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Chapter OneHundredTwentyTwo

Author: Tory June
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-12 00:52:19

It appeared as though the entire world was in mourning for the loss of a great man when the funeral morning broke dark and sober.

Avalynn stood before the mirror in her bedroom, making small adjustments to the basic black dress she had selected.

She was met with a pair of blue, bulging eyes as she peered back at her.

She was at her father's house, in her childhood bedroom, a place she had not gone in months.

An emotional tempest was sparked by the familiar surroundings.

Memories of a simpler, happier period appeared to murmur from her bed, the bookshelf stocked with her favorite literature, and the tiny wooden desk where she had spent endless hours studying.

Her stepfamily's excessive annoyance caused her to leave this room and this house, so returning here was both painful and consoling.

With her eyes swollen and red from so many tears, she adjusted the plain black dress she had picked and looked in the mirror.

She had to face the hardest day of her life with dignity and bravery,
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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredTwenyThree

    The following day, Avalynn sat by herself in Jace's room, her mind racing through the tense silence. There were shadows all across the room as the early morning sun just managed to peak through the curtains. She was deeply aware of Jace's absence because he had left early for work. To battle the chill that had crawled into her bones since her dad's passing, she folded a duvet over herself. The pain persevered determinedly, a torture that appeared to beat with every heartbeat.She allowed her thoughts to stray to the time before she moved out of her father's house, when she had fled due to the unrelenting abuse she had received from her stepfamily.The worn-out desk where she had studied for hours, the bed where she had sobbed herself to sleep countless nights, the window through which she had dreamed of a better life away from her stepmother's cruel gaze and her stepsisters' jealousy.. all of these details were etched in her mind even though the small bedroom she had once called h

    Last Updated : 2024-12-12

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredTwentyfour

    The tension Avalynn left behind lingered in the air as her car started and went down the road.The officials turned back to her stepsisters, Marvy and Amelia, and her stepmother with a chilly, professional expression.One of the officials said firmly, "We'll give you a week to leave," folding the folder and putting it under his arm. "By then, everything must be sorted out."Amelia nodded with a tight, resentful expression."We understand," she said abruptly, avoiding eye contact.That was all; there was a heavy quiet as the officials turned and walked away, their polished shoes clicking on the gravel road.The tension cracked like a dam as the last car door closed and the cars started to leave.Marvy's hands were locked into fists at her sides, her eyes flashing with anger. Her voice was a low, bitter whisper, "Did you see that?" she whispered. "That little rascal refused to let us win. Who does she believe she is?"Anger twisted Amelia's face. She spat out, "She's always felt she was

    Last Updated : 2024-12-12

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredTwentyFive

    "It finally happened, I am free of them," Avalynn exclaimed, her voice a combination of relief and lingering regret.Lisa's eyes widened as she gazed at Avalynn. "What do you mean you are free of your stepfamily?"They sat in their normal position, a nice nook in the modest café they frequented. The afternoon light flowed through the windows, putting a pleasant glow over their table. Avalynn took a long breath, her fingertips touching the lip of her coffee cup."The confrontation," she continued, her voice calm yet gentle. "After the burial, I couldn't take their sh!t longer. I told them I was done. That I wouldn't let them dominate me any longer."Lisa nodded, her look serious. "What did they do this time?"Avalynn sighed, her eyes momentarily shutting as she remembered the intense encounter. "They blamed me for everything. When those folks showed up with the documentation detailing Dad's debts, they stated it was my responsibility. That if I'd married Liam Arstor, we wouldn't be in

    Last Updated : 2024-12-12

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredTwentySix

    Avalynn shook her head, a faint smile flashing on her lips. "No, not really. It's simply... difficult. The band is beautiful, and I think it reminds me that there were wonderful moments, too."The memories of their romance were a jumbled mixture of joy and sadness. Dylan was her first love, someone she thought she'd be with forever. But things changed, people changed, and their union broke apart. Yet, the band stayed, a humble sign of what once was.Lisa nodded slowly, knowing. "I understand that. But you know, Avalynn, you don't have to hang onto the past to remember it. You're free to go on and make new memories... Plus, you have Jace now, don't you?" She winked. Lisa's words stayed in the air, their truth ringing in Avalynn's ears like a calm bell. Yet, despite the wisdom of her friend's words, Avalynn's heart stayed guarded."Yeah, I have Jace," she replied, her tone noncommittal. "But that doesn't mean anything. We're simply pals." "Hmm.. just friends?? You guys have done it, r

    Last Updated : 2024-12-12

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredTwentySeven

    With a quiet click, Avalynn shut the door to Jace's mansion, filling the spacious living room. Her emotions had been all over the place that evening, and Jace's words had left her feeling both reassured and torn. Leaning against the door for a while, she inhaled deeply and let the stillness surround her.Jace turned to face her, his countenance a mixture of resolve and worry. Gently, "Are you okay?" he inquired.Avalynn managed a half-hearted smile."Yes, I'm quite fine. There was a lot to take in tonight."With comprehension evident in his expression, Jace gave a nod. "I am aware. I just want you to know that you can always count on me."They made their way to the main area, where Jace's lavish residence stood in sharp contrast to Avalynn's modest living quarters. She was still feeling the warmth of that evening. Jace's words of comfort, his promises, and his admission of emotion.Although Avalynn's heart was racing, she was very afraid of being harmed again."Why don't you sit down

    Last Updated : 2024-12-12

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredTwentyEight

    Jace was back in the car, he could almost feel the leather seat under him and hear his mother humming peacefully along to her favorite song. As they drove, the sunset cast a golden light across the earth. And there he was, looking as if he had no worries at all, his legs were spread out on the car seat like a king. His dad's deep, calming voice mixed with his mother's laughter produced a sense of warmth and protection that surrounded him like a huge old blanket.The calm atmosphere suddenly shattered. There was a thunderous scream of tires, a jarring contact, and the world twisted into confusion.Jace felt himself being flung against the seatbelt, the air filled with the sound of crunching metal and breaking glass. His mother’s scream cut through the cacophony, followed by an unsettling calm that seemed to stretch on forever.Jace’s heart hammered as he relived the dread of that night. On its side, the car was smashed, smoke rising from the debris.He could hear his mother's low, d

    Last Updated : 2024-12-12

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredTwentyNine

    Marvy stroked her temples, attempting to shake off the persistent headache that had been plaguing her all day. She looked at the clock, noticing that it was far past midnight. Her eyes moved to the heaps of paperwork, photos, and notes sprawled out on her desk.She had been painstakingly investigating Jace, watching his whereabouts, his habits, everything. But tonight, she felt abnormally exhausted.She got up and felt as if she was dizzy. She inhaled deeply, reaching for support at the desk's edge.Over the last three days, the illness had become worse; she could no more ignore it.Thinking the water might calm her tummy, she reached for the glass on her desk and drank.She sighed and sat back opening her laptop. She had just gotten a fresh lead from Elena, she had given her Adam's phone.. Jace’s driver. This was the respite she needed. If she could convince Adam to comply, she’d have access to Jace’s schedule and movements.Marvy dialed Adam’s phone, her fingers quivering slightl

    Last Updated : 2024-12-12

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter OneHundredThirty

    "Ava, you ready for some serious chick flick action?" When Lisa entered the living room, she was carrying a number of items, including ice cream tubs and bags of snacks. She yelled out as she entered.The commercial apartment they had rented, which was not only comfortable but also well arranged, had a homey atmosphere thanks to its soft lighting and plush furniture. It was a safe haven for Avalynn, a refuge from the craziness that had been engulfing her life as of late.Already experiencing a wave of relief, Avalynn smiled as she reflected on the situation. "Without a doubt! over her response, she grabbed a bag of popcorn from Lisa and said, "I've been looking forward to this during the entire week."Leaving the remaining snacks on the coffee table, Lisa sat down on the sofa and kicked off her shoes before dumping the remainder of the snacks on the table.The room was filled with her contagious energy, and Avalynn couldn't help but grin at her friend whenever she saw how enthusiastic

    Last Updated : 2024-12-12

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFiftyOne

    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

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFifty

    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

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortyNine

    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 CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHudredFortyEight

    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

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortySeven

    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

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortySix

    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

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortyFive

    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

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortyFour

    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

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredFortyThree

    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

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