CHAPTER 14: UNRAVELING THE TRUTH
345 Words
Ava’s heart pounded in her chest as she stood in front of her family’s house.
She hadn’t been here since the wedding.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.
It opened almost instantly.
Her father stood there, his eyes widening in surprise.
“Ava?” His voice was cautious, like he wasn’t sure if he was happy or afraid to see her.
Ava didn’t wait. She stepped inside, her gaze sharp.
“Tell me the truth.”
Her father’s face visibly paled.
“Who was supposed to marry Rhys?”
For a moment, he said nothing. His eyes darted around the room, like he was afraid someone might be listening.
Then, finally, he exhaled.
“It was your cousin, Isabella.”
Ava closed her eyes briefly, a chill running through her.
She already knew. But hearing it confirmed?
It felt like a punch to the gut.
“Then why did she run away? Where is she now?”
Her father rubbed his temples.
“Ava, let this go—“
“No!” Ava’s voice rose. “Tell me!”
He sighed, then finally muttered, “she disappeared the night before the engagement.”
Ava’s breath caught.
“Disappeared?”
Her father’s expression was grim.
“No one has seen her since.”
Ava staggered back. This wasn’t just a runaway bride. This was something worse.
Then her father’s hand shot out, gripping hers.
His eyes were desperate.
“Ava, you have to stop asking questions.”
His voice was barely above a whisper.
“This is bigger than you.”
Ava’s blood turned to ice.
“Bigger than me?” She ripped her hand away.
“Then tell me what it is.”
Her father’s lips parted— then he froze. His face lost all color.
His eyes darted to the window.
Like he sensed something.
Then he whispered, “I can’t. They’re watching.”
Ava’s body went cold.
She turned slowly, her breath shaky.
Outside the house, across the street— a black car sat, unmoving.
And inside?
Someone was watching.
- Writer
