Not Your Princess.

Chapter 1 Ria September 23rd. It was supposed to be the most memorable day in my life. My birthday. My company is finally launching into the market. My secret marriage to Alexander Norman would finally be announced. Everything took a drastic turn when I got a message from my lawyer and private investigator. My lawyer said, “The company isn't even yours.” my breath hitched. How was that possible ? I struggled to process but before I could do more, my private investigator sent lines of texts, screenshots, files, documents, and pictures. My hands trembled as I read the texts. A screenshot of the corporate registry. Owner: Alexander Norman. My head felt heavy, I scrolled down but then I saw it. Our marriage certificate but with a stamp from the county clerk's office: “FORGED DOCUMENT. NOT LEGAL.” No way. That was impossible. I screamed to myself, tears brimming my eyes. The evidence before me made everything in me break. I read the final line of text and I felt my whole world crumble. ‘...they are planning to frame you, and make you the villian.’ Tears blurred my eyes. I had only seen a text from a lady on his phone. I pushed it off, thinking it was just some one-night-stand while I was away but my guts didn't let me rest, I hired an investigator and now, this? I pressed my lips into a thin line. Suddenly it all made sense—the way he stopped me from partaking in the marriage preparation, I had thought he was kind. I still foolishly thanked him for helping with the final document of the company, who knew he had stolen it from me? My knees wobbled beneath me. The thought of starting again flashed through my mind, it was a nightmare. It took me ten years to get here, working relentlessly before I could achieve this but it's not even under my name. I felt the air locked in my throat, my whole body convulsing. I could see my hard work crumble before my eyes, I could already feel the mocking gazes of everyone; thinking I stood between Alex and his mistress. Someone threatened to call the police, and the guards kicked me out. All of these scenes flashed before me but still there was no escaping it. I had nowhere to run, no window to fly through. Even if I wanted to, I had to pass through the crowds of people. Face different questions and maybe ultimately never get to see the world of the rich again. A knock came on the door. I jumped, but I placed my hand on my chest after realising it was just the door. I opened the door to come face-to-face with a Nova—my assistant for years. A pleasant smile stayed plastered on her face. “It’s time already. Don't miss this wonderful moment.” She said, eyes lit up with joy. If only she knew I wasn't going to be applauded but rather scorned. I stared at her happy face, a smile touching her eyes. I wanted to speak, but I didn't want to break someone else. I heaved. “Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes.” My voice was low, barely loud enough for her to come hear through the blasting songs but she still smiled, nodding. Her trust in me was unwavering while I didn't even know for sure whether or not I would live to see the next day. I gasped for air, walking out. My feet were heavy on the staircase, the weight of his betrayal making me want to faint. I sighted Alex, laughing happily with Janice—his mistress by his side. My lips twitched. It was so obvious. How was I blind not to notice? My feet clenched onto the railings, so hard that my knuckles went white. I was so immersed in my thoughts that I didn't see someone run up the stairs. She bumped into me but apologised hurriedly, rushing away before I could even say another word. I sighed, wanting to move but a bold thought struck me. I swallowed hard on nothing. My heart raced violently against my chest. Either I did that, or lose my company and everything I've ever worked for. The risks involved made me tremble but I knew I had to do it. I couldn't just walk downstairs to downfall. Meet the cheater who mock me with forged evidence. Watch my name which worked so hard to build her dragged through the mud. My gaze narrowed, eyes catching Alex’s. He had a smile on his face, hands waving for me to come closer. I froze in place. The decision is too heavy to make.. Alexander's brows furrowed. He was already starting to suspect. Beads of sweat fell from my forehead. I stared at the approaching figure, counting the time I had left. My head turned involuntarily backwards, seeing the wave of people rushing by. I made my decision. I smiled, letting go of the dress as I rushed forward not minding my steps and sure enough, it happened. I tripped midway through, and tumbled onto smoothly polished stairs. My body rolled down like a lifeless log, every hit sealing my breath. Everyone in the venue screamed with their moment agape. The celebrant of the day fell from a staircase that could possibly take her life. My vision blurred, the people's words slurred. I saw Alex rush forward, concern on his face but I knew better. My face laid on the cold floor, the metallic taste of blood coated my tongue. My saviour and destroyer approached. He screamed my name, eyes begging for me to get up. Despite the pain, I forced a smile. I could finally be free from him. I would finally have a chance to plan, give him a taste of his own medicine. Alex got to me, gulping me into his arms. I tried to stay awake, blinking repeatedly to stop my eyes from closing. He shook me, begging to stay alive. My eyes closed slowly and this time, I couldn't open it again. Chapter 2 Ria The beeping sounds of the machines eroded my ears, the harsh smell of chemicals and medicine eating at my nose. My eyes felt heavy, but I forced it open. I felt my throat dry. I scanned before me, searching for anyone that could help me grab me water. I blinked, memories flooding in. My heart ached in realisation. The man I could live for, actually planned to make sure I had no reason to live. The thought of it made my stomach drop, but I wasn't going to give in so easily. I would make sure to get everything he wants to take from me. The door flung open, and Alex came in with a frown on his face. He strode towards me, hands tightened into a hard fist, but as soon as he saw my eyes wide open, he smiled. “Ria.” He spoke, moving closer to my bedside. He fell to his knees, hands creasing my hair before he spoke. “I thought I would never see you again.” Honestly, I wanted to scoff. His feigned look of concern, when he actually wanted to take my life made my stomach turn. I stared at his empty expression, as he talked on about some promises I was sure he would never fulfil.