The evening shadows stretched long as Mason drove me to the hospital. Jacquelyn’s call had been abrupt and icy, the urgency in her voice unmistakable.

"Come immediately," she’d said. My heart felt heavy with apprehension, and the mention of Ruby only deepened my unease.

As the car pulled up to the hospital, I straightened my back and reminded myself to stay composed. Mason escorted me inside, his silent presence a small comfort amidst the storm brewing within.

When we reached the ward where Ruby was staying, the hostility in the air hit me like a brick wall. Jacquelyn appeared out of nowhere, her face contorted with rage.

"You almost killed my grandson!" she screamed, her voice echoing in the sterile hallway.

Before I could respond, her nails clawed at my arms, her strength surprising for a woman her age. I stumbled back, raising my hands defensively. "Mother, I didn’t—"

"Don’t you dare lie!" she shrieked, scratching at my face now. "You pushed Ruby! She could’ve lost her baby!"

"She fell!" I managed, my voice trembling with frustration. "I didn’t touch her!"

Jacquelyn wouldn’t listen. Her attacks grew wilder, tearing at my hair and leaving burning scratches on my skin. Mason intervened, pulling her away from me with some difficulty.

"Enough Mrs. Wood!" Mason’s voice was firm, but Jacquelyn didn’t relent, her eyes still blazing.

I adjusted my disheveled hair, ignoring the sting of my wounds, and stared at Jacquelyn with a steadiness I didn’t quite feel. My hands balled into fists at my sides. "I told you, I didn’t push her. She fell on her own. You can believe whatever lies she’s spinning, but I know the truth."

Jacquelyn sneered. "You’re a disgrace! A scheming daughter-in-law who only knows how to bring shame to this family!"

Before I could respond, the door to Ruby’s room opened, and Elijah stepped out. His expression was cold, his eyes void of the warmth they once held for me.

"You’re here," he said flatly, his gaze sweeping over my messy appearance before narrowing in distaste. "Apologize to Ruby. Kneel and ask for her forgiveness."

The audacity of his demand stunned me into silence. When the words fully sank in, a bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"I will not apologize for something I didn’t do," I said, meeting his glare with my own.

Elijah’s jaw clenched. "You’re making this worse for yourself, Alyssa. Stop acting like a victim."

I clenched my fists tighter, fighting back tears of frustration. "I’m not acting like anything, Elijah. But I won’t kneel to a mistress just because you can’t see through her lies!"

Jacquelyn lunged at me again, but Mason quickly restrained her. She screamed, "How dare you call her a mistress! You vile woman! My son married a schemer!"

I laughed bitterly, “Isn't that what she is? A mistress?” finally snapping. "And you, Jacquelyn, are a fool. A mother-in-law who protects her son’s mistress and attacks his legal wife? If that isn’t stupidity, I don’t know what is."

Jacquelyn froze, her eyes widening at my words. But I wasn’t done.

"You’re defending a sinful relationship between a married man and his secretary. But why should I be surprised? You did the same thing years ago, didn’t you?" I gave her a cold smile. "Birds of the same feather flock together."

The sound of her slap echoed in the hallway, sharp and cutting. I stumbled to the floor, my cheek stinging, but I didn’t let her see me cry. Jacquelyn didn't know that I knew her past, does she think I didn't know that Elijah is also a product of a sinful relationship too?

"Enough, Alyssa!" Elijah’s voice was a low growl. He stood over me, his eyes filled with contempt. "I’m done with this. I’ll file for divorce."

The word divorce hung in the air, cutting through the silence like a knife. I froze, staring up at him as if I hadn’t heard him correctly.

But the cold finality in his eyes told me he meant every word.

Slowly, I rose to my feet, brushing myself off as though the slap and his words hadn’t just shattered me. I smiled, though tears blurred my vision. "Fine," I said, my voice steady despite the lump in my throat. "Let’s get a divorce."

Jacquelyn looked triumphant, but I ignored her. My focus was entirely on Elijah.

"You’ll have your freedom," I said softly. "But mark my words, Elijah. Everything I gave you—everything that made you who you are today—I will take it all back. Piece by piece, just as you’ve taken from me."

I turned and I walked away, the weight on my chest grew heavier, but I kept my head high. They’d broken my heart, but they hadn’t broken me.

And they just woke up the beast that sleeps inside me.

As the hospital doors closed behind me, I turned to Mason. His concerned eyes searched mine, but I forced a small smile. "You can go home now, Mason. I’ll be fine."

He hesitated, his brow furrowed. "Are you sure, Ms. Straton? I can take you home."

I shook my head politely. "Thank you, but I need some time alone. Please, go."

Mason sighed, defeated, but before he left, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick text. He glanced at me one last time. "If you need anything, call me. I'll take my leave, Ms. Straton."

As Mason walked away, the silence felt deafening. When I stepped outside, the rain greeted me, soft at first, then quickly turning into a downpour. It soaked through my clothes, plastering my hair to my face. I didn’t care.

The tears I’d held back in the hospital finally spilled, mixing with the rain. I staggered to a nearby tree, gripping its trunk as a scream ripped from my throat, raw and anguished.

Why hadn’t I listened to my parents? To my brothers? They’d warned me about Elijah, begged me to reconsider marrying him. But I’d been blinded by love, so desperate to believe in him, to prove them wrong.

Now, standing alone in the rain, I could see how foolish I’d been.

Through my sobs, a resolve began to form. I had nowhere else to go but home. My parents’ home.

The journey to the Straton mansion felt endless, the rain chilling me to the bone. When I arrived, the sight of the brightly lit house brought a fresh wave of tears. The laughter and warmth spilling from within were a stark contrast to the cold emptiness I’d been living in.

I crouched by the gutter, hugging my knees as I stared at the house. My tears wouldn’t stop, my chest heaving with the weight of my regret.

"Alyssa?"

The soft voice startled me. I looked up, blinking through the rain. My mother, Rebecca Straton, stood before me, holding an umbrella. Her face was a mixture of concern and shock.

"Why are you out here in the rain, sweetheart?" she asked gently, crouching down beside me. "Did someone hurt you?"

At her words, the dam broke. I cried like a child, the pain and humiliation pouring out of me. Without hesitation, my mother wrapped her arms around me, not caring about the rain soaking through her dress.

"Come inside," she whispered, stroking my hair. "You’re safe now."

She helped me to my feet and guided me toward the house. As we entered, the warmth of the mansion enveloped me, but it was the sight of my father, George Straton, and my brothers—Axelle, Robin, and Gabriel—standing in the entryway that truly broke me.

I sank to my knees in front of them, sobbing. "I’m sorry," I choked out. "I was so foolish. I chose Elijah over all of you, and I’ve been so stupid. Please forgive me."

There was a long silence before my father knelt beside me, his strong hands helping me sit up. His face was stern but kind. "Alyssa, there’s nothing to forgive. You’re our daughter. We’ll always be here for you."

His words unraveled me, and I cried again. My mother knelt on my other side, holding me close.

"Have you eaten?" my father asked after a moment. His simple question caught me off guard, and I shook my head, the lump in my throat too big to speak.

"I'll ask the chef to prepare something for you," he said, helping me to my feet.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the familiar curtains of my childhood room. The pastel walls and soft bedding brought a strange sense of comfort, and I realized I was home—truly home.

I freshened up and made my way downstairs. The maids greeted me with warm smiles. "Welcome back, Miss Straton," one of them said cheerfully.

"Thank you," I murmured, my voice still hoarse from the night before.

In the dining room, my family waited for me. The long table was set with breakfast, and the sight of them—my parents and my three older brothers—brought a small, hesitant smile to my lips.

"Come sit," my father said, gesturing to the chair beside him. "Let’s eat together."

I took my seat, feeling a warmth I hadn’t felt in years. As we began to eat, Axelle, my eldest brother and a successful businessman, leaned forward. "We know what happened, Alyssa. Now, tell us—what are you going to do?"

His words hung in the air, heavy with expectation. My other brothers, Robin, a doctor, and Gabriel, an artist, watched me intently.

I set my fork down and straightened my back. The weight of my family’s support gave me strength.

"I’m going to take everything back," I said firmly. "Everything I gave to Elijah—my time, my love, my sacrifices—I’ll make sure he loses it all. Piece by piece."

A spark of approval lit in Axelle’s eyes, and Robin gave me a small nod. Gabriel smiled softly.

"You’ve always been strong," my mother said, her hand resting on mine. "And you have us now. You’ll never face anything alone again."

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt hope. I wasn’t just a woman scorned. I was Alyssa Straton, and I was taking my life back.

The luxurious boutique smelled faintly of leather and expensive perfume. As I trailed behind my mother, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. It had been so long since we’d gone shopping together. It made me so happy.

Mom turned to me with a warm smile. "It’s been ages since we did this, Alyssa. Today, I want to spoil you. Anything you like, it’s yours."

Her words touched me, but the weight of my emotions was too heavy to ignore. As we browsed the racks of designer clothes, I finally mustered the courage to speak. "Mom…" My voice was low, hesitant.

Rebecca turned, her eyes immediately latching onto the worry in mine. "What is it, sweetheart?"

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat threatening to choke me. "Do you know why Elijah chose Ruby over me?"

Her brows furrowed in concern, and she shook her head. "It’s because I can’t get pregnant," I said softly, the confession cutting through me like a knife.

Rebecca’s eyes widened in shock. "What?"

I nodded, blinking back tears. "It's been 8 years since we got married and never even once got pregnant. That’s why…" My voice cracked. "That’s why he turned to her."

My mother’s face darkened, her worry quickly morphing into anger. She reached out and squeezed my hand. "Alyssa, you’re worth far more than what that man thinks of you. And if he’s too blind to see it, then he’s a fool."

Her voice softened, but her grip on my hand remained firm. "Your brothers have already told us they aren’t interested in settling down anytime soon. They don’t trust women—they think they’re only after the Straton name and wealth. That makes you our only hope, Alyssa."

I frowned at her words, feeling the pressure behind them.

Mom smiled gently. "But you’re not alone in this. I’ll take you to the best gynecologist soon. We’ll figure this out together, okay. No matter what findings is, we're here for you. You will always be our princess."

Her reassurance soothed some of the ache in my heart. I nodded, grateful for her unwavering support.

As we continued to browse, the store's atmosphere shifted. A familiar, unpleasant voice rang out.

"Well, isn’t this a surprise?"

I turned to see Jacquelyn striding toward us, Ruby trailing smugly behind her. My heart sank, but I stood tall.

My mom’s gaze hardened, but she remained composed. "What do you want?"

Jacquelyn smirked. "Just thought I’d give you some advice. You should be careful of that woman."

My mom's eyebrow arched elegantly. "And why is that?"

Jacquelyn folded her arms, her voice dripping with disdain. "Alyssa is a bitch and a harsh woman. She’s useless—a barren woman who should’ve been thrown out long ago."

I felt mom stiffen beside me, but before I could respond, Jacquelyn continued, "If you keep her around, she’ll bring disaster to anyone she’s with. Just like she did to my son."

Ruby stepped forward, her smug expression infuriating. Jacquelyn gestured to her. "Now this is what a real woman looks like. Not some country bumpkin who can’t even give her husband an heir."

A laugh escaped me, cold and sharp. "You’re really that delusional, Jacquelyn, aren’t you?"

But mom surprised me. She smiled sweetly at Jacquelyn before raising her hand and slapping her across the face. The sound echoed through the boutique, silencing everyone nearby.

Jacquelyn stumbled, her hand flying to her cheek in shock. "How dare you—"

Before she could finish, mom grabbed her hair and yanked her forward. "How dare you slander my daughter?" Rebecca hissed, her voice icy. I told her what Jacquelyn did to me and mom did the same to her. It was quite satisfying.

Ruby froze, her smugness evaporating as she watched her ally being manhandled.

Mom continued, her grip unrelenting. "Your son hasn’t even divorced my daughter yet, and you’re already parading his mistress around? You’re pathetic."

When mom was satisfied, she released Jacquelyn with a push, sending her stumbling to the floor. Her glare was dark, her tone sharp. "Stay away from my daughter, Jacquelyn. She’s divorcing your son, and thank God for that. I wouldn’t want an ingrate like you for an in-law."

Jacquelyn’s face turned red with fury. "You’ll pay for this!"

She stormed off toward the manager, demanding that we be thrown out of the store. But the manager refused, his professionalism unwavering. Instead, Jacquelyn and Ruby were escorted out, their protests falling on deaf ears.

As the doors closed behind them, Rebecca turned to me with a proud smile. "Now, where were we?" I give her a thumbs up.

The rest of the shopping trip was uneventful, but as we returned to the car, mom glanced at me thoughtfully. "Are you planning to visit your company soon?"

The question caught me off guard. "My company?"

Mom nodded. "The one you entrusted to Carlisle. He’s been managing it well, hasn’t he?"

Hearing his name brought a flood of memories. Carlisle had been my childhood friend and our butler's adopted son, someone I trusted completely. I hadn’t thought about him in months after I entrusted my company to him.

Mom’s smile turned teasing. "He’s changed a lot, you know. You might not recognize him."

Curiosity sparked in me, momentarily pushing aside the weight of the day. "Changed how?"

Mom only chuckled. "You’ll see when you visit."

As the car pulled away, I found myself wondering about Carlisle. A part of me hoped that reconnecting with him would be the fresh start I so desperately needed.