From Cell to Crown- The Disgraced Heiress Returns

Chapter 1

Framed by her own family, Narissa stepped out of prison with one burning mission: revenge. It all started when her father brought his illegitimate daughter, Liora, into the family. Liora took everything from Narissa. And worse, she had falsely accused Narissa of trying to have her killed.

Her father's rage had been undeniable. "Even if you can't accept Liora, she's your sister, Wilde's only child. How could you treat her like this?"

But Narissa hadn't done anything. Not a single thing.

Her father slammed the phone onto the floor, his anger boiling over. "Look at this! The people you hired have already confessed. Why won't you admit it?"

Narissa had picked up the phone, trembling. The video on the screen showed a man pointing at her, fear written all over his face. "It wasn't me. I only did it because Narissa told me to."

There were even screenshots of money transfers, but Narissa was innocent. She'd wanted to investigate, but her father had sent her straight to the private prison.

The memory of his disgusted eyes as they dragged her away still haunted her. "I've spoiled you too much. Go in there and think about what you've done."

Now, looking back, her heart felt like it was being torn in two.

Outside the prison, reporters were waiting in a frenzy. As soon as they saw her, they pounced.

"Miss Sterling, rumors say you're insanely jealous and tried to murder your sister. Is that true?"

Narissa staggered back, bombarded by their questions, her mind foggy as she shook her head. "No... no, I didn't do anything. This isn't true."

Before she could say another word, another reporter jumped in, "If you didn't do anything, then why were you locked up? Why was there no one to pick you up when you were released?"

Her lips trembled, but before she could answer, another shot out, "Miss Sterling, your mother was an award-winning actress. Aren't you worried this will tarnish her reputation?"

Each question felt like a dagger, piercing her heart. She was suffocating, unable to breathe as the reporters closed in. Just when she thought she couldn't take it any longer, a hand grabbed her and pulled her out of the chaos.

It was Drake.

Drake, her childhood friend and fiancé, looked at her with cold indifference. His voice, laced with authority, sliced through the tension. "This isn't over."

The reporters seethed, but before they could react, a group of bodyguards in black suits stepped forward, seizing their cameras. The air was thick with their simmering anger, but none dared challenge Drake. After all, he was the son of one of the most powerful families in the city.

As Drake pulled Narissa away, the car ride was filled with a heavy silence, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Narissa glanced at him, her heart aching. Today was the day she'd been released, but the only person who had come for her was Drake. The bitter irony of it cut deep.

Drake tugged at his collar, his eyes cold as he turned to her. "You're just standing there like a victim, playing the martyr. Are you blaming Liora for everything?"

Narissa's heart shattered. The sting of his words was worse than the reporters' questions. "I didn't… I didn't say anything!"

Drake didn't believe her. He snorted, raising his phone casually. "If I hadn't shown up, who knows what you would've said?"

Her heart sank. How had everything come to this?

Before Liora had come into their lives, everything had been perfect. She and Drake had grown up together. In high school, he'd skip class just to be with her. After her mother's death, he stayed by her side, comforting her. They'd walk under the sunset, and when she grew tired, he'd carry her home.

After graduation, they got engaged, and their bond had felt unbreakable. But when Liora entered the picture, everything changed. Drake, once her protector, had turned against her, swayed by Liora's lies. "Liora is kind-hearted. How could you do something so cruel?"

No matter how many times Narissa tried to explain, no one believed her. She begged Drake for help, begged him not to lock her up.

But in that moment, Drake had stood by Liora's side, cold and distant. "You hired someone to harm Liora. Did you ever think about the consequences? You've been locked up for seven months. How is that different from what Liora went through?"

Tears stung Narissa's eyes as she looked at him. Desperation seeped into her voice. "I didn't do it. I swear."

But Drake didn't believe her. His brows furrowed, his tone grim. "Even after seven months, you still haven't learned your lesson."

Narissa's chest tightened as she noticed the car wasn't headed home. "Where are we going?"

Drake's face was impassive, but there was a flicker of softness in his eyes as he replied, "Today is Liora's celebration for Mr. Sterling's birthday."

The mention of her father's name made Narissa's heart clench. Her fists tightened, but she remained silent, feeling the tension rise.

In the past, when Liora first arrived, Narissa had been kind, giving her anything she wanted, clothes, jewelry, whatever. But Liora always seemed hostile. Narissa couldn't understand why. And when their father came into the picture, Liora clung to him, acting smug and proud, as if Narissa were nothing.

Narissa hadn't understood it, but her father explained, "Liora grew up without a father. She craves love from a father figure. As her sister, you should understand her."

Narissa had tried to open her heart to Liora, but it was clear Liora didn't want her around.

Seven months ago, Liora had framed her for trying to kill her, sending her to the private prison.

The past seven months had drained Narissa, leaving her broken. Now, she just wanted to escape their world.

Drake seemed to notice her silence, his tone stiffening. "Liora's been waiting for you. She wants to see you. That's why I rushed. Besides, you were the one at fault in the first place."

Narissa cut him off, refusing to hear another word.

"I understand," she said flatly.

The car fell into silence again. Narissa stared out the window, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. Soon, she would disappear from their lives forever.