SCORNED EX WIFE Queen Of Ashes (Camille and Stefan)

Chapter 9

Victoria stopped at a heavy wooden door, unlocking; it with key from her robe pocket. Inside was a home gym. unlike any I'd ever seen, state- of-the-

art equipment, mirrors covering one wall, a boxing ring taking up the center of the room.

She flipped on lights that mimicked daylight, making; me blink at the sudden brightness. Without a word, she crossed to a cabinet and extracted hand wraps and boxing gloves "Put these on."

I took them, bewildered. "Victoria, it's the middle of the night."

"And you're awake, drowning in self-

pity instead of planning your resurrection." Her voice wasn't cruel, just matter-of-

fact. "So put them on."

My hands trembled as I wrapped them, clumsy from Inexperience. Victoria watched, neither helping nor criticizing, until I managed to secure the gloves.

"Hit that." She pointed to a heavy bag hanging in the corner

I approached it uncertainly. "I've never boxed before."

"I'm not teaching you to box. I'm teaching you to channel your rage." She positioned

herself behind the bag, holding it steady. "Now hit it. Hard as you can."

Feeling foolish, I threw a weak punch. The bag barely moved.

she saw you at

hit again, putting slightly

voice hardened. "Think of Stefan signing those divorce papers on your anniversary. Think of your mother comforting

Heat bloomed

life. I threw another punch, then another, each one

last

them laughing in that

champagne glasses clinking, Rose wearing my ring, Stefan in the tie I'd given him. Something snapped inside me. My "Yes!" Victoria's approval fueled

Think of your parents choosing Ilose

myself in the rhythm of it, fists connecting with leather again and again. Each punch carried away a piece of furt, of betrayal, of worthlessness. I hit until my arms burned and sweat soaked my nightgown,

and handed me a towel without comment. I wiped my face,

my hands. "The last time you break for them. The last time you cry over people who never deserved your

pity but recognition. Understanding.

herself.

we begin." She checked her watch,

that probably cost

papers. By noon, you'll be legally Camille Kane. By evening, you'll have begun your education in fina She tossed

transformed. But from sunrise onward,

weighted with expectations and possibilities. I straightened my shoulders, Ignoring the protest from my

if I'm not strong

you're born with. It's something you build, one painful brick at a time. And you, Camille, have been gathering bricks for years without knowing it." She moved toward the door, pausing

your building

we construct something

through silent hallways that would soon become familiar. My home.

door, Victoria