Chapter 9

Ava's POV

As we walked through the living room, I spotted Natalia and her husband, Jim, getting ready to leave for their honeymoon. She looked us over with that smug, superior expression she always wore, raising an eyebrow as if she had something to say.

“You know, Ava, marriage can be tough—especially when you don’t have… resources. But don’t worry, I’ll keep you two in my thoughts while we’re away.”

“Natalia—” I started to speak, but Liam stepped in, giving Natalia a cold smile.

“Thanks for the unwarranted input, Natalia. I’ll make sure we avoid the pitfalls of your kind of marriage. Don’t worry; you’ll soon start crying.”

Natalia looked us up and down, smirking as if she knew something we didn’t. “You know, I was just telling Jim that it’s so tragic to start a marriage with nothing. I’m sure you’ll make it work for a month or two, though.” She smiled smugly. “Maybe Dad will lend you some money if you beg?”

Liam clenched his jaw, but I squeezed his hand in warning, silently urging him to stay calm. She’s not worth it. “Not all of us need handouts, Natalia. Good luck in your marriage—you might need it more than us,” I told her, keeping my face stoic.

She looked embarrassed but quickly hid it. “So, Ava, what’s the plan?” she asked, crossing her arms with a smirk. “I really hope that when we’re back from our fabulous honeymoon in the Bahamas, I won’t find you and your husband still… living here. Oh wait, poor scum can’t afford a place. Aww, that’s too bad. Don’t worry, you can serve us as a maid and a guard. That will suit you.”

Her words struck a nerve, but I wasn’t going to back down. I held my head high and looked her straight in the eye. “Well, beautiful sister, don’t tell me you and your ‘billionaire’—or is it ‘millionaire’—husband are planning to stay in your father’s house,” I said coolly, tilting my head just slightly. “That would be… well, let’s just say, very shameful.”

Jim gave Natalia a gentle tug, as if to pull her away, but she just laughed, as if she were trying to brush off my words.

“Oh, Ava, I just want to make sure you’re all set with… whatever little life you’re building,” she replied, her gaze drifting over to Liam. “I suppose you’re used to making do with less, aren’t you? But you, my dear Ava, can whore around for rich men. You’ll surely get money then. Oh, sorry I forgot… you’re also ugly and repelling. Nobody will want you.”

I felt Liam tense beside me, but I stepped forward, my voice calm and steady. “Yes, we’re building a real life—one that doesn’t depend on other people’s wealth,” I said firmly. “So trust me, we won’t be waiting around to ‘surprise’ you when you get back. And guess what? I’m sure even your husband will admit that I’m prettier and sexier than you’ll ever be. Right, Jim?” I raised an eyebrow, a smirk dancing on my lips.

Jim's mouth drops open, while Liam's eyes widen. They stare at me as if they never expected me to say something like that. Hell, even I never thought I'll say that. Natalia on the other hand, burned bright red with anger and embarrassment. Good!

Having had enough of her, I turned on my heel but not before throwing one last comment. “Enjoy your vacation, Natalia. Some of us don’t need a getaway to be happy. We just need to be beautiful and confident.”

Natalia looked taken aback, but I didn’t wait for her to respond. With Liam by my side, I continued forward, my heart racing but steady. "Damn Ava! That was crazy. You did super great."

I could feel his pride in me, and for the first time, I felt the same pride in myself. "Thank you Liam. This is the beginning of my growth." I was done letting Natalia or anyone else make me feel small.

When we entered the room, my father was already waiting for us in his wheelchair. He motioned for us to sit. “Sit down, Ava and Liam,” he said, his tone a little too formal. We settled in, and the moment we were seated, he turned to Liam with an intense look.

“So, I understand that Liam doesn’t have a job,” he began, his words carrying a tone that made me instinctively reach for Liam’s hand. Before I could say anything, though, Liam spoke up, cutting him off.

“Actually, I do have a job, Mr. Patel.“ I gave his hand a gentle squeeze, trying to reprimand him for interrupting.

My father didn’t seem impressed. He raised an eyebrow and continued. “As I was saying before you interrupted me, I want to offer you a job and a place to stay. This house may be big enough for all of us, but I want my daughter to be independent while staying close to me. So, I’ll give you one of the nearby mansions.”

I stood up, my heart racing. “Dad, please,” I protested, trying to keep my calm and appear less nervous.. “I understand what you’re trying to do, but no. We don’t need that. Liam and I are independent people.”

I could feel Liam’s gaze on me, and though I didn’t look his way, I could sense the pride in his eyes. This was our life–although a fake one–and we’d start it on our own terms.

My father looked at me, visibly surprised. “But Ava, you don’t have money. Where will you stay?”

“That’s what we were about to tell you, Dad.” I turned to Liam, and he gave me a nod of encouragement. I continued, “We already have a place. We’re leaving tomorrow.”

“What?” My father’s expression shifted from surprise to shock. “So soon, Ava. You just got back.”

“I know, Dad,” I said, reaching out to touch his arm. “But I’ll visit you often. I’m not abandoning you; I just feel like I need to discover who I am now. And don’t worry—I still love you.”

His expression softened, and he let out a small sigh. “Alright. I love you too.” Then he turned to Liam, studying him carefully. “Liam, please, take care of my daughter. I can see that you truly care for her.”

I felt my cheeks flush, my heart skipping a beat. Love? I turned to Liam, searching his face for a reaction. And then, to my complete surprise, he looked at my father, unblinking.

“Yes, Mr. Patel. I’ll take care of Ava. I love her.”

The words filled the room and settled in my heart, leaving me speechless. What the hell did he just say? But most importantly, why did I wish for them to be true?