جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 40

The city seemed to vibrate around Ava as she stepped out of the office building, the late afternoon sun shining down on her and casting long shadows across the pavement of the city of San Francisco. Her heels tapped sharply on the pavement, the music not sufficient to calm the turmoil building in her chest.She zipped her coat more tightly around her, feeling a shiver that had nothing to do with the wind. For the last few days—ever since Serena’s veiled threats—she had been on tenterhooks, listening for sounds behind her, scrutinizing everyone who went by, every car parked on the street.Today was no different.As she went down the steps at the subway, she saw the same black sedan again that had been by her office building the past two days. She saw that the driver's window reflected a shaded facial expression. Her heart was racing."Okay. breathe," she whispered to herself, quickening her own pace. But the car matched her speed, falling a few blocks back, silent and watching.By the

The San Francisco streets sparkled beneath the stars, rendered slippery by a drizzle that created an effect of scattered diamonds reflecting the city lights. Ethan's hands held the steering wheel tightly as he darted his eyes from the road to Ava.“You’ve been quiet,” he said, looking at her. “Everything okay?”Ava nodded, although tension still fluttered in her chest. “Yes… Yeah, just thinking. About Serena…your mum. About everything …Ethan inhaled sharply, a combination of anger and resolve in his eyes. “I have told you before, I chose you. Don’t let worries steal our joy”He squeezed her hand, moving closer.The car turned onto a quieter street, a shortcut Ethan preferred for events. The road was dimly lit, the glow from the street lamps flickering intermittently. Unbeknownst to them, a shadow lurked behind a parked SUV nearby, waiting.Inside that shadow, Serena’s carefully orchestrated plan was unfolding. She had given precise instructions: two weeks of observation, then the str

Two Weeks LaterEthan awoke to the sound of silenceToo much silence.He turned instinctively towards Ava’s side of the bed.Empty.Cold.Her phone was gone.Her bag.Her jacket.“AVA?” he called hoarselyNo answer.Panic hit his chest in an instant.He rushed to the bathroom. It was empty.Kitchen. Empty.Living room. Nothing.Grabbing his phone, he dialed a number.Right into voicemail.Again.Nothing.He drove like a madman.Hospitals.Her old apartment.Hotels.AirportsTrain stationsMark joined him.“Bro, slow down—“She’s gone,” Ethan said, “she just vanished.”Vanessa watched from the doorway as he returned hours later, his eyes red from exhaustion.“She ran,” Vanessa said coldly.Ethan spun. “She didn’t.”“She left because she’s guilty,” Vanessa went on. “Because the shooting followed her.”"That's a lie."Vanessa crossed her arms. “Women tend to disappear when they’re hiding something.”Ethan threw his keys down. "She would not leave without telling me."Weeks turned to days

Ava's flat was small, carrying more warmth inside than money could buy.It sat over a silent bakery, its cream walls painted with a narrow, western balcony. Every morning, sunlight leaked between the thin curtains and kissed the wooden floor before Ava's feet ever touched it. That was the way she liked to wake-up gentle, without alarms, without fear.She stirred slowly, one hand already resting on her belly.“Morning, little one,” she whispered.Her voice was soft, almost sacred.Pregnancy changed her in ways she hadn't expect-not just physically, but emotionally. The world felt loud now. Smells remained longer. The sounds stayed. Even her thoughts had weight. Some mornings her back ached before she stood. Other days, her legs felt heavy-like they belonged to another woman.Each irritation reminded her of why she would also stay.Of who she stayed for.She pushed herself upright, walking slowly into the kitchen. The kettle whistled gently while she leaned against the counter, breathin

The Rowan mansion was peacefully sleeping, but Ethan was not.Moonlight was filtering through the tall glass window, reflecting shadows on the marble floor. Silence filled the room heavily. It was periodically interrupted only by the distant humming of traffic emanating from the city. Ethan was standing in the bedroom window with his hands stuffed in his pockets, staring at nothing.But his mind wasn't empty.It was burning.Once more, the picture of Serena’s diary pages played in his mind.Ava.An address.A city.A café.Alive.Hidden.TrackedHe moved slowly towards the bed where Serena slept peacefully, covered in silk sheets, as if nothing in the world could penetrate her slumber. For an instant, he just stared at her. The woman he was supposed to marry. The woman his parents trusted. The woman who might have known the whereabouts of Ava all along.His jaw tightened.He walked to the dresser and gently took the diary again. His proof was confirmed by what he had already seen. The