sold to a stranger

chapter five

Five

Ava woke up to the unfamiliar surroundings , her body sinking into a bed, softer than any she’d ever known. The room was dimly and smelled faintly of expensive cologne and polished woods.

The thought of Kelly's betrayal and how she was grabbed by those men flooded her mind,but she managed to stand up from the bed.

Before she could take a step , the door creaked opened, and a tall figure walked in.

Her breath caught in her throat, as she watched the man entered the room. Her eyes widened in recognition as the man stepped into the light.

It was him.

The man from the car.

For a moment neither of them spoke, Damien’s eyes met hers, and Ava could see the flicker of recognition in his gaze.

“You ….” Ava’s voice was barely above a whisper. “You are the ma from last night.”

Damien nodded, “I am, and I see you remember me.”

Ava swallowed hard, her mind racing with questions. “Why am I here? What do you want from me?”

Damien studied her for a moment before sighing. “I think I should be the one asking you that question, how did you end up here?”

“I ….I don't know.” Ava stammered, still trying to make sense of everything. “Some men just took. I….I don't understand.”

Damien's expression darkened slightly, but his voice remained calm. “It's clear now. You are the girl Lucy was sending to me.”

Ava blinked, confused. “Lucy? What do you mean? How do you know mother….I mean my step mother.” Her voice barely above a whisper.

Damien's eyes narrowed, “Let's not talk about this now.” Damien said, dismissing her questions. He was silent for a moment, watching her closely.

Then he turned towards the door, and whispered to one of the guards, the guard nodded in understanding.

Ava stood there nervous and confused, she didn't know what was going on, or what she was now into.

A moment later, Mrs Nora, appeared in the doorway. She was an older woman with sharp eyes and kind face. Damien gestured towards Ava.

“Get her some new clothes,” he instructed. “And prepare one of the guest rooms in the main house.

Mrs Nora nodded, and quickly left the room. Ava’s mind was spinning. The main house? What did that mean?

Damien turned to her, his tone softer but still firm, “you’ll stay in the main house for now, till we figure out the next step to take.”

Ava stared at him, unsure of how to respond. Relief flooded her, but it was tinged with lingering fear. “I don't understand. Why you doing this?” Ava whispered.

Damien met her gaze, his expression inscrutable. “You are not a debt Ava, You are a person.”

Ava’s throat tightened, no one had ever spoken to her like that before. She wasn't sure what to say, so she simply nodded, grateful but still wary.

As Mrs Nora brought the clothes, Damien stepped out of the room, walking towards the entrance of his mansion, he instructed the guards to bring Ava into the mansion once she’s done changing her clothes.

Once they entered through the room, little Emma was curled up on the sofa, watching her favorite show. “Daddy, who’s that? Her voice sharp.

Ava turned to see the little girl seated on the sofa, with her golden curls, and pink cute gown.

“This is Ava.” Damien said, his voice taking on a gentler tone as he addressed his daughter. “She’ll be staying with us for a little while.”

Emma rose from the sofa, crossed her arms, her expression sore, “I don't like her.”

Ava’s heart sank. The child's words were harsh and she had no idea how to respond. She’d never been good with children.

Damien sighed, rubbing his temples, “Emma, that's enough, he polite.”

Emma huffed, clearly unimpressed, and glared at Ava. “You don't belong here, and I'm sure grand ma won't like you.” She muttered before storming off up stairs.

Ava winced, feeling completely out of place in this strange new world. Damien glanced at her his expression apologetic.

“Don't mind her,” he said. “She’s been through a lot.”

Ava nodded, but couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Damien's voice broke through her thoughts. “Ava, please sit.” Damien said gesturing to one of the sofas.

Ava sat nervously, it's been years since she sat on a sofa, Lucy always made sure she sat on the floor.

“I need to know…why did Lucy want you gone so badly?” Damien asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Ava but her lips, feeling a familiar knot of fear tightened in her chest, “I’ve been living with her since my father died, she took over my father's company.” She began slowly. “She…..she’s always hated me. I don't know why?”

Damien’s eyes softened, though his expression remained serious, “And now she’s trying to sell you off to pay debts?”

Ava nodded her throat tightening, “Yes…But I honestly don't know why.”

Before Damien could respond, the soft click of heels interrupted them. An elderly woman dressed in an impeccably luxurious outfit entered the room, her presence commanded attention.

“Damien dear,” the woman called softly. Damien rose immadietly walking over to greet her , placing a soft kiss on her cheek. The affection was clear.

“Mother,” Damien said with a slight smile.

Ava quickly stood, suddenly feeling even more out of place. She hadn't expected anyone else to be here, especially silly someone who exuded such authority.

There was a long pause as the two women stood, staring at each other. Then, the woman sharp eyes softened, and her expression became curious rather than cold, “Do I know you?” The woman asked, her voice dripping with intrigue. “Have we met before?”

Ava’s heart raced, she felt as though the woman’s eyes were piercing through hers. Ava could only manage, a slight shake of head, “I..I don't think so.”

The woman tilted her head slightly, as she walked slowly towards Ava, her nostril flaring, a look of surprise flickered across her face. “That smell.” She said softly,her voice almost too quiet to be heard. “Where did you get that perfume?”

Ava blinked nervously, “I ….I don't know what you are talking about about ma’am.” Ava stammered.

Damien noticing the tension between them,stepped in, “mother, what is this about?” He asked, his tone calm but filled with a hint of curiosity.

The woman ignored his question for a moment, her attention fully on Ava. “It smells like….” She trailed off, almost sealing to herself, before turning sharply to Damien. “Who is this girl? And why is she here?”