Chapter 2: Her Return

One Year Later

Amy Stone

I stand by the massive marble kitchen counter, the scent of butter and garlic filling the air as the staff rush around, chopping, stirring, cleaning. Their chatter fades into the background as my eyes fix on the framed photo sitting at the center of the counter — Mr. and Mrs. Blake, smiling, arms around each other.

My chest tightens.

They saved me. They found me broken and half-dead on that riverbank, nursed me back to life, gave me a home when I had nothing.

And then… they were gone.

A tear slips down my cheek before I can stop it. I swipe it away angrily, hating when anyone sees me cry.

“Thank you,” I whisper to the photo, clutching the charm bracelet on my wrist. The one my mother gave me, its small stone charm glowing faintly under the light. My only connection to the life I lost.

“I wish you didn’t have to leave me like that,” I choke out, my voice barely audible. The pain of their sudden, violent deaths still feels like a knife twisting in my heart. A horrible accident. That’s what everyone called it, but I know better. Accidents don’t feel this cruel.

I kiss my fingers and touch the glass frame gently, then set it back down before anyone notices my trembling hands.

"Madam, it's been months since Mr and Mrs Blake died, you don't have to be hard on yourself. please focus on the empire they left you," Rose walks towards me and taps my shoulder.

"I know, I have a huge responsibility. Being The Jewels Heiress overnight, isn't something I prepared for." I sigh, realizing the weight of my current life.

A huge palace for a 24 year old.

"You were like their daughter, they loved you. please don't cry anymore." Rose hugs me.

"Thanks." I manage to say. I watch as Rose walks to the tv area.

I smile, being grateful for these lovely people.

“Ma’am, you need to see this!” Rose, my head chef, calls, fumbling with the remote. She turns up the volume on the giant flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

I sigh. “What now?”

“There’s a huge Met Gala coming up in Gems City,” Rose says, her voice brimming with excitement. “It’s the event of the year. You should definitely attend.”

“I already have enough partnerships,” I mutter, shaking my head. “Mr. and Mrs. Blake made sure I was connected to the right people. I don’t need—”

And then I see him.

My breath catches.

Chad.

Standing on the red carpet like a king, perfectly tailored suit hugging his frame. And right next to him — Melissa, dripping in diamonds and smugness, her arm locked around his.

My blood runs cold.

They’re standing in front of my building. My company. My dream.

But the sign doesn’t read Luxe Stone anymore.

It reads Luxe Blue.

My heart pounds. That fucking bastard.

The man who tried to kill me now owns my company. He stole it, renamed it, and claimed my life as his victory prize.

And then… he kisses her.

Right there, on live television, like I never existed.

My glass slips slightly in my hand, nearly shattering under the pressure of my grip.

The reporter’s voice cuts through the roaring in my ears.

“How do you feel about your wedding next week? I hear it’ll be at the Met Gala!”

“It’s going to be a spectacular event,” Chad says smoothly before kissing Melissa again, longer, deeper. His smirk is a blade, cutting right through me.

I can’t breathe. Memories slam into me — the cold water, the pain of piranhas biting into my flesh, the darkness closing in as I sank, believing I’d never see daylight again.

My fingers run over the tattoos covering my scars, the only proof of that nightmarish betrayal.

“And there’s word your father, Mr. Kael Wood, will be in attendance,” the reporter continues. “He hasn’t been seen at an event in years.”

Chad grins like the devil himself.

“Oh, he wouldn’t miss my wedding for the world.”

“Rose,” I snap, my voice sharp and deadly calm, “turn it off.”

The screen goes black, but the image burns in my mind. My stomach twists with rage so potent it makes my hands shake.

Enough hiding. Enough tears.

“Prepare the royal jet,” I order, my tone low and dangerous. “It’s time I paid Gems City a visit.”

Rose hesitates, wide-eyed. “Yes, your highness.”

My grip tightens around my charm bracelet as a wicked smile spreads across my face.

“Looks like I have a fucking wedding to attend.”