chapter 3

Chapter Three

Ava’s POV

I stared at the woman standing in front of me, my grip on my suitcase tightening. I had every intention of walking past her, of leaving without a single word, but then she spoke.

"How rude," she said with a smirk. "Ignoring a visitor like this? That’s no way to welcome a guest."

For a moment My breath caught in my throat.

That voice.

It was the same voice I had heard over the phone—the woman Richard had been with the night I lost everything. The woman he had abandoned me with.

Slowly, I turned to face her, my expression carefully neutral. My eyes flickered from her to Richard, who stood just behind her, watching us with an uneasy expression.

But I didn’t bring it up.

I forced a smile. "Welcome," I said simply.

The woman’s smirk widened as she took a few steps forward. Her gaze was sharp, assessing me, as if waiting for a reaction.

Richard cleared his throat and moved to stand beside her. "Ava," he said, gesturing toward the woman, "this is Miss Lydia. She’s the daughter of the richest man in the city—the owner of Blackmist Company. She is soon going to take over the business. You should welcome her with respect."

A laugh nearly escaped my lips.

Blackmist Company.

I knew that company better than anyone.

Because my father was the owner. And I was his only child.

Yet here she was, boldly claiming my identity as her own. How rude.

I glanced at Richard, then back at Lydia. My expression remained calm, but inside, I was amused.

Lydia lifted her chin proudly. "It’s nice to finally meet you, Ava. Richard told me alot about you."

I crossed my arms as I stared at her. "Is that so?"

Richard sighed as if annoyed. "Ava, you should be grateful. If it weren’t for Miss Lydia, I wouldn’t have gotten my position as CEO of Blackmist Company." He turned to her with admiration. "She’s the one who made it happen for me. Without her by now I would be living in poverty."

I nearly rolled my eyes.

Richard, my husband, the man who had tossed me aside, was now standing beside a fraud, completely oblivious to the truth.

I tilted my head. "Are you sure?" I asked, my voice light. "Are you absolutely sure that she’s the daughter of the richest man in the city? Come on, anyone can come and claim that position."

Richard’s eyes darkened with irritation. "What are you implying? Are you saying you know who the rich man's daughter is?"

"I’m just saying," I continued, "that you should be careful. Not everything is as it seems."

Richard’s face turned red with anger. "You’re ungrateful!" he snapped. "Instead of thanking Miss Lydia, you’re being ridiculous. You should show some respect instead of causing problems!"

Lydia let out a small, amused chuckle, clearly enjoying the situation.

I sighed, stepping closer to them. "I don’t care," I said, my voice flat. "I’m leaving. You should be happy. Don’t ever call me again."

As I turned to leave, Lydia laughed behind me. "Oh please, you have such a good husband," she said mockingly. "You’re a fool to leave him. What a bad wife you are. It's such a shame you won't get to enjoy his wealth."

I stopped mid-step, my fingers tightening around the handle of my suitcase.

Slowly, I turned my head and met her gaze.

"If you think my husband is so great," I said, my voice calm, "then you can have him."

I didn’t wait for a response. Without another word, I walked out of the house.

The night air was cold, but I welcomed it. As I stepped onto the driveway, my eyes landed on a familiar sight.

My car.

I stopped, staring at it.

How did Lydia have access to my car?

Before I could process it further, another car pulled up beside mine.

I recognized it immediately.

It was one of my father’s drivers.

The door opened, and the driver stepped out, giving me a respectful nod. "Miss Ava, your father is waiting for you."

I didn’t hesitate.

Without looking back, I got into the car.

As we drove off, I kept my gaze forward, refusing to give the house I thought would bring me love a single glance.

This chapter of my life was over. Now it is time to start a New chapter .

---

The ride home felt surreal.

The last time I had been in this car, I had been a daughter trying to escape the weight of my family’s expectations.

Now, I was a woman returning—not as the same person, but as someone who had been broken and about to rebuild her life.

When we finally arrived at the estate, I saw my father waiting for me at the entrance.

I stepped out of the car and walked toward him.

Then, for the first time in years, I bowed respectfully. "Father," I said softly. "Thank you for accepting me back. I promise I will not mislead this great opportunity you have shown towards me."

My father studied me for a moment before giving me a small smile. "You came back just in time," he said. “ It's a good thing you came back to your senses but now it's a good thing you came right in time for this moment.

I frowned slightly. Confused at my father's words. "For what father?"

Before he could answer, the sound of another car approaching filled the air.

I turned just as a sleek black car pulled up to the estate gates.

I froze wondering who it could be then The door opened.

I paused trying to see who it was after a few seconds —a man stepped out.