t really the first thing you have to say to me?" she whisper

o's at the door?" Ava turned, and her heart twisted as she saw a woman-a str

bastian replied over his

othing. That was what sh

f her betrayal. "I went to prison for you, Sebastian. I took the blame for

"Look, Ava," he said, his tone dismissive, "that's

e up everything for you, and you left me to rot. W

a joined them, her gaze flicking between Ava and Sebastian, confusion and suspicion gr

with a forced smile. "She's just an old friend who's fallen on hard ti

ow furrowed, but her expression softened with pity as she reached into her designer bag. Pull

gentle smile. "I hope this hel

as the reality of her situation sank in. But as much as it hurt, a surge of defianc

ty or your handouts. I need you," she continued, turning to Sebastia

y silence. For a moment, she saw a flicker of fear in Sebastian's e

kept going, refusing to look back. She knew the pain she carried would be a part of her for a long time, but she would bear it with dignity. As she stepp

e questioning and uneasy. "Sebastian... What did she mean

s as he tried to reassure her. "It's nothing, really. Sh

she watched him carefully. Sighing, she dropped the subjec

amily estate, Sebastian felt the weight of his lies pre

her. Yet the nagging fear remained, whispering in the back of his mind-the life he'd built, the

bathed in the soft morning light, he tried to bury his unease, ho

the ominous feeling that everything he had w

aging my company?" he inquired, his tone a mix of genuine curiosity and unspoken caution. His voice carried the weight

th determination. It was important to him that he impressed Mr. Harrington-not jus

still lingered in the air, casting a subtle shadow that Alexandra could fee

ed to her father with hopeful eyes. "Dad, I want to marry Sebastian as soon as possible," she announced

. He reached up, placing a gentle hand on her back, and then glanced at Sebastian. The young man

ice low but certain. "I can't wait to be your h

e, setting her gently on her feet as he rose. "Very well, my dear," he said, his tone imbued with warmth a

ack to the modest home she now shared with the woman who had taken h

n the streets, learning to fend for herself with an independence that belied her youth. Through relen

d afternoon, ma," she said, still adjusting to the warmth of this newfound family

herself with a smal

Her voice wavered as she recounted the painful details-his betrayal, his harsh dismissal. As she

ross and took Ava's han

ave dreams, ambition, a world waiting for you. Focus on that

urtured through countless nights of study and creativity. And now, as if a door had opened before her, she felt a strong pull toward the

r first interview-a chance to showcase her talent and step into the world she had worked so hard to reach. She dresse

greeted by the receptionist, who gave her a warm smile and directed her to a waitin

rift back over all she had overcome. Her life had not been easy, but every obstacle had only ma

lead Ava down a quiet hallway to the hiring manager's offic

intensity. Without preamble, he handed her a pen and a blank sheet of pape