BETWEEN LOVE AND BETRAYAL

ing her strength. But emotionally, something felt off. As the days went by, she noticed that none of her

their discharge papers. Meanwhile, Jia offe

e silence with a curious question. "So, y

in confusion. "Who told you th

ctually, it was when he was trying to get

essed into a thin line as she turned to

ed. Ava stormed out of the roo

d as she approached

rprise and amusement. "Ava, what's the matter? You know yo

ed him lightly in the chest. "Who gave you the a

e said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was just trying to he

te you saving me, but calling me your family was out of line. I don't even know you, Kay

d away, leaving Kayden standing

He had only been trying to protect her, to make things easier for her during

ospital, her belongings in hand. Curiosity

door, her heart pounding with anticipation. But

tress," the maid greeted p

" Ava asked, her voice

e. If you need any information, I was instructed to direct you to the ho

, the maid shut the door firmly, l

ddress scribbled on a small note the maid had han

d hesitantly. The door opened to reveal Mrs

nd urgency. "Where are my parents? I've been trying to reach

the door wider. She looked down, unable to meet Ava's eyes. "I...

he reached for the doorframe to steady herself. "What... what do

ra's eyes. "They're gone, Av

t of Mrs. Aurora's words pressed down on her. The wor

naged to croak, her voic

rents searched endlessly for you. They hired investigators, put out notices, and even involved the police. But as time w

into fists. "Why di

instructions that if anything happened to them, this house and their assets would b

sank in. She had been fighting to survive, unaware

e said, her voice tr

nside, young mistress. Ther

nd leather hit her as she stepped in, a bittersweet reminder of the countless hours he

r parents," sh

envelope and unfolded the letter. Her f

eares

risks, but losing you was never an option. We don't want you to blame yourself for what has happened. Instead, we hope you'll find the strength to move forward and uncover the truth behind our fate. You're stro

alw

an

w emotion in her parents words reignited the anger

word felt like a dagger to her chest, each sentence an echo of their sacrifice. She st

voice called out

e doorway. Kayden's eyes were filled with concern, whi

?" Kayden asked gen

ame out. Her knees buckled, and Kayden rushe

ispered, her voice cracking. "My pa

a firm embrace. "No," he said softly but firmly. "Thi

ions she had been holding back broke. She clung

ious. "Ava, I know this is overwhelming," she said sof

yden with tear-streaked eyes. "Why? Why ar

ed with a quiet determination. "Because I made a promise to myself the moment I met you. I swore I'd pro

he walls Ava had been building around herself. She fel

asked, her voice ba

. "With every

ng hand on Ava's back. "And you've got me too. We're a

ng support pulling her back from the edge of despa

r now. "Both of you. I don't know what's

ed. "You do

od. She couldn't help but smile. It was a small moment of

with me made me feel a little better." Her voice wa

ity. "That's what friends are for. I hope you can see

news, she felt like she wasn't entirely alone. She would face this new real

' death. Kayden had stayed by her side, offering quiet comfort. As they talked, he answered her

g a tray with tea and cookies. "Hey, Ava, I thought you mi

r Jia's kindness. "Thanks, Jia

nded her a cup of tea. "I'm he

. "We'll get through this

of normalcy amid the grief. Eventually, Jia excused herself to h

va, and she gently asked, "Ka

before answering, his voice quiet and distant. "It's a

the weight of what

nated anyone who got in his way. I was just a kid when it happened. I was forced to run for my life, but his men ca

ing for him. "I'm so sorry for your loss,

ympathy. "It's okay, Ava. I've learned to deal

spite the heavy conversation earlier, they managed to enjoy a pleasant meal. Late

her family lawyer, Mr. Thompson. When she entered

rry for your loss. Pleas

ight of the moment. "Mr. Thompson, I want to kn

Ava, your father made some changes to his will before he passed aw

in shock. "What?! W

egret. "I'm afraid I don't have an explanation. Your

nd confusion swirling inside her. "But

g, "The only property left for you is the house you're current

stand," she whispered, barely able to process

determined. She had to uncover the truth behind her fa