AVA Days passed, and I poured myself into managing the family’s expenses. Despite the challenges and the hostile environment, I was determined to prove myself. Each day, I meticulously tracked expenses, filed reports, and ensured that every transaction was transparent. I hoped that through my work, I could earn Uncle John’s trust and perhaps soften the family’s disdain towards me. My husband, Liam, with his childlike demeanor, was my only solace. Though his mental state often made him seem distant from the complexities around us, his innocence and unwavering support provided me with a much-needed sense of normalcy. Every evening, after completing my tasks, I would sit with Liam, sharing stories and enjoying his company. His laughter and simple joys were a stark contrast to the tension-filled mansion, making our moments together all the more precious. One evening, during dinner, I sensed a shift in the atmosphere. Clara and Davies exchanged knowing glances, their eyes glinting w
Chapter 15 John Tyson sat in his dimly lit study, the light from the lamp casting shadows on the walls lined with shelves of books and family portraits. He glanced at the clock, waiting for Liam. His nephew’s footsteps echoed in the hallway before a soft knock on the door announced his arrival. “Come in,” John called, his voice smooth and inviting. Liam entered, his face lighting up with a smile as he approached his uncle. “You wanted to see me, Uncle John?” John nodded, gesturing for Liam to take a seat across from him. “Yes, Liam. I wanted to check on you. How have you been feeling?” Liam’s smile widened, a rare sight. “I’ve been feeling great, actually. My new roommate, Ava, has been wonderful. We’ve been getting along really well.” John’s expression darkened slightly, a hint of concern in his eyes. “I’m glad to hear that, but I need you to be careful, Liam. Ava might not be what she seems. She could be after your wealth.” Uncle John’s calculating gaze remained fixed o
LIAMI sat on the edge of my bed staring at the floor. My head was all jumbled up, like the puzzle pieces didn’t fit right anymore. Last night events were still fresh in my head. Ava wouldn’t try to hurt me on purpose, right? She was always so nice and always did her best to make me happy regardless of my mental state. Uncle John said to be careful, yes uncle John was smart and always took care of me, even handling the family's company but could he be right? Was all these concern and display of affection a faux? I shook my head vigorously, trying to make the bad thoughts go away. The bathroom door creaked open, and Ava came out, all wet from her shower, her hair sticking to her shoulders. She looked so pretty, but my heart hurt too much to smile.“Liam,” she said softly, “can we talk?”I looked up at her, feeling like my eyes were as big as saucers. “What is there to talk about, Ava? You almost gave me something bad. How could you be so careless? I thought you were my best friend"
Isabella sat in the grand living room, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the arm of the leather chair. Mr. Harris, the family lawyer, had just finished going over the documents. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.“Mr. Harris,” she began, her voice steady but laced with concern, “I noticed Amelia’s name is absent from any of my husband, Richard’s assets. Is there a reason for this oversight?”The lawyer adjusted his glasses, a look of discomfort crossing his face. “Mrs. Ray, it’s not an oversight. Richard’s will and asset distribution were deliberate. A significant portion of his major assets, including the estate and business shares, are in Ava’s name.”Isabella’s eyes widened. “Ava? But why? Amelia is his legitimate daughter, born within wedlock. How could he favor Ava, the child of a woman he considered nothing more than a gold-digger?”Mr. Harris sighed, sensing the depth of her distress. “Richard made his decisions with specific intentions. He might have hi
The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm golden glow over the Ray's estate as Isabella returned home from a long day at work. She stepped into the house, dropping her keys onto the console table by the door. The house was unusually quiet, and she welcomed the respite, her thoughts still swirling with the unsettling revelations from the day before.As she walked into the living room, Isabella froze. Amelia was there, but she wasn’t alone. Caught in a passionate embrace, Amelia was making out with a man on the couch. The scene was shocking not only for its intensity but also for the disarray around them—packs of cigarettes littered the coffee table and the floor, their smell heavy in the air.“Amelia!” Isabella’s voice cut through the room like a whip. “What is going on here?”Amelia and the man sprang apart, both of them wide-eyed and breathless. The man scrambled to his feet, hastily adjusting his clothes. Isabella’s eyes blazed as she took in the sight of him.“You,” she point
The morning sun filtered through the kitchen windows, casting a warm glow over the tidy space. Ava hummed softly to herself as she moved about the kitchen, preparing breakfast. She took great care in arranging the plates of scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit, wanting everything to be perfect. She knew how much Liam appreciated a good breakfast, and it brought her a sense of peace to know she was taking care of him in this small way.As she imagained the many ways Liam would jump with enthusiasm on seeing the food, a warm smile spread across her lips.As she set the last plate on the counter, she heard footsteps approaching. Clara walked in, her expression as sour as ever. Ava felt a familiar tension rise within her but forced a polite smile."Good morning, Clara," she greeted.Clara barely acknowledged her, brushing past her to grab a glass of water. Ava turned away, focusing on wiping down the counter. She didn’t see Clara’s quick, calculating glance toward the stack of plates on th
Ava wiped a stray tear from her cheek as she made her way upstairs, her mind still reeling from the morning's events. The shattered plates and Uncle Tyson's harsh words echoed in her mind, amplifying her frustration and sadness. She reached the bedroom she shared with Liam and closed the door behind her, leaning against it as her composure finally broke. Tears streamed down her face as she sank to the floor, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs."Why is this happening to me?" Ava whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. "What did I do to deserve this? Why did I ever agree to marry into this family?"She hugged her knees to her chest, feeling the weight of her misfortune pressing down on her. The constant tension, the feeling of never being good enough, and Clara's relentless schemes were wearing her down. It felt like no matter what she did, it was never right.A soft knock on the door startled her, and she hastily wiped her tears away. The door creaked open, and Liam peeke
AVA DAYS LATER The sun hung low in the sky as I made my way to Uncle John Tyson's study, my steps slow and measured. I had received a summons from him earlier in the day, and although I tried to remain composed, my heart was beating faster than usual. Uncle Tyson rarely called for me unless there was something serious to discuss. I knocked lightly on the door, and his gruff voice called me in. Pushing the door open, I stepped inside, my eyes meeting Uncle Tyson's cold, calculating gaze. He sat behind his large oak desk, his fingers steepled together, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "You wanted to see me, Uncle John?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yes, Ava. Sit down," he replied, gesturing to the chair opposite him. I sat down, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. I waited for him to speak, the silence in the room thick and oppressive. "Liam's aunt Margaret is arriving this evening," Uncle Tyson said, his voice devoid of any warmth. "It's important that he