Chapter Eight – The Return

The Collins residence was unusually quiet.

No laughter.

No background music.

No comfortable warmth.

Only tension.

Ava stepped out of the car and looked up at the familiar house. In her past life, she had once believed this place represented stability, a future, a home. Now, she saw it clearly for what it was.

A cage.

The front door opened before she could knock.

Mark stood there.

His face looked composed, but his eyes betrayed him.

Bloodshot.

Restless.

Suspicious.

“Ava,” he said.

She lowered her head slightly.

“I’m sorry.”

Two simple words.

They landed exactly where they should.

Mark’s shoulders relaxed a fraction.

“Where did you go?” he asked.

“I needed time to think,” Ava replied softly. “Everything yesterday felt overwhelming.”

Mark studied her.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t know how,” Ava said. “I was afraid you’d be angry.”

Mark exhaled.

That sounded like the Ava he knew.

Timid.

Dependent.

He stepped aside.

“Come in.”

Ava walked into the house.

Nothing had changed.

Yet everything had.

She could feel eyes on her from every corner.

Mark closed the door behind her.

“You shouldn’t disappear like that,” he said. “People are already gossiping.”

Ava nodded.

“I understand.”

Mark hesitated.

Then asked casually, “Did you come back here earlier today?”

Ava looked up at him, confused.

“Yes,” she said honestly. “I told you I forgot my charger.”

Mark watched her face carefully.

She looked sincere.

No panic.

No hesitation.

“Did you take anything?” he asked.

Ava blinked.

“Take what?”

Mark stared at her.

Then forced a laugh.

“Nothing. Just asking.”

Ava lowered her eyes.

“If you don’t trust me, you can check my bag.”

She lifted her purse slightly.

Mark froze.

For a split second, uncertainty flashed through his eyes.

Then he waved his hand.

“No need.”

If Ava truly had taken something, she would never offer so easily.

That was what Mark believed.

Ava inwardly smiled.

Sometimes, honesty was the best disguise.

They sat in the living room.

A housekeeper served tea.

Silence stretched.

Mark finally spoke.

“Ava, about yesterday… I was worried.”

Ava looked up.

“I know.”

Mark sighed.

“You’re my wife now. Whatever happens, you should rely on me.”

Ava nodded obediently.

“I will.”

The words sounded perfect.

Mark felt reassured.

He did not notice Ava studying the faint dark circles under his eyes.

He had not slept.

Good.

“I heard Reed Holdings is conducting an internal audit,” Ava said carefully.

Mark stiffened.

“Who told you that?”

“I saw a message in the company group chat,” Ava replied.

Mark frowned.

“Must be routine.”

Ava nodded.

“Does that mean they’ll check past transactions?”

Mark forced a smile.

“Of course. Everything is clean.”

Ava smiled faintly.

“I’m glad.”

Inside, she was laughing.

Mark cleared his throat.

“Ava… if anything happens with Reed Holdings… you’ll support me, right?”

Ava tilted her head.

“Of course.”

Mark leaned closer.

“You still love me?”

Ava did not answer immediately.

She lowered her eyes.

“I wouldn’t have married you if I didn’t.”

Mark felt satisfied.

The doubt in his heart eased slightly.

Just then, Lily walked down the stairs.

Her eyes reddened the moment she saw Ava.

“Ava-jie…”

She rushed forward and hugged her tightly.

“I was so worried about you.”

Ava stiffened briefly, then patted Lily’s back.

“I’m fine.”

Lily pulled back, examining her face.

“You look tired.”

Ava smiled weakly.

“I didn’t sleep well.”

Lily glanced at Mark.

“Ava-jie, did you argue with Mark-ge?”

Ava shook her head.

“No.”

Lily sighed dramatically.

“I’m glad. I was afraid you misunderstood something.”

Ava looked at her.

“Misunderstood what?”

Lily froze.

Then smiled.

“Nothing.”

Ava lowered her gaze.

“Lily, I’m grateful you’re always by my side.”

Lily’s smile widened.

“Of course. We’re sisters.”

Ava returned the smile.

Yes.

Sisters.

Who had killed each other in another life.

The three of them sat together.

It looked peaceful.

Harmonious.

Perfect.

But beneath the surface—

Mark was hiding panic.

Lily was hiding fear.

And Ava was holding their death sentence.

That evening, Ava returned to Kane Estate.

She did not stay overnight.

She needed to maintain the illusion of belonging to Mark.

As she entered Lucas’s study, Lucas raised his eyes.

“How did it go?”

Ava placed her bag on the desk.

“Mark suspects something is wrong.”

“Good.”

“He doesn’t suspect me.”

Lucas’s lips curved faintly.

“Better.”

Ava leaned back slightly.

“He asked if I took anything.”

Lucas’s eyes sharpened.

“And?”

“I offered my bag.”

Lucas chuckled quietly.

“Bold.”

Ava smiled faintly.

“He believes I’m harmless.”

Lucas nodded.

“That belief will destroy him.”

Ava looked at the city lights through the window.

“The rumors should start tomorrow.”

“They will,” Lucas said.

Ava’s eyes darkened.

“Let the cracks widen.”