01

Chapter One

Ava’s POV

I looked up at the Patel mansion, wondering if coming back here was worth it or just the biggest mistake of my life. I guess I’d have to find out. I hope I don't regret it.

But who was I kidding? Nothing good had ever come out of this house. Never had, never will.

The Patel mansion looked as magnificent as ever, towering over the other luxurious homes in one of the richest neighborhoods in the city of Pinecrest.

A gravel driveway that seemed to go on forever led up to the water fountain where cars were parked around. The tall marble pillars lining the entrance to my home, decorated by various flowers. This house was easily the most beautiful in this part of the city.

The last time I saw this house, I was barely eight years old and being sent away, exiled to a boarding school with nothing more than a silly explanation and a hurried goodbye. Now, after so long, I was back. And the truth was, I still wasn’t ready to face them just yet.

As I made my way to the gate, the guards scrutinized me with blank expressions, clearly not recognizing who I was. Of course, why would they? I was always just a nobody.

One of them stepped forward, already raising a hand to stop me.

“Excuse me, Miss, you can’t just–”

Before he could finish, Uncle Bertram emerged from the house, his voice loud and strict. “How dare you disrupt the young mistress of the Patel home?”

The guard’s eyes widened, and I felt heat rush to my cheeks as all their eyes turned to me. I never liked it when Uncle Bertram drew so much attention to me, but he had made it his duty to remind everyone of my place. A place that didn't belong to me.

I hurried to hug him as soon as the guards opened the gate. “Uncle,” I beamed, wrapping my arms around him, “it’s so good to see you.”

He patted my back, his touch gentle. “You’re back, my dear. You’ve grown so much. How have you been?”

My lips pulled into a faint smile. “I’m fine.”

Lie.

“Are you sure?” His brow furrowed as he studied my face. “You don’t look fine.” There was concern in his eyes, the kind that made me want to cry. But I couldn’t. I had learned long ago that showing weakness in this house was an invitation for more hurt.

I took a deep breath, pushing the emotions down. “Dad always wanted me to be strong. I’ve been trying my best.”

He smiled, but I could see the sadness behind it. He clearly understood that I was still affected by all that had happened. “Ava, you’ve done well. It’s not easy to manage trauma by yourself. But you have. And I’m proud of you for that.”

We walked into the house, and there she was–Mother, seated on her favorite couch in the living room, knitting a sweater with one leg crossed over the other. A hobby she has but preferred to send the clothes to the orphanage rather than let me wear them. Since Natalia was more focused on sparkling clothes.

I cleared my throat and tried to force a smile. “Hello, Mother.”

She didn't spare me a glance, but with a cold, dismissive tone, muttered, “Oh, you’re back. Good. There’s a lot of work to do. Your sister is getting married.”

I blinked, her words catching me off guard. “Natalia… getting married?”

Mother finally looked up, but there was no trace of joy or warmth on her face. Only indifference. “Is there a problem?” she asked, as though I’d offended her simply by being surprised.

“No, I just–” I stammered, “I didn’t know… I didn’t think–”

“Spare me the rambling,” she snapped. “You’re here now. Help with the wedding preparations. The maids could use an extra hand. The engagement party is tomorrow.”

I knew I should have kept quiet, but I couldn’t help my curiosity. “Who is she getting married to?”

“A poor piece of trash called Liam Ross,” she spat as if disgusted by the name. “He comes from an unfortunate background. But what does it matter? The arrangements are set.”

Liam Ross. The name sent my mind reeling. It sounded familiar… but no matter how hard I tried to wrack my brain, I couldn't remember where I’d heard it before.

And did she just say poor? That didn’t sound right. Natalia would never settle for someone without wealth. Not unless something was going on.

“I’ll go find Natalia,” I said, eager to escape Mother’s icy gaze. I wasn’t planning on asking about this poor Liam. It didn’t seem like a topic she’d want to discuss with me any further. I was surprised she had revealed that much.

I found Natalia in her room, surrounded by a ton of dresses and shoes. She was barking orders at the maids, who scrambled to pack the dresses with care. Her back was to me, but I didn’t care. I rushed over to hug her, the excitement of seeing my sister again after all these years bubbling up inside me.

“Natalia!” I exclaimed, a wide smile stretching across my face.

She stepped away immediately, her expression twisting with disgust. “Ugh, don’t touch me!” Her eyes raked over me as though I was a pig that had wandered in from the street. “You’re filthy. Who knows what kind of germs you picked up from that wretched boarding school?”

Her words hit me like a punch. I hadn’t seen her in eight years, and this was the reception I got? My chest tightened, but I forced my lips to remain spread in another fake smile. “Natalia, it’s been eight years. Didn’t you miss me?”

She scoffed. “Miss you? I wish Mother had just sent you away for good. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.”

The invisible knife in my heart twisted, and I bit down on my lip to keep myself from crying. Be strong, Ava.

“I heard you’re getting married,” I said, changing the subject. “Congratulations.”

“Of course,” she replied smugly. “I’m in love, Ava. Liam and I decided to tie the knot. We’ll be engaged tomorrow and married in two weeks.”

“That’s… great to hear. I’m happy for you,” I said, though part of me still couldn’t believe Natalia would marry someone without money. She’d always been the type who craved status and luxury above all else.

Guess people really could change huh?

Natalia’s smile widened, as though she knew exactly what I was thinking. “Thank you. Not like you would know what it means to fall in love. Nobody could love a… curse.”

I decided to ignore the pang her words sent to my heart, changing the subject again. “Where’s Dad?”

Her expression hardened. “He’s right where you left him. The way you left him–crippled.” She turned back to her dresses.

I felt the breath leave my lungs. “How can you say that?“ I gasped “Natalia, he’s our father.”

She glanced at me and rolled her eyes. “You should go see him. But don’t take too long. Mother said you need to help the maids get everything ready. You’re lucky I’m even letting you attend my engagement party.”

I turned to leave, but just as I reached the door, I heard her whisper behind me, probably not expecting me to hear. “You’ve come back at the perfect time, Sister. Soon you'll serve a very important purpose for us. I hope you’re ready.”

My stomach coiled when I heard that. I didn’t know what she meant, but the way she said it… didn’t feel right. Still, I shrugged off the feeling and went to find Dad.

Seeing him again after all these years was harder than I thought it would be. He looked smaller, frailer than I remembered, his once bright green eyes empty, although they lit up a bit when he saw me. I hugged him and felt my heart break even more as I saw the state he was in.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered to myself. “This is all my fault.”

After a long, tearful conversation with Dad, I reluctantly left to join the maids.

Mrs. Rose, Uncle Bertram’s wife, wasted no time in giving me a long list of tasks. She kept me busy all day, making sure I didn’t have a single moment to rest. Few hours after midnight, I collapsed into my tiny bed in the servant's quarters, my body aching and desiring rest.

Just as I was about to drift off to sleep that night, I heard people mumbling outside my door. They were moving down the hallway to their room.

“Do you think she knows?” one of the maids asked, making me frown.

“Of course not,” another voice replied. “But she’ll find out soon enough. Unfortunately for her, it’ll be too late.”

I froze. Too late for what? And who were they talking about?