Hidden Legacy

Secret Romance... Or Not (Flashback)

Hunter and Ava decided to keep their relationship a secret from her family. They were aware that, despite the favour Hunter received from Mr. Paige, he would never approve of his daughter marrying someone from a lower class. They continued their romance discreetly, stealing moments together outside of work.

One night, as they were having dinner at a small, quiet restaurant, Ava looked at Hunter with concern. “Do you ever worry about what might happen if my father finds out?”

Hunter sighed, holding her hand. “Of course, I do. But I believe in us, Ava. We’ll find a way to make it work.”

That night, Hunter couldn’t sleep. He found himself thinking about the future and the challenges they would face. He decided to seek his mother’s advice.

“Mom, can we talk?” Hunter asked, sitting down at the kitchen table where Charlotte was reading.

“Of course, Hunter. What’s on your mind?” Charlotte replied, looking up from her book.

“It’s about Ava,” Hunter began, his voice hesitant. “We’re in a relationship, but we’re keeping it a secret from her family. I’m worried about what will happen if they find out.”

Charlotte sighed, placing her book aside. “Hunter, I understand your feelings for Ava. But you need to think about the reality of the situation. Her family may never accept you because of your background.”

“I love her, Mom. I don’t want to give up on us,” Hunter said, his voice filled with determination.

Charlotte reached out, taking his hand. “I know you do, but sometimes love isn’t enough. You need to be realistic. You have to think about your future and hers. Pursuing a relationship that her family won’t approve of could lead to heartache for both of you. I mean, look at me, I loved your father, and he loved me too, and yet look at where we are now.”

**3rd Person POV**

Meanwhile, Ava found herself increasingly anxious about their secret relationship. One day, while she was on a call with Hunter, her best friend, Claire, walked into the room and overheard part of their conversation.

“Who were you talking to so secretly?” Claire asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ava hesitated, then decided to confide in her friend. “It’s Hunter. We’re in a relationship, but we’re keeping it a secret from my family.”

Claire’s eyes widened. “Ava, do you realize how risky this is? Your father will never approve.”

“I know, Claire. But I love him.” Ava said, her voice filled with emotion.

Ava leaned in closer to Claire, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “There’s another reason I’m keeping Hunter around.”

Claire’s curiosity was piqued. “What do you mean?”

Ava smirked. “My grandfather left a substantial amount of property to me and my siblings. The only way I can claim my share is if I’m married. Hunter is... convenient.”

Claire’s eyes widened with shock before she burst into laughter. “Are you serious? You’re just using him? You’re such a vixen!”

Ava joined in the laughter. “It’s so easy. He fell for me without much effort. He thinks this is a real relationship.”

Unaware of Ava’s true intentions, Hunter continued to love her deeply, despite his mother’s warnings. He noticed how Ava seemed to brighten his days and support his ambitions. Their secret meetings and whispered conversations became the highlight of his life.

One evening, after a long day at work, Hunter met Ava at their favourite secluded park. As they sat on a bench, the moon casting a soft glow over them, Hunter spoke, his voice filled with sincerity. “Ava, I know it’s hard keeping this a secret, but I believe in us. I believe in our future together.”

Ava smiled, leaning into his embrace. “I believe in us too, Hunter. We’ll find a way.”

Despite Hunter’s growing affection for Ava, Charlotte’s words lingered in his mind. He began to notice small inconsistencies in Ava’s behaviour. There were times when she seemed distant, and moments when she would quickly change the subject if he asked about her family or future plans.

One night, Hunter decided to confront Ava about his concerns. “Ava, can we talk?”

“Of course, Hunter. What’s on your mind?” Ava replied, looking slightly apprehensive.

“I just feel like there’s something you’re not telling me. Is everything okay?” Hunter asked, his eyes searching hers for any hint of deception.

Ava’s smile faltered for a moment before she quickly recovered. “Hunter, everything’s fine. It’s just... my family situation is complicated. I don’t want to burden you with it.”

Hunter nodded, wanting to trust her but feeling a nagging doubt in the back of his mind. “Okay, Ava. I just want to make sure we’re being honest with each other.”

A few months after Hunter had thrown himself into his work, Mr. Paige began to notice the significant progress Ava was making in business. Impressed with her dedication and capabilities, he decided to give her a challenging project outside of the city.

“Ava,” Mr. Paige said, looking up from his desk as she entered his office, “I’ve been impressed with your work. I have a new project for you, but it will require you to travel out of the city for a few weeks.”

Ava’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Thank you, Father. I’ll take on the challenge.”

Mr. Paige hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I know you’ve been working closely with Hunter. Would you prefer to have him accompany you on this project?”

Ava smiled, already knowing her answer. “Yes, I would. Hunter has been invaluable to my progress.”

Mr. Paige sighed but nodded. “Very well. Make sure to keep me updated on your progress.”

Hunter was both excited and nervous about the trip. He was sure if his feelings for Ava, despite the disapproval from his mother. He hoped this project would allow him to focus on work and perhaps find some way to melt the heart of Ava’s father.

As they arrived at the project site, Ava took every opportunity to sweeten Hunter up. She praised his work, sought his advice on various decisions, and made an effort to spend quality time with him outside of work.

One evening, after a long day, they decided to have dinner at a cosy little restaurant near their hotel. Ava smiled warmly at Hunter as they sat down.

“Hunter, I just want to say thank you for being here with me. I couldn’t have done this without you,” Ava said, her eyes sincere.

Hunter felt a mixture of emotions but managed a smile. “I’m happy to help, Ava. We’re a good team.”

As the days went by, Ava continued to show her appreciation and affection towards Hunter. Unaware of her schemes, Hunter continued to fall deeply for her.

One night, as they took a walk by the lakeside near their hotel, Ava stopped and turned to face Hunter.

“Hunter, there’s something I need to ask you,” she began, her voice trembling slightly.

Hunter looked at her, his heart pounding. “What is it, Ava?”

Ava took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto his. “I know I’ve made mistakes in the past, especially with my initial approach to you, but I’ve done a lot of reflecting. I realize now how much you mean to me. Hunter, will you marry me?”

Hunter was taken aback, his mind racing. He loved Ava deeply, but to the point of possibly going against her father and risking his job? He searched her eyes for sincerity.

“Ava, this is... unexpected. Are you sure this isn’t about insecurities or fear of your father?” he asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and doubt.

Ava shook her head, tears forming in her eyes. “No, Hunter. This is about us. I want to build a future with you, not because I’m scared that my father will figure us out, but because I love you.”

Hunter took a deep breath, his emotions swirling. He thought about the journey they had been on, the highs and lows, and the love he still felt for her despite all the conditions.

“Ava, I need some time to think about this,” he finally said, his voice steady.

Ava nodded, understanding. “I understand, Hunter. Take all the time you need. Just know that my feelings are genuine.”

Over the next few days, Hunter reflected on Ava’s proposal. He spoke with his mother, seeking her wisdom and guidance once again.

“Mom, Ava proposed to me,” he said, sitting at the kitchen table with Charlotte.

Charlotte looked at him, her eyes filled with concern. “And what do you feel about it, Hunter?”

“I love her, Mom. But I’m afraid of losing everything I’ve worked for. What if her father demands that I leave? What if he takes away my job?” Hunter admitted.

Charlotte reached out and took his hand. “Only you can decide if you want to take that risk, Hunter. Love is a leap of faith. If you believe she’s sincere, then follow your heart.”

After much contemplation, Hunter made his decision. He returned to Ava with a resolve in his heart.

“Ava,” he said, searching her face as they had dinner lunch one afternoon. “I’ve thought about your proposal. I love you, and I’m willing to take that leap of faith with you. Let’s build our future together.”

Ava’s face lit up with joy as she rounded the table and embraced him. “Thank you, Hunter. I promise you won’t regret this.”

As they stood in the small diner, holding each other, they both felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. One of them determined to make their love story a lasting one, and the other, to finally get what she desires most.