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Chapter TwoHundredTwentyFour

Author: Tory June
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-13 20:27:45

The tension in the office was obvious, thick enough to cut with a knife.

Although Jace's office was filled with large windows that provided an amazing view of the city, the atmosphere inside was everything but calm.

It had the feeling of a storm building below the surface, ready to burst at any time.

Stephanie gripped the edge of her notepad as she stood at the edge of the room, her fingers quivering a little.

Her eyes strayed to Jace, who was sitting at his desk with his hands clutching the sides of his chair as though he was trying to hang on.

The silence in the room was abnormal, the kind that made your heart pound harder behind your ears.

"It was lost on us." The stillness was broken by Elizabeth's voice, which had a tone that was both desperate and incredulous. Lexins accompanied the Ryders. An hour ago, they signed the agreement.

The words reverberated throughout the room, striking Jace like a tsunami.

Everything he had worked so hard to build was on the verge of collapsing
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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredTwentyFive

    "But wait, did Jace make any attempt to get in touch with you? Like texting or calling?” Lisa leaned closer, her face furrowed in anxiety, her words gentle but firm. Seated in Lisa's comfortable living room, the space was bathed in warm, golden light as the sun streamed through the huge windows. It was nearly too much to handle the contrast between Avalynn's heartache and the sunny day outside.With her fingers curled around the edge of the throw pillow on her lap, Avalynn inhaled deeply. She forced herself to remain calm even though she could feel the tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. At last, her voice barely above a whisper, "I blocked him everywhere." "Even if he tried, he couldn't get through to me."Lisa's eyes widened in surprise, her face displaying a mix of understanding and shock. "Oh, Ava. Although I understand that you're upset, how long will you continue like this? You cherish him. You were crying in the restroom this morning, as I noticed.At Lisa's comments

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredTwentySix

    “Ava!” Lisa’s voice snapped her back to the present, and Avalynn realized she had stopped dancing, her mind drifting back to Jace once again. “You okay?”Avalynn forced a smile, nodding quickly. “Yeah, I’m good. Just… thinking.”Lisa shot her a knowing look and softened her grin. "Ava, you don't have to act fake around me. You must be missing him, I know.Avalynn's smile wavered, the reality too unvarnished to ignore. "Yes," she muttered. "It's true,"Lisa pulled her in for a sisterly embrace, putting her arm around her shoulders. If someone is unaware of what he is losing, then he is a fool. But tonight, like I mentioned, let's just concentrate on ourselves. Tomorrow, we can worry about everything else.With a nod, Avalynn allowed herself to sink into Lisa's hug. Even if she wasn't ready to let go of Jace, she could pretend for the evening. She could act as though she wasn't experiencing heartbreak and that she wasn't frantically awaiting an unanswered text or phone.Because reali

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHudredTwentySeven

    The city skyline outside Jace’s office window shimmered with a thousand lights, but to him, it all felt distant and empty. He leaned back in his leather chair, staring at the cold glow of his computer screen that displayed a never-ending stream of emails, reports, and work that he couldn’t focus on.It had been days since Avalynn left, and the silence she left behind was more deafening than anything he could handle. He flicked lazily between tabs, his mind never fully focused on the task at hand.Weariness followed him everywhere he went as he massaged his temples. Jace's phone, a black rectangle that had silently mocked his circumstances, lay face down on his desk. He desired to make contact. God, he really wanted to, but each time he picked it up, he felt pride telling him to leave it alone, that it was she who had left, not him. But the guilt soon put a dampener on such thoughts. He realized he was to blame. His thoughts were filled with the things he had spoken to her, the

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredTwentyEight

    Avalynn sat across from Dylan, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling in the air, but she could barely taste it. Her palms began to heat up as her fingers curled around her cup, making it difficult for her to keep a composed demeanor. Dylan never took his eyes off of her face, examining hers as though attempting to discover the truth concealed beneath her skillfully put up mask.Thus... How is everything with Jace progressing? With a tinge of interest and something more in his voice.. something Avalynn couldn't quite place.. Dylan questioned. The way he leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly in anticipation of her answer, conveyed a subtle tension.Avalynn tried to look unconcerned by forcing a little smile. "Things are going great," she lied with ease. "Lisa's house has become my temporary home since Ace has been quite busy at business lately. You know what, I missed her? It’s been lovely catching up.” Even she was aware of how fragile her tone sounded despite how light

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredTwentyNine

    When Avalynn entered Lisa's apartment, she was unable to get rid of the weight in her chest. She turned to seek for Lisa, but it appeared that she wasn't in. She was still thinking about Dylan and the café, even though the evening light was filtering through the slats and creating deep shadows throughout the space. His admission reverberated in her ears, mingling with the complex feelings she had long since suppressed. Why this time? Why did he finally decide to open out after all this time? Her thoughts turned to Jace's letter, his straightforward yet impactful words that had snapped her out of her swirling turmoil.I apologize. Is it possible for us to speak?After reading the message for what seemed like the hundredth time, she collapsed onto the couch and clenched her fingers around her phone. She was torn between wanting to answer him and jumping right into whatever conversation he was interested in having and screaming to keep her distance. Could she withstand much more p

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredThirty

    In the middle of the busy city, the park was a peaceful haven where time appeared to stand still. With their leaves softly fluttering in the late afternoon breeze, tall trees adorned the pathway that led to the old library.Avalynn was a few minutes early, and when she saw the bench that she and Jace had spent so many happy and unhappy moments on, her heart began to race.Her steps wavered as a flood of nostalgia overcame her, bringing back memories of better times that were at once terribly close and far away.Taking a deep breath, she fortified herself. Today was about facing the present, not about living out the past.Not long after, Jace showed there, looking slick in a black suit that was a stark contrast to the calm surroundings. Though his demeanor was thoughtful and controlled, his eyes conveyed a different message - they were filled with uncertainty and a hint of sorrow. He paused a few feet away, staring into her eyes as he tried to articulate what he was feeling but was u

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredThirtyOne

    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

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  • THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE    Chapter TwoHundredThirtyTwo

    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

    Last Updated : 2024-12-13

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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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