Aviva POV. "Do you both know each other?" I took a step closer, staring at Joel and Levi.“Never!" they both replied, startling me. Joel glared at Levi, why Levi did do the same. I stared at Joel and Levi in disbelief. The tension in the air was palpable, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something more was going on here."I don't understand," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "How can you both say you don't know each other, but then act like you do? What's going on?" I demanded an explanation from them.Joel and Levi exchanged glances, both uncomfortable. "I've...never met this man before," Joel said, his voice tight. "And I don't appreciate him interrupting a private conversation." He continued.I found myself growing increasingly frustrated by the situation. Something wasn't adding up here, and I wanted answers."That doesn't make sense, Joel," I insisted. "You're reacting to Levi, and he's reacting to you. What's going on?"“We aren't on good terms,” Joel answered. “We once
Aviva POVI held the business card in my hand tightly, took a deep breath, and turned, heading back to the gala hall.“Where did you go?" Mom glared at me.“I just checked something out." I lied.Mom's face softened slightly as she took in my response, but the worry still lingered in her eyes. "Just be careful, Aviva," she said, placing a hand on my arm. "These events can be unpredictable, and I don't want you getting into any trouble."After the event we drove back home, all through the journey home Dad said nothing, he bit his lips and I looked out the window. Within an hour we arrived back home and I headed to my room.I pulled out the box filled with my painting and started searching. After much push and pull I saw the painting I had drawn years ago of the guy I kept seeing in my dreams. I pulled the painting up to my face and he looked exactly like Levi. My heart raced as I stared at the painting, the image of Levi's face staring back at me with a piercing intensity. It couldn't
Aviva POVMy jaw dropped. "What?!" I gasped, unable to believe what I was hearing. "You bought me? Like some sort of slave?”Joel's expression hardened. "It was a business arrangement," he snapped. "Your father needed the money, and I needed a wife. So that's what I did. And now you're here. End of story."I felt the rage bubbling up inside of me, and I clenched my teeth. "You're sick," I spat. "You think you can just buy a person? Well, I'm not a thing to be owned."Well. you should've told your dad that.” Joel stood up and walked to the bathroom.Joel's words stung like a slap in the face, the air in the room suddenly made my stomach grumble. “I'm not a thing to be owned," I repeated, trying to steady my voice. "I'm a human being, I will not be treated like a piece of property.""You can say whatever you want," Joel said, his back still turned to me. "But the reality is, you're here now. And you're going to have to learn to live with that."Joel walked to the bathroom, took his bath
Levi POV. For days I heard nothing about Aviva, I asked around, asking the people who attended the gala and I was told after the gala she left with her parents and nothing was heard. I paid people to go into the Rogers mansion to find out and they couldn't bypass the security guard. Finally after trying out ways to get in, i got a notification that Mrs Rogers needed a plumber. I contacted a plumbing agency and i got sent to the Rogers family mansion. dressed in a plumbing wear and a face cap with a dark shade eye glass I made my way there.Dressed in my plumber's disguise, I approached the Rogers' mansion. This was my only chance to find out what happened to Aviva. I approached the grand front door, I noticed the security guard eyeing me suspiciously. I forced a smile and nodded, but he continued to watch me closely as I knocked on the door.After a few moments, a butler answered, "Yes?" he said, "Good afternoon, sir," I replied, keeping my voice low and professional."I'm here from
Aviva POVI sat there at the dinner table, feeling like I was in some twisted fairy tale. The Tremblays are more like the witch, her ogre husband, and their spoiled son. all feasted on the extravagant dishes prepared by the maids. I would've preferred to eat alone in my room, but Mrs. Tremblay had slyly outsmarted me with her demands for a "happy family dinner."I tried to keep to myself, concentrating on my food, when suddenly Joel dropped a piece of meat on my plate. My stomach lurched.What game was he playing now? I flashed a side-eyed glance at Joel, who just smirked at me with that infuriating grin. I didn't know what he was up to, but I wasn't about to play along. If he thought he could woo me with scraps from his plate, he was delusional.I stiffened my spine, maintaining a stubborn silence. but I wasn't going to give Joel the satisfaction of knowing he was getting under my skin. I caught a glimpse of Mrs. Tremblay. She watched me intently, a calculating glint in her eye. My
Aviva POVFor a moment, everything was silent, except for the gentle buzzing of insects in the vineyard. Mrs. Tremblay's eyes were fixed on me, waiting for my answer.I could feel Joel watching from a distance, And yet, I knew I couldn't give in. I couldn't condemn myself to a life of misery, even if it meant enduring the Tremblay Manor.I slowly rose to my feet, "No, I would do it. And besides, Joel and I haven't gotten to know each other yet, why not take it slowly "I clenched my fist. "If you say so, as long as you get along that's what matters." she smiled. I turned and walked towards Joel, he held my hand and led me in another direction. I followed Joel through the vineyards, my hand clenched tightly in his. Despite everything, I knew I'd done the right thing by refusing to disagree to Mrs. Tremblay's demands. And maybe, just maybe, I could still find a way to escape the Estate and the Tremblay family's grasp.Joel guided me to a small picnic area, where a checkered blanket had
Aviva POVJoel smiled. "Oh, we're all quite mad here, Avi," he replied with a laugh. "But don't worry, it's the good kind of madness. As for what happens next, well, that's entirely up to you. You see, being a Tremblay comes with certain...responsibilities."He paused, "As a water witch, you possess a power that few others can even imagine," he said, his voice growing hushed and intense. "You have the ability to shape and control water, to bend it to your will. But with that power comes a price."He looked at you meaningfully, his gaze intense and searching. "You must decide, Avi," he said. "Will you embrace your heritage and accept your place in the Tremblay family? Or will you turn your back on your destiny and walk away from it all?"" Huh!" We arrived at the Estate and I kept staring at Joel in a strange way, " don't tell me he is mentally ill, i mean the whole family" i almost jumped on my own skin when Mrs Tremblay touched my shoulder.I looked up into her disdainful expression
Aviva POV Joel ordered my dress and within an hour it was sent. an hour later, we all got ready. Joel opened the car door for me, I got in and he did too. Within an hour we arrived at the venue,as soon as we got down lots of people including politicians came to handshake Joel, while he held me with his left hand, even my Dad. Dad glanced at me but I looked away like he never existed. I looked in the other direction seeing mom smiling at me and I looked away, we got into the hall and we were directed to our seat, Joel helped me seat. And soon the event began and Joel was called to come on stage, he went on stage smiling and giggling and everyone gave a round of applause, during his speech we were all asked to stand up.We all did and then the hall suddenly became crowded, I was covered by people who tried getting to the front. While Joel kept smiling on stage acting like a celebrity. people hailed his name. out of nowhere someone grabbed my hand, and pulled me away, i struggled try
Aviva POV “Please, Aviva,” Levi pleaded, “There has to be another way. You don’t have to do this.”I stared at him, “I’m sorry, Levi, But this is the path I’ve chosen. I won’t betray Elara.”, deep down I know fully well I can't place my mom's life in danger. I turned away from Levi, my heart in pain I couldn’t quite place it. I knew I’d hurt him, but I couldn’t back down. I owed Elara too much for that.Elara had promised me so much, a new life, a fresh start. But at what cost? Was it worth sacrificing my relationship with Levi? Was it worth the risk of losing everything I’ve worked for?For days I threw myself into my work at Global Reach, trying to bury my doubts and misgivings beneath paperwork and meetings. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape the nagging feeling that I’d made a terrible mistake. But at least, I got to give mom the better life she had given me. my phone rang and i glanced at it to see the caller Id Levi but i avoided the call. for days Levi had been
Levi POVI left the cafe, my mind was racing. I knew that Armstrong was right. I didn't have much time. Global Reach Enterprises was circling like vultures, waiting for ByteForge Technology to fall.But there had to be another way, a way to save my company without giving in to Thier demands.I pulled out my phone and dialed Dad's contact, i had promised myself i would never asked Dad for help but i guess i need to break my promise. “Hello Dad,” I said when he answered. “I need your help." “Levi?” Dad asked in surprise, “What is it, son? What’s going on?”I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. “Dad, I’m in trouble. ByteForge is in trouble. I’m about to lose everything.”There was a long pause, and then Dad spoke. “I see. And what can I do to help?”" I want to know the real owner behind Global reach Enterprise, they want ByteForge , like there are desperate and any silly move from me might ruin everything, i want to know who i'm fighting not shadows" “T
Levi POVI sat in my office, replaying all that Aviva had said to me a while ago. For the past months my company ByteForge Technology has been going through a severe rough patch, is the breach thing Aviva talked about the cause? I sat down wondering.I paced around my office. Aviva’s words echoed in my mind, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The security breach she mentioned could be the work of a disgruntled former employee? Or could it be something more sinister? As the CEO of ByteForge Technology I have to take this seriously. If someone was targeting our company, we needed to be prepared. But was Aviva telling the truth? Or was she part of something more nefarious?My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.“Come in,” I called, returning to my desk and trying to appear composed.My assistant, James, entered,“Sir, we’ve been contacted by Global Reach Enterprises. They want to speak with you about a…potential collaboration.”“Potential collaboration?
Aviva POVElara’s laughter faded away as she walked out, I could practically feel the tension in the room. We all knew what was at stake, what would happen if we failed.“Okay,” Parker said, breaking the silence. “So we get in, find the backup server, and get the info. Sounds simple enough.”I knew it wouldn’t be that simple, not with the high stakes and the security precautions in place. But I also knew that Parker was trying to lighten the mood, trying to keep us focused.The three of us left the conference room, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I could feel my legs getting heavy, making every step feel heavy and slow.“Don’t worry, Aviva,” Armstrong said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve got this. We’re going to get the information and get out, no problem.” I nodded, trying to smile. But I couldn’t help but feel creeped out. Something about this mission felt…off.Soon it got dark and we made our way towards Byteford Technology headquarters, disguising ourselves as janitors
Aviva POV“A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Rutherford,” I replied, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position with you.”“Indeed,” Elara said, her gaze assessing me “I’m sure you’re wondering why we’ve reconsidered your application after all this time.”I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. “I am curious, Ms. Rutherford.”“Have a seat,” she gestured for me to sit. I sat down in the chair across from her, feeling as if I were being measured and weighed, Elara leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on me. “I’m not going to lie to you, Miss Rogers. We’re desperate. Our recent ventures haven’t been as successful as we’d hoped, and we’re in need of new blood.”A chill ran down my spine at her words. “And you believe I’m the right person for the job?”Elara smiled, a cold, calculating smile. “I believe you have potential, Miss Rogers. You impressed us during the initial interview, and your determination to find employment even after we
Aviva POVThe disciplinary committee was a panel of three stern faced executives, each with a folder of documents in front of them. Bianca took her seat at the head of the table.“Aviva Rogers,” she said, her voice clear and authoritative. “You stand accused of falsifying company records and conspiring with other employees to undermine the authority of your superiors. How do you plead?”I opened my mouth to protest, but the words died on my lips. I knew it was useless. Bianca had made up her mind.“We have compiled a significant amount of evidence,” one of the disciplinary committee interjected, “But we’re willing to offer you a deal. If you confess, we’ll let you leave with a slightly more favorable recommendation.”I glared at him, my hands balled into fists under the table. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” I replied instead of pleading, “I refuse to confess to crimes I didn’t commit. I was set up!”The committee members exchanged glances, “Very well,” Bianca smirked,“We will proceed
Aviva POV" She would not if we all work together, we can cover for you. Divide up the work so it looks like you’re doing it all yourself, but we’re helping behind the scenes. i promise we would do it just like you and no one will notice" Jeff advised.I hesitated. It was a risky plan, and part of me worried about the consequences if we got caught. But the alternative of failing to meet Bianca’s impossible deadline was even worse. I nod at least I'll be able to get a good night's rest. Feeling renewed with hope, I returned to my desk and began sorting through the files, dividing them up among Jeff, Clara, Dana and Sarah who suggested she would help. We’d have to work quickly and discreetly, and we can do it.The hours passed, we passed the files around, each of us working on different sections. We didn’t talk, didn’t even look at each other. Finally, the clock, near midnight, the last file was finished.“Are you sure no one will notice?” I whispered to Jeff as I placed the files ba
Aviva POVSwallowing hard, I got up from my desk and made my way to Bianca’s office, each step feeling heavier than the last.I entered her office, and Bianca was standing by the window, her back to me. She didn’t turn as I approached.“Close the door,” she barked. I obeyed. What have I done wrong now?“You will never humiliate me like that again,” Bianca hissed, finally turning to face me.“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered, Bianca’s eyes flashed with rage. “You spoke to James,” she spat. “You thought you could go over my head and complain about your little cleaning assignment, didn’t you?”I blinked, my mind reeling. How did she know? “I…I didn’t…”“Liar!” she shouted.It's obvious she knew about it yesterday. Why bring it up now? Is she trying to drive to something? I wondered, staring at her. I stood there, paralyzed, as Bianca paced back and forth in front of me, her heels hitting the floor hard.“You think you can outsmart me? You think you’re special just
Aviva POVI felt so relieved and I felt like I could breathe again. “Thank you, James, I appreciate your help.”“It’s no problem, Miss, Bianca can be a handful, and I know Levi wouldn’t want you to be treated like that. But if she continues to give you trouble, you need to tell me. Don’t keep it to yourself. Now, why don’t you head back in there and start proving your worth?”. I nodded smiling, I turned and head into the department office when i suddenly heard my name from Bianca's office, "Aviva come over" she said loud and i sighed before heading there, i got into her office and she leaned back into her chair." I saw the strings you pulled, but take this, " she threw a file to work, " work on it and submit it tomorrow." I caught the file mid air, feeling the contents,“What is it?” I asked, curious piqued despite my wariness.“It’s a project for one of our biggest clients,” Bianca said, leaning forward. “I expect you to review the numbers, make sure everything is in order, and hav