The only sound in the car throughout the silent trip to the hospital was the calm buzz. Jace's knuckles went white from the pressure of his fingers gripping the steering wheel so firmly. His mind was a knotted maze, a tempest of feelings simmering just below the surface. His thoughts were replaying the recent exchange with Avalynn, her words ringing in his ears and piercing him more deeply than before.Once more, he had lost her. Furthermore, he was unsure of how to put things right this time.Jace pulled those thoughts away from him as the hospital came into view. It wasn't about the craziness that had taken over his personal life today; it was about his grandfather. The last thing Jace wanted to do was add to his grandfather's already heavy load. He had already gone through enough.After parking, he entered the hospital, leaving a trail of sound behind him as he moved through the antiseptic hallways.The antiseptic smell in the air served as a stark reminder of the location's int
Jace hesitated to turn the doorknob as he stood outside his grandfather's room. Inside, he could hear the old man breathing quietly and evenly, a sound that ought to have been consoling. But tonight, it made the agony he was experiencing much more intense.He had promised himself that he would keep the storm building in his life away from the man who had already been through so much, and that he would not bring his grandfather into this mess. Jace sighed quietly as he turned the knob and went inside. The room had low lighting, with the bedside lamp's gentle glow creating lengthy shadows on the walls. In complete contrast to the anxiety that had engulfed him during the drive home, his grandfather lay motionless on the bed, his face at ease with slumber.Jace observed him briefly, a twinge of remorse twising inside his chest. He could always count on the man to be there for him in difficult times, and he had always been his rock. But Jace had to confront this alone tonight.He mad
Tension permeated the room, the kind that made breathing seem hard.With his large figure obstructing the faint light coming from the hallway, Jace stood at the doorway. His eyes met Stephanie's, who was looking at him with wide eyes filled with shame and dread, and the rage that had been seething within of him burst out hardd.Stephanie's expression turned pale and her color faded as the realization of the circumstances engulfed her. Now, there was no turning back. She had been exposed, and there was no defense or deception she could pull out to cover up the damaging information Jace had just unearthed."Why, Stephanie?" Stephanie felt a chill run down her spine when she heard Jace's low, menacing voice. She shrank back when she saw the icy rage in his usually friendly gaze. "Why did you do it?"With her heart racing frantically in her chest, Stephanie's throat constricted. She sensed the walls around her, the oppressive weight of her treachery bearing down on her.Lying would no
Jace stormed out of Stephanie's room, slamming the door behind him and sending a reverberating bang down the corridor.With every pulse, his heart thumped in his chest, a constant reminder of the betrayal that had just been revealed to him. He was filled with raw emotions after hearing Stephanie's confession, including wrath, shock, and a deep sense of regret. All along, Avalynn had been correct. She had attempted to warn and enlighten him, but he was too preoccupied with his own misgivings and misguided allegiance to pay attention.With his heart pounding from his recent revelation, he headed towards his study. It was with little consolation that he crossed the threshold and closed the door behind him, leaving his sanctuary's familiar surroundings. For a few minute, Jace rested against it, struggling to keep his balance while his breath came out in irregular spurts. His mind raced, going over what had happened that evening in detail, each time making the abyss of shame and rage
While waiting, Avalynn sat at the bar and lazily traced the rim of her glass with her fingertips.She was surrounded by soothing voices, but her mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with ideas she couldn't quite get out of. ItShe found herself staring into her glass of amber liquid, the swirl of ice cubes reflecting the confusion in her heart, as the warm lighting of the bar gave everything a golden glow.Dylan entered the bar through the open entrance, which she saw.It was his deep brown, piercing eyes that always caught her off guard. They had a gentle tenderness that enabled her easily lose herself in them. He was tall and had an athletic, lean physique that spoke of someone who took care of himself. His ebony locks appeared slightly disheveled, as though he had caressed them excessively, a behavior she was all too familiar with.A tiny, hesitant smile crossed his lips as he noticed her and moved closer. He moved with a carefree elegance that seemed natural to him, but she hadn't see
As the city lights flickered by outside her window, Avalynn sat in the backseat of the taxi, her thoughts racing.Her chest ached as she replayed the conversation with Dylan in her head, every syllable resounding with a finality. Her heart heaving under the weight of what she had just done, she rested her head on the cool glass. She closed her eyes and thought, "Two years," as memories of her time with Dylan came flooding back. After so much grief, it had been a good two years full of laughter, solace, and the sense of security she had so desperately sought.Despite her nagging misgivings about her feelings for Jace, Dylan had been kind, attentive, and willing to love her..everything she needed at that moment. Now that he was gone, though, she couldn't help but question if she had made a mistake. She felt guilty, thinking perhaps she should have been more patient. I might have been better off not moving on so fast. Unbidden, and each more heartbreaking than the last, came the fl
With her thoughts whirling past her window, Avalynn sat in the backseat of the taxi.She could still clearly hear the exchange with Dylan, every syllable ringing with a finality that caused her chest discomfort. Her heart weighty with what she had just done, she leaned her head against the cool glass. She closed her eyes two years and let memories of her connection with Dylan flood back. After so much grief, it had been a good two years—years full of laughter, warmth, and a sense of security she had longed for.At the time, Dylan had been everything she had needed: gentle, attentive, and eager to love her despite her residual questions about her feelings for Jace. She couldn't help but question whether she had made a mistake since he was leaving. She considered remorse pulling at her heart and maybe I should have been more patient. Perhaps I ought not to have progressed so rapidly. Uninvited, the flashbacks arrived one more mixed than the next.She recalled the first time Dylan
As Avalynn sat there, the thoughts of Lisa's words slowly started to set in, her breath became shallow. Every beat of her heart echoed throughout her body as it thumped in her chest. The sickness she had experienced moments earlier threatened to resurface, but this time, her entire world quaked instead of just her stomach."Ava?" Lisa's soft but persistent voice pierced through the confusion in her thoughts. Are you alright?Avalynn nodded, but it felt robotic and stiff. "I... I'm not sure," she said, her voice almost audible above a whisper. "I didn't give it a thought. However, now that you've said it.Lisa softened her look and gripped her hand. Hey, no worries. Nothing is certain as of yet. But it could be wise to get checked if you've been feeling strange for a few weeks.Avalynn gulped forcefully, a new surge of fear coursing through her at the prospect of taking a pregnancy test. "Well, well, well." Avalynn had the impression that she was traveling through a fog, with the su
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