The fact that Marvy had invaded his space, in addition to the presence of his family, was nearly too much for Jace to stomach. He cast a look in the direction of Avalynn, whose expression was one of bewilderment and pain. As he did so, he had a twinge of remorse in his chest.He started by saying, "Avalynn," with a strained tone in his voice, "I can explain.""Explain?" The tone of Avalynn's voice conveyed a mixture of rage and astonishment. "What is there to explain, Jace?"It was Marvy's sarcastic chuckle that broke the tension in the room. Oh, this is just irreplaceable. Do you really believe that you could maintain your little farce for an indefinite amount of time, Jace?Linda moved closer, her eyes glinting with delight. "We all have obligations, Jace. It's time you confronted yours."Jace glanced to his grandpa, Robert, who stood still, his gaze grim. "Grandfather, this isn't what you think," Jace implored, desperation seeping into his voice. "Marvy and I... we aren't together
With the circumstances weighing heavily on him, Jace watched Linda go. He felt as though he was drowning, ensnared by his family's high expectations and the terrible reality of what had just happened. The door shut behind them, and an engulfing silence descended upon the house that seemed to reflect the void in his heart. The estate's expensive furnishings and exquisite design, along with its grandeur, made him feel as though he was being held captive in a life he had no idea existed.With his heart pounding in his chest, Jace ran after Avalynn, disobeying his family's demands. Normally a haven of safety, the mansion appeared to be a labyrinth of his own transgressions and betrayals.He found her nowhere in their bedroom, the bed they now shared a mockery of their former intimacy. He ran along the corridors, each foot ringing like a countdown to the death of everything he held dear, desperation stabbing at him. He strolled to the room she had occupied before, a haven that still h
Avalynn left the home with heavy footsteps, each one a conscious effort to distance herself from the grief she was experiencing inside those walls. It was a combination of betrayal, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of loss that made her heart throb so much. The well groomed walks and flowers did not provide any solace, the outside world seemed to be a blur. Following her steps, she found herself drawn to a place she knew well.. Lisa, her closest friend's cozy and welcoming apartment.All her life, Lisa had been her pillar of support, the one person she could always count on. Even in the most difficult situations, Lisa could make things look better with her engaging laugh and dazzling eyes.Avalynn picked up her pace because she needed the comfort that she knew Lisa would provide.After Avalynn arrived to Lisa's apartment building, she hesitated for a few while, her hand resting on the intercom button. She felt a flood of vulnerability and insecurity wash over her. What would o
The night bar, 'Purple Haze', was buzzing with energy. Low lights cast a soft glow over the intimate setting, the tinkling of glasses and hushed conversations creating a background melody.Avalynn and Lisa found a secluded booth towards the back, the plush seating and velvety walls creating just the comfort they wanted. "This is nice," Avalynn said softly as she observed the ambience."Nice?" Lisa arched an eyebrow while grinning playfully. "Hey, this is just great.With enthusiasm in her voice, Lisa went on, "We've got our own private corner, plenty of eye candy, and a killer live band about to start their set." "And here's the kicker.. the bartender is absolutely gorgeous."When Avalynn turned to face the bar and saw the bartender Lisa had been mentioning, her eyes became wild. Alright, you're correct. This is very incredible."Lisa grinned more broadly. "Observe? Sometimes all you need is a small diversion.Avalynn settled into the cushions of the booth as the band began their fi
Jace hauled Avalynn out of the chair with a tight but non-painful hold on her arm. His voice was urgent and low, tinged with a desperation she had never heard before. "We need to talk," he murmured.With hesitation, Avalynn looked at Dylan. Her thoughts went back to their history, the fun, the heartbreak. "I apologize, Dylan. I must go.Dylan's eyes flashed a combination of fury and disappointment as his demeanor deepened. Once again, Avalynn? You're abandoning me once again for him?She apologized once again, a wave of remorse tearing at her. Lisa was already coming over with drinks when she gave her the finger."Ava, what's happening?" Lisa enquired, feeling the tension that lurked under the surface as her gaze shifted between Jace and Avalynn."I have to go," Avalynn pleaded, her eyes beseeching her friend to comprehend as her voice became tight.Lisa was about to object, but Jace had already dragged Avalynn out the door. He said, "Come on," his tone unyielding as they made their
"Now, let's see how they manage to come out of this," Marvy thought to herself, a wicked smirk playing on her lips as she observed her image in the mirror. She had managed to get in touch with Jace's aunt, Linda, via the help of Elena.Marvy had successfully persuaded everyone that she was pregnant with Jace's child, even though the baby was really fathered by one of her club mates. Now she had Avalynn and Jace precisely where she wanted them.Her phone buzzed, cutting off her thoughts. Liam sent this requesting for a meeting. laim?She smiled, wondering his tastes. Knowing she had the upper hand, she flushed with excitement getting ready to meet him.First Liam arrived at the café, his look sorrowful and apprehensive. When Marvy strolled in, he hardly recognized her, his attention on the coffee cup in front of him. She went into the seat opposite him, her expression confident."Liam, what a surprise," Marvy purred, her tone oozing with phony sweetness. "What did you want to talk
Upon returning to the Ottos' home, Marvy walked about the living room, her thoughts racing with memories of the confrontation with Liam and the plots that Elena had devised. There was a lot riding on the outcome, and the pressure was increasing. After a moment of hesitation, she took up her phone and dialed the number of Jace's aunt, Linda.When the phone rang for the second time, Linda answered with a tone that was terse and businesslike. What is it, Marvy? He asked.The tone of Marvy's voice was forced to be calm as he replied, "I just wanted to update you." Everything is proceeding in the manner that was planned.With a "Good," Linda responded. Please do not forget that you must continue to persuade Jace. We couldn't afford to make any mistakes."“I understand,” Marvy responded, a note of annoyance sliding into her voice. “I’ve got it under control.”“You’d better,” Linda cautioned. “We’re counting on you.”After hanging up, Marvy let out a disappointed sigh. She felt the weight o
Back at the Ottos’ house, Marvy paced the living room, her mind reeling with the news of the DNA test. She couldn't believe it had come to this. The stakes were high, and she knew the truth about the baby’s paternity would ruin everything she had battled for. The pressure grew as the walls seemed to close in on her.She sat down on the comfortable sofa, gripping her phone tightly. brain rushed through her brain, each one more frenzied than the preceding. She couldn’t let the Malvis family find out the truth. Her mother, Mrs. Otto, had told her about the dangers, but she hadn't envisioned the family demanding a DNA test so soon.Marvy’s hands shook when she phoned Elena’s phone. She needed to discuss the DNA test results and figure of a means to modify them. The phone connected, and Elena's voice came through, sounding fatigued and nervous.“Elena, it’s Marvy. We need to meet. Now.”Elena sighed on the other end. “Fine. The typical place?”“Yes,” Marvy answered. “I’ll be there in t
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