Jace stood at his office window, his reflection a ghostly double in the glass as he stared out at the city skyline. The distant sound of traffic was a low background noise to the racing thoughts in his head. He continued on clenching and unclenching his fists, trying to keep himself focused.He turned at a faint knock on the door. With a pile of documents held in her arms, Elena stood there looking calm as ever."Come in," Jace gestured for her to go inside.With deliberate movements, she placed the paperwork on his desk and walked in. "These are the communications you requested, sir."He said, "Thank you, Elena," taking a minute to look at her more intently than usual. The doubt lingered in the back of his mind, but he forced himself to ignore it.For a short while longer, Jace's gaze lingered on Elena, and he could nearly make out the obvious symptoms of anxiety on her face.Her gaze flitted from him to the files and back as her fingers fidgeted with the pile of documents she'd pl
The next morning, Jace was sitting in his office, feeling very sad about being betrayed. He had been thinking about Marcus's email all night because the proof against Elena was clear.Even though he was hurt and angry, he knew he had to keep calm to catch her in the act.Jace didn't want to work until the sun rose over the city and lit up the office with a lovely golden light. He got stronger because he was determined to find the truth. He was like a man on a mission. He had to tell Elena the truth now that he knew it. He had to.He was thinking about something else when he heard Elena's footsteps in the hallway. It made his heart beat a little faster. That was it. A calm mask was put on his face as he forced himself to do his morning exercise. After a light knock, Elena arrived at the door. She arrived with her usual coolness, carrying a tablet."Good morning, sir," was her welcome."Good morning, Elena," was Jace's polite greeting. "Come in."Elena came over and gave him the ta
The evening of the dinner party finally arrived. Avalynn's hands were slightly shaky as she adjusted her dress standing in front of the mirror. She took in a full breath, preparing herself for the night ahead.. she knew it was gon' be a long night. This was their chance to put an end to the rumors that had somehow spread, whispers that their marriage had been contracted. Tonight, they had to prove that their love was genuine, thus she had to prepare for the act. Avalynn brushed the silken material of her dress, making it shine in the gentle light filling the space.The dress was a striking choice that would surely draw attention from everyone at the celebration because of its deep shade of lilac. And she desired that very much. She needed to perform her part flawlessly tonight.Her gaze darted to the door as she moved away from the mirror. She needed to make sure her mask was firmly in place because Jace would be chasing her any moment.The night would be a performance, and she co
The MC continued conversing and engaging the guests then he mentioned Jace and Avalynn's first meeting."You know," he started, "I've heard that Mr. and Mrs. Malvis met at a charity auction." Jace bid on a picture, while Avalynn bid against him. They both desired it so much that they decided to buy it together, and the rest, as they say, is history."The audience laughed at the anecdote, and Jace and Avalynn exchanged a knowing glance.The monologue went on: "And I heard that the painting was by an artist called Elexius Rahn, known for his surreal and evocative works."Jace looked to Avalynn with a warm smile on his face. "Do you recall the painting? "The one with the never-ending staircase?"Avalynn laughed softly, with true warmth in her eyes. "How could I forget?" It was beautiful. And I guess that was the moment I realized you weren't just a stuffy businessman."Jace and Avalynn kept up their act, motivated by a mutually beneficial arrangement, but both were aware of the unsaid tr
Elena stood in the room's corner, a mixture of jealousy and anger burning in her eyes.She had seen Jace and Avalynn kiss, and it had left her deeply wounded.How could the man she loved and her boss, Jace, hug his wife with such passion?.. A fake wife?She had consistently provided him with support and guidance when he needed it. However, it suddenly appeared that her love and devotion were insufficient.Elena found herself silently furious when Jace and Avalynn sat at the head of the table, their faces shining.Jace saw that he was staring at Avalynn and that his thoughts kept returning to the kiss. He couldn't deny the unexpected warmth that had flowed between them, the tenderness he'd felt at that instant. Does she feel it too, he wondered.Avalynn sat across the table, thinking the same things. It was beyond her imagination that she would feel so alive in Jace's arms, his lips against hers. She was left feeling puzzled and torn because it had come as such a surprise and was so
Jace looked at her, raising an eyebrow. He responded, "I could say the same thing. I believe you mentioned that you wanted some fresh air. But, it appears like you were holding out for someone."Elena blushed pink in the cheeks.Elena announced in a forceful voice, "I wasn't waiting for anyone. I was just..." She wandered off, looking about the garden as though she was looking for ideas. "I was simply taking in the flowers," she said, gesturing to a rose bush close by.Even though Jace knew she was lying, he chose to comply. He said, "Is that so?" So, you must be a huge fan of roses." Elena swallowed, attempting to keep her cool. "Yes, I am," she said, this time speaking a little more softly. Jace's face also became more sympathetic. "It's okay, Elena," he reassured her.Elena moved uncomfortably, her gaze darting between Jace and the party's entrance. She blurted, "I should get back," as she finished her sentence. Jace was left standing in the yard as Elena turned and ran back int
Elena paced tensely, her mind fixed on what had happened that evening. Her fear was heightened by the clear brilliance of the moon and the shadows around her.Liam seemed large against the background as he emerged from the shadows. His face was unreadable, a mask of composure as he observed Elena and awaited her next move."You saw it, didn't you?" Elena's voice quivered a little, showing her internal conflict.Liam slowly nodded. "Yes, I did see," he said in a measured tone. "Yet we were aware that this may occur. It's outlined in the strategy."Elena stopped pacing and turned to look at him, her eyes full of rage and desperation. "It hurts more than I thought it would," she said sourly. "Seeing him with her, knowing he kissed her...""He kissed her because he had to," a firm-voiced Liam interrupted. "All of it is necessary to keep up appearances. You are aware of this.Elena shook her head, speaking in a broken voice. "No, Liam, that's not credible. Jace isn't a very talented actor.
"Good morning, Jace," Elena said with a hint of fake optimism as she walked into his office.The smile was not returned by Jace. Rather, he reclined in his chair, his gaze fixed on her face. He did not greet Elena back. "Close the door, Elena," he said.A small furrow appeared on Elena's forehead as she nodded. Stepping up to his desk, her heels tapping the shiny surface, she waited in front of him.Jace grabbed for the envelope and took out a stack of pictures without saying anything. He threw them onto the desk, causing the glossy pictures to glide over the glossy wood surface and land in front of her. "Explain this," he sharply challenged.Elena noticed the photos and her eyes grew wide. She trembled a little when she took up the top photo. She and Liam were clearly in the picture, their faces identifiable and their smiles too close to be misinterpreted as innocent. She lost all of her blood on her face. Her thoughts raced, remembering the intimate and secure times she had spent wi
EPILOGUE: The air in the Malvis estate was filled with the soft hum of life.. the distant chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.Avalynn stood on the terrace, her eyes drifting over the landscape as the day slowly gave way to night. The previous few months had been a blur as she adjusted to her new position in the family business, planned the wedding, and experienced the pleasures of married life. She had, however, had a profound sense of joy and happiness throughout it all that she had never experienced before. With a little smile on her lips, she carelessly stroked her expanding tummy. Even though everything had changed so rapidly, life yet seemed quite right. The days had been full with love, laughter, and a wonderful sense of what was ahead.Silently, Jace walked into the room behind her, his light hardwood floorsteps. With his chin resting on her shoulder, he encircled her with his arms from behind and followed her look out the window. With a low g
Avalynn stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection with breathless eyes. Her body fit the ivory gown, which seemed a second skin with brilliant veil cascading down her back and delicate lace flowing down her arms. Grateful for the pearls' coolness, she ran her fingers over the beaded bodice.Lisa was behind her, adjusting the finishing touches, tucking the dress's train and setting the veil.With a note of wonder in her voice, she said, "Ava, you look amazing."Avalynn shifted slightly and looked into Lisa's mirror. With tears still welling up in her eyes, she said, "I can't believe this is happening. I never thought this would happen."With a kind grin, Lisa squeezed Avalynn's shoulders. "You are deserving of everything." You will make the most stunning bride when you tie the knot with the love of your life."Avalynn inhaled deeply and then looked at her mirror again.The girl who was gazing back at her appeared to be a dream - graceful, dazzling, and brimming with joy
With the sun rays coming in through the transparent curtains and lightning the room in a warm, golden glow, Avalynn stirred in her deep sleep.The blankets hugged her body tightly, leaving the remains of last night's excitement still visible on her skin.Jace stirred at her touch, his eyes slowly opening. When he saw her, a slow, lazy smile spread across his face, and he tightened his hold on her, pulling her closer. “Morning, beautiful,” he whispered, his voice husky with sleep.His features, softened by the dawn light, were relaxed in sleep, a far cry from his usually controlled and powerful look.Her heart became big with love and happiness as she reached out and gently brushed a lock of hair off his face. Peace, love, and the man who had become her whole world were all she had ever wanted.At her touch, Jace moved and slowly opened his eyes. A slow, lazy smile crossed his lips as he spotted her, and he tightened his grip, drawing her in. He whispered, "Morning, beautiful," his vo
The dim light of the bedside lamp cast a soft glow over the room, creating a cozy atmosphere that enveloped Jace and Avalynn as they lay side by side on the large bed. The events of the past weeks had been intense, but now, everything seemed to have settled into place. The room, decorated in muted tones of gray and blue, felt like a sanctuary from the outside world.. a place where they could finally breathe and enjoy the calm after the storm.Avalynn laid her head on Jace's chest and made gentle circles over his skin while she listened to his heartbeat.They had a comfortable stillness that was laced with the warmth of unsaid understanding and shared experiences. Thinking about how far they'd come and how a one-night encounter had brought them to this point, she grinned to herself."Remember the night we first met?" Avalynn has a hushed, almost dreamy voice.With a chuckle, Jace ran a hand through her hair. "How could I overlook that? You were the most stunning woman in the club, an
Two weeks had passed since the whirlwind of revelations that had shaken the foundation of Avalynn’s world. But now, the dust had settled, and with it, a newfound clarity and peace had emerged. Avalynn had come to terms with her heritage, her place in the Malvis family, and most importantly, with Jace. The man she loved, who had been her anchor in the storm, was no longer just the man she thought she knew; he was so much more.The Malvis house was a hive of joy tonight. The huge hall gleamed with wealth and grace, decorated with crystal chandeliers and high ceilings. The walls, which were covered with pictures of the Malvis ancestors, appeared to witness to the importance of the evening.. the official recognition of Avalynn as a real Malvis and the celebration of the family's victory over the Rinders, longtime enemies.Guests started to pour into the hall as the evening sun started to set, soaking the estate in a warm, golden glow. With the quiet hum of string instruments playing
With a deep breath, Jace's grandfather looked at him and Avalynn who were seated across from him. There was a tight, stifling silence as the weight of the information he was about to impart seemed to drain the room's very oxygen. As Jace's jaw tightened and his eyes locked on the elderly guy, Avalynn shifted in her seat, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest.The grandfather said, "Jace, Avalynn," in a tone that was serene but full of a gravity that made Avalynn's skin crawl. "The results of the DNA test are in."The words, thick with anticipation and terror, hung in the air like a fog. Avalynn braced herself for what was about to happen, her fists clenched in her lap and her claws digging into her hands. Jace leaned forward a little, his eyebrows furrowing in a startled yet nervous way.The grandfather stated, "The test proves that Avalynn is in fact my late son's biological daughter."A painful gasp from Avalynn's lips as her breath caught in her throat. The words echoed in her
Apart from the soft buzz of the equipment deciding their fate in a moment, the room was quiet. Avalynn sat on the brink of her seat her fists clenched in her lap and her knuckles white from the pressure. Jace walked back and forth, his body stiff from all the questions flying about in his thoughts.As they awaited the start of the DNA test, a distinct sense of apprehension filled the air.Grandfather Jace was standing close to the door, his face expressionless. Unwilling to allow the doubt to linger any longer, he had insisted on the test being conducted right away. Avalynn was so preoccupied with the idea that her whole life had been a lie that she had hardly noticed the trip to the private clinic. The idea of having Jace as her brother and becoming a Malvis by blood was too much for her to fathom. However, they were now facing the moment of truth.A nurse arrived with the required supplies in the room. "Miss Avalynn and Mr. Malvis Senior will need to provide samples," she stated
Avalynn gazed at the picture, her eyesight going blurry. Her mother’s image, frozen in time, looked back at her with a familiar smile that now felt hauntingly distant. She swayed on her feet as the room appeared to tilt and a sensation of vertigo overcame her. Her palm trembled as she attempted to settle herself, her fingertips grazing the edge of the desk, a sign of her mounting panic.In an instant, Jace was by her side, his arm encircling her waist and supporting her before she could pass out. He pleaded, "Ava, breathe," in a worried-sounding voice. Though his hold was tight, the panic that overcame them both was reflected in the shaking in his voice.From behind the desk, his grandfather observed them with a normally calm expression that broke into a look of uncertainty that Avalynn had never seen before. The man who had always been a tower of strength appeared lost, as though the world was collapsing around him."I'm not sure I get it. How is this even feasible?" Avalynn's li
As the tension in the room increased, Jace's eyes darted between Avalynn and his grandfather, making it obvious that he was confused.“You didn’t mention she would be here,” Jace finally said, his voice tight, barely concealing his frustration. His brow furrowed in a way that made Avalynn’s heart ache. His grandfather remained seated, his hands folded calmly on his desk. “You’re right, Jace. I didn’t. But I didn’t think I could sit back and watch you continue like this. You’ve been shutting yourself away, wallowing in self-pity and loneliness. You need someone by your side.. someone you trust. And there’s no better woman for you than Avalynn.”A beat skipped by Avalynn's heart. She had rarely seen Jace's face of vulnerability, and it completely shocked her. With words stuck in his throat, he remained motionless, and the ensuing stillness was replete with unspoken realities.With black eyes filled with emotions he couldn't seem to control, Jace turned to face her. His regret-filled