Chapter 3

Ava's POV :

"For now, take a rest, Mrs Ava Hayes!!" His cold voice made me tremble.

After he left, I could only sob, hiding my face pressed into the pillow. By his behaviour at the altar, I know, he wasn't aware of all these incidents. Even though he was the person I hate, I know he loved Eva so much. That was one of the reasons he bullied me too much during those school days. 

And here I am, lying in the bed alone without any person to care. My family, for whom I agreed to sacrifice my dreams, abandoned me with his threats. I felt pathetic. Maybe I can run away as Eva did. But, I know Christian is not a normal guy to mess with. Even if I run away to New York, he will find me and ruin me.

The only positive thing I felt in this situation was his Granny. She is the kindest soul I have ever come across with. I don't know why Eva would run away when it was her dream wedding. A loving husband from a great family was waiting for her. But, she chose to get away. I couldn't understand her at all… Since childhood, she was after money just like our parents. Here, her fiance was filthy rich too. What else did she want??

Even though we were born together, she never treated me as her sister. She was mom's princess. And Dad had almost been neutral, but often chose Eva over me, as mom insists. I don't know if any other mothers can ever discriminate against their kids like this.

I was always the giver and Eva was the taker. And when something good happens, she will take it from me. Even if I complain, Mom and Dad will simply take her side by saying that I am blaming her out of jealousy. Like that, I used to go silent as there was no use fighting anyways. And I had to get satisfied with what she left for me. Just like this marriage.

I washed my face and came back to the room when an old lady came to me.

"Madam, I am Julia, and I am here to assist you. Mr Hayes wanted you to get ready as we will be leaving for the mansion in fifteen minutes." She informed me politely.

So, this is it… I have to go… But…

I felt a lump in my throat as I thought about the rest.

"Umm… Aunt Julia, please call me Ava. I need to take my backpack from my home."

"Madam… I mean, Ava, it won't be necessary as Mr Hayes had instructed you not to take anything from your family. I am sorry…"

"But.." I stopped as I know there was no use in requesting. I thought about my beloved this back at home. Maybe one day I could take them from there. Or, I can get back there when he kicks me out.

"Okay, I am ready. " Then she led me out. I felt like I was going to be sentenced to prison. I held my head low and walked behind Aunt Julia. I know, my selfish parents won't cross his words or come to send me off. 

"Eva darling!! How are you feeling now?? " I heard Granny.

"I am okay, Granny." I attempted to smile at her.

"I am sure you will be. Because I know how much Chris cares for you. He wouldn't have left a second by your side. I still remember the night he came to me and told me that he found the love of his life. He was so happy in love. Now due to my health condition and business pressure he may act weirdly. But, I want to see him happy again. I am sure only you can do that… Promise me that you will try your best to keep him happy. I am sure he will do the same for you…" she stood there waiting for my response.

"I…" I don't know how I can promise her that. I have always been a person of my word. Then I heard him again, 

"Of course, she will, Granny. You don't have to worry. " He stood near me keeping his hand over my shoulders and then looked at me.

"Do you promise to keep me happy, darling?? " He looked at me sweetly. But the pressure he held on my shoulders was too much that I wince in pain and said, 

"Of course, I will."

"See, she promised. Now you are happy, right ?? Granny, I will be happy when she is by my side. And I am going to enjoy every moment of our love life…" Even though they were sweet words for Granny's ears, I didn't miss the threat in them.

He opened the car doors for me like a gentleman and sat beside me. But as soon as the car started, he pushed me aside by saying,

" Don't get any ideas by watching my lovey-dovey actions. It's all for Granny. And the only thing you have to concentrate on is to keep Granny happy. And shut your mouth about what's in between us. You got me??" He seethed at me and I nodded in agreement. 

Oh Jesus, why did you drag me into this ?? I cried inwardly and looked outside as if I wanted to forget the situation I am in. After reaching the enormous mansion, Aunt Julia came to assist me.

" I am sure, you must be a bit tired. I will prepare a good soak for you." She suggested and led me upstairs, TO HIS ROOM…!!

I was so scared to step inside then I saw Aunt Julia turn around and said, 

"Ava came inside. Mr Hayes is in his office right now. And he only instructed me to take you here. You must stay with him as Mrs Gracia Hayes is still unaware of the truth. As her health is at risk, we are instructed to call you Eva, by your sister's name. I could see that you are not at all like her. In fact, I like you better and feel sorry for you…" she said truthfully.

"It's okay, Aunt Julia. This is my fate…"

"Yes, dear. Believe that this is for the best. And try to accept what God has given you. Give it a chance okay. I will prepare your bath now. After that, I will give you a home, okay??"

And I nodded. I liked her already. She is very easygoing and kind. I needed someone to say that everything is going to be okay… And after hearing her words, I felt a bit better. But as I thought about his furious face, I felt my heart tremble again.

As the bath was ready, I got into the bathtub filled with roses and essential oils. Aunt Julia even played soft music for me to relax. Before she get out, she said, 

"Don't worry, close your eyes and relax. Mr Hayes won't be coming for at least two hours, that's how he is after getting into the office room. By the way, don't sleep and get drowned. I will be back in half an hour. "

After she left, I closed my eyes and tried to forget everything that happened today. My life was turned upside down just like that. Tears flowed freely from my eyes and after some time, I felt relaxed at the same time my eyes felt so heavy that I could hardly open my eyes. Then all of a sudden, I was underwater. I wanted to sit back in my position, but I couldn't as my hands were slippery. I felt like I was going to die right there, in the stupid bathtub. Maybe that's for the better. I don't have to go through a torturous life. But, my body was still struggling for oxygen. Then all of a sudden, I was lifted out of the water by a strong grip on my hair, which turned out to be, Christian!!

I looked at him in disbelief that I had even forgotten I was naked in front of him. Then a slap landed on my left cheek which I felt like burning. My face was turned to one side and then I heard,

"Do you want to die, bitch??" 

He pushed me back to the tub but I balanced myself and became aware of my current state. I wrapped the towel, Aunt Julia kept beside the tub. All I wanted was to run away from his wrath. Even though my parents were not caring about my existence, they never hurt me like this. And I know, what he did was just a sample of what's going to come up in the future.

"I would be happy if you die, but not yet. My Granny needs to be happy, so you have to survive as well…"

What a selfish person he is… I can agree that my sister hurt him in the worst way. But it doesn't mean that he can take vengeance on me. Why won't he find her and take his revenge… 

I held my left cheek where his hand landed. And with the other hand, I secured the bathrobe around me. He came forward with a furious face that I automatically went backwards until I touched the wall behind me. He had a cruel smirk on his face and he held me by my jaws. I wanted to flinch, but I dared not to move. And I got a strong whiff of alcohol from him.

"I don't want to see your pathetic tears. You know, I despise you more than your sister. You and your whole family are the most horrible people I have ever come across. Just wait until it's time for revenge… Until then, I will be torturing you little nerdy. And no one will help you or let you escape from this, even death…!!"

Just like that, his lips crashed on mine and I tried my hands in defence to push him away. And he got more and more enraged. And pinned my arms above my head and kissed with more force. There was no love or passion… I felt only revenge. And through the kiss, he showed me how painful it would get until I tasted the blood.

Just like that first kiss was stolen away by him…!!

I heard the door opening and Aunt muttering, 

"Oops, sorry…!!" And he freed me just like that. And gave a final warning-look at me and walked towards Aunt as if nothing had happened.

"Ms Julia, get her the medicines and the things she needs. I don't want Granny to get upset, you got me??" He commanded.

"Yes, Sir. " She kept her head low and as he walked out, she ran to me. By that time, I was dropped to the floor as my legs couldn't support my body. It was like I was shivering completely.

"Oh my poor child, come with me. Let me help you…" I heard her say, but couldn't see her as my eyes were blurred with tears.