After All, Justice Prevails

On the day I married Dominic Westwood, my mother was killed in a hit-and-run.

The driver? Ivy Mercerthe little princess Dominic had raised with his own hands.

The traffic police released the dashcam footage. Ivy had been driving a Maybach. She hit my mother, dragged her for dozens of kilometers. By the time the car stopped, there was barely anything left of her bodybones exposed, beyond recognition.

She went too far this time. No matter what you decide, Ill stand by you, Dominic told me.

It was the first time in our eight-year relationship that he actually took my side.

I filed a lawsuit against Ivy for intentional homicide.

But the night before the trial, Dominic handed me a blank check and said coldly,

Ivymade a mistake. She was young and reckless. Ive already punished her.

Elena, if she goes to prison, her life will be ruined.

To stop me from showing up in court, he locked mepregnantin the basement for three days and nights.

That was the moment I finally understood: Dominic would never choose me. Not when it really matters.

Three days later, he opened the heavy basement door and stepped in.

Elena, he said, sitting down across from me. Have you thought about withdrawing the lawsuit?

No concern. No apology. Just another pleafor her.

I looked up, jaw clenched, voice shaking with resolve.

I will never drop the charges.

I will make Ivy pay.

In the dim light, I could barely see his face. But his eyes were cold and unreadable.

Shes young, he repeated, as if that excused everything. She had a few drinks and hit your mother by accident. Ill pay compensation. Write whatever number you want on the check.

Your mother was 60. At most, the payouts a million.

Youre still coming out ahead, Elena.

Coming out ahead?

The words punched the air from my lungs. My stomach turned, cold sweat soaking my back.

Dominic, that was my mother! She gave me life, raised mehow dare you put a price on that?

Ivy knew she hit her. She kept driving. She dragged her. Thats not a mistakethats murder!

Dominics patience snapped. His brow furrowed, voice harder now.

Elena. Im giving you one last chance.

His assistant placed a tablet in front of me. The screen lit up with a video: a feed from the hospital.

My fathernow a vegetablelay alone in his bed. A shadowy figure stood beside him, holding a pair of scissors pointed at his oxygen tube.

Drop the case, or save your father. Choose.

I froze.

My blood surged in reverse, flooding my brain. I screamed, but Dominic grabbed my arms, forcing me still.

Think carefully, he said coldly. Are you really going to throw your life away over a dead woman?

His words sliced through me like ice.

Back when Dominic first inherited the Westwood family business, he made enemies with his iron-fisted, no-compromise style. At a trade fair, someone retaliatedhe was kidnapped.

My father, a senior police officer, led the rescue mission.

He took a bullet to save Dominics life.

After that, Dominic brought usmy mother and meinto his world. He paid for all of my fathers medical care. Treated me like family.

For five years, he cared for me. Showed up for every little thing in my life. I fell in love without even realizing it.

When I graduated college, he proposed in front of the entire school.

He promised me the happiest marriage in the world.

And now, here we are.

He broke that promise.

The day Dominics precious Ivy returned from studying abroad, he made his choice.

And it wasnt me.

I stared into his dark eyes, my voice trembling with fury.

Dominic, have you forgotten? My father became a vegetable saving your life.

And now youre letting them pull his oxygen tubefor her? For Ivy, who has lied, cheated, and killed?

I was shaking, my lips quivering. Even with the truth in front of me, I still couldnt believe it. That he would go this far. That he would do thisfor her.

Dominic closed his eyes and exhaled, slow and heavy.

Elena, Ive punished her. She knows what she did was wrong.

Were all family. Theres no need to drag this through court and make it ugly.

I knew exactly what his so-called punishment meant.

A few days locked up. Her card was suspended for a week. The same meaningless gestures Id seen a dozen times in the past eight years.

After Ivy returned, anytime Dominic and I spent more than a few quiet minutes together, her phone calls would come.

Tears. Suicide threats. Scandals that needed cleaning up.

He always told me to ignore her. And then hed disappear to be by her side.

Every time, he chose her. Every time, I was left behind.

And when I confronted him, hed smooth it over with a few gentle lies:

Elena, shes been an orphan since she was a child. I raised hershes my responsibility.

She's a little spoiled, sure, but not a bad person. We should be more tolerant. Were older.

I believed himuntil she killed my mother.

She ran her down in the street, just to stop us from getting married.

Even then, I thought Dominic would finally draw a line.

But he didnt.

All his so-called principles, all his promisesthey were never for me. His heart had always belonged to her.

I stared at the video again, my mothers final moments replaying in brutal clarity. And the tears I had held back for weeks finally spilled over.

Dominic, I whispered, voice hollow. Fine.

Ill withdraw the lawsuit.

Surprise flickered in his eyes. A slow, triumphant smile crept across his lips.

Elena, I knew you were the most sensible one.

Lets have our wedding again in seven days, okay? A proper one this time.

I didnt nod. Didnt shake my head.

I just picked up the pen and signed the withdrawal. Every stroke sliced through me like a blade.

That night, I saw her post on Instagram story: Ivy, smiling at a lavish party, toasting her freedom.

Surrounded by luxury gifts, the most eye-catching was a rare vintage watchworth three millionauctioned by Dominic himself at his last charity gala.

[Thank you to my dearest uncle, for giving me countless lives.]

Dominics profile was among the likes.

Eight years. He never once liked my posts. But hers? He never missed a single one.

When I asked, he always said,

Shes a little girl. If I dont like her posts, she throws a tantrum.

I never fought with him over her. I chose to believe his explanations.

But now, she had taken my mothers lifeand he was celebrating her freedom.

I stood by the window, hand resting on my belly.

This child was once the gift I wanted to give him.

Now, I couldnt.

Just like that half-finished weddingwe would never see the second half.

I picked up the phone and called the hospital.

Hello. Id like to schedule an abortion.

My voice was calm. Quiet.

I looked down at my flat stomach. Then I looked away.

Later, I held a funeral for my mother. The funeral parlor was filled with her favorite gardenias.

That day, Dominic arrived.

And he brought Ivystill holding her hand.

When I entered the funeral parlor, I saw Ivy stepping forward to light incense at the altar.

Who told you to touch that? I snapped.

I struck the incense from her hand with a sharp slap. Ash scattered, landing on the back of her hand. Ivy yelped and jumped backstraight into Dominics arms.

Uncle it burns! she cried, cradling her hand.

Dominic looked at the slight red mark on her skin, his eyes darkening with anger.

She was just trying to pay her respects, Elena. Did you really have to hurt her?

Ivy turned her tearful gaze to me, pitiful as ever.

Elena, Im sorry. I only went to the wedding to bring you a gift I didnt know things would turn out like that!

Uncles already punished me. I truly regret what I did.

She was playing innocent againand, as always, Dominic fell for it.

I used to let it go for his sake. But not anymore.

I turned to him, my voice cold.

Dominic, Ill say it one more time. Take her away.

Everyone in the hall knew it was Ivy who killed my mother. Whispers rippled through the crowd, and eyes turned toward her, full of blame.

Her pitiful expression twisted into rage.

She was just an old woman! Even if I hadnt hit her, shed have died soon anyway!

And if Uncle hadnt forced me to come light incense, do you think Id want to be here?

Before anyone could stop her, Ivy stormed forward and grabbed my mothers urn.

You dont want me to burn incense? she sneered. Then no one will!

My heart nearly stopped.

No!

The urn slipped from her hands.

A sharp crack rang out as it hit the groundthen silence.

Ash scattered in the air like dust in sunlight.

Gasps filled the hall.

I dropped to my knees, trying to gather what was left of my mother. My hands trembled. My eyes burned, but I forced the tears back.

Behind me, Ivy had gone madknocking over the mourning table, shattering vases, tearing down the wreaths. The funeral was ruined.

I gathered what ashes I could, placed them on a cloth, and walked out of the hall.

Dominic caught up with me.

Ivy just has a bad temper she couldnt handle everyone blaming her, he said quietly. She went too far this timeIll take care of the funeral arrangements, dont worry.

His words made me sick.

I glanced at his hand gripping my arm.

Theres no need.

I pushed him away gently, my voice drained of emotion. I had no energy left to argue.

Dominic stared at his empty hand, stunned.

I hadnt even made it down the steps when my phone rang.

Ms. Shaw, the nurse said urgently. Your fathers oxygen tube was pulled out

Her words hit me like thunder.

I rushed to the hospital, clutching the bundle of ashes on my chest.

But when I arrived, his body was already covered with a white sheet.

Who did this?! I screamed. Who got into his room?! I hired new guards, new nurseshow did this happen?!

The head nurse knelt on the floor, trembling.

It was Miss Mercer she said your father was wasting hospital resources, and the board agreed to stop treatment.

She has shares in this hospital no one dared to say no.

My vision blurred with rage.

Stop fighting with her, the nurse whispered. Please, Miss Shaw. Youll only make things worse.

I couldnt hear another word.

All I could see was Ivys smug face at the funeral. Her tantrum. Her hand destroys everything my mother had left behind.

I hailed a taxi and went straight home.

Before I even reached the door of the villa, I could hear laughtermusic, people celebrating.

Then came her voice, loud and unfiltered:

If Elenas dad hadnt saved my uncle, do you really think hed ever have married her?

I will never let my uncle marry anyone but me!

Ivys shrill voice pierced the air, her words cutting like knives.

My mother died the first time he tried to marry, and my father died the second. Lets see if Elena Shaw even dares to try a third time!

Her arrogant voice echoed in my mind, again and again, like a cursed melody I couldnt silence.

Something in me snapped.

I kicked open the villa door and slammed my hand on the speaker, cutting the music mid-beat. The room froze.

Without hesitation, I turned and slapped Ivy hard across the face.

Her head whipped to the side. Shock filled her wide eyes. Her hand flew to her cheek, red and swelling.

You hit me?! she shrieked. No one has ever dared to hit me!

She screamed for help, and within seconds, several people rushed in, grabbing my arms and forcing me to the ground.

You think you can act like this just because your parents died? Ivy sneered, towering over me. You think youre special?

Her high heel slammed down on the back of my hand.

Pain exploded through my arm, and I screamed.

I already killed your mother. I pulled out your fathers oxygen tube. And if I want, I can kill you too.

To people like me, your life means nothing.

Someone turned the music back on. The party resumed like nothing had happened.

And then it got worse.

Ivy and her friends began kicking meagain and again. Someone dragged a knife across my arm, shallow but deliberate. Blood streamed down, and Ivy laughed, eyes bright with cruelty.

Youll pay for this, I hissed through gritted teeth, rage blinding my pain. Ivy, you will pay.

She tilted her head, smirking.

Pay?

She turned to the others. Tie her up.

They dragged me to a small storage room, bound me, and taped my mouth shut.

Before leaving, Ivy crouched in front of me and smiled. Open your eyes, Elena. Youll see who really pays the price.

I struggled against the restraints, fury pounding in my chest. Just then, the door creaked open.

Dominic stepped inside.

He looked at Ivy, then frowned. What happened to your face?

She didnt answer directly. Instead, she glanced toward the cubicle where I was hidden. Her lips curled into a wicked smile.

You always think Im causing trouble.

Come on, lets end the party. When Elena comes back, shell be upset again, she said sweetly.

Dominic chuckled and flicked her nose affectionately. You always make such a fuss.

Lets go somewhere quieter.

Ivy clung to his waist, white fingers tightening around him. Uncle

He gave in easily. Ill take you somewhere.

I could barely breathe as the door opened. From where I was hidden, I saw it all.

Dominic pinned Ivy against the wall.

His voicelow, tender, full of desirewas nothing like the cold tones he used with me.

Ivy you shouldnt tempt me like this.

You know we can never be together, not publicly.

My nails dug into my palms.

Eight years.

In eight years, the only time Dominic and I had slept together, he was drunk. And I had initiated it. I thought he was simply dispassionate. That he didnt care for sex.

But now I knew the truth: he just didnt want me.

I know, Ivy whispered. Thats why Ill always be your little pet.

She pulled him into a kiss. Their bodies pressed together. Hands roamed. The moans, the way they touched each otherit was more than betrayal. It was humiliation.

And I watched it all.

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I didnt let them fall. The pain in my body was nothing compared to this.

Later, as they lay tangled on the couch, Ivy rested her head on his chest, her voice syrupy and smug.

Uncle I pulled out Elenas fathers oxygen tube.

For a moment, I held my breath, waiting.

Waiting for him to react.

To show even the smallest shred of outrage.

But all Dominic did was sigh and kiss her forehead.

You really love causing trouble, dont you?

"Forget it, Ill explain everything to Elena myself."

Dominics voice held no angeronly the same helpless indulgence he always showed Ivy.

She smiled sweetly, promised shed never do it again, then tugged at his arm, pouting for him to stay a little longer.

I had long since lost count of how many times I cried. My tears dried, only to fall again.

When the lights finally flicked back on, Ivy stood before me in nothing but a thin camisole, her collarbone littered with red marks from their lovemaking.

She smirked.

Did you hear that clearly?

In his eyes, the lives of your parents are just another one of my little mistakes. So tell me, Elenawhat do you have to fight me with?

I didnt respond. Didnt move.

Seeing that I had lost the will to resist, Ivy scoffed, tossed a few final insults my way, and sauntered out.

The moment the door shut, I pulled out my phone and opened the voice recorder. Then, I hit send.

[This time, Im taking Ivy to courtand I wont stop until shes sentenced.]

The reply from my lawyer came almost instantly:

[I told you to wait and gather everything for this moment. This time, well win.]

[Send the divorce agreement to Dominics office. I want it on his desk before he hears from me again.]

After I handled my father's funeral arrangements, I sat quietly outside the operating room, waiting for my abortion. While reading over the legal complaint, my phone rang.

It was Dominic.

The hospital was negligent about your father, he said. Ive already held them accountable.

Lets plan your parents funeral properly. Ill pick you up when Im done here.

My voice was calm. Alright.

Just as I was about to hang up, he hesitated.

Where are you? he asked, uneasy.

I laughed softly, bitterly.

Obstetrics and gynecology, I said.

Waiting for the abortion.

The silence on the other end was followed by a sharp gaspand then the clatter of his phone hitting the floor.

I ended the call and turned off my phone.

Then I stood and walked into the operating room.

Dominic, when I come out

well settle everything. One by one.

At his office, Dominic stared at the screen. The call had ended.

He dialed again. No answer.

Again. Still nothing.

Panic bloomed in his chest.

He shot to his feet, grabbing his coat.

Just as he reached the door, his assistant stepped in, holding a stack of documents.

Sir, about the meeting

Push it to tomorrow. I have something urgent.

The assistant hesitated, then pulled one document from the bottom of the pile.

This Miss Shaw asked me to deliver this to you personally.

Dominic reached for it.

Then froze.

His eyes landed on the bold black words at the top of the page.

Divorce Agreement.