"Puppet?" Ava asked. She felt numb, as if she'd been forced out of her normal state of being. Jace ignored her, he obviously wasn't sorry for what he'd said. In the actual sense, that's just what she was to him - a means to an end. He turned his gaze away from her, going back to his position. The sudden feeling as if she were floating in a sea of uncertainty overtook Avalynn. He'd just referred to her as a puppet, which meant that was exactly what he saw her as. She felt her pulse thumping in her chest, as she wondered if that was how her marriage was going to turn out. Would she have to obey him no matter what, just like a puppet does its master? Would she have to give up control of her own life and let him direct it? A sense of fear and uncertainty rose within her, threatening to overwhelm her.She hadn't felt like this since she said yes to his proposal. Was he always this cold, or had she been too busy to notice? It was only the first day of 365, and already, this? The sud
As Avalynn considered the idea of Jace having a woman in his life, an involuntary shiver ran down her spine, but she swiftly brushed it off. Her mind was abuzz with competing thoughts.How could someone as handsome, charismatic, and wealthy as Jace not have a partner already? Why had he proposed a contractual marriage instead of simply choosing one of the many women who undoubtedly surrounded him?Why does she care anyway? She's only with him on a business assignment, nothing more, and she's going to do just that. She shrugged the weird thoughts aside. "So, tell me, how did you and Jace meet?" Grandfather asked, leaning back in his chair as Avalynn shifted her attention back to him. Avalynn took a sip of her drink, gathering her thoughts. "We met at a coffee shop back in Australia," she began. "I was working on a project for school, and he was there doing some reading. We started a conversation, and somehow we just clicked.""It sounds like you two were meant to meet," the grandfa
Under the silver light of the low-hanging moon, Avalynn sat before her dressing mirror, her blonde hair loosely tied in a ponytail. She had just done her nighttime routine and was ready to retire to bed. A slight grin curled at the corners of her lips as she observed her reflection, delighted that she had finally stood up to the powerful Amelia.What had Amelia expected? That Avalynn would still respect her after she had taken Dylan away? Such a filthy bitch!Avalynn carefully ran her fingers over her hair, appreciating her appearance in the mirror. The notion of how she may seem in a wedding dress brought a shiver of excitement down her spine. Even if the wedding wasn't real, she couldn't help but feel a feeling of eagerness.As Avalynn's excitement mounted, her thoughts strayed to her ill father. She hadn't yet communicated the news of her imminent wedding, and she pondered whether she should. It had always been his desire to guide her down the aisle on her wedding day, and she co
"Please, Jace," Avalynn begged, desperation infusing her voice. "You must accompany me. When I inform my father about the wedding, it would mean the world to have you there."The sound of Jace clearing his throat echoed at Avalynn's end. The normally tough and calm lady he had gotten to know was suddenly open to vulnerability and asking for help at a trying moment. When he thought about her plea, Jace couldn't help but feel his heartstrings being pulled."Okay", Jace answered coolly. "I'll get you in a bit."With a hint of a grin, Avalynn's face brightened up with relief and thanks. "I'm grateful, Jace. You don't realize how much it matters."She had finally made up her mind to inform her dad. She just couldn't go through with the wedding without her dad's knowledge. Jace showed there in less than 10 minutes, and the two of them headed to the hospital where Avalynn's father was getting better. As they strolled down the hallway hand in hand, the clinical stench of disinfection and
Despite the fact that her pulse was pounding with a combination of excitement and anxiety in her chest, Avalynn admired at her image in the full-length mirror before her. Her figure was embraced by the breathtaking white wedding gown, which shined in the gentle sunlight due to its elaborate beading and delicate lace embellishments.She couldn't help but feel wonder as she swirled, seeing the layers of tulle stretch out about her feet. She couldn't seem to contain her excitement.At long last, the day had arrived: the day of her wedding to Jace, which would be held in camouflage. As she thought about him, Avalynn ran her fingertips over the silky fabric of the dress, and a smirk played over her lips as she did so. It was impossible to ignore the obvious connection that they shared, the invisible attribute that attracted him to her, despite the fact that they had been brought together by circumstances that were not typical. She took a deep breath as she attempted to calm the butterfl
As they made their way down the aisle, hand in hand, everything suddenly felt like a dream to Avalynn. Funny how she was now Mrs. Malvis, married to Jace, the guy she had met just a few weeks ago. It was weird and unrealistic, who would believe her? As she raised her gaze to meet Jace, she couldn't help but have a hopeful outlook on the 365 days they'd spend together as a couple.As they arrived at the finish line of the aisle, they were met by their families, who were gleaming with satisfaction and excitement.Avalynn started to feel a touch of sadness as her thoughts floated to her father, who couldn't be available to participate in the wedding, regardless of whether it was a f*ke. But she knew he would be looking over her, and that brought her some comfort.Jace's grandpa congratulated them first, wrapping them both in a strong embrace."I knew you two were meant for each other," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Avalynn couldn't help but feel gratitude for his warmth
Jace noticed the fatigue on Avalynn's face and looked worriedly at her. "Yes," he said in a gentle and comforting voice. "Let's say our goodbyes and get out of here then."When Avalynn and Jace walked around the lobby saying goodbye and thanking their guests, Jace's presence made an impact on her.Despite the rocky beginning to their relationship, he has shown to be a kind, dependable man who is sensitive to her wants and feelings.Once they had bid farewell to each other, Jace walked Avalynn off the field to his car.As they settled in, Avalynn exhaled a sigh of relaxation. She was happy to be finally out of the tense atmosphere of the reception.As they left the arena, Jace glanced across at Avalynn."Are you okay?" was his question, and his tone revealed how concerned he really was.Avalynn gave a nod, but her gaze was downward. She said, "I'm fine," but her tone lacked assurance.Gentle words came from Jace, "You don't seem fine." "You have been a lot today, and it's normal if you
Avalynn gazed down at Dylan's name on the screen of her phone with heart dashing hard in her chest. The last thing she wanted to do was conversing with the person who had deceived her trust and crushed her heart. In any case, she realized that not picking the call wouldn't settle the issue.Avalynn inhaled deeply and clicked the green button to respond. She said, "Hello, Dylan," in a reserved, frigid voice.Dylan said, "Avalynn," with a startled and uneasy tone. "I... I didn't think you'd pick up.""What do you want, Dylan?" Avalynn asked in a direct and concise manner. She was not in the mood to make small conversation or be kind to her former partner.Dylan stumbled, "I just... I wanted to talk to you. To see how you're doing.""Wait, are you joking?? You've got to be messing with me. Please take note that you don't get to call me anytime you want and act like you care about my f***ing well-being after what you did." Avalynn rolled her eyes in annoyance. Dylan spoke again after a b
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