Scorned and Reborn

The grand hall of the Loven estate hummed with nervous energy as Mary stepped into the shareholders' meeting. She felt every set of eyes on her, each glance heavier with judgment and distrust. Her hands gripped her documents tightly, her face carefully composed despite the storm brewing inside. Today was supposed to be a day of reckoning, one where she could finally prove herself. But the pit in her stomach warned her that something much darker was waiting.

At the head of the table, Benjamin stood, looking as if he had already claimed victory. Beside him sat Sara, her best friend no, her former best friend giving her a look that was neither warm nor familiar. Mary felt the betrayal sear through her heart once again. How could she have been so blind?

Benjamin's voice rang out, silencing the room. "Thank you all for coming. I believe it's time we address some pressing concerns about the future leadership of the Loven Foundation."

Mary clenched her jaw, refusing to show any emotion. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction.

Benjamin continued, casting a sly glance her way. "We've been fortunate to achieve so much over the years, but there comes a time when every organization needs a change. Today, I propose we consider a vote to impeach Mary from her role as CEO."

Her heart dropped, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. She glanced around the room, meeting each shareholder's gaze, hoping to find some flicker of support. But they all avoided her eyes, their faces set in cold indifference.

Sara was the first to break the silence. She leaned forward with a smirk, feigning sympathy. "I second the proposal. I think it's best for everyone involved, really."

Mary swallowed hard, her mind racing as the reality of the betrayal settled over her. These were the people she had trusted, the people she had sacrificed for. Now, they were casting her aside without a second thought.

Benjamin gave a mock sigh, as if he were making a painful but necessary choice. "Mary, you've been an important part of this foundation, but sometimes... the vision changes. I'm sure you understand."

"Understand?" she whispered, her voice barely audible as her anger simmered just below the surface. She gripped the edge of the table, keeping herself steady. "I gave everything to this foundation. To you."

Benjamin shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes cold. "It's just business, Mary. Nothing personal."

Her stomach churned, and she forced herself to stand tall, keeping her voice steady. "If this is what you want, Benjamin, I hope you realize what you're sacrificing."

"Sacrificing?" He laughed, a cruel, mocking sound. "No, Mary. I'm gaining freedom."

One by one, the shareholders voted in favor of her removal, each one another twist of the knife. It was over. They had won.

Mary was the only that didn't vote herself impeachment, she know this is not something she could fight anymore, no one want her to stay, even the Once she sees as allies betray her

As Benjamin gathered his papers with a triumphant smile, he held out a document and pen. "Let's make it official, shall we?"

Mary felt her heart sink as she recognized the document in his hand. Divorce papers. The final nail in the coffin.

Swallowing her pride, she took the pen, her hands shaking slightly as she signed her name on the line. Each stroke of ink felt like a part of her life slipping away. She had poured everything she had into her marriage, her career, and now she was being cast aside like she meant nothing.

When she finished, Benjamin smirked and handed her yet another document. She glanced at it, her brow furrowing as she read the words. Her jaw clenched as realization dawned on her.

"A settlement of one million?" she asked, barely able to contain her shock. "After everything I've done for you?"

He shrugged, unfazed. "That's what you're worth, Mary. Consider it a generous parting gift."

" You betrayed my trust in you, my love"

Her hands tightened around the document as she struggled to hold back tears. All of her sacrifices, all the years she had spent by his side, meant nothing. She was nothing more than a disposable asset.

Without another word, she turned on her heel and left, her heart pounding as she made her way out of the estate. The weight of betrayal pressed heavily on her chest, but she refused to break. Not here. Not in front of them.

Once she stepped outside, the cool night air hit her, and she exhaled shakily, feeling the gravity of her situation sink in. She had lost everything: her position, her marriage, her dignity.

As she stood there, lost in thought, she felt a presence beside her. She looked up to find Asher, her bodyguard, watching her with a quiet intensity.

"Ms. Mary," he greeted, his voice calm and steady, a stark contrast to the chaos inside her.

She managed a weak smile. "Asher. You don't need to be here. They've taken everything."

He didn't flinch, his gaze unwavering.

" The attack in Milan has something to do with the Loven, but I am not specific"

Mary looks at him in confusion, she has the feeling but she have to let it go, they have no reason to come after her life again, she thought

"That may be, but there's something you should know. I've been waiting for the right moment to tell you."

Mary furrowed her brow, confusion flickering across her face. "What do you mean?"

Asher took a deep breath, as if steeling himself. "My name isn't Asher. I was sent here by your father. He's been keeping tabs on you, waiting for the moment to bring you back."

Mary's Mind reeled, unable to process his words. "My... father?"

He nodded, his expression earnest. "Yes. He's been watching over you from afar, waiting for the right time to intervene. He wanted to make sure you were ready to come back."

The revelation hit her like a tidal wave. Her father, who she hadn't seen or heard from in years, had been there all along, watching her, waiting for her to be ready. A mixture of shock, anger, and disbelief swirled within her.

"But why now?" she whispered, her voice barely a breath. "Why did he wait so long?"

Asher's gaze softened. "Because he needed to know you were strong enough to handle the truth. And now, it seems, you're ready."

Before she could respond, a convoy of sleek, black cars pulled up in front of the estate, their tinted windows gleaming under the streetlights. Men in dark suits stepped out, their presence commanding and unyielding. They moved with purpose, like soldiers awaiting orders.

Mary turned back to Asher, her confusion mounting. "What... what is all this?"

"They're here to take you home," Asher replied, his voice filled with a quiet determination. "Your father has ordered that you be brought back to him. He's waited long enough."

Mary felt her knees weaken as the weight of everything crashed down on her. Her father's hidden involvement, the betrayal she had just endured, the realization that her entire life had been a series of manipulations and half-truths. She struggled to process it all, her vision blurring as the world around her began to fade.

"Asher," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper, "I... I don't know if I can do this."

He stepped closer, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "You can, Mary. You're stronger than you think."

His words were like an anchor, grounding her in the midst of the storm raging within her. But even as she tried to steady herself, the physical and emotional toll became too much. Her vision darkened, and she felt herself slipping away.

The last thing she saw before the darkness claimed her was Asher's steady gaze, filled with an unwavering loyalty that felt foreign yet comforting. As her body gave out, she felt his arms catch her, holding her steady as she surrendered to the void.

When she awoke, she would be in a new world, one that held promises of secrets revealed and a destiny she had never anticipated. But for now, all she could do was let go and trust that somehow, in some way, she would find her way back to herself.