AVA’s POVRaymond was the one laying Bella to bed after all the crying. I stood at the doorway, watching him, my heart heavy. I still couldn’t believe he went to get a DNA test. The way he had explained everything that happened ten years ago kept playing in my head. Tears filled my eyes again, even though we had cried the whole day. We were happy and sad at the same time.We both blamed ourselves. Even though I blamed myself more, Raymond still thought it was all his fault. But it was never his fault.Bella had been clinging to him the whole time. She only fell asleep after we had spent hours apologizing to each other and breaking down every side of the story. We never even realized she was behind us, listening to everything. She broke down in tears with us, but at the same time, she was more than happy to learn Raymond was her father. Every few seconds, she would look at him and blush, unable to hide her happiness.“She’s okay now,” Raymond said, pulling me from my deep thoughts.He
A MONTH AFTERRAYMOND’S POVHaving a peaceful dinner, something I hadn’t experienced in a long time. The clinking of spoon and plates filled the air, and for here I am, not eating alone or staring at my step mother, there was no tension. Just these two around me, sitting together like a real family and yeah.. This are my fucking family...Bella was excitedly talking about her new school, her tiny voice animated as she shared everything that happened."And guess what, Daddy?" She grinned, rolling her eyes. "I made a new best friend today!"I smiled. "Oh yeah? What’s her name?""Eliza!" she chirped.Ava choked on her water. She coughed dramatically, her eyes widening in pure horror."Eliza?!" she repeated, almost dropping her spoon.Bella nodded proudly. "Yes! She’s so nice. She even shared her lunch with me!"Ava’s face twisted like she had just swallowed something sour. "Eliza? That name is cursed."Bella giggled, her tiny hands covering her mouth. "Mommy, you’re so dramatic!" She tea
FLASH BACK- 10 YEARS AGO"Raymond needs to come home, William. This isn't right!" Hannah’s - Raymond mom voice echoed through the large living room, out of frustrationMr. William stood firm, arms crossed over his chest. "No, Hannah. He stays abroad until he regains his memory. I won’t risk bringing him back until then."** Hannah exhaled sharply, her hands trembling. "Keeping him away won’t help him remember. He needs to be around familiar faces, familiar places!"William’s eyes darkened. "You don’t understand what’s at stake. If word gets out that my son, the future heir, has memory issues, do you know what that would mean for us? For me?"Hannah’s heart ached at his words. "So this is about your reputation?" she whispered, shaking her head. "Not about Raymond? Not about what’s best for him?"William’s jaw tightened, refusing to answer. A heavy silence stretched between them before Hannah finally spoke again. "I won’t sit back and watch you do this to our son."**One week later,
AVA POVI stared at Mr William, my fingers tightening around the check. My mind was racing, trying to make sense of what was happening.“Why do you want me to divorce Raymond?” I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Without answering, he slid a document across the desk toward me. I hesitated before picking it up, my eyes scanning the words. My heart pounded harder with each line I read.It was a contract.A contract that stated I would divorce Raymond quietly, without telling him I had been forced to do so. I was to leave and move far away, taking our daughter, Bella, with me. In return, I would receive additional financial support every month.My hands trembled as I lowered the paper, my eyes locking onto Mr. William. I studied his face, searching for any sign of emotion, but he remained as cold and distant as ever.Why now? Why was he so desperate to erase me from Raymond’s life?Then I remembered.The way his entire demeanor shifted the last time he saw my father’s pict
AVA POVRaymond stood there, his whole body tense. His fists were clenched at his sides, and I could tell he was trying really hard not to lose his temper. His jaw was tight, and he was breathing slowly, like he was forcing himself to stay calm.The air in the room felt heavy, but before I could say anything, my phone buzzed in my hand. I looked down and saw a message from William.“I hope you received the letter, and note: No drama. Respect is a beautiful thing, you know what to do.”I swallowed hard, quickly clearing my throat and forcing a smile onto my face as I looked up at Raymond.“I think… this is a good thing,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “I can just stay at home, look after Bella, and also…” My words trailed off as I struggled to finish the sentence.Raymond’s eyes darkened, his hands balling into even tighter fists.Before he could say anything, I quickly stepped forward, pecked him lightly on the lips, and turned on my heels, rushing out of the office before my emoti
AVA POVI went to pick Bella up from school, trying my best not to let the frustration of not working at the company anymore get to me. As we drove home, I played her favorite songs, letting the music fill the car. She was vibing to it, clapping her hands and singing along, her little voice making me smile.But then, she suddenly turned to me. "Mom, you should be at work with Dad. Why did you come to pick me today?"I glanced at her and smiled. "Is it now a crime to pick my child from school?"She pouted, looking a bit sober, but then, as another of her favorite songs played, she nodded along again, her mood lifting. I let out a silent breath.At HomeBella was eating at the dining table while the maid served her, and I was checking her bag for assignments. As I flipped through her school notes, my eyes caught a small brown envelope tucked inside. At first, I thought it was just a regular message from the school. They usually sent emails, but sometimes they sent physical notes too."B
"Why would you do this?" Mr William demanded, his voice laced with frustration as he stared at Ms. William. She had just played the recording of her conversation with Ava, a triumphant smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Telling her that her father killed Raymond’s mother… Stella is that not too far," William muttered, his gaze darkening. Ms. William scoffed. "Oh, please, cut the crap, William." His fingers curled into fists, but before he could respond, she continued, her voice sharp. "You really think firing her from the company and throwing empty threats will be enough to chase her away?" She let out a dry laugh. "Don’t be naive." "But you’re the naive one here," William countered, narrowing his eyes. "Do you think she’ll just believe you and walk away? She’s not a fool. She’ll start digging, trying to uncover the truth for herself and the real truth will end up revealing to her." Ms. William's eyes flared with irritation. "I’m not naive, William!" she snapped,
AVA POVI walked toward my car, my steps slow, my mind heavier than my body. Daddy P stood by the doorway, watching me. I bowed slightly as a sign of respect, the way I always had since I was little. He waved back, but something about the way he did it felt different—forced, distant.I slid into the driver’s seat and let out a shaky breath, gripping the steering wheel tightly. Just as I was about to start the engine, I glanced back at Daddy P. He had turned around suddenly, rubbing his head roughly as he rushed back inside.I frowned. Something wasn’t right. For a second, I thought about getting out and asking if he was okay, but I didn’t. I was too drained, too confused. Instead, I started the car and drove off.Loud music filled the car, the bass thumping hard against my chest. But it didn’t help. I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t even just sad. I felt like I was losing my mind. My foot pressed harder on the gas and I speed By the time I reached the house, my hands were shaking. I pulled up
AVA POVRaymond had just left for work. Daniel came to pick him up in that clean-ass Rolls Royce. I watched them from the window, Raymond adjusting his suit jacket like always, straight face, not even looking back. Of course, he didn’t. Why would he?The second the car drove off, I turned and walked straight to the bedroom.I locked the door behind me.Went straight to my bags, pulled it open, and brought out the recorder.My hands shook as I slipped the recorder into the playing. I sat down on the floor, cross-legged, like a kid again. Pressed play.And there it was.My father’s voice.That thick, deep voice that used to make me sit up straight even when I was about to sleep. I couldn’t even focus on the words, those last words he left for me—my mind just grabbed the sound. The tone. The way he used to sound when he’d call my name in the middle of the night just to double-check the front door was locked.I looked at the old picture I picked along with the recorder. My eyes stuck to h
AVA’S POVI wasn’t really having a sound sleep.My eyes were closed, but my mind wasn’t at rest. I kept tossing, turning, opening my eyes every few minutes. The room was quiet, but not the kind of quiet that brings peace. Just the heavy, awkward kind.Then I heard something.A weird sound.At first, I thought it was coming from outside. But then I turned a little and realized it was Raymond.I sat up straight.He was right beside me, but he wasn’t sleeping peacefully. His head kept moving from left to right, his eyebrows were drawn tight, and his lips were mumbling something I couldn’t make out. His whole body looked tense—like he was fighting something in his sleep.A nightmare.I didn’t need anyone to tell me. It was written all over his face.“Raymond?” I said softly, leaning closer.No answer. He just kept moving, sweating, like he was trapped in some dark place and couldn’t find a way out.I didn’t even think. I reached out and touched his arm gently, hoping he’d calm down.“Raym
AVA POVWe were back in the city, heading straight to the family mansion.I was at the backseat, looking at my phone. I stared at Bella’s picture for a long while. My heart tightened. That small smile on her face. I quickly locked the phone and tossed it back into my bag.No distractions. That’s the promise I made to myself.Even back at the hospital when I was treating Raymond, that thought wouldn’t stop coming—I’m the reason this boy ended up like this. If not for me, he wouldn’t have had that stupid accident. He wouldn’t have been unconscious for days.I tried to fight it. Told myself it’s not the time. Promised myself I won’t let any emotion ride me again—not guilt, not love, not even pity.Right now, my focus is on one thing—bringing Mr. Williams and that sweet madam of his down. They will pay for everything they did to me.That is the only emotion I allow in. No love. No pain. No regrets. Just revenge.Finally, we got to the mansion.Raymond stepped out of the car first. His fac
Ava’s POV“Do you really have to do it?” Sandra asked, her brows pulled together in a worried frown as she leaned against the counter, arms crossed.I had just finished explaining the plan—how I was going back to the city with Raymond, but Bella would have to stay back here in England. I could already feel the weight of Sandra’s silence even before she spoke again.“Do you really think this is going to work?” she added, her voice soft but firm. “You should consider the fact that Bella might be angry with you again. You just got her trust back, Ava.”I lowered my eyes for a second, staring at my own fingers as they fidgeted in my lap. I had already thought about that, probably more than Sandra could imagine. But I couldn’t let guilt stop me. Not now.What if… What if one day, Bella looked at me and asked why I didn’t try harder to fix things? What if, by trying to keep her close, I actually ended up hurting her more in the long run? I didn’t want her growing up like me—broken, scared,
AT ENGLANDWe’re finally in England.The moment Bella opened her eyes this morning, she asked, “Are we going to see Daddy today?”I just nodded. I didn’t have the heart to tell her how unsure I felt about it.I didn’t want her to see him like that—hooked up to machines, bandaged, pale… not the strong, playful father she remembered.But I’d promised.And I couldn’t break her heart again.So I helped her brush her hair, buttoned her jacket, and forced a smile even though my chest felt tight.Daniel met us outside the hospital. His face said everything before he even spoke.He looked like he hadn’t slept in days.We walked in silence through the white, quiet hallway. The smell of antiseptic was strong. I hated it…Bella’s small hand gripped mine tightly, and for a second, I wished she would stay that age forever. Unaware of how cruel life could be.When we reached the room, Daniel opened the door gently.Raymond was sitting up on the hospital bed.He looked… different.A white bandage wa
AT NEW YORK CITY“Ava’s POV“So, that’s it?”Miss Lilian and another teacher stood in front of me, a female police officer beside them. They had just explained how my daughter went missing.“We’re doing our best already,” the officer added.I looked at Miss Lilian. She was panting, probably scared. I placed a hand on her shoulder, then turned around. I could feel their eyes on me. Maybe they expected me to grab the teacher’s collar, scream at her to bring back my child. But no. That’s not it.Their explanation was clear. I already knew who to fight.Bella was left alone in her hotel room. The hotel’s CCTV showed her getting into a cab. The police found the driver. He dropped her off at The Diamonds Company.So, the answer to my missing child pointed to just one place.For now, I don’t really want to know why Bella goes there…*************“Mr. John William!” I shouted Raymond Father's full name as I stormed through the hallway.I turned into the living room. Then the dining area.One
Raymond’s POVThe moment I saw her, my breath caught in my throat.Three days. I had been in England for three days, watching her from a distance. Watching her leave the building in the morning and return at night. But now, standing this close, seeing her with my own eyes instead of through a screen or a window—something inside me cracked.She’s lost weight. She looks so lean.That was the first thought that ran through my mind as I stood there, staring at her. Her colour. Her makeup was smudged, her hair messy, as if she hadn’t even cared to fix it before stepping out..The elevator doors started to closing. She hesitated for just a second before turning to walk awayMy body moved before my mind could catch up. I shoved my hand between the closing doors, forcing them back open, and grabbed my phone from the floor. By the time I stepped out, she was already moving fast toward the stairs.I wasn’t about to let her go....I reached out and grabbed her wrist.She stopped.But she didn’t
The taxi driver had just put a cigarette in his mouth when he noticed Bella watching him through the rearview mirror. With a sigh, he hesitated, then pulled it back, shoving it into his pocket instead.Bella barely noticed. She leaned her head against the window, her thoughts far heavier than the smell of smoke, even though she hated it. This night was supposed to be different. She had imagined knocking on the door, seeing her father’s face, feeling the warmth of him again. But instead, she had stood outside for nearly an hour, knocking until her hands ached. No one answered. Not even the maid.The only stroke of luck she had was that the taxi driver who had dropped her off earlier was still there—his car had broken down.That gave her time to think.Her father’s company.It was her last chance.When she told the driver where she wanted to go, he immediately recognized the name. Maybe everyone in the city did. But before agreeing, he demanded double the fare, but they’re finally on th
Ava’s eyes opened slowly. Her head felt a bit heavy, and just as she looked around, She immediately blinked more than twice, trying to understand. This wasn’t her room.She sat up quickly, looking around in confusion. Then she looked down at herself—still in the same clothes from last night. Her heart started racing.She jumped out of the bed and ran out of the bedroom.That was when she saw him.Her next-door neighbor.Sitting at the dining table - shirtless, eating like nothing was wrong.“You’re awake,” he said without even looking at her.Ava’s breathing was unsteady. “Why am I here?” she asked, but she got no response. Then again, “Why am I here? Why am I here?” she raised her voice littleHe finally turned to her and let out a deep sigh.“Your daughter didn’t open the door, and I should have just let you sleep outside…..but” he said. “Maybe… you should try to remember the drama you put on last night.”He raised his hand slightly like he was about to say something even more worse