The life of the underworld was something Ashley had dreamed of escaping all her life. Born as a bastard from an affair between an underworld kingpin and a prostitute, Ashley was meant to die even before she was born. The only reason she survived was that her father thought she was a boy.

From a young age, she understood that if she wanted to survive in this world of violence—on top of her father’s wife and daughter’s schemes—she had to be useful.

So, she made herself a promise: one day, she would escape this world.

Ashley almost succeeded… until her father found her again and thrust her into a marriage of convenience with his rival, Dominion, in his beloved daughter’s place.

Everyone in the underworld knew Dominion.

They were cruel, organized, and simply spawns of evil. And the man who stood above that power, Luciano, was said to be downright diabolical. Just their name alone could make anyone tremble.

And this organization was where Ashley now had to survive.

To make matters worse, the marriage also came with a child — Luciano’s mute heir.

Forced to become the wife of one of the most violent and powerful underworld organizations, and the mother of its future leader, Ashley made a vow.

“No matter what, I’ll escape this place!”

But she would soon realize it wouldn’t be as simple as that. Not when the feared members of Dominion clung to her feet, begging,

“Madam, don’t go!”

And when the mute stepson finally spoke, “Mommy, if you’re leaving, please take me with you.”

Finally, her diabolical, obsessive, and utterly territorial husband said,

“I’ve packed our things. Where should we go?”

***
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"What are these, Auntie?" Ashley plopped down on the floor, her back resting against the biggest box she had pushed inside. "It's so heavy."


Liza smiled as she opened one of the boxes, picking something from inside to show the young lady. "There are different seeds and some sample soils I got from the grocery."


Ashley opened and closed her mouth, almost feeling like karma had struck so quickly. She had been teasing the members of Dominion the whole day, and now her kindness had backfired on her.


Ashley studied Liza's side profile as the woman checked the contents of the box full of seeds.


"Auntie, you really like plants, huh?" she hummed, earning a smile and a brief glance from Liza.


"This country is known for the plants and flowers we grow," Liza remarked in a knowing tone. "We love them so much that we have different festivals for them. There are even competitions about them. For those who love gardening, this country is our heaven."


Chapter 20 - Are you sure she's still there?