AVA
"So you're back with your rich family now?" Maya, my blood sister, said. I could clearly hear the resentment in her voice.
"Maya," I said softly. "Hi."
She laughed. "Hi?" she repeated. "That's all you have to say after disappearing into luxury for six years?"
My fingers tightened around my phone.
"I didn't disappear," I said carefully. "You knew where I was."
"Oh, I knew," she replied quickly. "London...private university...private jet rides... living the dream."
"Must be nice," she added.
Guilt flickered through me, but I kept my voice calm.
"I didn't choose how things happened."
"No," she said. "You just benefited from it."
I closed my eyes briefly.
"Maya-"
"Do you know when I left the orphanage?" she cut in.
"Yes," I muttered. "Five years ago."
"Eighteen, Ava. I was eighteen." she repeated. "I stayed there until I aged out. No rich family came back for me."
Her words weren't loud but they hit hard anyway.
"I tried to stay in touch," I said softly.
"You called sometimes," she corrected. "From your perfect life."
I didn't argue because any defense sounded hollow.
"And now you're back," she went on. "Back to privilege."
"It's not like that." I murmured.
She ignored that. "So tell me," she said, her tone shifting slightly, "are they finally treating you like one of them?"
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Did they give you their last name yet?" she asked casually. "Or are you still the charity case they keep around?"
My stomach tightened.
"They never gave you the Hale name, did they?" she continued. "Funny. You lived there all those years, but they still kept that distance."
I didn't answer because I never understood that part either.
"And Lucien?" she added suddenly. "How's your cold, untouchable brother?"
My heart raced immediately.
"He's fine," I said shortly.
"Still ignores you?" she asked.
"I'm tired, Maya." I answered, exhaling through my nose.
She went quiet for a second, then she hummed.
"Alright," she said. "Keep your secrets."
My grip tightened on the phone.
"Maya..."
"I'm just saying," she continued, almost lazily. "So... enjoy being back with your rich family."
I took a breath, then replied, "Goodnight, Maya."
Before she could respond, I ended the call. I stared at my phone for a moment, then let out a long breath.
The irony of it all sat heavy in my chest. To everyone else, my life looked perfect.
I lay back on the bed slowly.
'Perfect.'
I let out a soft, tired laugh, then I curled on my side, pulling the blanket around myself.
I barely slept.
Even when exhaustion pulled me under, my mind never fully rested. Lucien's voice kept echoing in fragments.
"You've always been mine."
"We're getting married."
By morning, I was too drained to think about it anymore. So I focused on the one thing I could still control.
My life.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the sleeves of my blazer.
I was dressed corporately, wearing a structured jacket, fitted trousers, and low heels. My hair fell neatly down my back, and my makeup was light but professional.
If nothing else, I could still choose my career. Lucien wasn't going to decide that too.
I picked up my bag and headed downstairs.
Seraphina and Alaric were already at the breakfast table.
The moment Seraphina saw me, guilt crossed her face. It was subtle, but I caught it.
"Good morning, darling," she said softly.
"Morning," I replied.
Alaric gave a small nod. "You're up early."
"I have somewhere to be."
Seraphina's brows pulled together. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to apply for a job."
Seraphina hesitated. "But... Lucien said you shouldn't-"
"I know what Lucien said," I cut in. "I want to work at Greenfield. I don't need his help."
Alaric didn't say anything, but his expression had tightened a little.
I adjusted the strap of my bag and started heading towards the door.
"Ava, wait." Seraphina's voice stopped me.
I sighed, then turned back slowly.
She looked... uncomfortable. More than that, remorseful.
"About yesterday," she began awkwardly.
I shook my head before replying, "There's no need to explain, Sera."
Her lips parted, but I continued before she could speak.
"I don't expect much from any of you anyway."
The words came out calmer than I felt, but they seemed to have landed hard because her face fell instantly.
"Ava..."
"You know," I added, "it finally makes sense now."
She frowned. "What are you saying?"
"Everything."
I met her eyes directly.
"So I was being groomed for your son all along."
The hurt on her face was immediate.
"That's not true," she said quickly. "Ava, that's not true at all."
I didn't respond.
"Everything Lucien is doing," she continued, "It's his decision. His alone."
"But you support him," I said.
She went silent because she couldn't deny that. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
"You know Lucien," she finally said, "When he makes a decision... no one can change it."
I held her gaze.
"And that makes it okay?"
She didn't answer, she couldn't.
I glanced at my wristwatch, I had one hour before my interview.
"It's fine," I said. "My appointment is at nine. I need to leave now."
I turned before the conversation could drag any further. As I reached the door, I heard her voice behind me.
"Good luck, Ava."
I paused for a second, then I stepped outside without responding because luck wasn't what I needed.
I needed control and I was determined to take some of it back, starting with my career.
