As they stepped out of the elevator, Ava escorted her mother through the opulent penthouse foyer, the soft glow of crystal chandeliers casting a warm, inviting ambiance around them. The marble floor gleamed underfoot, its subtle sheen reflecting the light of the chandeliers like a still pond. The sound of gentle music floated through the air, a soothing melody that seemed to match the rhythm of their footsteps."If you need anything, sweetie, don't hesitate to phone me," Mrs. Greenfield said, her voice filled with concern, her eyes scanning Ava's face as if searching for any sign of distress.Ava smiled reassuringly, her lips curving upwards in a gentle arc. "I'm alright, Mom. Really. Luke is taking good care of me. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’m all grown up now."They made their way to the underground parking lot, the lighting transitioning to a sleek, modern glow that seemed to emphasize the luxurious surroundings. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent o
Jackson's hands reached out to steady Ava, his touch gentle, but Ava's reaction was instantaneous. She flung his hands away, her eyes flashing with anger, her voice cold as ice. "Don't touch me. I'm fine. You can leave now."Jackson's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, his face a mask of concern. "You should be careful, Ava. My aunt and Amelia are planning something. I think, but I know it can't be good."Ava's laugh was harsh, her eyes rolling in disdain. "Like you care," she spat, her voice dripping with venom.Jackson's mouth opened as if to say something more, but he seemed to think better of it. His eyes lingered on Ava's face, searching for something, before he turned and walked away, leaving Ava shaken and alone.Ava turned away, her shaking breaths the only sign of her turmoil. She walked into the penthouse, her composure brittle, her mind reeling with questions. How had this escaped her notice? She had no idea Amelia was out of prison already. A chill ran down her spine. For
Luke stood in the shadows, his face etched with concern as he overheard Ava's conversation with Stanley. His eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications of Amelia's release from prison. He knew how much Ava had suffered at her hands, and the thought of her returning to that dark place was unbearable. He remembered the nightmares, the anxiety, the fear that had gripped her for so long. He didn't want her to go back to that.As Ava and Stanley parted ways, Luke approached her, his expression softening. "Hey, what are you doing out here?" he asked, his voice gentle, trying to sound nonchalant despite the worry gnawing at his gut.Ava chuckled, a hint of nervousness in her laugh. "Just seeing Stanley off," she lied, trying to brush it off, but Luke knew her too well.Luke's eyes lingered on hers, his gaze piercing. "You should come back inside," he said, his voice laced with concern. "It's getting chilly out here, and you're pregnant. You need to take care of yourself.""Yeah, l
The next morning, at the gigantic Timberlake mansion, the family gathered for breakfast in the grand dining hall. Mr. Timberlake, his face paralyzed, sat in his wheelchair, reliant on Gloria to feed him. Amelia, seated across from them, ate her meal with a mixture of disdain and superiority.The door swung open, and Luke stood in the entrance, his presence commanding attention. His cold stare swept the room, his eyes lingering on each face before settling on the family. He wore a tailored suit, his blazer accentuating his broad shoulders, exuding an aura of power and control.The room fell silent, fear etched on every face. How did he get in undetected? Amelia's eyes widened, her mouth opening to form a silent "Luke Richardson." She stuttered, "W-what are you doing here?"A bodyguard rushed behind Luke breathing heavily in exhaustion. He had been chasing Luke and trying to stop him from entering. Gloria nodded at the guard to let Luke be. Luke now walks majestically to the front of
Luke's limp body was pushed on a cart into the hospital, his head bleeding profusely, his entire body bruised and battered. Ava ran beside the cart, tears streaming down her face as she called out his name, "Luke! Luke, please! Oh God, no!"Stanley kept pace with her, his face grim with concern. "Ava, we have to let the doctors work, he’s going to be alright. Calm down," he said, trying to calm her down.But Ava was beyond consolation. She had been on the phone with Luke when the accident happened, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of helplessness. Tears kept falling down her face as she shivered to the worst possible case. What if he died? He’s unconscious!As they rushed Luke into the emergency room, Ava and Stanley were left outside, waiting anxiously for news. Ava paced back and forth, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.“Sit down, Ava,” Stanley tried to reassure her, "He's going to be okay, Ava. Luke's strong. He'll pull through."But Ava couldn't shake off the fear t
Amelia's voice trembled as she spoke, "I want to pull out, Gloria. I don't want to be a part of this anymore."Gloria's expression turned icy, her eyes flashing with anger. She rushed towards Amelia, her hands grasping for her neck. Amelia's eyes widened in fear as Gloria's grip tightened, her fingers digging deep into her skin."Don't act weak, Amelia," Gloria hissed, her breath hot against Amelia's ear. "I'm not ready to start taking care of defaulters. You need to get your head in the game."Amelia's eyes stared into Gloria's, fear passing through her like a wave. She had never seen Gloria like this before, her eyes evil and menacing."I'm sorry," Amelia whispered, trying to placate her. "I was foolish to pity the Richardson’s after what they did to me. They deserve everything that’s coming right at them."Gloria's grip relaxed, her hands releasing Amelia's neck. She patted Amelia's shoulder, her touch condescending. "Very good, Amelia. Now you're coming back to your senses. Never
Ava's eyes widened in denial, her face pale with shock. "No, that's a lie!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking with emotion. "Luke can't be in a coma. He's going to be fine, he has to be. He's strong, he'll pull through. Where is he? No, I don’t want to see him. He’s fine."The doctor's expression was sympathetic, but firm. "I'm sorry, Ava. I wish I had better news. We did everything we could, but...he's still not responding."But Ava wouldn't let go. She grabbed hold of the doctor's collar, her fingers digging deep into his shirt. "Bring back my husband!" she cried, her body shaking with sobs. "I want to see him! I need to see him!"Mia rushed forward, trying to intervene. "Ava, stop. Let him go. He did what he could. He’s done his part to help."“But his effort wasn’t enough!” But Ava held tight, her grip unyielding. Mia tried to pry her fingers loose, finally managing to pull her away from the doctor."I'm so sorry," Mia apologized, as the doctor quickly beat a retreat, looking relie
Officer Thompson approached the grand entrance of the Timberlakes' mansion, his eyes fixed on the imposing structure. He stepped inside, and Gloria greeted him at the door, a hint of curiosity in her voice."What brings you to my humble home, Officer?" she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.Officer Thompson flashed his badge, his expression stern. "I'm here to investigate the hijacking of Luke Richardson's car. We have reason to believe he was here before the incident."Gloria's expression changed from curiosity to concern, but Officer Thompson could see the faintest glimmer of something else - fear, perhaps, or guilt. "Oh, what happened to Luke? Is he alright?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of insincerity.Officer Thompson's eyes narrowed. "That's what I'm trying to determine. And I understand Luke was here before the accident. Care to explain what he was doing here?"Gloria's smile faltered, and she took a step back, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for