DEADLY INVITATION

The Vale family home looked like something out of a luxury magazine. Warm sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the cream-colored walls and elegant gold accents that decorated the living room. Fresh white lilies sat in crystal vases on polished tables, filling the air with a delicate fragrance. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the space even during the day. Everything was perfectly arranged .from the velvet throw pillows on the beige sofas to the framed family photographs displayed on floating shelves. At first glance, it was the picture of a happy home. But Elena Vale knew better. She sat quietly in an armchair near the corner of the room, a book resting on her lap. Though her eyes were fixed on the pages, her attention was elsewhere. A few feet away, her adoptive mother, Catherine Vale, and her daughter, Amaya, were deep in conversation. “Mom, can you imagine it?” Amaya squealed excitedly, holding her phone. “Thousands of women are applying, and the registration is still open!” Catherine laughed. “You’ve been talking about this competition all week.” “Because it’s incredible!” Amaya replied. “Damian Blackthorne is young, handsome, rich, and powerful. If I got chosen, I’d faint on the spot.” She dramatically pressed a hand against her chest. Catherine shook her head, amused. Amaya continued scrolling through the application page. “And have you seen the prize money?” “What is it this time?” Catherine asked. “The winner gets enough money to never work another day in her life,” Amaya said. “And even second and third place receive millions. Millions, Mom!” Catherine’s eyes widened. “What !!.” “I know right !” Amaya grinned. “ the first place will get 20% of his wealth you know how much that it right you live luxurious mansion ,travel around the world mom I can’t wait “ Amaya said excitedly practicing how she would do if she get married to him “Have you applied “Catherine asked hurry “ Trust me mom no dulling “ The two burst into laughter. Elena remained silent. Her fingers tightened slightly around the book. Millions. The word echoed in her mind. While Amaya saw the competition as an exciting adventure and a chance to meet a billionaire, Elena saw something entirely different. Freedom. Freedom from feeling unwanted. Freedom from constantly being reminded that she wasn’t truly a Vale. Freedom to finally stand on her own. For years, she’d saved every penny she could, hoping to move out one day. But life always found a way to drain her savings before she could escape. Now, for the first time, a real opportunity seemed to be sitting right in front of her. Amaya excitedly turned her phone toward her mother. “Look at him.” Catherine leaned closer. “Oh my.” Even from where she sat, Elena could see the photograph on the screen. Damian Blackthorne. Dark hair. Sharp features. Cold, confident eyes. The kind of man who looked as though he owned the world. Amaya sighed dramatically. “If I were standing beside him, I’d probably forget how to speak.” Catherine laughed again. “First get selected.” “I will.” “You sound very confident.” “I am confident.” “Trust you my daughter “ “ but one more things mom don’t let dad find out cause he won’t allow ,he keep setting up with his stupid mother f**ker son I don’t know when the invitations will be out but I’ll surely get in “ “Okay my daughter “ Elena lowered her gaze to her book, hiding a faint smile. Neither of them noticed her listening. Neither of them noticed the thought slowly taking shape in her mind. The registration was online. Anyone could apply. And if there was even the slightest chance of winning one of those prizes… Why shouldn’t she try? For the first time in a very long while, Elena felt a spark of hope. Little did she know that a simple application would change her life forever. The conversation continued, but Elena barely heard it. Her mind was elsewhere. Millions. The possibility of finally leaving this house. The possibility of creating a life that belonged to her and no one else. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t realize Amaya had stopped talking. “Why are you staring into space like that?” Elena blinked and looked up. Amaya was watching her with narrowed eyes. “What?” Elena asked calmly. A smirk spread across Amaya’s face. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of applying too.” The room fell silent. Catherine turned to look at Elena. Elena simply stared back. “Why would you think that?” she asked. Amaya laughed. “Oh, please. You’ve been sitting there listening to everything we’ve said.” “I live here. It’s hard not to hear.” Amaya rolled her eyes. “Well, if you’re planning to apply, save yourself the embarrassment.” Amaya,” Catherine said, though there was little warning in her voice. “What?” Amaya shrugged. “I’m just being honest.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Thousands of beautiful women from around the world are applying. Models. Influencers. Businesswomen.” Her gaze swept over Elena. “You really think someone like you would stand a chance?” Elena felt the familiar sting but refused to show it. Years of living in this house had taught her how to hide her emotions. Amaya wasn’t finished. “And even if by some miracle you got selected, you’d probably be sent home on the first day.” A small laugh escaped her. Catherine sighed. “She’s right, Elena.” Elena’s jaw tightened. The familiar disappointment in Catherine’s eyes was there the same look she had seen for years. Not disappointment. Dislike. As if Elena’s presence alone irritated her. “You should know your limits, Elena,” Catherine said coldly. “Mother…..” “Don’t call me that.” The words came out sharper than expected. For a second, even Amaya looked surprised. Catherine sighed before continuing. “You know exactly what I mean.” Elena lowered her gaze. She did know. No matter how many years she lived in this house, Catherine never truly treated her like a daughter. There was always a distance. A wall. A reminder that she didn’t belong. Amaya smirked. “See? Even she knows you’re being unrealistic.” Elena remained quiet. She had learned long ago that arguing only made things worse. Years ago, when she was younger, she used to wonder why Catherine looked at her with such resentment. Why every achievement she made was ignored. Why every mistake was magnified. Eventually, she stopped asking. But what Elena didn’t know was that the truth had nothing to do with her. Years before, when Arthur Vale the wealthy patriarch of the Vale family had written his will, he had made one condition clear. A portion of his fortune would only remain within the family if the Vales provided a home for a child in need. A child who would legally become part of the family. Catherine never wanted another child. Especially not one who wasn’t their own. But they wanted the inheritance. So they adopted Elena. To the outside world, they presented themselves as loving parents. To Arthur Vale, they painted a picture of a happy family. And whenever the old man visited, they made sure Elena appeared cared for and loved. After all, millions depended on it. Once he left, everything returned to normal. Cold smiles. Harsh words. Indifference. Only her father make her feel loved ,but he was not always home but he’s truly a father figure to her Elena had never understood why she felt unwanted in a house that was supposed to be her home. Elena slowly stood from her seat. Neither woman seemed concerned by the hurt hidden behind her calm expression. “Well,” Amaya said smugly, “at least we’re all being realistic.” Elena picked up her book. “I never said I was applying.” “Good.” Amaya returned her attention to her phone. “That saves everyone time.” For a moment, Elena considered responding. Considered telling them exactly what she thought. But what was the point? They had already made up their minds about her years ago. Nothing she said would change that. So instead, she simply turned around. Without another word, she walked past them. Past the expensive furniture. Past the family photographs that never quite felt like hers. Past the laughter that followed behind her. Her footsteps echoed softly against the staircase as she climbed to the second floor. Neither Amaya nor Catherine noticed the determination settling in her eyes. Because while they sat downstairs dismissing her, Elena had already made her decision. The moment she reached her room, she would find that application. And she would submit it.