The mansion grew silent after the guests left.Lights dimmed. Doors closed.But Ava's night had only begun.
She walked softly through the hallway, barefoot, like a shadow in her own home. Her parents' voices slipped out from the study room. She paused near the half-closed door and listened.
Maria spoke first, her tone sharp and greedy."The Hart family must be tied to us. Once Ava is married, our debts will be forgotten. They will protect us."
DebtsAva blinkedThat was new
Her father replied with a tired sigh"And if Ava refuses?"
Maria's laugh was chilling"She only needs to say yes once. After that, she will have no rights. They will handle her."
Ava's fingers curled tightlySo her marriage was not about love or statusIt was a desperate escape for her parentsIn both lives, they chose sacrificeAnd the sacrifice was always her
I was never a daughterI was only their price
She leaned closer, listening furtherMaria whispered with lowered voice"There is something more. Mr. Hart wants Ava because his mother believes Ava is too soft. Easy to control. Easy to break."
Ava closed her eyesBreathing slowlyTo keep her rage from exploding
She stepped back quietlyTonight, she learned enoughTomorrow, she would act
But before she reached her room, a faint sound caught her attentionA soft giggleA whisperA secret kiss
Ava followed the voices to the balconyThere they were
NinaAnd Liam
His hands on her waistHer lipstick smudged on his collarBoth smiling like thieves who already won
Nina whispered"She is stupid. She won't see it coming."
Liam kissed her neck"She will marry me. Later, we will get rid of her. My mother already hates her."
Ava's heart turned silentCompletelyBeautifullySilent
No painNo tearsOnly calm
A calm that felt like a blade made of ice
She stepped into the moonlightThey didn't hear herThey didn't notice until she spoke
"So this is the kind of love you share when no one is watching"
Both frozeTheir eyes wideTheir fear delicious
Ava smiled as if she had found something funny"What a lovely view. I should come to the balcony more often"
She walked past themNot rushingNot angry
Her voice floated back softly"Good night sister. Good night Liam. Sweet dreams"
They stood there tremblingBecause something in her smile felt differentToo calmToo knowing
Ava closed her bedroom doorHer heart was steady like a queen taking her throne
The next morningEthan Wade sent a single message to her phoneNo greetingNo flirtationJust a line that sealed their connection:
When you are ready to destroy them
Call me
Ava smiledHer first real smile since returning to life
This timeShe would not be the hunted
This timeShe was the predator