The life of the underworld was something Ashley had dreamed of escaping all her life. Born as a bastard from an affair between an underworld kingpin and a prostitute, Ashley was meant to die even before she was born. The only reason she survived was that her father thought she was a boy.

From a young age, she understood that if she wanted to survive in this world of violence—on top of her father’s wife and daughter’s schemes—she had to be useful.

So, she made herself a promise: one day, she would escape this world.

Ashley almost succeeded… until her father found her again and thrust her into a marriage of convenience with his rival, Dominion, in his beloved daughter’s place.

Everyone in the underworld knew Dominion.

They were cruel, organized, and simply spawns of evil. And the man who stood above that power, Luciano, was said to be downright diabolical. Just their name alone could make anyone tremble.

And this organization was where Ashley now had to survive.

To make matters worse, the marriage also came with a child — Luciano’s mute heir.

Forced to become the wife of one of the most violent and powerful underworld organizations, and the mother of its future leader, Ashley made a vow.

“No matter what, I’ll escape this place!”

But she would soon realize it wouldn’t be as simple as that. Not when the feared members of Dominion clung to her feet, begging,

“Madam, don’t go!”

And when the mute stepson finally spoke, “Mommy, if you’re leaving, please take me with you.”

Finally, her diabolical, obsessive, and utterly territorial husband said,

“I’ve packed our things. Where should we go?”

***
Chat with me in Discord!
Link: https://discord.gg/AUqYr3hchA
Follow me on Instagram - @author_bajj

Ashley's eyes studied Gustav from head to toe before she walked off.


Gustav stood rooted in place, his throat bobbing up and down before he let out a deep exhale. Without glancing at Lukas or Doctor Wesley, he stepped forward and followed her.


Meanwhile, Doctor Wesley watched Gustav reach the door. Once it closed behind him, he found himself discreetly looking at Lukas. He bit his tongue, flinching when Lukas glared at him.


"What the hell are you looking at?" Lukas snapped before stomping away.


Doctor Wesley could only watch as Lukas walked out, fuming with anger. He lowered his head slightly, wincing as the door slammed shut with a loud bang. Only when silence followed did Doctor Wesley look up at the door and let out a sharp exhale.


"That's the first time I've seen someone put him in his place," he muttered to himself, biting his tongue to stop himself from smiling. "It's satisfying, though."


Chapter 292 - Not Making The Same Mistake