Crowned in ashes: The rise of Mrs Knight

The music in the banquet hall sounded too loud and Evelyne sat at the head table, smiling like she always did. Her fingers felt cold around the winged glass. "Happy birthday, Evelyn!" Isabella said, leaning in with that sweet smile she practiced in mirrors. "You look so pretty tonight and that dress really suits you. "Evelyn looked at her stepsister and the light caught Isabella's blonde hair, making it shine like gold. "Thank you," she said quietly. Sophia, sitting on her other side, squeezing her arm. "Best friend forever, right? I can't believe you're twenty five already. Time flies."Marcus stood up next and raised his own glass, giving her the same smile he used when he wanted something. "To my future wife," he said. "The woman who makes everything better." Everyone clapped, meanwhile Cassandra, her stepmom, clapped the loudest. "We're so proud of you, darling," she said. "Drink up. This wine is from a special bottle and just for you." Evelyn took a sip and the wine tasted a little bitter at the back of her tongue, but she swallowed anyway because she did not want to make a scene on her own birthday. Isabella laughed softly. "You always drink so slow. Live a little, Evelyn. It's your night." Sophia nodded. "Yeah. We all love you so much. Right, Marcus?" Marcus put his hand on Evelyn's shoulder and his fingers pressed a bit too hard. "Of course we do," he said. "You know I'd do anything for you." Evelyn looked around the table and their faces looked normal, they all looked happy but something in her stomach twisted. She had felt this way before, small things, little comments that never quite fit and tonight it felt heavier. She took another sip and the bitterness grew stronger. "Everything okay?" Cassandra asked. She tilted her head, and her eyes widening with fake worry. "You look pale, sweetheart." "I'm fine," Evelyn said but her voice sounded far away. Isabella leaned closer. "You work too hard on those designs. Let me handle it for the next collection. You deserve a break." Sophia giggled. "See? We're all here for you. Family and friends forever. "Marcus smiled again and that same smile. "After tonight, things will be different. I promise. "Evelyn's head started to spin and the lights above the table blurred. She tried to stand up, but her legs felt heavy. "Wait," she said and her words came out slowly. "Something... something's wrong. "Cassandra stood up fast. "Oh no, darling. Sit down. You probably just need some air. "Isabella touched her arm. "Don't worry. We'll take care of everything. "Sofia's hand stayed on her back. "Just relax, Evie. We've got you." Marcus helped her to the door and his arm felt strong around her waist. "I'll drive you home," he said. "You need rest." Evelyn tried to pull away and her feet dragged on the marble floor. "No... I don't want to go yet." "You have to," Marcus said softly. "Trust me." They walked her outside and the night air hit her face cold and sharp. The car waited at the bottom of the steps, black and shiny. Cassandra followed them out. "Call us when you get home," she said. "We love you."Isabella waved. "Sweet dreams, big sister." Sophia blew a kiss. "See you tomorrow." Marcus opened the car door and he helped her inside but his smile never changed. Evelyn's vision started to fade. The seat felt too soft and her hands shook as she tried to buckle the seatbelt. "Marcus," she whispered. "The wine... it tasted wrong. "He closed the door and got into the driver's seat. "Everything will be fine," he said. "Just close your eyes. "The car started moving and the street light passed in streaks. Evelyn's chest hurt and pain crawled up her throat. "Stop the car," she said in a cracked voice.Marcus kept driving and faster now. "You always make things complicated," he said. "Even tonight. "Evelyn turned her head and his face looked calm."Why?" she asked and the word came out weak. He laughed once and short. "Because you're in the way. The money, the company, everything. Isabella wants it. Cassandra wants it. I want it. You were never part of the plan. "Her heart slammed against her ribs. "Sophia... she knew?"Everyone knew," Marcus said. "Even your father. He just didn't want to see it. "The pain in the stomach exploded and she felt fire in her veins. She gasped and grabbed the door handle but it would not open. Marcus glanced at her. "Don't fight it. It will be quick."Tears burned her eyes. "I trusted you," she said. "All of you."You were always too nice," he said. "That's the problem."The car sped up and trees blurred outside the window. Evelyn's head fell against the seat and she could not hold it up again anymore. In her mind, old moments flashed. Isabella taking credit for her sketches. Sophia whispering secrets on the phone, Cassandra smiling while she cut Evelyn's name from the will and Marcus kissing her while texting Isabella behind her back. All of it made sense now and every smile , every I love you, every we're family really made more sense now.The road curved sharp and Marcus turned the wheel hard. Evelyn saw the guardrail coming and Marcus' smile was the last thing she saw before the world went black. Sunlight pierced her eyelids and Evelyn sat up in her bedroom, her heart hammering. "Five years... I'm back."