CHAPTER 1: BETRAYAL

“You're three weeks pregnant,” the doctor said to Ava.

A mix of emotions welled up inside her.

I… I am pregnant,” she stuttered.

The female doctor nodded. “Yes, miss Ava. You're pregnant.”

This had to be the best news ever. Excitedly, she dashed out of the hospital into the night. She got home and quickly got herself dressed. There was no better time to tell Ryan about this than tonight.

A couple of moments later, her eyes were almost pressed against the glass of the cab's window. The heart of the twenty-five years old damsel was filled with excitement.It was only a matter of minutes before she would break the sweetest news to her boyfriend, Ryan, who happened to be the richest bachelor in the country and eldest son of Mr Blake. His family was the richest in the entire country, with the most flourishing businesses in their name.

However, there was just one organization that no one marched. Avalon corp… they were the most powerful business enterprise. But the family wasn't based in the country.

It was without a doubt a joyous feeling to be the woman of someone of that status, despite being an orphan.

“Oh my goodness!” She gasped in wonder as she caught sight of the resort.

The Paradise resorts and suites were owned solely by Ryan's family. And yes, it was out of reach for many people. It was a place where only the richest entities from around the world would converge.

“You must be powerful, ma'am,” the cab driver said to her.

Her eyes fell on the gold-plated invitation card in her hands. That was her ticket to enter into the resort for tonight's big event. And her man had sent it to her directly. Without a formal invitation, no one was allowed to get in.

“Maybe,” she replied with a knowing smile.

The cab drove past the main gate and cycled through the driveway before coming to a stop. Ava paid him and stepped into the night's embrace. Despite being of a low status, she did well to dress the best she could. A red gown and red heels with earrings and a necklace. Ryan had gotten them for her the last time he took her shopping. That was the first and last time she let him buy things for her. Out of fear of being accused of mooching off Ryan, she preferred to stay with the little she earned.

She was walking freely towards the entrance of the conference hall when she was interrupted.

“Hey, orphan!” The familiar voice called out to her arrogantly.

Her feet came to a stop in that instant. She recognized the voice and turned. Molly, Ryan's younger sister who despised Ava, walked up to her.

“I have a name, Molly,” Ava pointed out. “You don't have to be mean all the time.”

Molly chuckled in a vile manner. “This event is not a place for lowlives like you, bitch. How the heck did you get in here?”

Ava stroked her cheek while trying to keep her anger low. “I was invited. And here is my card.”

She waved the luxurious card at her. But then, Molly bursted out into laughter.

“You really do think my brother sent that to you.” Molly chuckled. “You are too lousy. Stop mooching off my family.”

Ava was confused. Of course, Ryan invited her to celebrate his announcement as heir to the family's business.

“Your brother loves me, Molly,” Ava replied. “I am not mooching off your family. What I feel for your brother is genuine.”

When Molly said nothing to her but just scowled, she turned and headed to the entrance.

The two security dudes crossed their hands. She flashed her card and was allowed to pass.

Ava threw a last glance at Molly. There was a smile on her face that Ava could not seem to understand.

“Hmm,” she exhaled deeply and walked in.

The interior of the hall was filled with mind-blowing ecstasy. Chandeliers hung from top and threw different colors at the place. The red curtains and marble floor even increased the ambience of the room. However, through the mixture of wealthy looking men and women, Ava's eyes were searching for Ryan.

Ryan stood grinning from ear to ear with a glass of wine in his hand . With him was Kristie, daughter of a major business owner. His happiness was suddenly cut short when his eyes saw Ava standing like a lost soul. Oh well, she was lost.

“Damn it!” He muttered suddenly.

“Is there a problem?” Kristie asked him softly.

He smiled partly and patted her shoulder. “Not at all,” he replied. “Give me a second, please.”

By now, Ava already saw him. She watched as he emptied his glass and dropped it on the table. Then, he walked to her gallantly in his tuxedo. Ava was expecting a hug from him. But it didn't come. Instead, he threw a confusing question at her.

“Ava, what are you doing here?” He asked suddenly with an uneasy look registered on his face.

Ava chuckled amidst the confusion registered in her head. “What…do you mean, Ryan? Of course, I came here for you.”

Ryan cocked his head uncomfortably. “How did you get in? Not everyone is allowed to come.”

A wave of disappointment blew across Ava's face. Why was Ryan being that way? He sent her the invitation card. But then, he was asking her a silly question.

“What do you mean, Ryan? You sent the invitation card to me, obviously. Hold on a second. Was it… not you? Then, who?”

Ryan sighed heavily, a scowl forming on his face.

“I have good news, baby,” she said with a smile.

“You should walk away, Ava,” he replied in a firm tone.

Just when she was about to throw the questions in her head, the voice of Mr Mr Blake boomed through the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my son and heir to my business, Ryan Blake, to the podium.”

The sound of applause filled the entire hall. Kristie walked to Ryan and locked her arm in his.

“Sweetheart, you should be on the podium right now.”

Sweetheart…. Ava's heart was beginning to beat heavily. She definitely didn't hear her correctly.

“Ry..Ryan, what is…going on?” She stuttered.

Without a word to her, Ryan turned and walked away with Kristie. Ava stood in shock and frustration. She was battling with her reality.

Ryan mounted the podium and began to speak.

“I thank everyone who has come here tonight to celebrate with me. I'm grateful to all of you. As a matter of fact, the Blake Haven group of companies will only get bigger and bigger.”

Applause went around the hall again.

With a broad grin, he continued, “One more thing. Tonight, I'd love to let you all know that my status as the richest bachelor will soon be vacant for another person.”

Ava grinned. She suddenly forgot about the disappointment she felt not long ago. Ryan was finally going to announce their relationship. Not just that, but he was going to make their marital intention known.

While the people cheered, Ryan slipped out a diamond ring from his pocket and descended from the podium. To Ava's shock, he walked straight to Kristie and went down on one knee. Her heart was tearing apart. This wasn't happening. Ava had come with good news— she was pregnant for him.

With the microphone still attached, Ryan asked the question.

“Kristie, will you marry me?” His voice boomed through the speakers.