Ava returned to her room after the unexpected encounter. Her heart still beat faster than she wanted. Ethan Wade was the only person whose thoughts she could not read. That made him more dangerous than any villain from her past life.
But he had spoken like he already understood herLike he had seen her dead onceLike he expected her to fight back
That alone made him a useful piece in her revenge board.
She opened her diary.A clean white page stared at her.Tonight, it would become the first chapter of her war.
Rule One: Never reveal what I can hearRule Two: Their secrets are my weaponsRule Three: Choose allies only if they can destroy bigger enemies
Her pen paused.Rule Four: Ethan Wade… do not trust him completely
She carefully closed the book and hid it under the floorboard.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.Her older sister, Nina, walked in with a sugary smile that made Ava sick.
"Ava, mother says you should wear something elegant for Liam. He will visit tomorrow."
Nina's thoughts slid into Ava's mind like venom.
Let her glow. The more perfect she looks, the more satisfying it will be when everything is taken away again.
Ava forced a bright, warm smile."Thank you for always helping me, sister."
Nina giggled, pleased by the fake gratitude."Oh darling, what are sisters for?"
She walked awayUnaware that Ava already knew the affairThe jealousyThe desire to replace her
Nina believed she was the smartestBut she would learn how it felt to drown in her own lies
The next evening arrived fastRich decorations filled the Cole mansion to welcome the Hart familyGolden chandeliersA long royal tableMusicians playing softly in the corner
Everyone dressed in eleganceBut Ava's beauty was the kind that made others nervousToo perfectToo threatening
Liam Hart arrived wearing a confident smirkHis eyes traveled over her like she was a product on display
Ava lowered her head shylyFingers trembling exactly as they used toShe played her roleThe sweet, helpless girlThe future obedient wife
And then… she heard itLiam's thoughts were loud and ugly
Her body looks weaker than I remembered. Mother will fix that. As long as she knows her place, this marriage will go smoothly.
Her heart clenched but she kept smilingNot this time Liam. You will choke on your own arrogance.
During dinner, Ethan Wade walked inUninvitedUnannounced
Conversation stoppedEveryone turned
His eyes went only to AvaCalm, steady, unafraid
"Forgive my late arrival. I was invited by your charming daughter's thoughtful request."His lie was so smooth even Ava almost believed it
Her father and mother tightened their expressionsLiam's eyes darkened with jealousyGood
Ethan took a seat beside AvaCloseToo closeHis shoulder brushed hers
He leaned slightlyHis voice softer than a whisper"For tonight, pretend we have known each other longer"
Ava responded only with her eyesA silent agreement
She didn't trust himBut she needed him
The dinner turned into a silent warTwo powerful heirs staring across the tableBoth competingBoth wanting the same prizeBut for very different reasons
Liam saw Ava as possessionEthan saw her as potential
And AvaShe saw both as keys to their own destruction
The night endedBut the shadows behind their smiles had only begun to grow