The Night sky

Chapter 1: The Golden Ticket The night sky stretched above me, endless and cruel, the stars mocking me with their cold light. I have been dreaming all my life. And everything I have witnessed was nothing but misery. But tonight... tonight I have finally uncovered a way to unravel this mystery. "Ivy," she whispered aloud from the edge of her bed. She rose to her feet, glided toward the mirror, and released a sharp, deranged laugh that echoed in the silence. Who do they think they are? They shattered my family. They murdered my father. They condemned my mother to a psychiatric hospital. And they stole everything that belonged to us. I am not surrendering. I will do whatever it takes to pull him to my side. He must be mine. With this pregnancy, he will have no choice but to submit. With what transpired between us that night, he won't forget. But why does it feel like something has shifted? I have neither seen his mother nor heard a single word about her. She is the architect of my ruin. Everything my mother and I endured — they will repay every single debt. The doctor said he suffers from blackouts whenever he drinks. Yes. He is my golden ticket and I will play it safe so well. I can scarcely believe I am standing here. They attempted to humiliate me at his company today. At last, I am inside the lion's den. I must tread carefully. I need allies. I need to discern who stands as friend and who lurks as enemy. I still cannot fathom that I am here. I cannot afford a single reckless move. That night... he made it infuriatingly effortless. The way his gaze bore into mine. The way he lost himself in my embrace. The warmth of his tears that nearly broke through my armor. Hahaha, Ivy smiled softly to herself. He is devastatingly handsome, too. Hey, girl. Do not be foolish. Stay focused. This is not the moment for distractions, she reminded herself with a faint smile. The doctor spoke of a safe. I must earn his trust. I must gain access to his private chambers. I must open that safe. The phone shrieked. "Hello? I saw the news. Ivy?" "Yes." "Are you in?" Ivy answered, her voice low, "Not yet. They confined me to the guest room, and he has not returned." The voice on the other end hissed, "Remember the plan. Do not ruin this. Remember what they did to you, to your family, to my family. They have not stopped wrecking homes and annihilating lives. Remember why you are there. You are there to bring them down." "Good news," the voice said. "What is it?" Ivy asked "My informant just confirmed it. Madam Elena is in town." She froze. "His mother?" "Yes. I have already traced her schedule while she is here. I will send you the details immediately. Be cautious." The line went dead. Ivy exhaled sharply. "She is back!" She was absolutely not allowing this. How was she supposed to meet her eyes? The woman who unleashed chaos upon her family. Will she even recognize me after all these years? She is a predator. A beautiful one. She is brilliant. That is how she has seduced men and vanished with their fortunes. Cunning. Vicious. Merciless. Hmm. Then I must become the role. I must embody it. I know she has returned because of the news. I can only pray her son arrives before she does. The phone vibrated. Message from Unknown. Ivy's blood ran cold as she read it. Shock paralyzed her. She set the phone down with trembling hands and sank onto the bed. A knock. "Who is it?" She called out. A voice, gentle and deferential: "Grace, ma'am." "Come in," Ivy said, rising. Grace entered and immediately studied her face. "Ma'am, are you alright?" She stammered, "Y-yes. I am fine. Yes, I am alright. Uhm... what can I do for you, Grace?" "Nothing, ma'am. I have been assigned to attend to you. If you require anything, I will ensure it is taken care of," Grace replied. "Very well. Would you mind being my guide? I do not know my way around here. I cannot afford to wander aimlessly." They both smiled. "Of course, ma'am. Please, follow me." As they exited the room together, Grace began to unveil the secrets of the mansion to her. "This estate stands tall and sovereign, as though it reigns over the entire street. It is not merely a house. It is a declaration." As they stepped outside, Grace gestured. "This-" Towering white marble columns upheld a magnificent entrance. A sweeping driveway curved toward imposing double doors crafted from dark, heavy wood and adorned with gold handles. The lawn was immaculate, emerald and meticulously trimmed, decorated with flower beds and fountains that glittered beneath the sun. At night, golden light spilled from every window, making the entire place appear as though it floated on air. "And the interior!" The moment you enter, your voice reverberates. The foyer boasts a crystal chandelier cascading down three stories, and a grand marble staircase that diverges in two directions. The living room is vast enough to house three sofas, with a piano tucked into the corner and walls of floor-to-ceiling glass. The kitchen is a masterpiece — a central island, gilded fixtures, and appliances that belong on television. Upstairs: six bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, walk-in closet, and private balcony. The master suite rivals a five-star hotel, complete with a sitting area and a bathtub vast enough to swim in. Downstairs: a private cinema, a gym, a game room, and a wine cellar. "And I nearly forgot," Grace added. "Outside we have a swimming pool lined with sapphire tiles, cabanas, and lounge chairs. There is a garden, a tennis court, and even a small guest house at the rear." "Grace," she called, smiling. "It sounds as though you have lived here for decades." "No, ma'am," Grace replied, and they both smiled. "Thank you for the tour." "It is my pleasure." "I will return to my room now. I am not feeling well." "Are you alright?" "Yes. I believe I require some rest." It was not long after Grace disappeared into the house that Fernandez arrived, chauffeured by his driver and P.A. Fury and anxiety warred on his face. His mind was consumed with how this scandal would tarnish his family, his reputation, and, worst of all, his company. The question tormented him: What if it is true? What if I am the father of that child? "Sir," Kelvin called. "Your phone. You forgot it." He snatched the phone from his driver and strode away. As he moved down the hallway, the entire domestic staff moved like shadows, because today could easily be the day someone was dismissed. "How am I supposed to face her? What if she is truly the woman who saved my life that day?" It was only a handful of days with her, yet it felt like a lifetime. She was exquisite. Kind. Humble. Because of my wealth, countless women have impersonated her. I am utterly exhausted by the deceit. But what if it is genuinely her? Would Mother accept her? I know she possesses no fortune, and I despise admitting the truth — I am hopelessly, irrevocably in love with her. It is as though she has bewitched me. Meanwhile, Ivy paced inside her room, then crept to the window and watched as the driver unloaded the car. Anxiety clawed at her chest. What if he does not fall for her scheme? What if he is truly the ruthless, spoiled monster everyone claims he is? Wait. The man I encountered did not resemble any of those rumors. Or was he simply an exceptional actor? I cannot remain idle until he arrives. I must act. Her gaze landed on the table beside her bed. She seized the cup of coffee and drained it in one gulp. Ivy is deathly allergic to caffeine. And that is precisely why she drank it. "It will not be long now," she murmured, "before the pain begins."