenly overwhelming in the confined space.The scent of him registers… an underlying notes of something distinctly masculine. His face remains impassive, but the intensity of his gaze is almost tangible like a physical weight pressing down on me."I have information about Alexander's plans," I choke out, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the sudden dryness and contraction in my throat. "Plans that involve both of us."Kieran doesn't respond.His silence is more unnerving than any question or accusation would be. The coldness in his eyes makes it clear he's measuring every word, every gesture, cataloging them for future reference."He intends to use my technology and patents after our marriage.” The words are coming faster now as they push against the wall of his silence. "Once he has what he needs, he plans to have me declared mentally unstable. My father is helping him. They've already prepared the documentation, selected the facility whe

ELISEI close the remaining distance between us with three confident steps and lean in to press my lips to his. However, a gasp tears from me when his fingers wrap around my throat in an even tighter grip than before my lips even meet his.The transition from apparent calm to violence happens so quickly I don't even see him move. One moment I'm approaching, the next I'm caught.His jaw clenches visibly and his eyes burn with a fury I've never experienced from anyone. They're no longer cold but blazing with an emotion so intense it's terrifying.Fear course through my veins with vengeance and my life flashes before my eyes. He's livid that I attempted to kiss him. Does he despise the idea because of Alexander? Or is there something deeper, some principle I've violated by trying to use seduction as currency?"It's obvious you have a death wish," he snarls through gritted teeth.His grip is firm enough to restrict my breathing without cutting it off completely."I-I'm sorry," I force ou