Mrs Hale

Ashley POV

5 months later ¬

The city buzzed with laughter and chatter as pedestrians navigated their daily lives. Easter was a time of celebration, but also one of giving and receiving. In Kalmery City stood the magnificent Hale mansion, run by a single enigmatic man. His motives were unknown, but his influence was undeniable. To the outside world, little was known about him except for his immense wealth and power that extended throughout Kalmery, Blackmount County, and beyond. His name was spoken only in hushed tones, the fear of his wrath instilled in every noble and socialite. 

Unlike the lesser nobles, the Hales had stood at the top for centuries, their power unmatched and wealth ever flowing. Yet beneath their lavish exterior lay deep secrets, the air thick with despair, as if the walls absorbed the suffering of those trapped here before me. The servants moved through the corridors with blank faces and hollow eyes, resigned to their fates. But five months had passed since my escape, and I had grown accustomed to the chilling silence that threatened to engulf me at any moment.

 Everything felt different now; the gentle rustling of leaves in Blackmount was replaced by a thicker silence, unfamiliar yet strangely comforting. Five months had gone by since the horrifying ordeal that almost took my life. It felt surreal as if it were merely a dream, yet the scars, both physical and emotional, confirmed its reality. Recovery from wounds and broken bones was minor compared to the shadows of nightmares that tormented me in every dark corner. 

I was no longer in a cage of rust; I was now incarcerated in golden bars, adorned with a diamond collar that served as a constant reminder of every pain and the purpose of my existence. My fingers traced the diamond ring on my finger, a prison I couldn't escape. His words echoed daily in my mind. I had awakened to find him towering over me, his stern face and cold black eyes drilling into my very being. 

"You will be trained, molded, and shaped into something worth the price I paid to save your life. You may believe you've faced cruelty, but you know nothing of true suffering. Your life is now mine to govern. Obey without question. Failure is not acceptable." The stench of medication filled the air, yet he continued unfazed. 

"Listen closely—my name is Alexandria Hale, your benefactor, your owner, your worst nightmare. You are now married to me. In the Hale household, you are no longer who you were, but who I want you to be. Your past, your name, your identity—none of it matters here. Obedience is paramount. While the Hale mansion may appear luxurious, it is a prison, and you are its captive. Welcome to hell, Mrs. Ashley Hale." Each word he spoke was imprinted into the deepest part of my being.

(Present Day)

"Mrs. Hale," Gina called out, jolting me from my thoughts. I turned quickly. "Yes," I replied. 

"We're set; it's time to leave," her tone was cold and distant. I nodded, gathering my thoughts. The moment had come to face it all. I quickly followed Gina down the stairs, and as expected, the car was waiting outside with him already seated.

Ian opened the door for me with a tight smile, and I appreciated his thoughtful gesture. As the mansion disappeared behind us, I saw the familiar streets of Blackmount pass by. The whispers of my fate had long since faded; new rumors had emerged, and like cheap fabric, I was forgotten. The news of my death had spread widely, and my family renounced me even in death. No funeral had been held; nothing was said about me. To them, I was merely a stain they had effortlessly erased.

My grip tightened around my wedding ring as we drove past the Camfrey mansion, a place I had once called home, now vibrant with celebration. My chest tightened, and soon I felt myself gasping for air. They weren't just celebrating; they were preparing for Samantha and Edward's wedding. I couldn't miss the large banner announcing the event hung at the entrance. I could sense Alexandria's icy gaze on me, analyzing my every reaction."Are you happy, I suppose?" he asked, his tone firm. "Yes, of course," I replied, pinching my palms hard to suppress my emotions.

"Good; it would be a shame not to honor the invitation," my heart sank at his words, and panic set in. I had anticipated meeting them eventually, but not so soon. "Are you attending?!" I blurted out before I could stop myself. His gaze turned cold, and he shoved me back, choking me roughly. "No questions, Ashley." 

He warned, his voice unforgiving. I nodded, blinking back tears as he released me. "You are my wife, not Camfrey or Coyle. You may resemble her, but you don't understand her, and you are not her." I nodded vigorously. Without a doubt, I was not her; my heart carried no warmth; I was just a hollow shell at the mercy of my owner. If I had to endure such a cruel fate, then they might as well pay back the blood debt they owed. It was time to watch the Camfreys and Coyle disgracefully fall from grace.