BITTER BLOOM
CHAPTER 1
THE MAN WHO NEVER CAME
Nina Voss stood in the grand hall of the chapel, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. The cool satin of her dress brushed her knees, but she barely noticed. The organ played softly, echoing through the high ceilings, but it felt empty and cruel.
Guests whispered and fidgeted, their eyes darting toward the aisle. Waiting. Waiting for Logan Hayes. But he never came.
Nina’s heart had raced that morning. She had spent hours getting ready, not just her hair and dress, but her heart. Two years of love. Two years of forgiveness. She had brushed aside every lie, every flirtation, every time he had broken her trust. She had believed that love could change him, that it could survive his reckless ways.
Now, standing in that empty chapel, the truth hit her like ice water. He was not coming.
Not because of traffic. Not because of a last minute problem. Logan had overslept. In Tess Caswell’s arms.
Her stomach turned. Logan, with his easy charm, the smile that could melt anyone, and the words that made Nina feel like she was the only woman in the world, had used it all to hurt her again.
He was tall, perfectly built, with dark hair curling at the nape of his neck and piercing blue eyes that could hypnotize with a single glance. His jaw was strong, sculpted, and that sweet, maddeningly perfect smile had once made Nina forgive every betrayal.
Now, it made her want to scream.
She ran from the chapel, her heels clicking against the marble floors. She could not breathe. She could not think. When she reached their hotel suite, she froze.
There they were.
Logan and Tess, draped over each other. Tess laughed freely, her head thrown back. Logan’s hand rested on her waist, fingers possessive, and he looked at her with that same charming, careless smile he had once saved for Nina.
Nina caught fragments of their conversation.
"With her inheritance, we can finally stabilize my company," Logan said proudly.
"Exactly," Tess replied smoothly. "She always believed in you. Foolish girl."
The world tilted.
Two years of love and devotion meant nothing. Every lie she swallowed, every apology she accepted, every sleepless night, it had all led to this.
She barged into the room, trembling.
"You, how could you?" Nina shouted, her voice cracking as her eyes darted between them.
Logan blinked, startled for only a second before his face hardened. Tess did not even flinch. She laughed, slow and mocking, tightening her hold around Logan’s neck as if trying to prove a point.
"Oh my God," Tess said lazily. "You actually followed him here?"
Nina took a shaky step forward. "Logan, we were supposed to get married today."
Logan scoffed. "Do not start acting dramatic now."
Tess slid off the bed and walked toward Nina, deliberately slow. Her eyes swept over Nina’s wedding dress with open disgust as she circled her.
"Look at you," Tess said. "All dressed up for a man who never planned to show."
She reached out and flicked Nina’s veil between her fingers. "You really thought this was real?"
"Stop it," Nina whispered.
Tess laughed louder. "Stop what? The truth?"
Logan leaned against the dresser, arms crossed, watching like it amused him. "You should have known better. I told you I was not ready for commitment."
"You proposed," Nina cried. "You begged me."
"And you agreed," Tess cut in sharply. "That is on you."
Nina’s hands shook. "So everything was a lie?"
Logan shrugged. "Not everything. You were useful."
The word cut deeper than a slap.
Tess smiled wickedly. "Very useful. Your inheritance, your patience, your blind loyalty. Honestly, Nina, it was impressive how much you endured."
Nina’s vision blurred. "You planned this."
Logan stepped closer, his voice low and cruel. "We planned to fix the company. You were just part of the solution."
Tess clapped her hands once. "And now that you have served your purpose, this whole wedding act is over."
Something inside Nina snapped. Her hand shot out and slapped Logan hard across the face. The sound echoed through the room.
He staggered back, then smirked.
"Didn't you know I was cheating?" he said, voice cold. "Yet you shamelessly clung to me like a fool, and now you want to blame me? You should have left earlier. I warned you. Yet you stayed. That is desperation, Nina."
Tess leaned in close, her voice a whisper meant to wound.
"You should thank me. I kept him entertained so he did not get bored of you sooner."
Nina’s chest burned. He did not feel sorry. He did not care. He had never cared.
"You broke me," she said, her voice shaking.
Logan’s eyes were empty. "You broke yourself."
Tess picked up Nina’s bouquet from the table and tossed it to the floor, crushing the flowers beneath her heel. "Take this as a lesson. Love does not reward fools."
Nina turned and ran. Tess’s laughter followed her like a knife to the back. Hot tears streamed down her face as pain and anger twisted into something dark and sharp.
She did not know what she was doing, but she made a reckless, bitter decision. She would take something back, even if it was wrong. The first hotel room she saw, she would enter it and give her first time to the first man she found inside.
Her vision blurred, her heart racing. She stumbled down the corridor and threw herself at the nearest door, knocking frantically.
The door opened.
A stranger stood there.
Nina did not know him. She did not care. In a whirlwind of pain, betrayal, and fury, she leaned in and kissed him.
And in that desperate, chaotic moment, the world fell away.
CHAPTER 2
THE STRANGER
The stranger pushed her away gently but firmly.
“Who are you?” he asked. “Are you okay?”
Nina swayed where she stood. For a second, his calm voice almost pulled her back to reality. Almost. But the pain was louder. The humiliation burned hotter.
Instead of answering, she brushed past him. Her eyes scanned the room wildly until they landed on a bottle of liquor on the table. She grabbed it, twisted the cap open, and chugged a large portion without breathing. The alcohol burned her throat, but she welcomed the pain. It was better than feeling empty.
“Let’s make love,” she said casually, tossing the bottle aside and throwing herself into his arms. The man froze.
He was baffled by her boldness. Women threw themselves at him often. Desire, ambition, curiosity, all dressed up as affection. But this was different. This woman wasn't trying to impress him. She wasn’t seductive in a practiced way. She was broken. Desperate. Running from something that had shattered her. And that made him curious.
“What happened to you?” he asked quietly.
She laughed, a hollow sound, and tilted her head.
“Do you not find me attractive enough to sleep with me?” she asked flirtatiously, her fingers brushing his chest.
He didn't reply because the truth was simple. She was stunning. A goddess. Soft skin, expressive eyes, lips that trembled with too many emotions. No man in his right mind would reject her so coldly. Not for lack of attraction.
“Who hurt you?” he asked again, this time with an edge to his voice. Something dark stirred beneath his calm tone.
Her eyes immediately welled up.
“Does it matter?” she whispered before throwing herself into his arms again.
This time, he didn’t stop it right away. He let it linger for a few seconds, long enough to feel her pain, her desperation, the way she clung to him as if he were the only solid thing left in her world. Then he pulled away.
“You’re drunk,” he said firmly. “Let’s not do something you’ll regret when you sober up.”
He guided her to a chair and gently pushed her down into it.
She stared at him for a long moment, then her shoulders sagged. The fight drained out of her. The tears came fast and heavy.
“He said he loved me,” she sobbed. “He left me standing at the altar while he was in her arms.”
The words hit him like a punch.
“I went there,” she continued, her voice breaking. “I saw them clinging and acting like they're love. They mocked me.”
He didn’t need to hear the full story. He already understood. The cheating ex, the missed wedding, the public humiliation. His jaw tightened.
“Do you want me to make him suffer slowly until he fades,” he asked calmly, “or snap my fingers and make him vanish?”
He said it casually, like a man asking what she wanted for dinner.
Nina looked up at him, startled. Through her tears, she met his eyes, and for a second, something passed between them. Something heavy. Something dangerous. He felt it too. A strange pull. A need to protect her that made no sense at all.
“I want to squeeze him,” she cried, “so hard that he disappears slowly. Logan Hayes and his stupid mistress.”
The name settled in his mind. Logan Hayes.
“Then we’ll do that,” he said, his voice suddenly different, low, calm, edged with something lethal.
She blinked at him, confused. For a brief moment, she forgot her pain and really looked at him.
He was devastatingly handsome. Sharp features, strong jaw, eyes that held too much depth to be ordinary. His beauty was unreal, almost unnatural, like a Greek god who had stepped down from Olympus to walk among humans and ruin them.
“How can a man have such a perfect face?” she muttered. Then the alcohol took over.
Her eyes fluttered closed, and she slumped forward. He caught her instantly.
Carefully, he lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing and carried her to the bed.
He laid her down gently, pulling the covers over her. For a moment, he crouched beside the bed and studied her sleeping face.
She looked innocent now. Peaceful. As if the anger, the curses, the pain that had spilled from her lips minutes ago had never existed. Those lips. He stared at them longer than he should have.
“Whatever you want,” he murmured softly, “I will make it come true. I will punish those who made you cry.” Straightening, he reached for his phone.
“I need you to look into someone,” he said calmly when the call connected. “His name is Logan Hayes. Do whatever you do, but I want his full file on my desk by morning.”
He ended the call without waiting for a reply.
Then he looked back at the woman sleeping in his bed. And for the first time in a very long while, Julian Ashford felt something he had not planned for. Interest.
CHAPTER 3
AFTER LAST NIGHT
Nina woke up slowly, her head swirling, the room spinning lightly around her. It didn’t take long for the memories of last night to come rushing back, how she had shamelessly kissed him, demanded intimacy in a reckless surge of anger and despair. Embarrassment washed over her like ice water, making her cheeks burn.
She wondered how to sneak past the stranger unnoticed. Glancing out the window, she realized she wasn’t anywhere familiar. The city sprawled beneath her, a sea of skyscrapers and lights. The thought of using the window as an escape made her pause. Way too high, she muttered.
"I'm embarrassed but I don’t want to die yet," she said to herself. After a long pause, she straightened her shoulders. She was done running from her problems. Whatever this man was, whatever last night had become, she would face it.
She stepped carefully into the living area. He was seated on a couch, relaxed, a glass of liquor in his hand, swirling the amber liquid before taking a measured sip. The first two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a hint of a mysterious tattoo near his neck. He glanced at her the moment she stepped in.
"You might want to change out of that," he said casually, pointing toward her wedding dress with the glass in his hand.
Nina’s eyes flicked to a designer bag nearby. Her gaze landed on the clothes inside, a sleek dress and a pair of sneakers. She caught sight of the price tag and her jaw almost dropped.
"I should change into this?" she asked cautiously, not wanting to make a mistake.
He gave her a long, strange glance, enough to make her retreat quickly to the bag. Julian’s curiosity was piqued; he was not sure if she was testing his patience or just naturally clueless.
A few minutes later, she emerged dressed, and he gave her a brief glance, careful not to reveal any interest or attraction.
"Sit and eat," he said, his tone almost commanding.
Her stomach growled audibly. She did not hesitate. Yesterday had broken her, but today, she had nothing left to lose. After last night, nothing scared her anymore.
"I… I’m sorry for last night. For everything I said and did. I was drunk," she said, her voice soft, yet steady. "After this, I’ll leave. You’ll never hear from me again."
He studied her carefully, the faintest edge of danger in his eyes. "Why did you come to me?" he asked.
"I didn’t come to you," she admitted. "I just… took a risk out of anger. I’m grateful you’re not a pervert. I would have regretted a lot now that I’m sober, like you said."
"Don’t conclude just yet," he said, his voice low and sharp, a warning hidden in it.
Nina froze slightly, unsure how much he knew or how much he had already decided.
"Your ex-fiance is Logan Hayes, right?" he continued, his tone almost casual, but threaded with precision. "I have every necessary piece of information about him. How do you want me to proceed?"
She hesitated. Last night, she had been consumed by rage and despair, but today, clarity had returned.
"I… I don’t wish for him to vanish, or die. I just want to move on and heal. Let him take his victory and go," she said firmly.
Julian raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp.
"Don’t be too forgiving. It always shows on your face sooner or later. There was once a farmer who let his dog in every time it brought home a piece of flesh. One day, it brought home a human hand," he said, his tone calm but carrying weight.
Nina shivered at the example, her stomach tightening, but she understood what he meant.
"I don’t want to cause more hurt than has already been done," she replied casually, trying to steady her voice, hiding the sting that still lingered.
Julian studied her, a slight nod acknowledging her words. "Good. If you change your mind, you know you could always come back. I’ll handle him," he said, his voice carrying the weight of a promise. He wasn’t asking. He was stating. He would wait.
Nina took a deep breath, feeling a strange sense of relief. She stood up, thanked him quietly, and walked toward the door. Something about the way he watched her leave made her pause for a heartbeat. Not possessively. Not with greed. But with an intensity that told her he would keep his word.
And for the first time in two years, Nina felt a small flicker of control return to her life.
CHAPTER 4
A DOVE
Nina did not go home. She went straight to Hayes Enterprise.
Her mind was made up. She would resign. She would walk away from everything she helped build. After that, she would travel the world like she had always dreamed. No more stopping. No more shrinking herself for love that hurt her.
With her resignation letter clutched tightly in her hand, she stepped into the glass building that once felt like home.
She reached for her keycard, but it was denied. She tried again. It was the same. Denied.
Her chest burned. Rage rushed through her veins. This was how he chose to end it. Locking her out like she was nothing.
Without thinking twice, Nina marched toward Logan’s office. The door was closed, voices drifting from inside. A board meeting. She pushed the door open without knocking.
Every head turned. Logan sat at the head of the table, calm and confident, dressed like a man who believed he owned the world.
“We built this company from scratch,” Nina yelled, her voice echoing through the room. “What right do you have to lock me out?”
Silence fell. Logan raised a hand. “You can all leave.”
The men hesitated, then stood and filed out quickly. No one met Nina’s eyes.
When the door shut, Logan leaned back in his chair and smiled.
He reached into a drawer and pulled out a cheque, sliding it across the table toward her.
“I’ve prepared some money for you,” he said smoothly. “Take it and disappear while I am still feeling generous. This company is in my name. You have no evidence in court.” He laughed softly.
“You’re heartless, Logan,” Nina said, her voice shaking. “You’re evil.”
Logan stood and stepped closer, his smile sharp.
“Are you still bitter from yesterday? We don’t have to fight. Tess and I will be getting married next week. But you can be my side woman. You can still stay by my side. Like before. We don't have to throw the good moments away for a fuss.”
Nina stared at him in disbelief.
“I would rather die, Logan.”
Just then, the door flung open. Tess walked in.
“I heard a mad woman was making a scene in my fiancé’s office,” she said coldly.
Her eyes landed on Logan standing too close to Nina. Rage flashed across her face. She rushed forward and shoved Nina back.
“Do you have to make yourself look so cheap in front of my man?” Tess snapped. “He has already proven he doesn’t want you. Why are you so shameless?”
Nina scoffed.
“Not everyone is like you, Tess. Promiscuous, greedy and collecting used items.”
Tess laughed.
“Greedy? I have given him more in one month than you have in two years. That is why he chose me. Do not appear here again. I am warning you.”
Nina straightened, calm returning her eyes to Tess.
“Stolen food is often eaten quickly,” she said quietly. “It does not satisfy. Sometimes it chokes.” She turned to Logan. “I will make sure you fall so loud that it will leave quakes.”
She placed her resignation letter on the table. Then she walked out.
Logan watched her leave. He knew Nina. She was gentle. A dove. She rarely spoke in anger.
For the first time, fear crept through him. But he brushed it off, pulling Tess forward and caressing her cheek to make Nina jealous. He did not notice, because she left without looking back.
Chapter Five:
The Price of Revenge
Nina returned to the hotel that same evening.
This time, she did not wander. She did not hesitate. Her feet carried her there like they already knew the way. The pain in her chest was heavy, but it was different now. It was sharper, Colder, Focused.
When she stood in front of Julian’s door, her hand shook slightly. She wiped her eyes quickly before knocking, but the tears had already gathered again.
The door opened almost immediately.
Julian stood there, tall and calm, his expression unreadable. His gaze dropped to her face, then to her trembling hands. He seemed to take everything in within seconds.
Just as he had expected, she was back.
Her eyes welled up the moment she saw him.
“I want revenge,” she said, looking him straight in the eyes.
Julian did not react. He did not look shocked or pleased. He simply nodded once and stepped aside.
“Come in,” he said quietly.
She walked in slowly. The room felt the same as before, calm and controlled, like the man who owned it. Nina stood in the middle of the space, unsure of where to sit or what to do next.
“Don’t kill him,” she said quickly, as if afraid he might misunderstand. “I don’t want him dead. I want him to lose everything. His company. His power. His pride. I want him to feel what I felt.”
Julian leaned against the door, crossing his arms. He listened without interrupting, his eyes never leaving her face.
The words spilled out of her. How Logan humiliated her. How he mocked her pain. How Tess looked at her like she was nothing. How two years of loyalty meant nothing in the end. Her voice rose and fell with anger and grief, until it finally broke.
She stopped talking and looked down, ashamed of how exposed she felt.
Julian straightened.
“I have a price,” he said calmly.
Nina lifted her head slowly. There was no shock in her eyes. No fear. She had expected this. Nothing in life came free.
“Name it,” she said. “Anything. I don’t care anymore.”
Julian tilted his head slightly as he studied her.
“Marry me,” he said.
Nina froze.
Her lips parted, a word stuck in her throat. She stared at him, certain she had heard wrong.
“Marry you?” she repeated.
“Yes,” he said, his voice steady.
Her heart skipped. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she hated herself for blushing. Of all the things she expected him to ask for, this was not one of them.
She turned away slightly, trying to gather her thoughts.
She could not deny the truth. He was extremely handsome. Any woman would notice. She had noticed. And somewhere between anger and despair, she had started feeling something she did not want to name.
But marriage was different.
She had once dreamed of it. A real marriage. Love. Happiness. A man who chose her fully. That dream had died in a chapel with empty aisles and whispered pity.
She was on a path of revenge now. Feelings had no place here.
If marrying this man was the cost of getting her revenge, then she could accept it.
Julian seemed to sense her hesitation.
“We do not have to pretend to be in love,” he said calmly. “No affection. No expectations.”
She looked back at him.
“My grandmother is threatening to harm herself if I do not get married in five days,” he continued, as if he were talking about the weather. “She wants to see me settled before she dies. I do not plan on hurting her. This is a transaction. You get revenge. I get a wife on paper.”
Nina blinked.
“That is it?” she asked.
“That is it,” he replied.
She let out a slow breath.
“No touching?” she asked carefully.
“Only if you want it,” he said simply. “I will not force you.”
She thought for a moment. Then she nodded.
“Deal,” she said.
She stretched out her hand for a handshake.
Julian hesitated for a brief second before taking it.
The moment their hands touched, something shifted. His heartbeat picked up, surprising him. He had never been nervous around a woman before. Never felt this sudden awareness.
He let go quickly and cleared his throat.
“Do you want a wedding?” he asked.
Nina stiffened. Her throat closed up instantly.
“No. No. Not again,” she said quickly, forcing a smile to hide the pain.
“Then we will register the marriage tomorrow,” Julian said casually, like it was a simple errand.
She nodded.
A small laugh escaped her before she could stop it.
“I do not even know your name yet, and we are already planning a marriage,” she said.
“Julian,” he replied calmly, lifting his glass and taking a sip.
She studied him quietly.
There was something about him. The way he spoke only when necessary. The way he observed before answering. The mystery around him felt heavy, intentional. He was careful with his words, careful with himself.
And it drew her in.
She should have been scared. Instead, she felt strangely safe.
“I am Nina,” she said softly.
“I know,” he replied.
That surprised her.
She did not ask how.
They stood there for a moment, two strangers bound by pain, revenge, and a deal neither of them fully understood yet.
Chapter Six: Paper Rings
The registry office was quiet. Too quiet for something as serious as marriage.
Nina sat on the hard chair, her hands folded in her lap. The walls were plain. The air smelled faintly of paper and polish. There were no flowers. No guests. No joy. Just her, Julian, and two witnesses she did not know.
She kept telling herself this was not real.It was only paper. Only ink. Only a deal.
Julian stood beside her, calm as ever. He looked like a man handling a business contract, not someone about to get married. His posture was straight. His face unreadable.
The official cleared his throat and began to speak. His voice was dull, practiced, as if he had done this a thousand times. Nina barely heard the words until the pen was placed in her hand.
“Sign here,” the man said.
Her fingers tightened around the pen. For a brief moment, her chest hurt. She remembered standing in a chapel, dressed in white, waiting for a man who never came.
She pushed the memory aside and signed.
Julian signed next. His hand did not shake.
“By the authority given to me,” the official said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
The words settled slowly. Husband.
Wife.
Nina inhaled sharply. She did not expect it to hurt this much. Or feel this heavy.
Julian glanced at her briefly. Not with pride. Not with possession. With awareness. As if he understood the weight she was carrying and chose not to comment on it.
Outside, the sun was bright. Too bright. They walked side by side in silence until they reached the car. As Julian opened the door for her, a man nearby lowered his head slightly and said, “Good afternoon, Mrs. Ashford.”
Nina froze. The words felt strange. Unfamiliar. Like clothes that did not fit yet. She nodded politely and got into the car.
As they drove, Julian’s phone rang. He answered it calmly.
“Yes. Handle it quietly.”
Nina watched him from the corner of her eye. The tone of his voice was controlled, firm, unquestionable. Whoever was on the other end listened.
When they arrived at his residence, Nina realized just how different his world was. The building was tall, secure, and silent. The staff moved quickly and spoke respectfully. No one questioned him. No one delayed him.
Power clung to him without effort.
Inside the apartment, Julian stopped and turned to her.
“You can get settled,” he said calmly. “Change whatever you want. If there is anything you do not like, it can be removed.”
Nina stared at him. “Removed?”
“Yes.”
He turned slightly. “Marcus.”
A tall man stepped forward at once. Older. Neat. Quiet eyes.
“Give Mrs. Ashford a tour of the house,” Julian said. “Make sure she is comfortable.”
Mrs. Ashford.
The name still felt unreal.
Julian picked up his phone again. “I have things to handle tonight.”
He did not wait for a response. He walked away with long, steady steps, already slipping back into whatever world he ruled so easily.
Nina stood there for a moment, unsure what to do with herself.
“This way, ma’am,” Marcus said gently.
The mansion was large. Too large. Hallways stretched endlessly. Rooms opened into other rooms. Everything was polished, expensive, cold.
As they walked, two maids passed by. Their voices were low but not low enough.
“That’s her,” one whispered. “She’s younger than I expected.” “Do you think she knows?”
Nina pretended not to hear. Her fingers curled at her sides.
When they returned to the room, the door opened to a sight that made her stop.
Racks of dresses lined the wall. Boxes stacked neatly on the floor. Jewelry cases laid open on the table, diamonds and gold catching the light. Shoes arranged in pairs. Handbags she had only ever seen behind glass.
A team of women waited inside. Stylists. Beauticians. A woman holding a tablet smiled brightly.
“Welcome, Mrs. Ashford. We are your personal care team.” Nina frowned.
“I didn’t ask for this.”
The woman hesitated. “Mr. Ashford arranged everything.”
Nina looked around again. At the dresses she would never wear. The jewels that felt heavy even from a distance. The life being placed on her shoulders without her consent.
“I don’t want any of it,” she said quietly.
The room went silent.
Marcus cleared his throat. “I will inform him.”
Nina walked toward the window and stared out into the night. The city lights glittered below, distant and untouchable.
She had signed the papers.
But she had not signed away herself.
HEAD OVER HEELS
“I heard you rejected the collections I arranged for you,” he said calmly. “Are they cheap or not to your liking?” Julian asked, eyes still fixed on his computer.
Nina caught sight of him.
She had not expected him back so soon.
“They are good. I just am not thinking about clothes right now. I want to focus on my…”
“Revenge,” Julian interrupted without lifting his eyes. “I know.”
He finally closed the laptop and stood up.
“You will get your revenge,” he continued. “But you can still do that while looking pretty. It is good for my reputation.”
He stretched slightly, arms lifting above his head in a lazy motion.
“You should also eat more,” he added. “You look skinny.”
His tone was flat, almost careless.
Nina stared before she could stop herself.
This was the first time she had seen him outside a suit. He wore a simple gray sweatsuit, relaxed and unbothered. His usual neatly styled hair was loose, falling naturally over his forehead. It softened his sharp features, made him look younger, almost gentle, too gentle.
Her mind betrayed her.
She remembered their first kiss, brief, unexpected. The warmth of his lips. The way time had paused for just a second.
Heat crept up her neck.
She imagined cupping his face. pulling him closer, kissing him properly this time, and deep.
Julian tilted his head slightly, eyes finally on her.
“Do not stare too much,” he said calmly. “You might catch feelings sooner than you realize.”
The words snapped her back to reality.
“I am not staring,” Nina said quickly. “And you are wrong to think I would fall for you.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Yet you are already acting head over heels,” he replied. “Drooling like a cat tempted with its favorite meal.”
She scoffed loudly.
“Do not flatter yourself,” she said. “I have dated more handsome men than you. Do not think too highly of yourself.”
“Handsome men like Logan?” Julian asked casually.
The name hung between them.
“I have seen that mudskipper,” he continued. “He looks…”
He paused, searching for the right insult.
“Forced,” he finished. “His looks are not authentic.”
There was something sharp in his tone now.
“Is that your taste in men?” he added. “So poor, do better.”
He smirked as he brushed past her.
Nina stood frozen.
Her hands clenched at her sides.
“Does he think he is flawless?” she muttered under her breath. “You are ugly and unattractive and…”
The words died on her tongue.
Even she did not believe them.
That realization angered her more.
At dinner, she glared at him whenever she thought he was not looking. Julian noticed every glance and pretended not to. A faint smile played at the corner of his lips, controlled and quiet.
Mid meal, he spoke.
“I extended an invitation to Logan Hayes for the gala tomorrow night.”
Nina froze.
“What?” she asked. “We agreed on revenge, not VIP treatment.”
“Oh, I have a plan,” Julian replied calmly.
He stood and walked to a drawer, pulling out a file.
“Sign this,” he said, placing it in front of her.
Nina frowned and opened it, her breath caught.
It was a transfer document.
A multi million dollar company was being signed over to her.
“What is this?” she whispered.
“Consider it my marriage gift,” Julian said. “In my family, every Ashford bride receives a company.”
She pushed the file back toward him.
“I cannot accept this,” she said. “It is too much.”
Julian leaned forward slightly.
“Then that is your way of saying you have not accepted this marriage,” he replied calmly. “Not accepting it means divorce.”
Her heart skipped.
“Do not worry,” he added. “It is not returnable after divorce. It is a gift.”
Nina stared at the papers.
She had entered this marriage for revenge, not power, not wealth.
Yet here it was.
A weapon placed gently in her hands.
She picked up the pen slowly and signed.
“What next?” she asked quietly.
Julian smiled.
“Welcome to the family, wife.”
The grin that followed was sharp. Dangerous.
It sent a chill through her.
That night, long after Julian fell asleep, Nina slipped quietly out of bed.
She sat on the couch with her phone glowing softly in the dark.
She searched his name.
Julian Ashford.
What appeared made her breath hitch.
Established four companies before the age of twenty eight.
Refused inheritance.
Built empires from scratch.
Owned multiple corporations across continents.
Private jet fleets.
Homes worth millions.
Her fingers trembled as she scrolled.
She gasped when she saw a family photo.
Julian stood beside an elderly woman with kind eyes and silver hair.
Mrs Ashford.
His grandmother.
She remembered the whispers she had heard from maids and staff.
How he was ruthless.
How he destroyed anyone who crossed him.
How people disappeared after standing in his way.
Her chest tightened.
Julian had been calm with her. Overly gentle.
Was it because she was his wife?
Was it because he did not want to scare her?
She looked toward the bedroom door.
A man like this could erase her existence with a single order if she made the wrong move.
Nina placed the phone down slowly and returned to bed.
Sleep came, but it was restless.
She held onto one truth as her eyes closed.
She had stepped into a world of power and danger.
And from now on, every move had to be careful.
Very careful.
MASK AND MIRROR
Julian Ashford waited in the car as Nina stepped out to meet him. The moment she emerged, he froze. She was radiant. The silver gown she wore hugged her figure perfectly, flowing like liquid light around her body. Her hair fell in soft waves down her back, her makeup subtle yet striking. She looked like a goddess, a vision of beauty and seduction that seemed unreal.
“Sir, Mrs Ashford is here,” the driver announced, snapping him back to reality. Julian cleared his throat and pretended to look away, adjusting his composure. Showing emotion was not his habit. He was known for his control, his calm, and his restraint. Yet, watching Nina standing there made his chest tighten in a way he could not ignore.
As the car approached the gala, Julian gestured for Nina to step out with him. She shook her head gently.
“I will go in from the back,” she said. “I do not want to be seen with you.”
Julian raised a brow, teasing. “What am I not handsome enough to be seen with you, or are you just worried that Logan might get jealous and misunderstand?”
Nina hesitated, fidgeting slightly. “That is not the reason. I just want to keep it anonymous for the plan,” she said, over-explaining as usual.
“Do not be too hard on yourself,” Julian said with a faint, mocking smile. “I was just taunting you.”
Nina felt her cheeks burn. Julian Ashford teasing her? He had always been serious and cautious with his words. The thought that he could be playful in this way was unsettling and, strangely, thrilling.
She stepped back and prepared to enter through the back door while Julian stayed behind in the car. She watched him for a moment, noting his perfect composure, the ease with which he commanded attention without effort. It reminded her why he was so dangerous in his calm.
Julian opened the door and stepped out alone. As he walked toward the entrance, the world seemed to pause. Women gasped, whispered, and stared openly. Their eyes followed him, some in admiration, some in longing. Cameras flashed repeatedly, eager to capture his image. Yet Julian’s face remained calm, indifferent, and entirely composed. He moved with a natural charisma that demanded attention without arrogance.
Nina followed from the back. The murmurs of the guests grew louder as they noticed her. The wealthy crowd was experienced and observant, quick to notice a new face, especially one dressed with elegance and grace. Their eyes lingered on her, and whispers spread like wildfire.
Logan and Tess noticed immediately. Tess grit her teeth, her jealousy visible. Logan looked equally surprised. This gala was for the wealthy elite. Even he had been shocked to receive the invitation. He had thought it would be an opportunity to impress investors and secure new business opportunities. Now he saw Nina, looking confident and radiant, something inside him twisted uncomfortably.
“Look who is here, wearing fake designers to get the attention of rich men. So cheap,” Tess mocked, her voice dripping with disdain.
“I am not here for you, Tess,” Nina replied, her voice calm but firm. “Pretend I do not exist.”
Logan laughed, shaking his head. “Isn't she right? Aren't you here with the intention of seducing big men? You can try, but the wealthy life is not for you. You will only be used and dumped.”
His words carried a hint of jealousy, a feeling he could not deny. He noticed the change in Nina. The innocent, naive woman he once knew had disappeared. She had become confident, steady, and her presence now captivated him in ways he could not explain. Her aura drew attention, commanding respect without any effort.
“I heard you got married,” Logan continued, smirking. “Are you so desperate that you will throw yourself at any man you see to get me jealous? I have moved past you, Nina. No one can replace me.”
Tess sneered. “Is your husband here? No, I do not think so. He must be a low life from the streets. Oh dear Nina. Desperate for love.”
Nina opened her mouth to reply, but before she could speak, Julian stepped onto the stage. The room fell silent. Every eye turned toward him.
“Thank you all for honoring this invitation,” Julian said, his calm voice carrying over the room. “Initially, I did not plan this gala, but I had to do it for my wife.”
A wave of murmurs spread throughout the room. The media shifted their cameras, anticipating that he might call Nina forward. If he had, her cover would have been blown, and the night’s plan disrupted. But Julian did not call her forward. He merely spoke, and that was enough. Curiosity and attention turned toward her without her needing to act.
As he stepped down, crowds gathered around him, each guest trying to gain his attention. Nina remained at a distance, watching. Julian’s handsome face, his composed manner, the way he avoided the advances of women, stirred something inside her. She felt a flicker of emotion as she observed him.
Then Tess approached Julian. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke. “Mr Ashford, I am Miss Caldwell, and that is my fiancé over there. Mr Hayes of the Hayes Enterprise.”
Nina’s chest tightened. She expected Julian to ignore her words, just as he did with other people, but he did not. He listened, assessing Tess carefully. A quiet anger flared inside him.
So this was who Logan had chosen. Julian’s jaw tightened as he compared Tess to Nina in his mind. Not even close in beauty, grace, or presence. He felt disgust and a desire to punish her, but he restrained himself. He wanted Nina to enjoy the moment, to feel the satisfaction of power.
“My wife has told me so much about you, Tess,” Julian said casually, cutting her off mid-sentence.
“Your wife?” Tess stammered, her eyes widening in surprise and excitement. “Does Mrs Ashford know me? That is truly an honor. And you know my name?”
“Of course,” Julian replied smoothly. “She is very particular about you. She said you are very ambitious,” he added, stretching the word slightly, his tone unreadable.
Tess blushed, pride filling her voice. “Oh, I am flattered, Mr Ashford. I cannot recall meeting Mrs Ashford, but I would love to meet her again. I could prove useful to her.”
Julian nodded. “I think she would love that too. Meet my assistant over there. Tell him Mr Ashford wants you looped in with my wife's Assistant”
Tess left happily, her steps light. She could not wait to share the good news with Logan. Nina felt a hot anger rise inside her. She imagined Tess sweet-talking Julian, charming him, possibly seducing him as she had done with Logan. She did not notice how tightly she was gripping her fork, bending it under her fingers.
Logan’s blood boiled as he watched Tess move with confidence around men. He grabbed her arm. “Is that you flirting while I am here?” he snapped angrily.
“Logan, that is Mr Ashford’s assistant, and I just secured us a meeting with Mrs Ashford,” Tess said, her tone smug. “I personally engaged Mr Ashford, and he told me how his wife spoke so fondly of me. This is her business card. He said I should call her if we need anything.”
Hearing this, Logan forgot all about his previous anger. He picked Tess up in a twirl, beaming with pride. Nina watched silently, her chest burning with rage and frustration.
The night seemed to mock her. Logan and his mistress flaunting their success, Tess rubbing it in her face. Nina clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing. This was far from over.
And deep inside, she knew, this was only the beginning.
When the gala was over and they returned home, Nina found Julian in the living room, quietly reviewing some documents. She approached him, her steps deliberate, her expression carefully controlled.
“What did you discuss with Tess?” she asked, her voice calm but carrying a subtle edge. “She seemed cheerful talking with you. I did not know you could let people get that close,” she added, the faint hint of jealousy threading through her words.
Julian looked up slowly, his dark eyes locking on hers. He leaned slightly toward her, closing the distance, and the intensity of his presence pressed around her like a weight. She could feel the commanding aura he always carried, more potent in this close space.
“Are you jealous, Mrs Ashford?” he asked, his voice low, teasing, yet edged with authority.
“No, no,” she stammered, shaking her head, trying to mask the sudden flutter in her chest.
Julian’s gaze did not waver. He took a step closer, observing her carefully. “Didn’t you say you didn’t want to be seen with me?” he asked quietly, each word deliberate. “Why are you suddenly concerned about a woman who wants to be seen with me?”
She felt his presence pressing into her, close enough that she could smell the faint scent of his cologne. He leaned slightly, and as he did, he cornered her against the edge of the sofa. She could feel the cold leather beneath her back, the weight of his dominance surrounding her.
Julian retreated slightly from her, the air between them still heavy, and added, “The Hayes Enterprise is going bankrupt. You could start from there.”
Nina raised her brow. “What do you mean? How can I start from that?”
He leaned back, eyes dark and calculating. “If someone steps in and buys the largest block of shares, they don’t just have money, they have power. The board will have to listen to whoever controls the company. That’s how you take charge, even if it’s struggling.”
She frowned, processing. “So just by owning the biggest share, I can make the decisions?”
“Yes,” he said simply, a faint smirk brushing his lips. “You could appoint the CEO. You could restructure everything. The company doesn’t have to be profitable right now. Controlling it is the first step. Once you control it, you steer it any way you want.”
Nina’s mind raced. The thought of taking control of the company that had once humiliated her, that had belonged to Logan, filled her with something fierce. “And then what?” she asked, leaning closer. “I can rebuild it?”
Julian’s gaze sharpened, his voice dropping low. “Exactly. Think of it like a sinking ship. Whoever grabs the biggest life raft gets to steer. You don’t just survive, you decide where it sails. Do it right, and the shareholders will follow because they want the ship to float. That’s how you turn a dying enterprise into an empire under your control.”
Nina’s fingers clenched into fists. She imagined Logan watching helplessly as she rose from the ashes of his empire, the one he had so arrogantly thought he could control. The plan began to form in her mind, and for the first time in a long while, she felt something that wasn’t just anger. She felt power.
Julian studied her carefully, noting the flicker of determination in her eyes. “You see,” he said, “revenge doesn’t always have to be messy. Sometimes it’s quiet, calculated, unstoppable. You take the reins, and let the world watch you rise.”
Nina’s lips curved into a small, controlled smile. “Then that’s exactly what I’ll do,” she said firmly, her voice steady. “I’ll take it all back… and more.”
Julian’s smirk deepened. “Good. Because that’s exactly how empires are built.”
Nina instructed her Assistant to contact the Hayes Enterprise and arrange a meeting. She wanted Logan and Tess to arrive expecting Mrs Ashford herself.
When they walked into the room, her Assistant greeted them with a calm, professional smile.
“Mrs Ashford is busy,” he said, his voice polite but carrying a hint of amusement. “She can rarely be seen personally because of her status. Only very important people are granted her time.”
Logan and Tess stiffened slightly, catching the subtle mockery in his tone. Neither wanted to risk offending her, so they stayed silent, nodding politely.
“But,” the Assistant continued, leaning slightly forward, “your situation caught her attention because of the impression she has about your fiancé. She is willing to help.”
Logan raised an eyebrow. “Help us?” he asked, trying to hide his curiosity.
“Yes,” the Assistant said evenly. “She plans to buy sixty percent of your company’s shares and save it from bankruptcy. But don’t worry, every current position will remain. Her only request is that she be made CEO. Once that is in place, she will raise the company to glory and bring in foreign investors.”
Tess smiled immediately, clearly impressed. “That is perfect,” she said, her voice bright. “You should accept, Logan.”
Logan hesitated. “Sixty percent? And she wants to be CEO?” he repeated slowly. “Are we just giving her control?”
The Assistant remained unflinching. “Control is necessary if she is to succeed. But rest assured, no one loses their position. She intends to lift the company to its full potential. You will all benefit.”
Logan looked at Tess, seeking confirmation. She nodded enthusiastically. “Do it,” she urged. “We can’t pass this up. This is exactly what we need.”
Finally, Logan sighed and nodded. “Fine,” he said. “et up a board meeting and announce it. Let’s see what she can do.”
The Assistant allowed a small, knowing smile. “Consider it done,” he said. “Mrs Ashford will ensure that the company rises again and you’ll see how effective her involvement will be.”
As Logan and Tess left, buzzing with excitement, Nina watched from a distance. Her eyes were calm, but her mind raced with the possibilities. For the first time, she felt the satisfaction of control. The first real move in her plan of revenge had begun, and everyone, especially Logan was completely unaware of the storm she was about to bring.
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