LOVE IN THE TIME OF LEGACY

THE ART OF DECEPTION

Ava's words dripped with venom, and Lyra felt the noose tightening around her neck. Zephyr's eyes were narrowed, his mind racing to keep up with the twists.

"What do you want, Ava?" Lyra asked, her voice laced with desperation.

Ava leaned in, her smile a mask of innocence. "Oh, I just want to help. I want to make sure your art gets the recognition it deserves... for a price."

Lyra's heart sank. "What price?"

Ava's gaze flicked to Zephyr, then back to Lyra. "I'll keep your secret, but you have to do something for me. I want you to create a new piece... for me."

Zephyr's voice was firm. "Lyra, don't do it. You can't let her blackmail you."

But Ava wasn't done. "Oh, and there's more. I want you to pretend we're friends, that we've been in touch all along. Make it look like we're collaborating on a project."

Lyra's mind was spinning. How could she agree to this? But if she didn't, Ava would expose her secret to the world.

Ava pulled out a contract, the words blurring together on the page. "Sign, and we'll be in business."

Lyra's hand trembled as she took the pen. What was she getting herself into?

Zephyr's voice was a whisper in her ear. "Lyra, don't do this. We can figure something out."

But Lyra knew she had no choice. She signed, and Ava's smile grew wider.

The game was on, and Lyra was trapped in the art of deception.