The living room's tall windows let in a warm ray from the late afternoon sun, lighting the beautiful yet chilly interior. Sitting on the huge couch, Amelia and Marvy were both immersed in their own thoughts. Their mother's taste and social goals were evident in the room's well picked décor.With her fingers tapping the remote control, Marvy switched through the channels without paying attention. She was surrounded by Amelia, who was reading a magazine and periodically looked at the TV, but her thoughts were not on it. There was a noticeable tension in the room, a persistent bitterness that had crept into their lives."Ugh, nothing good is going on," Marvy mumbled, a hint of annoyance in her voice. Just as she was ready to turn off the television, she noticed something.Amelia said, "Wait, go back," in a perceptive tone.When Marvy rewinded the broadcast, Avalynn appeared on the screen. Standing next to Jace Malvis, she had a radiant smile on her face and a confident, elegant post
"Jace Malvis," Marvy said quietly, the name slipping past her lips like a bitter pill. "Avalynn does not deserve him. She never did."Looking out her bedroom window, she could see the large property that used to make their social circle jealous. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the well-kept lawns, but the scenery's beauty did little to soothe her inner distress. Her knuckles went white with worry as she balled her fists.She moved away from the window and paced the room with agitated energy. Her mind raced with memories from the past and aspirations for the future. Jace was the key, she realised. Winning him over was the first stage in her plan to rebuild her family's money and bring down Avalynn.The sight of Avalynn, beaming and bright on the television screen plagued her. That smile, that assurance, was insufferable. How had Avalynn arranged a marriage with New York's youngest millionaire as her own family's fortunes dwindled? The response was straightforward: lu
The sun shone through Jace Malvis's office's floor-to-ceiling windows, casting heavy shadows on his desk. The space oozed power and wealth, echoing Jace's precise personality.He sifted through the files in front of him, his attention fixed on the data and reports that would shape the future of his corporate empire. He assumed it was a routine afternoon.A faint rap on the door interrupted his attention. His acting secretary, Elizabeth, stuck her head in, her demeanor contrite but intrigued."Mr. Malvis, there is a visitor here to see you," she said.Jace looked up, a scowl wrinkling his brow. "A visitor?" Did they say who they are?Liz shook her head. "No, Sir. But she insisted it was important."Jace sighed and pushed back his chair. "Alright, let her in."Elizabeth nodded and vanished, only to reappear moments later with Marvy. She walked confidently inside the office, examining the room before focusing on Jace. For a while, he couldn't place her, but then recognition flashed thro
The sound of the phone ringing interrupted the calm morning. Avalynn's heart skipped a beat as she read the caller ID. It was the hospital. She replied, panting heavily and trembling a little."Hello?""Mrs. Malvis?" The speaker said, "This is Dr. Reynolds from the hospital." "I'm calling about your father."Anxiety seized Avalynn's abdomen. "Is he okay?"Dr. Reynolds stated, "His condition is getting worse," following a pause. The medications aren't helping, even with our best efforts. We must talk about what comes next."Avalynn closed her eyes, despairing. With a whisper, she hung up the phone. "I'll be there soon."She sat on the bed, her head full with fear and frustration. Despite their best attempts, her father's health has been deteriorating for so long. It nearly hurt to watch him suffer.Their lives had been completely upended by the abrupt sickness. Once robust and energetic, her father had been the family's pillar of support. He was always there for Avalynn and encouraged
"You have a visitor, Miss Marvy," the housekeeper said, her voice hesitant.Marvy looked up from the bills sprawled over the dining table, her brow furrowed in annoyance. "Who is it?""It's Mr. Hammond, the financial advisor," the housekeeper answered.Marvy moaned and rubbed her temples. "Send him in."Mr. Hammond arrived, his expression a mix of professionalism and worry. Good afternoon, Miss Otto. I'm afraid we need to address some critical topics."Marvy motioned for him to sit as she braced herself for more terrible news. "Go on, Mr. Hammond."He cleared his throat and moved on to the papers. "The company's finances are rapidly deteriorating. It has been terrible since the Arstors abandoned their investment. We are unable to fulfill our responsibilities without that cash injection." Marvy's irritation flared up. She stated, "All of this started because of Avalynn." None of this would have occurred if she had simply consented to the marriage.Mr. Hammond nodded compassionately. "
Jace Malvis stood at the wide window of his office, gazing out at the expansive city below. The sun was sinking, sending a pleasant light over the skyline, but Jace's mind was not at peace. Jace had been a big part of Avalynn's life for some time. He liked how strong she was, how she never gave up in a fight, and how she would do anything, even if it meant being unhappy, for what she believed in.He had come to admire Avalynn’s resolute determination. Throughout their time together, he observed the fearless courage she possessed in the face of adversity, as well as her admirable devotion to fighting for her convictions, despite any personal sacrifice it entailed.Their partnership had begun as a business arrangement, a fake marriage to maintain appearances and fulfill their separate family duties. But somewhere along the road, Jace's emotions for Avalynn became deeper and more complicated. He wanted to be the guy she could rely on, the one who could console and support her in her d
With a heavy heart, Avalynn observed her father's chest rise and fall in time to the rhythmic bed. The incessant buzz of medical equipment filled the room, serving as a continual reminder of his fragile condition. Feeling his chilly skin on hers, she gripped his hand. The doctor's words from earlier, the dire diagnosis that had dashed her last hope, rushed through her thoughts."Miss Ava," the doctor began softly, his eyes filled with experienced empathy. "Your father's condition is worsening. We have done everything we can, but it may be time to consider hospice care."She heard the words again, a sobering reminder that their time was running out. Willing herself to remain strong for her father, Avalynn stifled her tears. It was her turn to be his now that he had always been her rock.Whispering, "Dad," her voice faltered. "I swear I'll see to it that you're at ease. Whatever happens, you can always count on me."She looked up to see Marvy and Amelia standing in the doorway, their
Marvy's hands tightened into fists, her nails pressing into her palms. She watched with rage as Avalynn strode out of the hospital room, her feet assured and poised, as if she held the world in her palm. Marvy was enraged by how easy Avalynn seemed to manage life, especially now that she was married to Jace, New York's youngest billionaire... a marriage Marvy suspected was a fake."Wow, she's grown so much guts," Marvy said through tight teeth, barely above a whisper. "Why? Because she is married to New York's youngest billionaire. "That fake marriage?"Amelia stood beside her, her look reflecting Marvy's fury and envy. "Yes, that has to be phony! "That bitch!" Amelia raised her voice, her remarks cutting and stinging. "She got the emails from yesterday and didn't even mention anything about it."Marvy sent her sister a scathing glance, her chest heaving in rage. "The only thing left of our father, which we were supposed to inherit after his death, is already going to ruins, and that
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