Avalynn shut the large door to the living room behind her as she made her way upstairs, heading for her room. She was tired from the day's work as it was very hectic at the restaurant today, being a Friday.
“Just a little more time Amelia, I'm still waiting for the right time to tell her,” Avalynn heard this familiar voice say as she passed through Amelia’s room. She halted for a moment as she became interested and pressed her ears to the door. “The right time?? So when is the right time Dylan? I cannot handle this anymore. Don't you see the way she stares at you??” She heard Amelia respond. Avalynn's heart skipped. Dylan? No way. Dylan.. what was.. no. In Amelia's room? Did she mishear? Her heart started hammering so fiercely in her chest like a pestle striking a mortar. “Okay okay, I will break it off with her tomorrow. I was done with her since I met you anyway. I'll pick you over and over again Amelia” She heard Dylan say again. Avalynn stumbled backwards a bit, panting so hard and loud as she heard the door to Amelia room open. She instantly dropped her bag and hurried down the stairs into the living room. She couldn't handle it, she couldn't bear to see Dylan's face. She refused to accept it and couldn't believe it either. Dylan and Amelia..having an affair??! No way! While she was sprinting with her heart pounding in her chest and tears clouding her eyes, she struck a familiar figure. “Watch where you're going illegitimate!” Marvy, her youngest step sister responded. Avalynn stopped, staring downwards, with her hands held backwards. It seemed like her heart would jump out of her chest as tears streamed freely down her face. “Did you see a ghost” Marvy inquired, displaying no trace of empathy even when she noticed that Ava was in tears. Avalynn couldn't keep it in any longer. She collapsed to the ground and began weeping. “Why? Why? Whyyyy?? Just what did I do so wrong?” She mumbled amidst crying. “Will you stop disturbing the peace of the house, you fool?!” It was Amelia. Avalynn glanced in the voice's direction and saw Dylan locking hands with Amelia. In as much as she was an illegitimate child, that was her blood. How could Dylan do this to her? “How could you?” The words slipped her lips as she disregarded Amelia's remarks, rose and moved towards Dylan staring at him. “Dylan, please tell me this is a prank.. this isn't happening. You are doing this on purpose to trick me right?” Dylan grinned, he turned to Amelia who was already staring up at him, he drew her face close with her chin and gave her a very deep passionate kiss right there in front of Avalynn. Pecking Amelia's cheeks, he turned to face Avalynn with the sneer still on his face, “Does it still look like a trick to you…. Avalynn?” Avalynn couldn't tell whether it was her heart or time that stopped. Everything suddenly stood still. The only thing she could hear was her hammering pulse. They were thumping so fast and loud, she felt like she could drop dead right there. No, no, this isn't happening. “Dylan, this is what I get? This is what I get for loving you selflessly for three years? You…you.. you said..you said you loved me. You always said that.. you..” “Oh shut your trap, you slut! Dylan is mine now can't you see? And for your information…” Amelia opened her fingers to display the gorgeous ring set on her middle finger. “We are engaged” Taking a few steps backwards, Avalynn turned towards the main entrance and ran out as quickly as her skinny long gorgeous legs could take her. She didn't know where she was headed, she simply continued running as she allowed the tears flow freely from her eyes as her throat tightened. She had been running for a few minutes and was running out of breath. She stopped and sat on the floor. She didn't know what was going on yet. Was she dreaming or…? She pinched herself severally but she didn't wake up anywhere. She was there. It's real. Dylan dumped her for her stepsister, a girl she introduced him to not even up to five months yet. What exactly happened and how? Dylan showed no evidence of falling out of love at all. He had even been the one who was more in love in the relationship. She equally loved him too but had a hectic life to fully concentrate on a romantic relationship. Was that why he left her? But no. Could Dylan really do this to her? He was going to ... Wait, he engaged Amelia already? Ava wasn't having it anymore, she was practically going mad. She glanced opposite her and her eyes met a very bright neon light, like a club? She moved towards the light. It was a club. She didn't think twice as she hurried inside. The blaring music invaded her head. Felt like one thing she needed at that time. She glanced around and there were so many lovely females and attractive men dancing. Happy individuals. She thought to herself as she moved towards the bar counter. At the bar counter, there was a man sitting alone there, he appeared tall, unarguably handsome, at least, judging from the side view she observed. Their eyes met and shifted to the bartender. “Can I have vodka please?” She managed to whisper. “Sure.” The bar man answered, moving to the counter and pulling out a huge bottle of Vodka. “It's $100 and pay before having your order tonight,” he stated as he put the bottle on the counter table. “$100? Omg why is it so expensive? And pay before order?” Avalynn asked, growing agitated. She needed to guzzle this alcohol as fast as possible! “Yes, I'm sorry. It's an order.” the bar guy replied. Avalynn signed, evidently annoyed. She didn't even come with her bag. F*ck what was she thinking. Some tears were almost dropping from her eyes, she used the back of her hand to wipe them off. Not here, she mumbled to herself. She withdrew, turning to go. “If you don't mind, I'd pay for the drink” She heard the guy her eyes had caught as she entered. She stopped abruptly and looked towards him, their eyes connected. He was incredibly handsome. The club lights didn't let her see the color of his eyes yet but he looked expensive and rich too. She took a long breath, typically, she should decline this but no, she was going to run insane if she didn't drink alcohol that night. “I'd really appreciate it,” She remarked to him, heading back to the counter.Avalynn settled on the stool beside the stranger as he ordered a bottle of vodka. In a few minutes, She was already on the third bottle. She felt a bit drunk, but not too drunk to still be aware of her surroundings.She could still form normal thoughts, and she was conscious enough to know what she was doing. But she also knew she was drinking too much.“Please pour me another shot,” Ava requested of the stranger, her voice audible even over the loud music playing in the club.She had been drinking for a while and was now obviously too drunk.“Sure,” the stranger said as he poured her another shot of vodka into her cup and watched her swallow it all at once. He likewise drank down the rest of his cup's contents before pouring another.“After three good years of my total commitment, that motherf*cking bastard dumped me for my own goddamn stepsister!” She ranted, hitting her cup on the counter.She staggered and almost fell off the stool.“Take it easy on yourself, woman,” the guy said
The bed was so soft and comfortable. Avalynn thought as she adjusted herself, smiling sheepishly. Wait. Bed?!She jerked up from the hotel bed; her gaze met the wall clock; it was 7:30 a.m. She wasn't wearing anything aside from her pants. What the heck? How come? She looked around. Where was she? She heard the tap running in the bathroom.The last thing she remembered was a stranger who offered to buy her a drink at the club. Wait, so Dylan isn't back? She tried to stand up from the bed; her private part hurt. No. What's that pain? She quickly lifted the duvet to inspect. Damn! It wasn't a dream! Nooo. Who the heck did this to her?She tried to remember how the night went, but it wasn't coming through. She spotted her dress on the sofa by the bedside. She quickly reached for it and put it on.“You're awake,” she said, hearing a strange voice. She lifted her head and saw the same guy she had met at the club last night coming out of the bathroom shirtless and with a towel around his
"I will not marry him!" Ava affirmed, "I don't understand. You want me to marry into the Arstor family; why? Why did it have to be me?” Avalynn glared at her stepmother.“Oh, so you now talk back to me?” Emily, Ava's stepmother, gave a wicked smirk.“No, I don't. But this? I will not accept it. Marvy isn't married either; why not choose her? Why me?”“It's you because you're the only illegitimate child in this family.. the one your sickler's father had with his whore ex-girlfriend!” Emily started, but Avalynn interrupted fiercely.“Do not! Do not ever call my father a sickler, he's not!”Emily smiled with a wicked glint in her eyes. “But he is.”Avalynn folded her hands into fists at her sides, she didn't want to react, she really didn't want to react.“Liam Arstor is only disabled; you will learn to cope with that. Consider this a favor from me. At least, it's fair enough that I am giving you away to such a rich family. You’d stop your pitiful restaurant job and be able to take care
The incessant ringing of her alarm yanked Avalynn alert from her deep sleep. She took a speedy look at the wall clock holding tight the wall inverse her bed, 8 a.m!! Fuck.She had been invited a few days ago for an interview at her dream company, M&M fashion institute. She quickly jumped off her bed and rushed to her bathroom to prepare. Before leaving for the office, Avalynn double-checked the address. She tried to remain cool, but her heart continued to beat quickly. She arrived at the predetermined location, a lavish looking corporation in the core of New York."Welcome to M&M Design, what might I do for you?" the receptionist welcomed, smiling pleasantly."Hello, I'm Avalynn Otto. I have an interview booked for 9 am," she answered, returning the smile regardless of her nerves."OK, simply sit down around there while I call the CEO to tell him you are here," The secretary said with a considerate grin all the rage.As Avalynn paused, her emotions dashed with energy and tension.H
Avalynn's heart kept hammering in her chest as she made her way home. As the bus rumbled along, she felt her heart race with every passing stop. She felt as like she was being pulled in every way by the ideas that were whirling about in her head, which were a combination of feelings, anxieties, and wants. It was as if she were being pulled by invisible threads. She leaned her forehead against the window, which was chilly, and her breath caused the glass to become foggy.Despite the fact that the money would radically revolutionize her life, Avalynn was unable to find a way to get over the idea of marrying a complete stranger. The prospect of marrying a complete stranger was unnerving. She found herself becoming more confused as she continued to think about it. “Are you okay?” An old lady beside her asked, her face full of concern. “I'm fine,” Avalynn smiled, trying to hide her conflicting emotions. “Just a little bit distracted. Thanks for asking.” She added, with a forced smile
Avalynn had no clue when she began to chuckle. She sneered, pulling herself back to the present. She sat up, leaning forward. "Please," she paused to catch her breath. "Did you just say $6 million?" The doctor let out a deep breath. “Exactly, Miss Avalynn. And as I have stated, it worked better if we worked on it more quickly,” he responded. Tears started to pile up in her eyes. At that moment, she was perplexed about what to do. Where was she going to find this big amount? All she had in my account was $2,000,000, her complete life savings."Oh God.." she moaned. With the backs of her palms, she brushed away the tears that tried to flow from her eyes and glanced blankly at the doctor. “Unfortunately, there aren't any other options. I'm extremely sorry, Miss Avalynn. Your father doesn't have much time left, so if you want to spare his life, you best start thinking about methods to collect the money right away.”"Please, doctor, could you please not say such things?" She couldn't
"There is no turning back once you sign that contract. Are you really sure about this?” Jace intoned gravely, punctuating his question with a sip of his evening tea.He had left the office disappointed and with a heavy heart as he had to get married in one week and didn't know where else to get a bride. He was about to give in to despair when the phone rang, and he heard the melodious voice of Avalynn at the other end. The moment she said she was ready, Jace felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps he could make his grandfather see that there was no other woman for him but Stephanie. Perhaps this arrangement with Avalynn was the answer.He'd get married to Avalynn and divorce after a year. “Yes, I am ready.” Avalynn's voice echoed from the receiver as she repeated, her voice dripping with confidence.A small smile formed at the corners of Jace's lips. “Fine. 8am sharp tomorrow, we will meet at my office to sign the contract documents.” He said, with newfound determination. **********Th
Avalynn hurriedly left Jace's office, rushing home after they had finalized their conversation. She wasn't about to get on her stepmother's wrong side. She didn't have enough strength for that. The living room was filled with the scent of sunflowers, their golden petals flowing in with the breeze that went through the open window.As she approached her stepmother, Avalynn's heartfelt heavy with the impending confrontation. The moment their eyes met, she could feel the tension in the air sparking like lightning.Her stepmother's gaze was hard on her.It was her stepmother's voice that broke the silence, and it was icy and piercing. "Look who decided to grace us with her presence," she said.Despite the fact that Avalynn's throat clenched, she managed to muster a pathetic grin, which was an effort to conceal the turmoil that was developing within her. "I'm really sorry for being so late. That day has other things in store for me. I have been so busy."Her stepmother's stare was impenet
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