The Tragic Heroine Knows the Law, Aren’t You Scared

My world fell apart.
Id woken up inside a novel, as the tragic heroine in one of those grim, tearjerker stories.
You know the type. The heroine gets mentally and physically torn to shreds, suffers a miscarriage, has her eyes gouged out, a kidney stolen, and then, finally, dies a miserable death. Only then does the male lead realize she was innocent all along, and hes left to drown in a lifetime of regret.
Seriously, this lawless world of yours can kiss my ass. I fell asleep seeing red, cursing them all under my breath.
When I opened my eyes, I was in the exact moment the heroine was framed by the male leads "one true love" for her own miscarriage.
Oh, hell yeah.
Now this, I can work with.
I whipped out my phone and dialed three little numbers. Help! Someone just tried to murder me!
Lets just see if this angsty, tragedy-filled world of yours actually has cops.

1
When I came to, I was slowly waking up in a hospital bed. The sharp, sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, and I wrinkled my nose in disgust. Ugh.
A tall figure in a black trench coat stood beside the bed, his voice as cold as ice. If youre awake, stop playing dead. Go and apologize to Lila.
That line why did it sound so damn familiar? Wasn't this from that god-awful novel I was reading before bed?
Matt Lennons features were sharp and handsome, but silhouetted against the light, with his hands shoved in his pockets, he just looked like an arrogant prick.
In the original story, Matt and the heroine, Elara, were married in name only. Elara had been secretly in love with him for years, and while Matt was drawn to her, he never admitted it to himself. Not until his childhood sweetheart, Lila, returned to the country.
Lila, desperate to break them up and take Elaras place, drugged Matt, intending to sleep with him. But through a twist of fate, Matt ended up in bed with Elara instead.
Forced to adapt, Lila flipped the script and accused Elara of being the one who drugged him. Elara couldnt defend herself, and Matt, believing she was a manipulative schemer, grew colder and more distant.
From that one night, Elara got pregnant. The first trimester was already precarious, but Lila showed up at their home, deliberately provoking her. She shoved Elara down the stairs, causing an immediate miscarriage.
And now this asshole wanted me to apologize to her? Un-fucking-believable. I am not the original Elara. Im here to collect your souls.
I scowled, my patience worn thin. Apologize? Like hell I will!
Matt blinked. ?
His brief confusion hardened into a deep frown. So, youre finally dropping the act. Lila was right. Your gentle, understanding persona was all a facade!
He lunged forward, grabbing my arm to drag me from the bed. You carelessly fell down the stairs and had the audacity to frame Lila. Shes so consumed with guilt that she hasnt eaten or had a drop of water since you lost consciousness. If you have a shred of decency, youll go and apologize to her right now!
Screw you and your decency! I ripped my arm from his grasp, a wave of dizziness washing over me. This body was still incredibly weak from the miscarriage.
I peeled my eyes open and glared at him, extending my hand. Give me my phone.
Matts frown deepened, but as he took in my pale face, a flicker of pity crossed his eyes. He pulled out his phone as he spoke. Fine, you can call her to apologize. Ill let it slide this time, given your condition. But dont you ever be so defiant again, or else
He was still talking, but Id already snatched the phone. With deliberate purpose, I pressed three numbers.
The call connected instantly. I spoke calmly into the receiver. Hello, 911? Id like to report an assault. Aggravated assault, actually.
Matt: ?
The police arrived with surprising speed. Soon, a few officers were gathered around my hospital bed. I cleared my throat and let out a theatrical, gut-wrenching sob. Officers, you have to help me!
I pointed a trembling finger at the utterly bewildered Matt. My husband is cheating on me with his mistress! She came to our house and pushed me down the stairs! My baby my baby is gone because of her! Oh, God, my poor child! Waaah!
Matts face turned a shade of furious grey. He met the officers stern, suspicious gazes and stammered, Thats not I didnt
Matt A soft voice called from the doorway. Everyone turned to see Lila, dressed in a simple white dress, looking fragile and delicate. She gazed at the room with wide, innocent eyes.
What a goddamn actress.
My mind raced. I had to strike first before she could spin her web of lies and play the victim.
I ripped the IV needle from the back of my hand and scrambled to the far corner of the bed, yanking at my hair to make it a mess. Help me! I shrieked, my voice cracking with manufactured terror. Shes here! The murderer is here! Shes come to finish me off! She killed my baby, and now she wants to kill me!
Lilas carefully crafted expression of vulnerability almost shattered. She took a hesitant step forward, her face stiff. Matt started to move towards her, but the lead officer blocked his path. Sir, the complainant has accused you both of assault. We need to get a statement. Please maintain your distance.
Lila: ?
Another officer gently tried to calm me down. I pretended to compose myself, hiding behind him and shivering. It was her. Shes the one who pushed me down the stairs. My poor baby only three months along. He never even got a chance to see the world.
Matts face was a thundercloud. Elara! What nonsense are you spouting? You fell by accident! How dare you slander Lila and waste police time by calling them? Do you have any idea how illegal that is?
I clutched the officers sleeve, my voice small and pathetic. She really did push me. After I got pregnant, I installed security cameras all over the house for safety. You can check the footage, officer!
One of the officers nodded, got the address from me, and quickly left with his partner to retrieve the recordings.
Lila looked like she was about to have a panic attack. She had been so bold because she thought there were no witnesses; the idea of cameras had never crossed her mind.
The original heroine was a real piece of work, wasn't she? Holding onto evidence but choosing to suffer in silence. What was she trying to do, win an award for tragic performance art?
The police were efficient. They returned to the hospital room shortly after, holding up a body cam that was playing the security footage. It was crystal clear: Lila cornering me, her hand shooting out to shove my shoulder, sending me tumbling down the stairs. A pool of crimson spread beneath me. The video showed Matt rushing in moments later, finding only Lila kneeling beside me, looking utterly helpless.
Lilas legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor with a thud.
Matt shook his head, muttering in disbelief. No it cant be. Lila she really killed my child
Lila crawled towards him, grabbing his pant leg. Matt, Im so sorry! I didn't mean to! I just wanted her to stop clinging to you! I never wanted to kill your baby! It was an accident, I swear! Please, forgive me, please?
I couldnt take it anymore. What the hell is wrong with you? Who are you asking for forgiveness? Im the one you pushed down the stairs! Im the one who had a miscarriage! And Im the one still lying in this goddamn hospital bed! Youre crying at the wrong damn grave, you idiot!
Lila: ?
Matt: ?
The entire police force: ???
Shit. I forgot my character.
I quickly clutched my stomach, my voice dropping into a mournful whisper. Now that the evidence is clear, officer Lila is guilty of aggravated assault. I want to press full charges. Please, you have to arrest her. Shes vicious and manipulative. Shell try to hurt me again. Im so scared Every time I think about my poor, dead baby, I cant sleep Waaah
My acting may have been terrible, but the facts were undeniable. Lila was arrested and taken away. Shed be held for at least 15 days.
Matt just stared at me blankly, then watched as Lila struggled and cried while being escorted out. A look of profound confusion clouded his handsome face.
Confused? Youre part of the problem, you magnificent dumbass!
I settled back onto the hospital bed. Matt, I want a divorce.
His lips trembled. A divorce? What right do you have to ask me for a divorce?
And there it is. A classic line straight out of a billionaire romance novel.
Without another thought, I snatched the water glass from the nightstand and hurled it at his stupidly handsome head.
Do you think having a few bucks in your pocket makes you some kind of emperor who owns my life? I said I want a divorce, and I will get a divorce! It has nothing to do with rights! Its a power granted to me by the goddamn law, not some favor you benevolently bestow upon me! Ill have the divorce papers sent to you tomorrow. If you dare refuse to sign, Ill leak everything that happened today. CEO of Lennon Corporation in Adulterous Affair; Conspires with Mistress to Cause Wifes Miscarriage. Just wait for your stock to plummet, your market value to evaporate, and the board of directors to demand your head!
The glass had cut his forehead, and a trickle of blood ran down his temple. Fresh water stains dotted his black trench coat. He had probably never looked so pathetic in his entire life.
The confusion in his eyes only deepened. Elara, youre not supposed to be like this.
A cold laugh escaped my lips. And how am I supposed to be? Should Elara forever be the weakling you speak of, letting you and Lila walk all over her without a peep? Should she always be your docile, obedient little wife, forced to watch you flirt with your mistress and swallow her pain? Should she just accept all the abuse you dish out? Go to hell. No one is going to coddle you forever. Im not your mother!
Matt stumbled out of the room, looking completely lost.
Suddenly, a dull ache throbbed in my chest. I realized it was the original Elaras lingering heartbreak.
Dont hurt for him anymore, I thought. Hes not worth it.

2
Ultimately, Lila was detained for 15 days for assault. The fact that she avoided criminal charges was likely due to some backroom maneuvering by Matt.
The day after I called the police, I hired a lawyer and had the divorce papers drawn up, making sure our marital assets were divided clearly and fairly.
I never understood the heroines in those angsty billionaire novels. Why did they always insist on leaving with nothing? What was this noble act of self-sacrifice all about? Youve been abused mentally and physically. When you finally get a divorce, taking your share of the marital property is the bare minimum youre owed. I hadn't even billed the bastard for emotional damages!
Unfortunately, the divorce process wasn't going smoothly. Matt stubbornly refused to sign the papers. After several heated arguments, he sent in his mothermy mother-in-lawto persuade me.
Mrs. Lennon, dressed in an expensive Chanel suit, took an elegant sip of her coffee before speaking. I know Matt was in the wrong. But in wealthy families, its common for couples to have their own lives. Marriage is often just for show. Your decision to call the police made things very ugly. If the Lennon Corporation hadn't suppressed the story, it would have been a city-wide scandal. You were being terribly immature.
Oh, for fuck's sake. The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. This family was a cesspool of toxicity.
I wasnt about to play nice. I picked up my own cup of coffee and, without a word, flung its contents squarely in her face.
Ahhhhh!!!
Her composure shattered. Brown liquid stained her perfectly coiffed hair and dripped down her priceless suit.
Elara! Are you insane?
Yes, I am! Driven insane by you and your shameless family! Your son cheats on his wife and gets his own child killed, and you have the nerve to tell me to just let it go? Are you even human?
You!
You what? You raised a son and failed to teach him basic decency, letting him grow into the degenerate he is today. He cheats on his wife and kills his unborn child. You think you, as his mother, bear no responsibility for the crooked path hes on?
I
I what? Its easy for you to talk about couples having their own lives. Did you forget how you threw a fitcrying, screaming, threatening to jump off a bridgewhen my father-in-law was alive and keeping a starlet as his mistress? Youre a master of holding others to impossible standards while letting yourself off the hook! If youre so damn magnanimous, why didnt you arrange a few concubines for your own husband back then?
He!
He what? Let me make this crystal clear: I am getting this divorce. Our shared assets will be divided strictly according to the law, and you wont cheat me out of a single penny. The fact that Im not suing your disgusting family for emotional damages is a testament to my kindness!
Mrs. Lennons face darkened, her eyes glinting with malice. She was ready to teach me a lesson. Guards! she boomed. Take this insolent woman to the basement! Im going to teach her some manners!
?
Right. Id forgotten. This old hag used to constantly abuse and gaslight the original Elara. Under the guise of teaching her rules, shed lock the poor girl in the basement to reflect, torturing her both physically and mentally.
False imprisonment, huh? Lets see about that.
I whipped out my phone and dialed the now-familiar number911.
Im at the Lennon mansion on the hill, in the back garden! My mother-in-law is trying to imprison me against my will! Officers, help!
Mrs. Lennon stared at me, her face a mask of disbelief. What are you doing?
I gave her a chilling smile. Giving you a little taste of what a civilized society feels like.
The police were, as always, incredibly efficient. When they arrived, the lead officers gaze flickered between me and Mrs. Lennon, his expression a mixture of exasperation and pity. You again.
I scurried behind him for protection. Yes, me again! This old woman is my mother-in-law! Shes trying to lock me in the basement to stop me from divorcing her cheating son!
The officer frowned at Mrs. Lennon, who was now at a complete loss for words. I I was just trying to scare her
Bullshit! If I hadnt been quick enough to call you, her guards would have dragged me down there by now! I pulled out my phone and played an audio file at full volume. I have a recording, officer!
Mrs. Lennon:
Thank God I had anticipated this old bat would pull something shady. Id started recording the moment I stepped foot in this mansion. The audio captured everything perfectly: her twisted logic, her attempts to manipulate me, and her furious command to the guards when her brainwashing failed.
The officer listened to the entire recording, his expression grim. His cold gaze fell on Mrs. Lennon. This is a society of laws, madam. Do you think youre some kind of local tyrant? Unlawful detention is a serious crime!
All the fight went out of her. But I didnt actually do anything
Making threats is also illegal!
For the next fifteen minutes, Mrs. Lennon, with her ruined hair, smeared makeup, and coffee-stained Chanel suit, stood with her head bowed as the officer gave her a stern lecture on civics.
I knew that without any actual harm done, they couldnt arrest her. But seeing her get a lesson in the law was satisfaction enough.
As I left the mansion with the police, the lead officer looked at me with a heavy, sympathetic gaze. Youre going through hell. Stay strong.
Thank you, officer. I have a feeling I might be needing your help again soon. My apologies in advance.
Watching the patrol car drive away, I couldnt help but marvel, You gotta love the public services in this country!

3
Matt continued to drag his feet on the divorce, but I wasn't the only one getting antsy.
Lila was like a cat on a hot tin roof, finding new ways to harass me every few days.
Too bad for her, I wasn't the original Elara. I wasn't going to be her punching bag.
She tried releasing a venomous snake near my apartment, hoping it would bite me.
Unfortunately for her, I had a thousand contingency plans. My new place was rigged with even more cameras, which captured the entire incident. I calmly called the police. Yes, its me again. Lila tried to have me killed with a snake.
She launched an online smear campaign, hiring trolls to paint me as a homewrecker. They doxxed me, leaking my private address and photos, unleashing a torrent of online abuse.
What could I do? I called the police. Officer, Ive been doxxed and harassed online. Its taking a severe toll on my mental health. I think Im developing severe depression from the trauma!
And so, Lila found herself back in a holding cell for another 15 days.
But even with her gone, I had no peace. Matt started following me around like a ghost, a truly unwelcome presence.
What the hell do you want? I finally cornered him in a coffee shop, my patience completely gone.
Matt looked like hed lost weight. I couldn't tell if it was from the anger of his once-obedient wife suddenly growing a spine, or the sorrow of discovering his one true love was rotten to the core.
After Id called the cops on his mother, hed called me, absolutely livid, accusing me of disrespecting my elders.
I had reamed him out in eight different languages over the phone.
He then began giving me the silent treatment, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It wasn't until Lilas second arrest for the snake incident that he decided to unilaterally end our cold war.
The man was certifiably insane.
He stared silently at his coffee. I was wrong about you before. I never thought Lila was capable of such things. I apologize.
Okay, accepted. Anything else? If not, Im leaving.
His eyes were slightly red as he looked at me, a searching expression on his face. Elara why do I feel like youve changed so much?
Here we go again.
I rolled my eyes. Changed? You mean because Im no longer your doormat? Is that what you cant get used to?
A strained smile touched his lips. Youve changed you dont love me anymore.
Now it was my turn to be silent.
I no longer felt the original Elaras heartache. Perhaps losing the child, coupled with Matts betrayal, had finally shattered whatever feelings she had left for him.
I nodded solemnly. Youre right about that.
His expression turned pathetic. Why?
??? Why? ???
Youre seriously asking me why? Youre a married man who couldnt keep his hands off another woman, living out some tragic lost love fantasy. Have you lost your mind? Your precious one true love killed your unborn child! And now that you see shes not so pure after all, you come crawling back to me asking why? Its because you broke her damn heart, thats why!
You have eyes, but you cant see a thing! Is that a tumor on your neck instead of a head? Do you have no capacity for rational thought? All you do is open your mouth and ask stupid questions! Try some self-reflection for a change instead of interrogating others!
Matt:
The verbal beatdown felt good. I didnt know or care how he felt. I grabbed my bag and stood up to leave.
Just before I walked out, I turned back to him. Sign the divorce papers soon. Otherwise, my next step is to sue.
As expected, Matt was as stubborn as a mule. Another half a month passed. Lila was released from custody, and he still refused to sign.
Fine. I spent a small fortune hiring the best divorce lawyer in the city and filed a lawsuit.
While waiting for the court date, I avoided Matt like the plague. I couldn't stand his bizarre logic or his pathetic attempts at feigning affection. It was nauseating.
Finally, the day of the hearing arrived.
In court, my lawyer presented all the evidence of Lilas harassment.
She also showed the court text logs from the original Elaras phone, revealing years of Matts cold indifference, his mothers degrading and belittling comments, and the provocative photos and videos Lila had sent to taunt her.
The defendant, Mr. Matt Lennon, had a weak emotional foundation with the plaintiff. He was consistently indifferent to her well-being, failing to fulfill his responsibilities and duties as a husband. He maintained an emotional entanglement with Ms. Lila throughout the marriage, failing to remain faithful. It was Mr. Lennons tacit approval that enabled Ms. Lila to escalate her campaign of psychological torment against my client. This culminated in Ms. Lila pushing my client down a flight of stairs, causing a miscarriage. Undeterred, she later attempted to poison my client with a venomous snake. Both incidents are corroborated by police reports and body camera footage from the local precinct. This marriage has caused my client, Ms. Elara Lennon, immense pain and suffering, inflicting deep trauma upon her both physically and mentally. The defendant, Mr. Lennon, is the at-fault party in this marriage. We request that the court grant an immediate divorce!
I secretly gave my lawyer a thumbs-up. Worth every penny.
In the end, the court ruled in my favor, granting the divorce and dividing the marital assets equitably.
The moment I stepped out of the courthouse, the sun felt brighter, my spirit lighter than it had in ages.
Matt stumbled out after me, trying to grab my hand. I sidestepped him easily. Excuse me. We are no longer married. Please refrain from touching me, or I will file a harassment complaint.
He looked lost, his voice pleading. Im sorry. I never knew Lila sent you those things. But the photos they were fake! Nothing ever happened between us!
I stared at him, baffled. And how is that my problem?
Elara, you His voice broke. Ive been thinking a lot these past few days. I realize now I think Im in love with you. I just didn't see it before. What I felt for Lila was just nostalgia for a past that was long gone. I
My face twisted in horror. Whoa, stop right there! Dont make this weird, ex-hubby!
A desolate look shadowed his handsome features. I regret everything. I regret not cherishing you. You have every right to hate me, to resent me. Elara, I promise, I will do everything I can to make it up to you!
I was already halfway down the street. As far as making it up to me went, a bigger share of the assets would have been a good start.

4
I assumed Matts dramatic declaration outside the courthouse was just empty words, but it turned out he was serious.
He started appearing everywhere in my life. Fresh roses were delivered daily. Trendy jewelry from luxury brands would mysteriously appear on my doorstep. He even had gourmet breakfasts sent over every morning, tirelessly performing what he thought were acts of profound love.
Ill admit, it was becoming a nuisance.
Since I was determined not to go back, accepting his gifts was out of the question. It was a matter of principle.
So, every morning, I fed his expensive breakfasts to the stray cats and dogs in the neighborhood. They were delighted. Matt may have paid for it, but the good karma was all mine.
The daily bouquets of flowers were always fresh and fragrant, but I couldnt keep them. I stuck them in the public flowerbeds along the street, doing my part for city beautification.
The expensive jewelry, however, was a problem. After some thought, I hired a courier to deliver it all to his mothers mansion on the hill.
I heard she fainted from rage several times, cursing Matt for being such a spineless fool.
I no longer felt any emotional feedback from the original Elara. She had truly let go.
As much as I used to curse her for being a pushover, being kind-hearted isnt a crime. She was just a tragic woman caught in a terrible story.
I had taken over her body, and with it, I hoped I could change her fateour fate.
Matt's relentless pursuit was getting on my last nerve. One day, after a shopping trip, he was tailing me again. I finally snapped and dialed that all-too-familiar number.
"Officer, I'm being stalked."
Matt: "..."
When the police arrived, they found Matt squatting dejectedly by a lamppost.
The officer's face was as dark as a storm cloud. "Are you kidding me?"
Matt looked up, his eyes red-rimmed and desperate. "I'm just trying to win back my ex-wife."
The officers response was swift and righteous. "First of all, where was this energy before? Second, there's a fine line between 'winning her back' and harassment, and you, sir, have crossed it!"
After a lengthy mediation session with the police, Matt promised to stop using stalking and other alarming methods to "win me back."
Before leaving, the officer clapped me on the shoulder. "I hope you find your peace soon," he said, his voice heavy with sincerity.
I nearly burst into tears. Finally, someone who gets it!
Matt watched me from a distance, a desolate figure. "Elara," he called out, "can I ask you one question?"
"Go ahead."
"Are you really Elara?"

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