"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
RAYMOND’s POVI sat on the edge of the bed, adjusting my cuffs for the third time. My leg bounced as I waited. Ava was in the closet, trying on the dress I got her. I wasn’t sure why I was nervous, but I was…..we are stepping out for our first weekend date“Ava, you ready?” I called.No response.Then, I heard the soft click of her heels.I looked up. And just like that, I forgot how to breathe.Ava stepped out, and my mind went blank. My mouth opened, but no words came out.She arched her brow. “Raymond?”I blinked. Swallowed. Tried to form a sentence. “Uh…”She smirked. “You okay?”I exhaled sharply and shook my head. “Damn.”Her smirk widened. “Damn, what?”I stood up without thinking and closed the space between us. My hand found her waist, my fingers brushing against the smooth fabric of her dress.“You,” I muttered, still trying to catch up with my own thoughts.She rolled her eyes. “It’s just a dress.”I shook my head. “No. It’s you.” My hand moved up, tucking a loose strand of
Ava’s povI adjust Bella in my arms, feeling her weight as I whisper, "You're such a big girl now." She’s completely knocked out, her little body resting against mine. At the same time, I drag our suitcase behind me, struggling a little.Then—bam. The suitcase hits someone.The man turns around, his face twisting into a frown."I'm so sorry," I say quickly, giving him an apologetic look.Before anything else can happen, a hostess rushes over to help me."Let me take that," she says kindly, grabbing the suitcase from my hand. I let out a small breath of relief and gave her a grateful smile."Thank you," I say softly as I settle into my seat, making sure Bella is comfortable in her sleep.The hostess watches us for a second before asking, "Is she okay?""Yeah, she’s fine," I replied quickly. "Just taking a nap."She nods and walks away, leaving me alone with Bella.I exhale and look down at my daughter. My stomach twists.I bite my lip hard, cursing myself inside.I shouldn’t have done
RAYMOND POVDaniel came to bail me out at the Police stationEarlier at the airport, I lost it. They wouldn’t let me through, and when one of the security guards tried to stop me, I snapped. Ended up throwing a punch. Maybe more than one. And at the end the police stepped in, dragged me away before I could do anything worse, and maybe I might actually do the worst, because I just want to see Ava and Bella at that time, stopping me is like adding salt to my burning wound. Now, standing in the police station, I must’ve looked like a mess. I didn’t care. One of the officers sighed. “Mr. Williams, you need to avoid public fights like this. Next time, it won’t just be a few hours in a cell.” I barely listened. The other cop, though, was suddenly all smiles. “Sir, didn’t realize who you were…" The Diamond” that's such a big company and big name.” He chuckled, a little too eager. “Here, have some coffee.” He added I didn’t take it, just looking at him, he suddenly became friendly a
Raymond’s POV“Hello, patient. Can you tell me your name, please?” the doctor asked.I opened my eyes slowly, the bright hospital lights making me squint. My headache, and my body felt weak. “You’ve been unconscious for two days,” the doctor continued, watching me closely.I looked around. Samuel was here, standing beside Daniel. Vivian was there too. Her eyes were swollen like she had cried her heart out. Maybe she felt guilty for pushing me.“Raymond, can you remember me?” Vivian asked, pressing her hand against her chest.I stared at all of them, not saying a word.“Doctor, does that mean he lost his memory?” Vivian asked, her voice shaking.The doctor didn’t answer her. Instead, he turned back to me, asking more questions. Did I know where I was? Did I remember what happened?I heard everything, but I didn’t respond. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to—I was in shock myself. I still remembered the fall, the moment I thought everything was over. For a second, I had been relieved. I ha
AVA’S POV “I will be needing $1000,” Bella said casually from the dining table, shoving a spoonful of food into her mouth. I paused, from packing the food into a flask, and turned to look at her. “Do you even know what a thousand dollars is? And maybe, just maybe, you should ask for it like someone with manners?” Bella didn’t even flinch. Instead of apologizing, she put her spoon down, pushed her chair back, and stood up. I stepped in front of her before she could take a step. “Sit.” She sighed dramatically. “I’ll be late—” “Sit down, Bella,” I said, my patience thinning. “I need to catch up with—” She tried to move past me. “Bella, don’t let me slap you,” I warned. She huffed, crossing her arms. “Mom, I’ll be late. You know Miss Lilian—” The second she mentioned that woman’s name, her teacher, I stepped aside. But I wasn’t letting this go. “I can take you to school myself, you know. But instead, you cancel me and choose to follow her.” Bella grabbed her bag. “I’m
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
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