Try Me

Elena’s laughter erupted, sharp and mocking, the sound echoing in the room. Ashley froze, her phone still clutched in her hand. Just seconds ago, Elena had been sobbing uncontrollably. The abrupt shift felt surreal.

“What… what’s so funny?” Ashley asked, taking an instinctive step back as Elena closed the gap between them.

Elena’s lips curved into a wicked smile. “You really don’t get it, do you?” she said, her voice dripping with condescension. “You think you have some kind of power here? That you can just walk away?”

Ashley’s brows furrowed. “I’m not playing your games anymore, Elena.”

“Oh, sweetheart, you were never playing,” Elena sneered, taking another step closer. Then, without warning, she lifted her hand and slapped Ashley across the face.

Ashley staggered, her cheek burning, her eyes wide with shock. “What the—”

“You think you can have Demitri? My Demitri?” Elena spat, her voice rising. “Let me make something very clear to you: all of this—everything you see—belongs to me. And so do you. YOU BELONG TO ME!.”

Ashley blinked, struggling to process the words. “What are you talking about?”

“I own you,” Elena hissed. “I made Demitri marry you. You really think he chose you? Please. If I hadn’t told him to go through with it, do you think he would’ve looked twice at you?”

Ashley’s heart sank. “You… you made him marry me?”

Elena’s smile widened. “Of course I did. His parents wouldn’t accept me, and without their approval, Demitri had no chance at inheriting anything. But no heir? No legacy? That wasn’t an option. So, I came up with a brilliant idea—you.”

Ashley felt the room spin as Elena’s words sank in.

“You’re just a convenient tool,” Elena continued, her tone ice-cold. “Your eggs? They’re sacrifices you’re making for me to keep my man. And don’t fool yourself into thinking they’ll ever amount to anything. Nothing will come of them unless I want it to.” She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “So, until I say otherwise, you’ll do as I tell you. Or else.”

Ashley’s stomach churned, her hands curling into fists. But instead of fear, something else surged within her—rage.

“You’re insane,” Ashley finally said, her voice low but steady.

Elena’s eyes narrowed. “Watch your mouth, little girl.”

Ashley straightened, her chin lifting. “Or what? You’ll slap me again? Threaten me some more? Go ahead, Elena. I’m done letting you or Demitri control my life.”

Elena laughed again, though there was a nervous edge to it this time. “You think you’re in a position to make demands?”

“Yes,” Ashley said firmly. “I meant every word when I told Demitri I wanted a divorce. I’m done—for good.”

Elena’s smile vanished. “You can’t just leave! You’re nothing without us.”

Ashley turned to leave, but before she could take another step, Elena grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her backward.

“You’re not going anywhere!” Elena shrieked.

Ashley spun around, freeing herself with a quick, forceful jerk. Her palm connected with Elena’s cheek in a resounding slap, the sound reverberating through the room.

Elena stumbled, her hand flying to her face as she gaped at Ashley in disbelief.

Ashley smirked, brushing her hair back into place. “That’s the last time you’ll ever lay a hand on me,” she said coolly.

Before Elena could recover, Ashley strode toward the door. She paused with her hand on the doorknob, glancing over her shoulder. “Oh, and one more thing—tell your sweet little man to meet me at City Hall tomorrow at 10 a.m. sharp. If he’s even a minute late…” She let the words hang in the air, her smile turning icy. “…I’ll make sure the world knows about your little arrangement.”

Elena’s face twisted with rage. “You wouldn’t dare!”

Ashley tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with defiance. “Try me.”

With that, she opened the door and walked out, leaving Elena seething and speechless.