Hollow Ascension - Chapter 19: From the Ashes

Ella always believed she was living a blissful life with a loving father, stepmother, and a doting husband. Even her half-sister seemed to treat her with kindness.But it was all an illusion. They were all after the vast inheritance Ella was set to receive from her grandmother!The so-called family affection and love were fake. Her stepsister and husband had been secretly together for a long time, plotting to seize Ella's fortune.On her birthday, they poisoned Ella’s drink and pushed her into the ocean.Ella has been reborn! Given a second chance at life, she won't fall into their tender traps again. Instead, she will rise and fight back, reclaiming everything that rightfully belongs to her!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hello everyone, this is my new book. Feel free to check it out: Married First, Loved Later: A Flash Marriage with My Ex’s “Uncle.”: At her wedding banquet, a man claiming to be Selina's lover stormed in, brandishing so-called intimate photos and causing chaos.Selina immediately saw through this as a scheme orchestrated by her half-sister, Natalia. However, Selina's fiancé, Ryan, not only refused to believe her but also went out of his way to defend Natalia.It turned out that Ryan and Natalia had already developed feelings for each other in secret. Everyone—Selina's father, stepmother, and Ryan's parents—knew about their affair, except for Selina, who was left in the dark.Taking advantage of the situation, Selina's father suggested swapping brides, proposing that Natalia replace Selina and complete the wedding. Ryan's family not only didn’t object but wholeheartedly supported the idea.That was the moment Selina finally realized the cruel truth: her family and Ryan's family were nothing but wolves in sheep’s clothing!“Cancel the engagement? Fine. But let it be clear—I’m the one rejecting you, you two-timing, spineless excuse for a man!” Selina declared with unshakable confidence.Her gaze then swept across the room, landing on an elegant and distinguished man. She vaguely remembered him as Ryan’s younger uncle. Walking over, she boldly asked, “Sir, how about getting married?”The man raised an eyebrow, finding her audacity intriguing. “It would be my honor, madam,” he replied.

Shennugou is an old and infertile place. It’s hard to find a woman to marry here.

I have been summoned to a game world, a world of swords and magic. Or at least that's what my friend said.I couldn't care less about that.But apparently, I can create whatever eldritch creatures I want, even the ones from urban legends and creepypastas.So what if the people don't like my babies? Screw them.This is the story of how I accidentally became the last boss of the world.

It’s been 11 years since I’ve lived for others and not for me.

The moment I cried out wanting to get away from my exhausting life, I opened my eyes in the body of some Count’s 20-year-old daughter.

Since this happened, I decided to live my life freely as a single woman.

But…

“I need a lady to act as my fake wife for a certain period of time.”

“A contract marriage?”

“The term is one year. When the time is up, I’ll give you divorce with no strings attached.”

The Duke of the Empire whom I had happened to meet at a ball was hitting on me.

Turns out he’s no other than the Emperor’s beloved brother, Duke Scade!

Hold on, it’s just going to end in a clean divorce with no strings attached?

“You should also give me alimony. Give me one of the best lands of the Ducal household with 10 years’ worth of profit.”

“…..What?”

“If you don’t want to do that, then we cannot get married.”

This time I’m going to live a life taking care of the things I need first!

***

“I’ll escort you since it’s late.”

Where to? My bedroom is just around the corner.

“Tonight, I’ll do my best.”

No, I don’t need you to do that.

“Did you just look at that man?”

Excuse me, Duke, you said it’s for a limited time only, so why do you keep obsessing over me?