FROM ASHES TO BILLIONS.

Chapter 2: Grand Betrayal

Adrian opened his eyes slowly to find himself in a hospital room. Pain slithered through his forehead and he released a gentle groan.

He tried to sit up, but waves of pain shot through his body and he groaned again. He stared down at his hand and noticed they were handcuffed to the bed.

"How did I end up here?" He winced, his question directed to no one in particular.

"I see you're awake, you son of a bitch. Next time you pull a trick like this on us, I promise we'll take you to a mortuary and deposit your useless body there," A police officer who stood by the side of the bed said harshly.

And that was when the painful memories of how he had fainted began to click. Daily, the police would take him to a dark room and beat him up, urging him to confess to crimes he didn't commit.

They'd tie him up, maltreat, and abuse him without waiting to listen to his pleas of innocence. In the end, when his body couldn't take the pain anymore, he passed out in the dark room and they brought him here.

The door opened and a nurse walked in to examine his vitals. "It's a relief that you're awake, Mr Adrian,"

"You shouldn't be addressing a criminal in such a kind manner. He might end up abusing you," The officer hissed, but the nurse only shook her head, dismissing the harsh words.

"You're fine now and ready to be discharged, Mr Adrian," She announced.

The news made Adrian's heart sink. He didn't want to leave the comfort of this bed so soon.

As if on cue, his attention was directed towards the TV on the wall. A live news feed was playing.

"The long lost heir of the Sinclair family, Ryan Sinclair ties the knot today,”

Adrian's eyes widened in shock as the images on the screen began to move. Ryan was smiling sheepishly in a tailored three-piece suit before the church, exchanging vows with Layla.

"But I'm still married to her…" Adrian whispered to himself as his gaze shifted to the ring in his left hand. "Why would they do this to me?"

"It's time to kiss the bride," The priest's voice resonated across the room, and without another invitation, the couple locked lips in a passionate kiss, their excitement palpable.

Adrian struggled to process what just happened. A tear dropped from his eyes. The people that destroyed his life looked so happy, so peaceful like they had done nothing wrong.

There was no pain greater than that.

********

One week later.

The prison gate creaked open and Adrian jumped to his feet, fear washing over him. He knew the terror that would befall him if the officers dragged him to that dark room again.

"I didn't do it, please you have to believe me…" Adrian exclaimed shakily even though he knew that his pleas meant nothing.

"Out!" The warden barked.

"Please…" Adrian begged as he stared into the man's face for signs of sympathy, but the man offered none. "This is all a setup by my wife, Layla, you have to believe me!"

"You have been released on bail. You're free to go!"

Released on bail?

His sentence was for six years and this was just month one in jail. Was the officer mistaking his identity?

Adrian looked at the warden, but he offered no explanation. Instead, he opened the door wider for him to walk out.

"Thank you for freedom…feels so good to breathe fresh air again," Adrian whispered to himself when he stood outside the gates of the prison.

Just then, a Lamborghini pulled over beside him and a young man climbed down from the car. He hurried towards Adrian and bowed respectfully.

"Master Adrian, please get in and let me take you home,"

Adrian frowned before releasing a scoff. He took a step back. Was this part of Ryan and Layla's plan to get rid of him the second time? Had the news of his release reached them so fast?

Adrian eyed the man. "Sorry, but I'm not interested,"

"If I remember correctly, you have no place to go from here, do you?" The man said calmly.

Adrian lowered an eyebrow in confusion. "How did you know that? Who are you?"

"My name is Felix, your grandfather's manager. You might not remember me after all these years, but believe me when I say that I'm on your side,"

"Y– you paid for my release?"

Felix nodded. "An innocent person doesn't deserve to rot in jail. Those lying brats crossed the boundary this time. I'll make sure to deal with them,"

"If anyone is to deal with those toxic people, it'd be me," Adrian gritted and climbed into the car. "How do I know this isn't a joke or a prank?"

Felix sent him a small smile. "You'll find out soon, Master."

*******

"How are you feeling today my love?" Ryan asked, placing a warm kiss on Layla's forehead.

"Spectacular!" Layla replied. "I've achieved quite a lot since that bastard left my life. It feels like I'm being ushered into a new universe. A universe with you. Thank you for coming back,"

"I'm glad I'm back, baby and I promise I won't ever disappear on you again. It's me and you forever. Adrian thought he could replace me, but he's such a fool who can't read the signs on the wall,"

Ryan's smile grew deeper. It was a pleasant thing to see the joy on his wife's face. She was his first love, his priceless jewel, so beautiful. No doubt that jerk Adrian had tried to take his place.

"That reminds me baby, there is a party of dignitaries coming up in two days and I've been invited as a special guest.” He turned towards her. “You're coming with me. Let's show those guys what we're made up of!”

Layla giggled, kissing him on the lips. "Oh my love, everything is just so perfect!"