He threw money on the bed after our one-night stand.
I threw it back in his face at his own inauguration.
By sundown, we were engaged. By the week's end — married.
Franklin Flemington needed a wife to secure his empire. I needed a miracle to save my family. For two years, we played our parts flawlessly — the golden couple the whole city envied.
Behind closed doors, I was invisible to him.
When the two years were up, I handed him divorce papers without blinking.
He stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "I've given you everything a husband should. What more do you want from me, Octavia?"
I smiled, signed my name, and walked out.
I thought that was the end. I thought I'd finally won.
I forgot one thing — Franklin Flemington has never lost anything in his life. And he has no intention of starting with me.
Game on.

Following Frederick's opening speech, the ballroom lights dimmed for a documentary on the Flemington legacy.


On the massive projector, Franklin narrated a journey through time—grainy black-and-white photos of the first brick laid, milestones of innovation, and interviews with the giants who built the dynasty. The music swelled in the background, a triumphant orchestral score that seemed to beat in rhythm with the pride radiating from the guests. It was a masterclass in branding, painting the Flemingtons as the architect of the city's very soul.


Beside me, Frederick was a silhouette of quiet emotion. Tears of joy caught the light on his cheeks; he was watching his life's work flourish in the hands of his grandson. 


Chapter 55 - ~ 55