Avalynn stood in front of her full-length mirror, admiring her reflection. The gown she had chosen for Lisa for the Malvis Gala was sleek and luxury, with a rich emerald green color that enhanced her eyes. It was however more than just looking well, it was also about looking the part. She needed to project confidence, money, and the air of someone who could easily lend $200,000.Her phone buzzed, interrupting her focus. Lisa sent a message: "On my way. I need to talk before the gala."Avalynn felt her heart skip a beat. She responded quickly: "See you soon."As she waited, her thoughts turned to her father. She recalled the day he became ill, the despair she felt as his condition deteriorated, and the relief she felt when the surgery was eventually planned. A lump developed in her throat. Every lie, every risky decision she had made was for him.A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She opened it to discover Lisa, looking as polished as ever, her eyes full of resolve and co
The hallway was lit up, with each window shinning with a warm, inviting glow. Red carpets stretched out from the grand entrance, taking guests to the big double doors and inviting them into the luxurious interior.The Malvis family spared no expense; the event was meant to dazzle.Avalynn adjusted her dress as she got out of the car, the fabric reflecting the light like a thousand small stars.She took a deep breath and forced a serene smile as she joined arms with Jace. He stood straight alongside her, his posture firm and confident."Ready?" he inquired softly."As I'll ever be," she said, squeezing his arm tenderly. They needed to present a united front tonight, regardless of what.As they entered the hall, the buzz of discussion and clunking glasses surrounded them. The assembly hall's beauty was stunning, light fixtures trickling with gems, tables with intricate focal points, and team of waiters moving effortlessly with trays of champagne. Their arrival was acknowledged by whispe
Avalynn was still able to hear the applause as she looked around the crowd in an attempt to find Lisa. Tonight, she had to make sure everything went as planned, or else their thin web of deceit may crumble. She sensed Jace's discomfort as he lingered near, shaking hands and saying hello to different individuals. Aunt Linda's subdued threats and the weight of his new duties appeared to be hanging over him like a rain cloud.At last she saw Lisa standing at the elaborate bar, fidgeting with a flute of champagne. Taking a deep breath, Avalynn moved over, hoping her companion had done a good job practicing their cover tale."Hello, Lisa," Avalynn forced a grin. "I'm so happy you could attend."Lisa's eyes grew a little wide, but she immediately covered up her anxiety. "Avalynn, I'm so happy to be here." This location is amazing.Jace showed up at Avalynn's side before they could say anything further. His attention turned to Lisa, his curiosity sparked. Lisa was looking at Avalynn as sh
Lisa held Avalynn's hand, her expression filled with concern. "Ava, what's happening? Are you alright?"Avalynn's façade began to break. "Lisa, I... I have no idea what I got myself into. This arrangement with Liam isn't what I had expected at all."Lisa murmured, "Oh, Avalynn," her voice thick with compassion."Ava, pay attention to me," she said again, using a firm yet kind tone. "You fulfilled your obligation. When your father needed assistance, you tried to save him, as any loving daughter would. Nothing is wrong with that."A sob caught in Avalynn's throat. "How about Jace, though? What about all of our planned activities? What happens if he learns?...""If that occurs, we'll handle it," Lisa said, holding her hand. "How is your family doing?" Her brow furrowing, she asked. "Has anyone else made a help offer? How about your stepsisters and stepmother?"Avalynn gave a headshake. "You understand this, Lisa.. they never truly cared about me. My father's wealth has always piqued the i
Elena had spent over an hour cleaning up in Jace's office before he came. She fixed the framed pictures on the walls, reorganized the pens, and swept the bookcases. She checked that everything was in its proper place by lining up the edges of the pages.Elena moved with deliberate steps, and the only sounds in the room were the occasional rustle of paper and the gentle hum of the air conditioner.She was diligent in her attention to detail. Every book on the shelf lined up precisely with its neighbor, every pen was positioned parallel to the tabletop edge, and every picture frame was spotless and positioned at the ideal angle. With a faint, content smile on her lips, Elena stepped back to inspect her work. Everything was ideal, precisely how Jace wanted it to be.Her steps were a well-practiced dance of control and organization as she went through the workplace. The room was illuminated by a warm glow from the late afternoon sun, which brought attention to the orderly piles of paperwo
That following morning, Jace was getting ready for work when he remembered he needed a certain file that was kept in his study. He stopped and smoothed the edges on his immaculate suit, thinking about this small break from his usual routine.Jace took great satisfaction in his efficiency and punctuality, so the idea of straying from his plan, even for a short while, annoyed him.Jace found himself in his study, carefully set up to represent his desire for control and order, yet he knew the file was essential.Standing in his study, the one area in the home where he had complete control over every aspect, was Jace. However, something wasn't right today. He looked over the mahogany cabinets and the desk, which was already overflowing with jumbled papers. His eyes tightened as he saw that the careful arrangement he'd made had been upset. He felt uneasy in the room that usually brought him peace.He mumbled, "This is strange," and pulled out a drawer to get the exact file he sought. It
Avalynn gave a nod, but her gaze remained fixed on him as worry appeared on her face.With a mixture of fear and annoyance, Avalynn watched as Jace turned to walk away. She felt the oppressive weight of deceit and remorse pressing down on her, almost dragging her down.She felt trapped when her father needed surgery, even though she should have known better than to sacrifice everything for money. The effects of her treachery now hung over them like a heavy fog.Her thoughts were racing, planning her next action.Jace's thoughts would not be still as he made his way back to his study. He played again their exchange, her facial expressions, her almost too-calm demeanor.Jace was back in his study, still uneasy. Avalynn wasn't telling him everything, he knew that. He had to know the real story.He was going through the papers when he noticed something shimmering. He reached behind a stack of papers and removed a dainty earring. His heartbeat quickened; it was Avalynn's. A chilling sense
With a look of fear and shame on her face, Avalynn gazed up at him. "I had no choice,” she stumbled to herself."No choice??" Jace erupted, anger consuming him. "This is what you choose. You decided to sell me out to my enemy for financial gain and betray me?""I needed money for my dad's medical procedure," Avalynn said, her voice breaking. "You rejected me, Jace. You gave me no other choice."Jace shook his head, his expression twisted in confusion and rage. His voice was low and menacing as he asked, "So, this was all for money?"Glancing downward, she wrung her hands. "I was in a bad situation. Liam offered the cash, but he had conditions attached. He desired that I spy on you."Jace's shocked eyes grew larger. "You visited Liam? To spy on me?"Avalynn said in a murmur, "Yes," as tears ran down her cheeks. "I had run out of options. My father need such procedure, but you refused to assist him. I believed it to be the sole option. But after you saw the hospital, I understood what a
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