The Heiress Impostor

Chapter 1: The Autopsy

Ethan’s heart was filled with so much excitement as he walked down the familiar hallway of The Elysium Inn. It's been 6 Months since the last time he saw his Only daughter Avery. He had reserved Room 423 for her coming. Tomorrow is Sophia’s birthday. He and Avery had been planning a surprise. A small private party, just the three of them, a chance to celebrate the strong woman who held their family together. He couldn’t wait to see Sophia’s face when Avery walked in. It had been a very long time since the three of them had a proper intimate gathering.

He reached the door with the keycard in his hand. He’d spoken to Avery two hours ago. She has been so excited, overflowing with enthusiasm about the cake and the decorations. He smiled, picturing her excitement. The green light flashed as he slid the card. He swung the door open, calling softly, “Avery? I'm here. Sorry for keeping you waiting”

The room was silent. He frowned slightly. “Are you trying to play hide and seek? Haha, You need to grow up, you know?” he said jokingly as he walked into the room. She might be in the washroom. “Avery?” He called again, this time a little louder.

He ventured deeper into the room. The curtains were drawn, which made the room a bit dark. He stepped towards the bedroom while speculating when his prankster daughter would grow up and stop playing hide and seek with him. “Avery, honey, I’m here. You know what?

You won, I've had a very hectic day today. We need to finalize the setup for Mom’s surprise, please step out.”

Just then he saw her.

She was laying on the floor, near the bed, her eyes were dull and still, staring up at the ceiling. Ethan’s breath was snatched away.“Avery?” he called, his voice trembling. He hurried to where she lay, his palms shaking with fear as he reached toward her. She felt cold to the touch. He groped for her wrist in search of a pulse, wisps of life and hope still lingering in search of something. He found nothing.

“No…no…” he stuttered, his mind was reeling. This is not happening. Not his only child. Not today. Not on Sophia’s birthday eve. He stroked her cheek with his fingertips, tracing the delicate line of her jaw. It feels real. The stillness, the coldness…it was real. His daughter was gone. Could he be dreaming? He pulled his suit and threw it. He needed to be sure.

The joy he felt several moments ago evaporated in waves of disbelief and heaviness. He lost his footing, his legs are suddenly weak. He felt a quiver run through him as dizziness washed over him. He can't take this alone, He had to tell his wife. But how? The thought was like a physical punch to the gut. Sophia is so frail, she's so dependent on Avery…the news would break her. He imagined the look on her face, it etched with worry, her voice shaking as she asked about her daughter. “Ethan, where’s my daughter? Is she okay?” And he…he would have absolutely nothing to tell her. The image of Sophia’s grieves-tricking face was unbearable.

He picked his phone, his hands trembling violently that he almost dropped it. He dialed their family doctor, his voice was barely a whisper. “Dr. Miller…I need you here please, I'm sharing my location with you… room 423

Ethan’s world was shattered. For a moment, he was buzzing with excitement, planning a surprise for Sophia, his beloved wife on her birthday with his daughter's arrival and other plans. The next, he was staring at his only daughter’s lifeless body, the joy he felt has been replaced by a chilling dread. How could he tell Sophia this? She was so fragile, her health still unstable. The thought of delivering such heartbreaking news felt like a physical blow.

Ethan recalled their early days, he remembered how they started, their whirlwind romance. Sophia was a young vibrant lady and so full of life in her youthful days, she captured his heart the very moment he set his eyes on her. It was love at first sight for Ethan. They dreamed of a home filled with laughter and children, A happy family. But life always has other plans. Year after year, they’d faced heartbreaking disappointment, the agony of miscarriage etching itself onto Sophia’s face, clouding her radiance. They persevere through thick and thin holding against all odds, bound together by love and resilience holding each other through the storms. Ten years of waiting, ten years of hope longing to have a child to call theirs, until finally, Avery Kyle their miracle baby arrived, a radiance of light in their lives.

Now, that light had been extinguished. And he had to shield his ailing wife from this darkness.

Dr. Miller arrived in the room, his face etched with concern. He stared at Avery's dead body with a grave expression. “Ethan,” he said softly, “I’m so sorry.”

Ethan, nodding in sorrow, stood still, unable to talk; grief had choked him and tightened every part of his throat.

“Dr. Miller,” he called slightly above a whisper,, “I…I can’t tell Sophia this. She doesn't deserve this, She’s…she’s not well. It would kill her.”

Dr. Miller understood what he meant. He has been their family doctor for years, witnessing every of their struggles, the arrival of their joy, and now, the devastating loss. “I understand, Ethan. I know this is a tough decision for you, But…we need to know what happened. For Avery. For you and for Sophia, eventually.”

“I know that,” Ethan said, rubbing his tired eyes wearily. “I need.…I need an autopsy to be carried out on her. But discreetly.…before anyone knows.” He wouldn't involve the police just yet.

”Please don’t worry about that. I will take care of it,” Dr. Miller promised. “We’ll definitely get to the root of Ethan.”

Ethan looked at Miller and could only nod. Miller continued “Is it possible to get footage? That could give us a clue”