After His Eyes Opened

"We are here," I said to the cab driver.

The man nodded and I got out, staring at the grand building.

My fists tightened at my sides. It was time to crash their little celebration.

I walked toward the door but two guards stopped me.

"I'm sorry, you can't go in."

"What do you mean? This is the Volkan's building, I have every right to enter."

"Entry is by invitation and Mr. Volkan made it clear that you cannot enter—"

"Julia?"

I glanced in the direction of the voice and locked eyes with her.

Her face paled and I bit hard on my bottom lip.

Lovie Knight marched forward, grabbing my arm. "What are you doing here? Atlas made it clear that you should stay at home. Why can't you follow simple orders?" She spat, running her hands through her hair. "What if someone sees you?"

"What?" I matched her tone. "Are you scared of your secret being exposed? That everyone will find out you're a fake and I am the real designer? That you're feeding on my hard work?"

Lovie raised an eyebrow, releasing me. "Wow, you have... You have grown wings, haven't you? Now, you are talking back?"

"I won't just talk back, I will show everyone your true color, Lovie."

I started walking but some security men surrounded me. I gasped when they grabbed me.

"I think you've got it all wrong, little sister. This is my runway. I am the face of Volkan Empire's latest collection." she smirked as I fought against her. "I took Atlas and I am taking this too. Nothing and no one can stop me from walking down that runway. Not even you, Julia."

My eyes widened as she walked away.

"Lovie! You won't get away with this! I promise you! I will expose you, today itself!"

She simply turned and laughed before strolling off.

I fought against the men as they tied me up, throwing me into a small storeroom outside. I fell face first, my blood boiling.

I tried to remove the ropes, but no matter how hard I fought, it was futile. I frowned when the smell of gas reached my nostrils.

Glancing around, my eyes widened when I saw a gas cylinder. My chest tightened and I pushed myself up.

I froze for a moment. My sister had done this to me? First she tried to kill me and now? All my life, I tried to win her affection and approval but now reality was glaring at me.

Lovie Knight had never seen me as family. Neither had Mother. I was always a tool for them and no matter how many times I tried to downplay it, the truth was crushing.

I tightened my fists, pushing back a sob that threatened to escape my lips. I wasn't here to cry over spilled milk. I was here to take my revenge. I was no longer a little girl — vying for her attention.

I wanted my rights. Lovie had a habit of taking things that belonged to me and I was going to break it.

I had to get out and fast. I could barely cough or breathe through the gag. My eyes scanned the room and a sigh of relief escaped my lips when I saw a blade.

Lovie... she crossed all limits. All of them — everyone I cared about, they proved they were undeserving of my love.

Atlas... how would he react to knowing his innocent princess was a murderer?

Would he be glad I was the victim? The thought almost made me laugh.

I reached for the blade as the dusty room made my skin crawl. I could already hear the speakers announcing Lovie's arrival.

I had to stop the show and expose the truth — Lovie was a liar and Atlas was her accomplice.

Those were my designs and I was no longer willing to sacrifice anything. It wasn't my fault Ryle died. Someone else did it.

So, why was I paying for these crimes? It was Atlas who chose to marry me. Yet, I was humiliated for six years.

I was facing the consequences of their decisions. It was time they faced it too.

I winced as the blade cut my skin but I continued cutting the ropes, once my hands were free — I removed the gag and gasped for air.

I walked over to the door but froze when I remembered security was outside.

If I came out, they wouldn't let me on the runway.

They had strict instructions to keep me out. I started searching for a disguise in the boxes littering the room.

This was the storeroom where all the unwanted clothes and items were kept. The ones that of course, didn't match Lovie's taste.

Without a second thought, I pulled out another dress, a sparkling black one. I sighed in relief as I saw a mask.

I wore the dress and mask, adjusting it before I exited the room. Thankfully, the guards weren't even there.

I took the chance to slip inside, strolling toward the runway hall.

I could almost hear Lovie's laughter, basking in praise she did not earn. It was time to pull the rug underneath her feet and face Atlas.

Atlas. My heart broke at his name. The first man I loved and the first man who broke my heart.

I sucked in a sharp breath and strolled inside, watching as guests started whispering amongst themselves.

My eyes locked with Lovie's green orbs. She clenched her jaw, looking shocked and irritated.

I strolled down the runway but she caught my arm midway. "Who are you and what are you doing here? You must be a measly worker, You are fired!"

"Lovie!" I turned to see Mother. She approached us, her smile wearing off as more people focused on the scene.

A masked woman, walking down the runway and stealing Lovie's spotlight? It was a sight for sore eyes.

"Who could she be?"

"She doesn't seem fazed by Miss Knight!"

"Didn't you hear me? You are fired, Get out!" Lovie spat, glaring daggers into my skin. I rolled my eyes.

"No," Mother protested and I raised an eyebrow. "She created a scene, wearing black and walking down the runway. She must apologize!"

"Yes, apologize," Lovie said, smiling. "Go on. Don't be scared. I may even forgive you."

"Shouldn't you be asking for forgiveness? After all, you are in someone else's limelight. Or can you deny that these are your sister's designs?"

Gasps rang through the room, followed by multiple camera flashes. Lovie glanced around, looking flustered.

"Is what she is saying true?!" One demanded

"Does VK designs not belong to Lovie? What a bomb!"

"Who are you and how dare you make such claims at me? I will ruin your life—"

"I am ruining yours at the moment, so, hold on." I spat. "This woman has been impersonating the real golden designer for years. She has taken credit for all the designs and the only thing she does is parade in front of cameras!"

The camera's flashed and Lovie stumbled, her eyes glazed with fury.

"How dare you make such accusations? I am the owner of these designs. I made them!"

"Did you?"

"I don't have to answer to you. I don't even know who you are."

"Lovie? What's going on here? Who is this?"

"Atlas" Lovie broke into tears. "Atlas this woman, she's saying that everything belongs to Julia. Everyone knows I am the designer, right? They are questioning it because of her."

Atlas' eyes narrowed at me, standing straight. The dark-haired man's black suit clung to him, his stance powerful and unyielding.

"What proof do you have?" Atlas boomed, narrowing his eyes. He crouched down beside Lovie, comforting her.

My heart ached, he had never defended or shown me any affection. Yet, here he was, publicly comforting my sister. Was I too hard to love?

The sturdy man glared at me, looking every bit like a Ruthless CEO in his three-piece suit and solid strides.

"Atlas! I worked so hard. yet..." Lovie cried, hiding her face in his shoulder.

"You haven't worked a day in your life, Lovie. So, how can this be true?"

"There must be something about this voice. The murderer at home speaks like this too. Security, throw her out!" Atlas growled.

"I am not going anywhere until she confesses the truth. Say it. Say that you've been stealing your sister's designs for years!"

"Enough!" Atlas boomed, his gaze icy cold. He grabbed my arm. "Since you won't leave, I will throw you out myself."

I yanked my arm from his and reached behind my mask, grinning as it fell off.

Something flickered in Atlas' eyes while Lovie's face paled.

The guests and reporters erupted into an uproar, and I grinned.

"Tell me, hubby. How can you throw me out of my runway?"