The tension in the room increased, as if it were a living, breathing creature. Jace's command kept ringing in Avalynn's ears as she hurried alongside Elena.They were on their way to Jace's office, the recent revelation weighing heavily on them both.Elena's demeanor had changed. The frigid distance was gone, and her steps were now marked by a sharp focus and a sense of urgency. Avalynn could feel Elena's gaze on her, appraising and judging, but there was no time to worry about it. They needed to act.They rushed into Jace's office without knocking. Jace looked up from his desk, his mood flickered as he noticed their faces."What is it?" he shouted, getting to his feet.Elena moved forward, holding a printout of the message. "We have confirmed that Liam knows everything. "The document has been compromised."Jace's expression stiffened, and his gaze shifted to Avalynn, who stood behind Elena, her heart hammering.He snatched the paper from Elena, his gaze skimming the words. He crumpl
Elena's jealousy grew more intense, causing her eyes to narrow. A knot of envy knotted in her stomach as she stared at the two of them, standing so close to each other, the bond between them obvious.Not only did Jace stand close to Avalynn in protective manner, but he had never before looked at Elena with such love and affection. Her blood boiled at the thought.With each passing moment, Elena's façade of professionalism began to crumble and her anger beneath it began to bubble. She clenched her jaw and her eyes glowed with barely contained rage.Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Jace stepped in Elena's direction, his expression falling to regret."Elena...He started, "I know how hard you've worked and I appreciate everything you've done.However, it was already too late. Elena could take no more. She gave a guttural scream and threw back her head. Then she made a lunge.With her nails curled into talone-like points, Elena lunged at Jace with alarming speed, as Avalynn watched in
Elena stormed around her office, her anger spreading like wildfire."That bitch!" she exclaimed, her teeth clinched in frustration. "She thinks she can just walk in here and grab everything I've worked so hard for? She'll be sorry she crossed me."She paced, her thoughts racing with vengeful ideas. "I will ruin her, just like she ruined everything for me. Jace will recognize her as the lying, manipulating serpent she is, and he will crawl back to me. After all, I am the only one who has ever actually cared for him."Ah, right... the document." Elena paused in her pacing, her eyes narrowing as she ran her fingers over the incriminating documents. She had printed a photo of the file she shot with her phone."This," she said softly, a wicked smile creeping over her lips. "Here's my leverage. I will make them both suffer. I'll expose their phony marriage to the public, destroy their reputation, and laugh as their world crashes around them. And when Jace crawls back to me, asking for my f
With her heart pounding in her chest, Elena ended her call with Liam. Although the conversation had been risky, there was potential for payoff. After putting her phone in her desk drawer, she inhaled deeply to help her relax. She had little time to make errors.She was starting to relax when her office door opened. With a look of both confusion and anxiety on his face, Jace entered. Elena had a heart palpitation. Did he hear her talking to Liam?Jace said, "Elena," in a cool but curious tone. "Do you have a moment?"She mustered a grin and answered, "Of course. What's on your mind?"Jace walked over to her desk and never took his eyes off of hers. "I had a question for you. How did you find out that Liam received those things from Avalynn?"Elena saw a cold sweat appear on her forehead. She had to keep Jace from suspecting her. She had to get her thoughts together immediately. Playing with a pen on her desk, she tried to buy herself a little extra time.Her voice steady, she consid
After hanging up, Elena inhaled deeply, grabbed the paperwork, and put them in her bag. She had to stop making mistakes immediately. She looked around as she exited her office, almost expecting to find Jace observing her. However, the corridor was deserted.With her thoughts racing, she went out into the busy city. She was carrying a physical burden from her dishonesty, but she was unable to admit it. She had to maintain her composure and control.Elena reached the little, poorly lit pub where Liam was standing by. He was standing in a quiet area, his face tense. Her steps were confident and deliberate as she approached.She said, "Liam," as she sank into the chair across from him."Elena," he said, glancing over her face for any indication of weakness. "Do you have the documents?"With a nod, she took the folder out of her purse and set it on the table in front of them. "This has everything you need."Her words, "Open it," were sweet. "It's everything you need to bring down Jace and
Elena went back to her office, her head a disarray of feelings and ideas.Although she was able to get Liam's cooperation, she was still afraid of being found out. The feeling that Jace was observing her and waiting for her to make a mistake persisted in her mind.Staring at the empty folder, she sat at her desk. Now that Liam had the documentation, the following step was crucial. She needed to remain concentrated and do her role well.She was startled out of her reverie as the phone on her desk rang. With her heart racing, she picked it up."Elena, it's Jace," the recognizable voice said. "You must come to my office. Right now."Elena felt her stomach fall. Had he made any discoveries? Taking a deep breath, she attempted to regain her balance. Calmly, "I'll be right there," was her response.She had a sense of impending dread as she made her way to Jace's office. She needed to exercise caution and keep her cool. Jace had nothing to suspect.After knocking and going inside, she discov
The kitchen of Jace's luxury mansion was bustling at dawn. Pots sizzled, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the cool morning breeze.Alice, the cook, was moving hurriedly about, her seasoned hands expertly preparing the dining table for breakfast.The doorbell rang just as she was placing the last croissant on the platter. Alice looked up at the kitchen clock, surprised. Who would pay a visit at this awful hour? She wondered as she placed down the platter and approached the front door.Alice's eyes widened in astonishment as she opened the door to discover a familiar face. Despite the early hour, Jace's Aunt Linda's well-coiffed blonde hair and pricey designer suit remained exactly in place."Aunt Linda!" Alice exclaimed with real warmth. "What a nice surprise. "What brought you here this morning?"Aunt Linda smirked, a cunning expression hidden behind her blue eyes. "Oh, it's only a little visit, Alice. I was in the neighborhood and figured I'd stop by."Aunt Linda went
Clearing his throat, Jace tried to gather himself. "I fail to see how any of this is your concern, Aunt Linda. All that counts is that Avalynn and I are married. We courted each other through common friends, and our relationship wasn't so smooth. Since we are both fairly private individuals, we didn't see the need to make a big deal out of our relationship."Under Aunt Linda's gaze, Jace stayed calm even though he felt the lie land awkwardly on his tongue. Her knowing stare unnerved him, but he prayed she couldn't see right through his façade."Oh, my dear nephew," Aunt Linda grinned, as though reading his thoughts. I'm not deaf. I can see the fissures in the facade you constructed. Though you and Avalynn may believe you're being shrewd, I assure you that the truth will eventually out."Jace felt her words as hard as a slap. He compelled himself to maintain his indifferent demeanor, using it as a shield against the mounting discomfort in his abdomen. How could she look past him with s
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