His Ashes, Her Crown

Chapter 1

"Congratulations, Ruby! You've been awarded the full scholarship to Kings College London." My professor smiled at me from across her desk.

I stared at her, my mouth hanging open. "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious. The program starts in six weeks. They're covering tuition, accommodation, everything. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Six weeks. London. Full scholarship.

I practically ran out of the building. My phone was already in my hand, ready to call Dale. Four years together. Four years of struggling, building, dreaming. And now everything was finally falling into place.

I rushed home, my heart pounding with excitement. Dale would be so proud. We'd talked about me doing my master's abroad before. He'd always said he'd support me no matter what.

But when I unlocked our apartment door, I found Sofia sitting on our couch. She looked perfectly fine, scrolling through her phone. She was Dale's dead best friend's sister, and she'd been around a lot lately. But Dale hadn't mentioned she'd be here today.

"Sofia? What are you doing here? Is Dale home?" I asked, setting my bag down on the console table.

She looked up at me, and her expression suddenly changed. Her face twisted into something ugly and cold.

"Why do you always have to make everything about yourself?" she snapped. "Can't I just sit in peace without you interrogating me?"

I stepped back, confused. "I just asked if Dale was…"

"I heard what you asked!" She stood up, her voice rising. "You think you own this place? You think you own him?"

"Sofia, what's wrong with you? I just got home"

"What's wrong with ME?" She laughed bitterly. "You're what's wrong! Walking around here like you're so perfect, like you're better than everyone else!"

"I never said…"

Her hand shot out before I could finish. The slap landed hard across my face, making my head snap to the side. Pain exploded across my cheek.

"Sofia!" I stumbled backward, my hand flying to my face.

But she wasn't done. She shoved me. Hard. I tried to catch my balance, but my heel caught on the rug. The glass coffee table was right behind me.

I crashed into it with full force.

The sound of shattering glass filled the apartment. Sharp, burning pain exploded across my back and legs. I tried to catch myself, but my hands came down on broken glass. Blood started pooling immediately, from my arm, my leg, my palm.

"Look what you made me do!" Sofia suddenly screamed, her voice changing completely. "Why did you attack me? Why are you so violent?"

I tried to stand, glass cutting into my skin with every movement. "What are you talking about? You pushed me"

The front door burst open. Dale rushed in, his eyes going wide as he took in the scene. Me on the floor, bleeding. Sofia standing over me, her face twisted in fake fear.

"Dale! Thank God you're here!" Sofia ran straight to him, tears suddenly streaming down her face. "She