From Humiliated Wife To The Rival’s Most Cherished Bride

For three years, Zariah had liked a late-night radio host.

At this time, the woman faced the live camera with warm eyes, slightly curved in a smile, gently presenting the man whose arm she held.

Let me introduce him to everyone. This is my husband, Denzel Lopez.

Denzel, President of Lopez Group, Zariahs husband, kept a secret marriage with her for three years.

He said he had many enemies, to keep her safe, so he didnt admit their relationship in front of others.

But now, he showed up in front of all people online as another womans husband.

Her fingers moved before her mind, Zariah shaking typed one line. [Hes my husband.]

In less than a second, that message was buried under many mocking comments.

[Where did this insane woman come from? Want to be popular and act crazy, not even checking how you look.]

[Allison already said it clearly, dont come to use this for attention, okay? Ugly people bring more trouble.]

Zariah didnt care about those comments, but raised her gaze, directly meeting Denzels darkening brows and eyes on the screen.

That was the beginning of his anger, she knew it too well.

In three years of marriage, she had taken in his joy, anger, sadness, and happiness deep into her bones and blood.

As expected, the next second she wanted to type again to argue, but the screen showed a notice account isnt allowed to comment.

A WhatsApp message came after, Denzels words cold and hard like metal.

Keep quiet. Or else, I wont promise what will happen to your diner.

Diner.

That was Zariahs life.

Denzel knew best what she cared about.

When her parents died, this diner became her support during her hardest times, and it was in a fire at the shop that she met Denzel.

That day, because of a wiring problem, the diner quickly caught fire. Zariah couldnt escape and believed she would die there, but Denzel showed up in time to save her, even though he was burned himself.

She was thankful for his life-saving help. After learning about his condition, she used all her savings to support him in starting a business.

Several years went by, and Denzel, from a poor boy with nothing, became someone admired by all. Every step was built on her efforts, and she also stayed by his side.

He said that when he became successful, he would marry her and treat her well.

Afterward, as he promised, they married, but Zariah only gained his title.

To outsiders, he remained single, and she, like someone in the shadows, was just a Mrs. Lopez who could not appear in public.

The comments continued to flood in since Allison was sharing their love story.

He would take the snack she casually mentioned, even if it was already discontinued, and run all over the streets to buy it; after she posted an emo post late at night, he would drive her out for a ride to relax; when she is sick and uncomfortable, he would personally take care of her, cook, and give her medicine, everything without omission.

At her side, the affection in Denzels eyes, nearly spilling over, could not fool anyone.

So could love someone.

Sadly, the one he cared for was not her.

The phone suddenly rang loudly. Zariah wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and tapped the answer button.

Sister Zariah, hurry over! A customer is saying his stomach hurts and is smashing items in the diner!

Zariah had no time to think further, grabbed her coat, and hurried out.

Her heart pounded as if it would burst from the intense movement, but she could not mind it; the diner was her foundation, and she could not allow anything to go wrong.

When she reached it, the place was in chaos, with shattered bowls and plates spread across the floor.

The female clerk stood nearby, shaking.

A burly man with reddened eyes smashed the freezer, still cursing loudly.

What kind of bad pierogi are these? After eating them, I got sick and had diarrhea! If you dont compensate me today, this shop wont open again!

Zariah had just tried to explain when the man raised his hand and flung a porcelain bowl at her.

The wind brushed past her ear, and she stood frozen, forgetting to move aside.

In the next moment, a figure suddenly rushed forward and pulled her into his arms to shield her.

A strange fragrance suddenly entered her nose. Zariah opened her eyes, instinctively wanted to thank him, but met Denzels deep eyes.

His temple had been cut by the rim of the bowl, a clear streak of blood showing.

At that moment, drops of blood moved down along his face, falling onto her collar, burning.

The man, after hitting someone, still wanted to keep causing trouble. Denzels eyes turned cold and hard, reaching out to grab his wrist.

Denzel, stop!

A soft voice sounded. Allison quickly ran over, pulling Denzels arm.

He is my younger brother, Oswald. What just happened was not intentional; he only had a stomach issue and felt uncomfortable. His temper became a bit rushed.

Denzels hand holding Oswalds wrist suddenly loosened.

He even unconsciously stepped a little closer to Allison, standing in front of her and Oswald.

That movement had been natural and familiar, like it had been done many times before.

Zariah froze; the blood in her whole body seemed to grow cold.

She recalled that in the first year of their marriage, Denzel brought her to meet his friends. When she was being targeted, he frowned and said, Why do they not trouble others, only you? Look at yourself first.

But now in front of Allison, he had instinctively protected her.

Zariahs heart ached a little, and she suddenly understood.

The person Denzel wanted to guard had never been her.

The ones he wanted to protect were Allison and her younger brother.

Before she could speak, Allison had already wiped her tears and walked over, reaching out to hold her hand.

Miss Ambrose, sorry. My younger brother really does not mean it. Can you forgive him this time, okay? We cover the hospital costs, and we also compensate for the shop losses.

When Zariah showed no reaction, Allisons hand stayed hanging in the air.

Denzel walked closer. His voice held some pressure, with a bit of softness she had never heard before.

Allison wants to eat pierogi, so we come here. We do not expect to run into this. Since she already says sorry, and her younger brother does not mean it, maybe it really is the pierogis issue. Be understanding, dont pursue it.

Understanding.

These two words were like a blunt knife, slowly stabbing Zariahs heart again and again.

For three years, she had heard these words from Denzel many times, yet she had never been the one understood.

If he truly cared, he would never let others keep bullying her again and again.

Staring at Allison, who was guarded behind Denzel, crying softly like flowers in the rain. Her lips slowly lifted into a faint smile.

She opened her mouth a little and said calmly, Alright.

Denzel was stunned for a second, clearly not expecting her to agree so quickly.

She paid no attention to him and instead looked straight at him.

I can stop pursuing this, and I can be tolerant, but I have one condition.

Denzel, we're divorcing.

Denzel heard her, and the impatience on his face disappeared. He froze in place.

It looked like he had never imagined separating from Zariah at all.

Allison had just opened her mouth when a surprised voice suddenly rose from the crowd.

Wait, isnt she Allison from the late-night show? And that man, isnt he the husband she just talked about on the live broadcast?

The crowd suddenly became noisy.

Some people recognized Denzel. Some pointed at Zariah and whispered.

Then who is this woman? She just called Mr. Lopez her husband. What is happening?

Could it be one of them is the mistress?

The questioning voices grew louder and louder. Someone directly shouted, Stop talking, if you can, take out the marriage certificate! Who is real, we will know at once!

Allisons face turned pale right away. She instinctively held Denzels arm tightly.

Zariah also looked at Denzel. She wanted to know what he would choose.

In the next moment, Denzel took out a small book from his pocket and raised it high.

Stop arguing, this is the marriage certificate.

After looking at the marriage certificate, the crowd suddenly went silent.

Zariahs eyes also moved to it, but when the inner page opened, it showed Denzel and Allisons faces.

That was their marriage certificate.

She finally realized why Denzel never let her hold it and why he did not want to appear beside her in public.

So from the start until the end, they were never truly together.

In that instant, Zariah felt like she stood in a quiet, lifeless space, strange and almost laughable.

What made it worse, he even kept the marriage certificate with him.

She remembered that one month after getting the marriage certificate, she invited them for a meal and said she wanted to see it.

But even after she reminded him again and again. Denzel still forgot, and after that, he never brought it up again.

But now even without Allison asking, he still had it with him.

How deeply did he love her!

When Denzels eyes met Zariahs, his heart suddenly felt like it was stabbed by a thin needle.

That quiet feeling, like wet cotton, pressed on him and made it hard for him to breathe.

He moved without thinking, wanting to walk to her and say he would take her home, but someone suddenly grabbed his wrist.

Denzel, my head feels very dizzy, and I feel a bit unwell.

Allisons fingers looked pale. Her body leaned toward him, and her face showed tiredness.

Denzel stopped. He turned to look at Allison. When he looked back again, the small change in his eyes had already turned cold.

Allison does not feel well. She is a public person; she cannot stay here and be watched. I sent her back first. You take a taxi home yourself.

Zariah lowered her head. Her lashes hid all the feelings in her eyes.

She fixed the matters in the shop, then walked home like an empty shell.

After Denzel sat in the car, he looked at the rearview mirror without thinking.

Zariahs figure grew smaller in the evening light, slowly fading away.

Denzel frowned without knowing why, but Allisons soft cough pulled him back. He stepped on the gas.

After reaching home, Zariah took out her phone and called a number she knew by heart.

Kendrick, after seven days, come take me away. I go with you.

Kendrick was Denzels rival.

Years ago, at a banquet, Denzel left her and walked away. It was Kendrick who came and helped her out.

When he saw her in that state, he wanted to take her away, but she refused.

He did not force her. He only gave her his number and said, Whenever you call, I'll take you away.

At this moment, the man on the phone gave a soft laugh, as if he already knew.

So you finally understand? You should have known Denzels true self long ago.

Hmm.

Zariah only answered one word, then ended the call.

It was not that she only understood now. She had just been lying to herself for too long.

Since there was no marriage, there was no need for divorce. Leaving meant everything ended.

She went into the room, opened the closet, and started packing.

Almost everything in this house had been arranged by her, but she only packed a few sets of clothes into the case. She did not touch anything else.

Halfway through, Denzel rushed in angrily. He threw the phone hard in front of her.

The screen was on. The bright light showed his dark face.

Zariah, you are really something. You even buy trending topics to ruin Allisons name and say she uses power to bully people?

Zariah picked up the phone. On the screen was the diner event from today, but it had been edited badly beyond recognition.

Anger rose inside her heart. She lifted her head and looked at Denzel.

I do not do it. You go check. After I come back from the diner, I stay here packing. I do not go out at all.

Check? Of course, I check.

Denzel laughed coldly, his tone sarcastic. The one behind this is your close friend who operates self-media.

Impossible. Zariahs voice suddenly got louder. Her eyes were full of shock. Shizel does not do this kind of thing. She also looks down on this kind of bad way.

Denzel looked at her. The corner of his lips lifted into a cold smile. That smile was dark like a ghost.

Not true? The proof is clear. You still want to protect her?

Right after he finished speaking, Zariahs phone rang. The screen showed the name Shizel.

She quickly answered. A crying voice came from the other side.

Zariah! Help me! They lock me here! Help me

Zariah quickly lifted her head and stared hard at Denzel. What do you do to her?

Nothing. Denzel rested on the door, his arms folded, his voice cold and harsh.

I only used the same way on the same person. Allison is easy to fool. After she saw the trending news, she has been crying until now. Her eyes are swollen. Zariah, go say sorry to her and fix this. If not, I cannot promise what will happen to your best friend.

Zariah pressed her nails deep into her hand. The hurt turned dull, but it did not match the chill in her chest.

She looked at the strange man in front of her. At last, she clenched her teeth and said one word, Okay.

Denzel took her to a programs venue.

She thought it was only a simple sorry, but she did not expect the floor in the middle of the stage to be filled with broken ceramic pieces.

The sharp edges caught the light and shone coldly.

Denzel stood next to Allison, lifting his hand to hold her shoulder. The way he looked at Zariah had no warmth at all.

Allison is a well-known person. This issue has grown too large, and the effect on her is too serious. You kneel, read this apology letter fully, and take it as saying sorry to her. Only if you accept punishment will others believe you admit your fault, then Allison will not be dragged into it.

Kneel down?

Zariahs body froze at once, a loud ringing filled her ears, and she even forgot to argue back.

Old memories from many years ago suddenly appeared in her mind.

Back then, she and Denzel went to a family gathering. Just because she accidentally hit a young woman, she was publicly splashed with red wine by that person.

She stood there, looking miserable, but Denzel only gave her a short glance, letting his assistant deal with it casually.

Also being treated unfairly, Allison only needed a short edited video, and he gathered people, forcing her to kneel and apologize.

Zariah slowly lifted her gaze, looking at the two people holding each other in front of her.

She said nothing more, holding a firm determination like cutting off all paths, step by step, moved toward that heap of shattered porcelain.

When her knees dropped down, the sharp shards stabbed directly into her skin.

Hot blood quickly flowed out, falling onto the fragments, spreading into bright red marks like blooming flowers.

She knelt upright, did not frown, did not cry, and even her eyes showed no change, only staring straight ahead.

Denzel stood nearby, the hand holding Allison slowly tightening.

Seeing the bright red on the floor, seeing Zariahs blank side face, it felt like something pressed in his chest, making him unable to breathe.

The apology letter was very long; Zariah nearly used all her strength to finish reading it.

After she finished, she pushed herself up from the ground, slowly rising, bearing the severe pain in her knees, and said, Where is Shizel? Give her back to me.

Denzel still looked a little annoyed. He lightly waved his hand. Let the secretary bring you there.

Zariah turned around and followed the secretary outside, but she did not expect the car to finally stop at the door of a warehouse.

As soon as she stepped out, Oswald walked out from inside with several people.

Zariahs heart dropped. She asked in a cold voice. What are you trying to do? Where is Shizel?

What am I trying to do? Oswald stepped closer, stretched his hand, and grabbed her wrist. You bullied my sister, made her get cursed online. Today, I will get back at you for her!

Denzel will not let you off.

Zariah did not think Denzel would allow Oswald to act against her, after all, even if there was no love, there were still many years of ties.

Oswald looked like he had heard something very funny and coldly laughed.

Let you go? He cares too much about my sister to bother. But Ill give you a chance, call him and see if he comes to help you.

Zariahs heart suddenly tightened, but she still held onto the last bit of hope.

First try, the line was busy.

She called again, still busy.

After several tries, the phone only gave a cold machine sound.

She refused to stop, her fingers shaking as she still wanted to try again, but she saw Oswald take out his phone and press a number without care.

In less than a second, Denzels voice came from the phone. What is it?

What she saw in front of her felt like a hard slap, hitting Zariahs face.

In Denzels mind, she was not even as important as Allisons younger brother.

The warehouse door was tightly closed. The whip struck Zariahs back. Her body, which had just knelt on broken pieces, was hurt again.

One hit, two hits, three hits until the ninety-ninth hit.

Zariahs sight turned dark, and she fell onto the cold floor.

When he saw she had passed out, Oswald got scared of causing death, quickly taking his men and leaving.

No one knew how much time had passed before Zariah slowly woke up.

She struggled and took out her phone, then called the police.

When she opened her eyes again, Zariah felt like everything inside her body was torn.

Denzel saw that she woke up, quickly put out his cigarette, and tried to help her.

Zariah, youre awake? How do you feel?

His hand had just touched her arm when Zariah strongly pushed it away.

She turned her head, holding back the bitter feeling in her throat, and spoke in a weak, rough voice.

I dont want to see you. Get out.

Denzels hand stopped in the air, but he still forced himself to hold her wrist.

I know you dont want to see me. What happened today, I also share the blame. Oswald is too rash.

He paused, then his voice changed as he started to speak for the Hector siblings.

Allison is just childish and got upset by the online comments. Oswald only wants to protect his sister. Dont fight with them. You still need to get along with them later.

Zariah felt something tightly squeeze her chest. It hurt so much she could hardly breathe.

She was hit ninety-nine times and almost died in the warehouse, yet to him it was only too rash and wanting to protect his sister. There was not even one true blame.

It was just like before, when someone who liked Denzel hurt her on purpose. Because that person was a partners daughter, he made her accept it.

No matter what, he never chose her first.

Denzel seemed not to see how she felt. He took a small box from his pocket.

When he opened it, a diamond ring shone brightly under the light.

The diamond was big and clearly very costly.

This is compensation for you, you rest properly. I already arranged the best nurse. After leaving the hospital, whatever you want, I will give it to you. As for that police report, I already explained it; it was your accidental contact.

Zariah looked at the ring, suddenly laughed, laughing until tears almost came out.

After getting the certificate, she once carefully brought up to Denzel that she wanted a wedding ring.

But at that time, he only frowned, not even looking at her.

As my wife, you should act properly and calmly, dont always think about these costly and useless things.

His words poured cold water over her; from then on, she never brought up the wedding ring again.

Now her heart had already gone dead; she wanted nothing, yet he used such a diamond ring to make up to her.

Zariah lifted her hand and took the ring, her fingers brushing across the diamond, then raised her hand and threw it outside the window.

The ring made a curve, dropping into the rain beyond the window.

Together with her many years of feelings for Denzel, everything was completely erased.

Denzel watched her dull response, and the little patience he had left disappeared.

He quickly stood up, kicked the cabinet by the bed with force, then turned, banged the door shut, and left.

Zariah stayed on the bed. The pain in her back remained, but her heart felt oddly calm.

Over the next three days, she spent her time alone in quiet.

After discharge, she worked at the diner while uneasily handling the diner transfer.

While keeping her head down and working, Zariah looked up and saw Allison suddenly show up at the shop entrance.

The shop assistant brought a bowl of fresh pierogi. Allison took one bite, then frowned and pushed it aside.

These pierogi are not even fully cooked. How can they be eaten?

The assistant quickly replaced it with another bowl. She complained again, saying it was not the shepherds purse filling she wanted.

The third time, she mixed the soup and was still not pleased, still very picky.

Zariah knew she had come on purpose to trouble her, so the fourth time she handled it herself.

She did not plan to speak, but as she turned, Allison stopped her.

Zariah, do you know? The one not loved is the mistress. Now you are that mistress. When do you plan to step aside and leave space for me? I am not the kind to accept another woman besides Denzel.

Zariah did not look back and only said in a calm voice, Then I hope you get what you want.

Those words made Allison smile with even more pride.

You probably still dont know, right? Before, Denzel fell for me the moment he saw me. To ask me to be with him, he was willing to give up everything. And you? What do you have? From the start until now, you are just someone he easily let go. Really pitiful.

Zariahs lips formed a slight cold smile. Her voice stayed steady and cold. I dont know what way you used to win him. I just hope you look after yourself.

After speaking, she turned around and left, without looking at Allison again.

Behind her, the sound of plates and bowls breaking followed.

Zariah kept walking. Only her fingers holding her apron became a little tighter.

They were only unimportant people and matters. Not worth it.

That afternoon, the diner was busy. The door was suddenly pushed open.

Denzel came in front of her. His voice was tense and mad.

Zariah, why do you add medicine to the pierogi? Allison eats your pierogi, and now her throat is poisoned, and she loses her voice!

Zariah had not yet reacted when she was pulled to the diner entrance and made to kneel on the ground.

A part of the stone tile at the doorway stuck up. Her knees hit it hard. Small pieces went into her skin, and the pain made her sight turn dark.

But Denzel did not notice at all. When he saw she did not lift her head, he thought she was acting out again, and his anger grew stronger.

Kneel and bow to Allison and say sorry. She has an event today. You make her lose her voice, so she cannot go on stage.

Before, when she once hurt her hand while fixing flowers, Denzel would feel pain for her every time. He would put medicine on it, wrap it, and act like a child feeling upset.

Now her blood stained her clothes red. No matter how clear it was, he did not see it.

Forget it. Zariahs lips formed a faint mocking smile. She no longer hoped he would care.

But before she could speak, Allison gently pulled the mans sleeve and handed him her phone.

On the screen was a line: [Lets forget it, Denzel, I didnt think it through. I shouldnt let Miss Ambrose say sorry in public. Im fine Its just this event is very important to me]

After he read it, Denzel spoke in a lower voice, his tone heavy in a way never heard before.

You should know how much it hurts to lose your voice from poison, yet you make Allison go through it once? How can you do that?!

Allison is thinking about you with all her heart, but since you refuse like this, dont blame me.

At that moment, Zariah felt completely stunned. She lifted her head and looked at him in shock.

In his eyes, there was no sign of love, only dislike and displeasure toward her.

Hold her, make her bow three times to Allison.

With one command, two bodyguards held her arms from behind, forced her head down, and made her bow three times.

Allison still looked unsatisfied, her face showing no emotion.

Seeing this, Zariah was pushed down again, forced to bow again and again.

More and more people gathered around, many pointed at her and spoke for Allison.

Her pride was crushed, low like dust.

Zariah slowly became numb until the ninety-ninth time. Allison suddenly smiled and signaled the bodyguards to stop.

A severe pain suddenly hit her forehead. Warm blood ran down her face and blurred her view.

Denzel crouched down. His fingers brushed her wound softly, and his voice was calm. Do not do this kind of thing again.

There was no warmth in his tone. This was the man she had loved for years.

After he spoke, he stood up. He casually held Allison next to him and left.

Her knees stayed on the floor until they lost feeling, like many needles poking her. Zariah tried again and again to stand, but failed.

The eyes around her felt hot, like fire burning her.

Flashes kept shining. Phones aimed at her. Some people laughed, some whispered, but no one came to help.

She bit her teeth and used all her strength. Slowly, she pushed herself up and stood.

Her legs shook so badly she almost fell again. She held the wall and slowly walked back into the shop.

The diner became empty, no people remained for a long time, leaving only a lifeless quiet.

She looked at the disorder and emptiness, suddenly gave a low laugh, the sound dry and lonely.

She raised her hand and slowly shut the door of the shop.

Sealing all the shame and staring looks outside along with it.

As she leaned against the counter to calm her breathing, Zariah had not even cleaned the blood on her forehead when the door was suddenly pushed open hard.

The person spoke with a cold tone, directly saying, Someone reported your shop does not meet hygiene standards, immediately close and suspend business.

Her heart tightened. Using her weak body, she stepped forward wanting to explain, but before any words came out, she was suddenly pushed.

Her body fell back without control, crashing hard into the door, the wound on her forehead pulling into sharp pain.

She awkwardly lifted her head, but through the glass door, her eyes met a cold person.

It was Denzels personal assistant.

No more words were needed; that look had already explained everything.

It was Denzels order.

She had not yet climbed out of shame when he himself completely broke her last support.

Truly impressive!

Dragging her hurt body back to the house, the wounds still faintly aching, Zariah seemed to feel nothing and took out all the papers from the drawer.

The already prepared food safety inspection certificate, the recording of when she was forced to kneel, the unclear video taken by others when she knocked her head

One by one, piece by piece, she arranged everything neatly in order.

Every word and line carried the shame she had gone through.

Zariah did not pause; she directly handed all the proof under her real name to the proper offices.

What belonged to her, she would slowly take back with her own hands.

After finishing all this, she lifted her eyes to look at the eye-catching wedding photo on the wall.

The two people in the picture smiled falsely and sweetly.

In the next second, she grabbed the frame and threw it hard onto the ground.

The glass broke and scattered, and the photo was stepped on until it could no longer be recognized.

As if the feelings held in for too long finally burst out, her eyes red, she wildly smashed everything in the house that could be broken.

Ornaments, tables, curtains

In the end, she lit a fire to those things that proved they had once cared for each other.

The flames rose, coloring the whole room red.

The thick smoke made Zariah cough hard, but she did not move, only watched those memories burn into ash, her eyes empty and still.

When she finally lost her strength, she slowly went back to the room, fell onto the bed, and drifted to sleep.

Inside her dream, everything felt mixed; many old scenes passed by, pulling her step by step into deeper darkness.

Until early morning came, and loud knocking woke her.

As soon as she opened the door, Allison stood there, her face full of anger.

Why did you expose me? Now everyone knows everything, they are all blaming me!

Zariah coldly laughed. Her voice stayed calm, almost scary. This is what you deserve.

When Allison heard this, she lost control and rushed at her like mad.

She lifted her hand and slapped her hard. The mark showed clearly.

Allison was stunned by the hit. She was about to fight back when the sound of a car came from outside.

In the next moment, she suddenly changed. With a thud, she dropped to her knees in front of Zariah. Tears kept falling like rain.

Miss Ambrose, I am wrong. I will not go near Denzel again. Please let me go. I cannot lose my radio job

Zariah said nothing. She only watched her coldly.

She wanted to see how long Allison would keep acting.

But Allison had already planned it. She knew Denzel had come back, so she cried even harder and kept bowing her head to beg.

Before Zariah could speak, the man rushed in quickly. He pulled Allison behind him and looked at Zariah with cold eyes.

You want to push her to death before you feel satisfied? Allison does nothing wrong. How can you be so cruel?

At that moment, Zariah suddenly laughed, and tears fell at the same time.

Yes, Allison did nothing wrong. The one who was wrong was always her.

She did not explain. Her voice was rough as she said, Leave. Take your people and leave.

He snorted and held Allison by the waist and walked out of the house.

After they left, Zariah fell to the floor. Her face looked pale and lifeless.

She thought everything ended there.

But at midnight, a bucket of cold water was poured over her head. She woke up at once.

The cold soaked her whole body. Her wounds hurt even more, and her body shook from the pain.

Before she could react, someone pulled her up roughly. They covered her head and took her into a car.

In the dark, a phone suddenly rang loudly. Someone held the phone in front of her.

As soon as the call connected, Denzels cold voice came through.

Are you happy now? Because of your report, Allison cannot stay at the station anymore. Her host job is gone. She cannot face people for the rest of her life Zariah, you are really cruel.

Zariah leaned against the car window. Her body was wet, but her voice stayed calm and clear.

She did many wrong things. She set me up and shamed me. This is what she deserves. I only showed the truth. What is wrong?

Ridiculous. The mans voice carried anger. He seemed to hate her deeply. Since you do not admit your fault, go to the detention center and think about it.

After the call ended, the car stopped in front of the detention center.

No one explained anything. No one asked her. She was pushed inside.

The days were dark, with no light.

Because of Denzels order, the people inside either hit her or cursed at her. Food often did not reach her.

At night, there was no bed. She could only curl up on the cold floor.

Her wounds swelled and hurt. Her whole body ached. Hunger and cold kept troubling her day and night.

One day, two days, three days every moment felt like a year.

On the sixth day, she was released.

The bright sunlight hit her face. She narrowed her eyes without thinking.

Under the light, a man stood there. His presence felt strong.

He looked at her messy and wounded state, then slowly spoke.

His tone carried a little teasing and a little confidence. I did not expect you to become like this.

He paused, looking into her empty yet firm eyes, and gave a light smile.

Now, I help you take back everything that belongs to you. What do you think?