Ava stormed into the small house, completely disregarding Hunter’s mother’s presence. Her eyes blazing with anger as she turned to face Hunter. Without a second thought, she launched into a tirade, screaming in his face that he had no right to divorce her without her consent.
“Are you fucking serious, right now? A divorce? Just who do you think you are, Hunter, that you filed for a divorce over some minor argument?” Hunter, taken aback by her sudden outburst, tried to remain calm. “Ava, we’ve been over this. I cannot stay married to someone who constantly lies and manipulates me,” he said firmly. But Ava was not ready to back down. Instead of feeling remorseful, she was apprehensive. Today was the day she was supposed to sign the ownership papers for her share of inheritance. If her father found out about the impending divorce, he could revoke the transfer, leaving her with nothing. She couldn’t let that happen. She wouldn’t let her brothers take what belongs to her. Charlotte, watched the scene in front of her, unfold. She tried to intervene to prevent a bigger problem. “Ava, please. Just leave before things escalate any further,” she pleaded. But Ava turned a deaf ear to her pleas. She was too focused on trying to salvage her inheritance. As she continued to argue with Hunter, her phone rang. It was her family lawyer on the line. Her heart pounding in her chest, Ava answered the call. The lawyer informed her that her father had signed the documents, transferring her inheritance into her sole possession. Her eyes widened in shock as she processed the news. A wave of relief washed over Ava as she realized that her inheritance was secure. With newfound confidence, she turned to Hunter and smirked. “Looks like you can go ahead with the divorce, Hunter. You were nothing but a pawn in my game,” she spat out coldly. Hunter felt a pang of hurt at her words, but he tried to hold his head up high. He knew that he deserved better than to be used and manipulated by someone like Ava. As Ava strutted out of the room, a sense of emptiness washed over Hunter. He had loved her once, but her deceptions had shattered any semblance of trust between them. Charlotte, sensing his inner turmoil, approached him with a sympathetic smile. “You deserve someone who will love and cherish you, Hunter. Someone who will be honest and true,” she said softly. Hunter nodded, grateful for her words of comfort, but still hurt by the blatant betrayal. Ava stood outside the grand gates of her family’s mansion, a sense of relief washing over her. The inheritance was finally transferred to her name. She pushed open the heavy iron gates and made her way up the long, winding driveway to the imposing mansion that had been in her family for generations. As she approached the front door, her mother, Margret, appeared on the steps. “Ava, where is Hunter?” she demanded, her voice sharp. Ava took a deep breath. “I don’t know, Mother,” she replied calmly. “I haven’t seen him.” Margret’s eyes narrowed. “You know your father will want to know where he is. I need him to fetch something for me.” “I’ll handle it,” Ava said, brushing past her mother and into the grand foyer. Dinner that evening was a tense affair. Ava’s father, Andrew Paige, sat at the head of the long dining table, his expression stern. Her eldest brother, Richard, sat to his right, watching her with a smug look on his face. “Where is that husband of yours?” her father asked, his voice cutting through the silence. Ava set down her fork and looked her father in the eye. “Ex husband, Father. Hunter and I are getting a divorce,” she announced. The room fell silent. Margret gasped, and Richard’s smug expression turned to one of shock. “Divorce?” Andrew’s voice was barely more than a whisper. “Why?” Before Ava could respond, Richard started clapping slowly. “Well done, Ava. You’ve fooled everyone quite successfully,” he sneered. “The whole marriage was probably your scheme to get your inheritance. Poor Hunter, unaware of the condition Grandfather placed on it.” Andrew’s eyes flashed with anger. “Is that true, Ava?” he demanded. Ava took a deep breath. “Yes, it’s true.” Andrew’s face turned red with fury. “You are unfit to handle the property on your own. You’ll make wrong choices with it. My father’s properties are not something you toy with! Just look at you! Marrying someone just to obtain legal possession of it.” he thundered. “I’m truly disappointed in you, but since you now have possession of it, I will not interfere with your decisions for the properties. You will manage those lands, buildings, and the restaurant, with care or else!” A heavy silence fell over the dining room. Ava could feel the weight of her family’s judgment pressing down on her. Richard’s smirk had returned, more insidious than before. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “So, Ava,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “what’s your grand plan now? Going to sell everything off and live a life of luxury?”. Ava met his gaze steadily. “No, Richard. I’m going to manage the properties responsibly. I’m going to prove that I can also make a name for my self despite being a woman. That’s why grandfather put in that condition, right?” Margret’s eyes brimmed with pride. “Good riddance then. That boy was starting to stink this place up.” Ava felt a pang of guilt but steeled herself. “Hunter was never treated like a son, Mother. He was treated like a servant because of his background. He deserves better than this family. It’s good that he finally garnered the courage to leave.” Andrew’s fists clenched at the table. “And you think you deserve the inheritance? After this deceit?” Ava stood up, her chair scraping against the marble floor. “I did what I had to do to secure my future, Father. You might not agree with my methods, but the result is what matters.” Richard’s laugh was cold. “You always did think you were smarter than the rest of us. Let’s see how well you handle it all on your own.” Ava walked out of the dining room, her heart pounding. She made her way to the study, closing the door behind her. The room was filled with the scent of old books and polished wood, a comforting contrast to the turmoil she had just left. She sat at the large oak desk, looking at the documents that lay before her. The mansion, the lands, the buildings, and the restaurant—all hers now. She would show them that she was just as capable as they were.Over the next few days, Hunter settled back into his old routine. The familiarity of his childhood home brought a sense of peace, even as he grappled with the heartbreak. His mother’s unwavering support was a constant source of strength. One evening, as they sat on the porch watching the sunset, his mother spoke again. “Hunter, remember that life is full of unexpected turns. This might feel like an ending, but it’s also a beginning. You have the chance to start fresh, to find happiness on your own terms.” Hunter watched the sun dip below the horizon, the sky ablaze with colour. For the first time in weeks, he felt a glimmer of hope. His mother’s words resonated deeply, and he realized that despite the pain, he had the opportunity to rebuild his life. “You’re right, Mom,” he said softly. “This is just the beginning.” As the stars emerged in the night sky, Hunter felt a sense of calm settle over him. The road ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to face it, stronger and wis
When Hunter returned home, his entire gait screamed happiness. His step was lighter, his shoulders less burdened, and an unmistakable smile played on his lips. Charlotte, his mother, couldn’t be happier to see her son in such high spirits. The worry lines that had etched themselves on her face over the past Months began to fade, replaced by a hopeful glow. “Mom, I got a job!” Hunter exclaimed as soon as he stepped through the door. Charlotte’s eyes widened in joy. “That’s wonderful, Hunter! Tell me everything.” In her excitement, she immediately set about preparing a small but filling feast for them. The aroma of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread soon filled the modest kitchen, mingling with the warm light of the evening sun that streamed through the windows. As they sat down to their celebratory dinner, Charlotte couldn’t help but beam at her son. “So, where will you be working?” Hunter took a bite of his meal before answering. “It’s at Lee Corporations.” Char
Just when Hunter thought that life was starting to look up for him, a ghost from his past reappeared, bringing with it a whirlwind of emotions. One crisp morning, while preparing for another busy day at Lee Corporations, Hunter spotted her—Ava. She was sitting in a client meeting with senior managers, her presence commanding the room. Her polished demeanor, the way she confidently interacted with the executives, it all felt surreal. Hunter’s heart sank as memories of their tumultuous relationship and pending divorce flooded back. He stumbled to his workspace, his thoughts in disarray. The office buzzed with the usual activity, but Hunter felt detached, as if he were watching everything through a foggy window. He tried to focus on his tasks, but his mind kept drifting back to how he met Ava and how everything unraveled. **Flashback** Hunter had just graduated from college and was recruited in a large company. He was fast becoming a recognised employee at the company and the CEO h
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 hesitan
Hunter's mother had always warned him to stay away from rich people. "They're a different breed, Hunter. They don't value the same things we do," she'd said. But when Ava walked into his life with her captivating smile and charming demeanor, he couldn't help but fall for her. Now, under six months into their marriage, he was divorced. He could still hear his mother's voice, a mix of concern and resignation, echoing in his mind. Sitting in his cubicle, Hunter tried to focus on his work, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the disaster of his marriage. The meeting had ended minutes ago, but he was still lost in his memories. He watched as Ava exited the conference room, clinging to one of the men there. It was an all-too-familiar sight, one that sent him spiraling back to the day he discovered her betrayal. **Flashback** It was one night, after another exhausting day of job hunting, Hunter trudged home, his mind heavy with the weight of his failures. As he approached the mansion,
The bar was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke. Jake sat across from Hunter, nursing his drink while listening attentively to Hunter’s ramblings. Hunter's words were slurred, and his eyes were bloodshot from a combination of alcohol and pent-up emotions. “You know, Jake,” Hunter began, his voice wavering, “sometimes I wonder how things got so messed up. My ex in-laws... they were a piece of work. Always meddling, always judging. But Ava... she was the worst of them all.” Jake nodded, his expression sympathetic. He had only known Hunter for a short while, and though he had never met Ava or her family, he had heard enough stories to form a clear picture. “Tell me about it,” Jake said, leaning in slightly. Hunter took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “It’s not just one time. It was everything. They controlled every aspect of our lives. Her parents would criticize me for the smallest things, like the way I dressed or the job I couldn't se
Over the next few weeks, James Lee observed Hunter closely. He took note of certain physical qualities and mannerisms that seemed strikingly similar to his son Michael. Hunter had the same piercing onyx-coloured eyes, the same dimpled smile, and even the same habit of tapping his fingers when deep in thought. James found himself increasingly captivated by the young man, convinced that there was something more than mere coincidence at play. James was sure that Michael had only one son, Williams. Michael would have mentioned if there were another child. This strange resemblance gnawed at James’ mind, distracting him during meetings and luring his thoughts back to Hunter time and again. That evening, James returned home, the Grand Lee mansion standing imposingly against the twilight sky. The mansion, despite its size and grandeur, was eerily silent. It had been this way since Michael fell ill seven years ago. James walked past the ornately decorated rooms, each one a testament to t
Despite hearing from both sides and having both stories sound identical, James couldn’t ignore the gnawing need to be absolutely sure that Hunter’s mother, Charlotte, was indeed the same Charlotte who had been a significant part of Michael’s past. The uncanny resemblance and the name weren’t enough to satisfy his doubt. He needed confirmation, and the only way to get it was to meet Charlotte in person, he decided. One afternoon, after ensuring Hunter was busy at work, James took Hunter’s address from the company’s records. The drive to the modest neighbourhood where Charlotte lived was filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. His sleek, expensive car felt out of place as he pulled up to the small, well-kept house with a vibrant front yard garden. Charlotte was tending to her flowers, her hands deftly working the soil. When she noticed the luxury car, a flicker of apprehension crossed her face. She straightened up, wiping her hands on her apron, and watched as James stepped
Hunter paced his office, his brow furrowed and his phone clutched tightly in his hand. The soft glow of the desk lamp barely illuminated the room, casting long shadows on the walls. It had been two days since Amelia went missing, and every passing second felt like a heavy weight pressing down on him.Ethan leaned against the desk, his face a mirror of Hunter’s frustration. “I don’t understand,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “She wouldn’t just vanish like this. Amelia’s not impulsive.”Hunter stopped pacing, his dark eyes narrowing. “I know,” he replied sharply. “She’s always punctual. Always responsible. This isn’t like her.”“Have you heard from the police?” Ethan asked, his voice low but urgent.Hunter shook his head. “They’re working on it. But we’re not exactly their top priority. Missing persons cases take time—time we don’t have.”Ethan crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “She’s my cousin, Mr. Lee. I can’t let anything happen to her. I’m not even sure how to call my
From the moment Hunter stepped into the company’s building, he felt that something was off. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary though, so he couldn’t understand why he was feeling this way. He made his way into his office, still trying to understand what was making him feel that way. Maybe it was the fact that he was yet to have his daily dose of caffeine or something.As he settled into his office chair and switched on his laptop to check his unread emails, his mind drifted off to the phone call with his parents the night before. As expected, his Dad was only getting better day by day. There was a certain glow to him and he was even thinking of starting physiotherapy. His mom was so happy when she was sharing about Michael’s progress with James and Hunter, you could literally feel the happiness in her voice as she and Michael took turns recalling several moments since they left for Michael’s treatment. Honestly, Hunter was glad that his father was getting better. That just mea
Amelia blinked, her eyes adjusting to the dim light as a figure stepped into the room. Her heart raced as she squinted, trying to make out the man’s face. She had already conjured the worst case scenario- that her ex had finally found her and was about to torture her. The man moved closer, and the faint glow from a small window high on the wall illuminated his features. She didn’t recognise him. Panic surged through her chest as the realization hit her: this wasn’t Steven, her obsessive ex. This man was a stranger. A sharp jolt of fear shook her out of her confused state. Who was this man? Why was she here? “Let me go!” Amelia’s voice cracked with desperation as she resumed struggling against her bindings. The ropes bit into her skin, tight and unforgiving. “Why am I here? What do you want from me?” The man stood in front of her, his expression neutral but slightly annoyed. He sighed loudly and then, with an exasperated tone, said, “Shut up, will you? I’m just doing my job.”
Ava sat in her spacious living room, her manicured fingers tapping impatiently against the armrest of her leather couch. She had expected chaos, a storm of judgment and pressure directed at Hunter, but what had followed was far from her plan. The media frenzy she had so carefully orchestrated had fallen apart within days. Articles had been mysteriously pulled, and apologies issued publicly. The buzz around Hunter’s alleged mistreatment of her was gone—replaced by whispers of her dishonesty. Her phone buzzed, and she stared at it with cold eyes. It was another message from her mother, full of concern and confusion. Her family was worried, asking why the media had retracted their story, why suddenly everyone was siding with Hunter. Ava tossed the phone onto the couch in frustration. She felt trapped—this wasn’t how things were supposed to go. She wanted Hunter to come running to her, desperate to fix things, willing to give in to her demands. But instead, it seemed like everything was
Ava was meticulous when it came to planning her moves, and this was no different. She knew how to play her cards, and the game she was setting up with Hunter was no exception. Just a week after confirming her pregnancy, Ava discovered that the child was the result of a short-lived fling she’d had a couple of with some guy. Rather than letting this inconvenience derail her plans, she saw it as an opportunity to further tighten her grip on Hunter. Hunter had made it clear that he didn’t want anyone to know about the pregnancy until he was ready, but Ava had no intention of keeping that promise. She needed leverage, and what better way than to stir the pot before Hunter could even get his bearings? Ava sat in her spacious, meticulously decorated apartment, scrolling through her contacts until she landed on her mother’s number. She hesitated for a brief second, then hit dial. The phone barely rang twice before her mother picked up, her voice dripping with concern. “Ava, darling! Ho
The next day, while Hunter was buried in reviewing some documents, his phone buzzed on his desk, jolting him out of his work. He glanced at the screen and saw a text from Ava: ‘I’m heading to the hospital now to confirm the pregnancy. The appointment is at 2 PM. I expect you to be there.’ Hunter stared at the message for a moment, his emotions a tangled mess. He didn’t want to believe Ava’s claims, but he knew he had to face this head-on. If she really was pregnant—and if the child was somehow his—then he needed to know for certain. He typed a quick reply: ‘I’ll be there.’ The next few hours passed in a blur. He tried to focus on his work, but his thoughts kept drifting to the appointment. By the time 1:30 PM rolled around, he couldn’t ignore the gnawing anxiety any longer. He grabbed his coat and told Amelia he was stepping out for a while. Her concerned eyes followed him as he left, but she didn’t ask any questions, sensing the gravity of whatever was weighing on him. W
The day had started like any other, with the usual bustle of meetings, reports, and phone calls. Hunter was finally beginning to move past the paranoia that had lingered since the drugging incident two months ago. His grandfather James, and even his father Michael had both been furious when they found out what had happened, demanding tighter security and investigations. Even Patricia, who had never hidden her disdain for Hunter, had shown genuine shock when she heard the news. For a while, Hunter had ruled out the possibility of any family member being involved. But despite the lingering questions, things had finally started to settle down, and Hunter was slowly easing back into his normal routine. The office buzzed with activity as the day unfolded, and for a moment, it seemed like the shadow of the past was finally fading away. That is, until he heard the commotion outside his office. A loud cry echoed through the hallway, followed by the sound of frantic sobbing. Hunter frow
Ava stood by the window of her luxury apartment, staring at the skyline with a smirk curling at the edge of her lips. It was clear her previous attempts to bring Hunter down and crawling back to her had failed miserably, thanks in no small part to that secretary of his, Amelia. But Ava wasn’t the type to back down easily. If Patricia’s schemes weren’t enough to shake Hunter’s control, then it was time for her to take matters into her own hands—directly. And this time, she wasn’t interested in ruining his reputation. No, she wanted to rekindle the flame that once existed between them, to pull him back into her grasp where he belonged. The plan was simple but effective: tamper with Hunter’s lunch order and let the drug do its work. She had timed it perfectly—Amelia would be on her usual afternoon break, leaving Hunter alone. It was now or never.Hunter’s day had been gruelling. He was swamped with meetings and reports, but he was used to the pressure. What caught him off guard was th
Patricia sat in her dimly lit study, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the polished mahogany desk. The room was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee, but the bitter taste of resentment lingered in her mind. Weeks of scheming with Ava had led them to this point. The groundwork had been laid: whispers in the right ears, planted doubts in the minds of the board members, and calculated rumours designed to paint Hunter as a ruthless and manipulative leader. They were confident that the seeds they had sown would soon bear fruit. But Patricia couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at her. For all their efforts, Hunter had yet to show any signs of cracking. Across town, Ava was busy playing her part. She had reconnected with some of Hunter’s old acquaintances from college and strategically let slip comments about how he was always distant, cold, and more interested in personal gain than genuine relationships. “He’s always been like that.” she would say with a practiced sigh,