All Chapters of THE CEO'S HIRED WIFE : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

The morning sun slanted through the windows of the Malvis mansion, creating long, lazy shadows across the breakfast table. Jace sat with his normal air of calm, his face an inscrutable mask as he ate in quiet. Avalynn stirred her coffee, her eyes downcast, the weight of last night's events pressing heavily on her shoulders. The quiet in the room was deafening, every tick of the clock like a hammer hitting against the walls. Avalynn took a deep breath as she stole a quick glance at Jace, he was focused on his food with a blank look on his face. She should try talking to him, he has probably gotten over what happened yesterday, Avalynn thought to herself. She took in a deep breath. "You're quiet this morning," Avalynn ventured, breaking the suffocating quiet that hung in the air like a thick fog. Jace's only reaction was a small twitch of his jaw, the only sign of his inner turmoil. Avalynn's heart sank as she swallowed, the spoon clinking against her cup like a warning bell.

Avalynn continued to debate whether or not to go out with Liam since she wasn't sure how it would affect her relationship with Jace. She's aware that she needs a distraction, but is she prepared to make the commitment? The question refuses to go away, hanging there in the atmosphere like a thick fog.A bird flew over the pretty blooming garden, its wings spread wide against the sky, as she sits on the balcony lost in thoughts.Avalynn feels a tremendous surge of bravery growing in her chest, and for a second her breath freezes in her throat.The loud ring of her phone broke the calm silence of the mansion just as she was about to decide to go take a nap and find some peace in the seclusion of her room.The moment Avalynn saw Liam's name flash on the screen, her heart skipped a beat. Talk of the devil huh?She answered the phone, hesitating for a second, her fingers shaking. "Hello?" Her pulse was pounding as she spoke hesitantly."Avalynn?" She felt a chill go down her spine at Liam'

Avalynn was thinking fast, a little bit of fear and confusion swirling through her head. Breath came in quick, shallow spurts, her palms felt clammy and chilly. Liam was staring at her, his worry was very obvious, but her thoughts were too preoccupied with trying to make sense of what had just transpired. 'You will regret this', The words Marvy had said didn't stop coming back to her. But in what sense did she mean? She would do what? Would she mention her lunch with Liam meal to Jace? Would she even go beyond and use her cunning to put Liam and herself at odds?Oh wait, where would Marvy get Jace's contact. Ooooff, I'm overthinking this. Avalynn thought within herself. "Avalynn?" Liam's voice broke through the confusion in her head, soft yet firm. "You alright? Please talk to me."Breathing deeply, Avalynn forced her gaze to Liam's face, where worried lines were carved on his forehead. Whispering, "I don't know," her voice wavered. I'm hated by Marvy. She'd always hated me.. I do

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

Jace listened in confusion as the words of his grandfather resounded in his thoughts. Resign? He could never see his grandad resigning.For as far back as Jace could remember, since the accident that killed his parents over twenty years ago happened, his grandpa had acted as the company's foundation and a compass, steering them through numerous problems.Jace pushed through the cloud of fear and uncertainty by pushing himself to focus. "Grandfather," he answered, his voice now more firm, "if you honestly think this is the wisest course of action, then I will make every attempt to fulfill your rigorous standards. However, your advise is more important than ever before.A tiny grin grew across his grandfather's face as he nodded. "Certainly, Jace. My advise is always at your service. But you must lead with your heart and mind. Trust in yourself."Jace felt a rush of purpose. He had to attack the challenges head-on, for the sake of the business, his family, and his own self-worth. "I und