Torn Between The Alpha and The Demon lord

Chapter 4

Ava's Pov:

I looked at her small hopeful face and guilt pinched my heart.I was exhausted my body my mind my soul.

“I’m very tired Freya,” I said gently.“We’ll decorate it together later okay?”

Her smile slowly faded.

“Okay Ava” she whispered softly.

Before I could even breathe properly,Julia’s fingers dug into my arm in a harsh pinch.

“You stay outside all day,”she snapped“and now when my daughter wants to decorate the Christmas tree with you,you suddenly feel annoyed?”

I clenched my teeth but said nothing.

I didng my head slightly and silently went upstairs to my room.I didn’t want Freya to witness another argument.She was still too young.I didn’t want to stain her Christmas happiness with adult bitterness.

After some time,I came back downstairs to help with dinner.The table was soon filled with food the aroma spreading through the house.Everyone sat down together.

Julia was feeding Freya with her own hands lovingly, patiently.I watched them quietly.A sharp ache formed in my chest.

Once upon a time…I used to be loved like that too.

When my mom was alive I was the center of her world. I was also my father’s little princess.But after my mother died,everything changed.Even my own father stopped seeing me the same way.

While we were eating my father’s cold voice suddenly broke the silence.

“Ava.”

“Yes?” I answered quietly.

“You’ve grown up now,”he said flatly.“I’ve found a boy for you.You will go on a blind date with him.”

My fork slipped from my fingers.

“I won’t go on any date with anyone,”I replied firmly.

His face hardened.

“Why won’t you? I am your father! If you want to stay in this house you will listen to me!”

Anger surged through me.I stood up.

“I have the right to choose my own life partner!” my voice trembled.“You cannot make decisions about my life without asking me,Dad!”

“I don’t want to hear anything more,”he said sharply.“You will go.I have decided.”

That was it.

I couldn’t take it anymore.I pushed back my chair left the dining table without touching another bite of food and ran upstairs. Inside my room I locked the door behind me and slid down to the floor.

And then I cried.

I cried until my chest hurt. I cried for my mother. I cried for my broken heart.I cried because even in my own home…

I no longer had a place where I truly belonged.

I feel completely helpless.

Ever since my mother passed away it feels like misfortune has followed me at every step.Just like everyone else I want to live a normal happy life but nothing has ever gone the way I wished. Sometimes I can’t stop myself from thinking that if my mom were still alive my life wouldn’t be like this. Maybe then… I would have received my father’s love too.

Suffering like this for so long has made me used to the pain.I never show my emotions in front of others.I always pretend to be strong to be okay. But behind that mask I am slowly shattering into pieces.

_____

Today is Christmas.

My phone buzzes with notifications.Ash and my school friend Zoe have wished me a Merry Christmas.I reply with the same words.But the one message I wait for the most never comes—Liam doesn’t wish me at all.My heart sinks a little but I say nothing.

I place my phone beside me pick up my mother’s photograph, and softly whisper “Merry Christmas Mom.” Holding her photo close to my chest I slowly drift into sleep.

12:00 AM.

The entire city is silent now.Everyone is asleep. Outside my window, snow is falling gently covering the world in white.Suddenly a soft bell rings near my window.Right after that my entire room floods with a bright light.Still I don’t wake up.A few moments later the light slowly fades away,leaving my room in darkness once again…

______

"Christmas Morning"

The whole house was silent wrapped in sleep and yet just like every other day,I was awake before everyone else.I lay still for a moment staring at the ceiling then turned my head toward the clock on my bedside table.

7:00 a.m.