The Heiress: A love in Deceit

Ava’s POV “Ava! Ava! Ava!” The swarm of drunk men and women cheered while I climbed onto the bar counter, ignoring the frown on the bartender’s face. Jack got up from his stool and raised his glass towards the excited strangers he had managed to stir up. “Let’s give it up for the next CEO of Mac-Williams Group of Companies.” The crowd roared while I drank what was left of my Dom Perignon. “Next round is on me, everyone!” I yelled before returning to my seat, wishing I could relish the look on my father’s face if he found out what I spent his money on. I scoffed when I recalled Jack’s announcement. “The next CEO,” I mumbled with distaste. The bartender was refilling my glass of wine when Jack turned to me with a smirk and said, “You are something.” “Am I?” I chuckled. He nodded and sipped his beer. “How about we take this party to a more…private place?” “Oh, Jack,” I whined “You are a lot of fun, but we just met.” “So?” he whispered, leaning in closer. “We just met and yet I feel like I have known you all my life.” “And what do you know, Jack?” I leaned in. “Well,” he began with a smile, “I know that you are beautiful, fun, sexy, amazing. I know that your father is giving you a hard time. I know that you like art and I know that all you want is to be free; free to make your own choices and choose your path.” Speechless, I smiled and with practiced poise, I adjusted the neckline of my silk gown, ensuring it sat perfectly against my collarbone. He turned my seat to face him. “Come on, Ava. Let’s get out of here.” My resolve weakened as the alcohol worked its way through my system. I rolled my eyes and said, “Fine!” He led me out of the club after kissing my lips unexpectedly. The cold air blew into my face as we strolled down the street. My enthusiasm vanquished when I recalled the message my father had sent to me earlier that morning. “You are the company's future,” I said, frowning, now fully intoxicated. Jack laughed and tightened his grip on my hand. “Forget about it, Ava. Let’s have some fun!” he yelled and raised his arms. He had a way of making even the most mundane moments seem entertaining, and I appreciated that. However, out of nowhere, a group of three men turned their attention to us. There was an unmistakable tension in the air. “Hey there, sweetheart,” one of them called, his voice thick and unwelcoming. “Now, what is a fancy-looking lady like you doing out here late at night? Jack’s protective instinct kicked in immediately. “We are just walking, man,” he said, his body tense beside me. That did not stop them. The second one, taller than the others stepped closer and said “Hey pretty lady, I’m sure you wouldn't mind hanging out with us?” “Hey man, we are good,” Jack said with a forced smile. “I wasn’t talking to you,” the taller one replied, frowning. My stomach churned. Regardless of the alcohol, I was sober and alert. “We are fine, thank you,” I replied with a steady voice. The third man, who seemed like the leader, laughed and took a step forward. He was more sturdy than the rest of them. With a thick voice and an unmistakable Australian accent, he said, “Are you sure ma’am?” I nodded with a smile on my lips that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Wait a minute,” he began, a cigarette hanging from his mouth, “I know ya. Seen ya on the telly a coupla times. Yeah, you’re daddy’s little girl, ain’t ya?” He stepped forward with a swagger that made me instinctively step back. “Now what’s daddy’s girl doin way out here at this hour of the night?” Jack’s jaw tightened. He stepped slightly closer, subtly shifting to block me from their piercing gaze. “Listen, man, we don’t want to cause any trouble. We are just taking a w–” “Get out of here, man. We don’t want your company,” the taller one interrupted as he took an intimidating stance. Jack glared at him in disbelief and shook his head, “I’m not leaving without her,” he said, tightening his fist. “Oh, ain’t ya?” the leader replied and exchanged looks with the two men. In a swift motion, the taller one swung his fist at Jack, hitting him in the face. Jack reacted immediately with a punch to his jaw, grabbed my hand, and made a run for it. Seeking revenge, they chased us. “No point running, love. We just wanna have some fun,” one of them shouted. “Run, Ava!” Jacked yelled ahead of me as he ducked down an alley. My mind raced frantically. Their footsteps pounded faster behind me, and I could hear their laughter. I ducked down the alley as fast as I could, but there was no sign of Jack. I kept running, desperately searching for a way out. I exited the alley on my right and instantly collided with something solid, sending me stumbling back. A hand shot out, gripping my arm before I could completely lose my balance. My gaze snapped upward to meet the eyes of a tall man. He stared down at me with a mix of surprise and concern on his face. “Help,” I whispered before passing out in his arms. I woke up to the sound of my phone beeping in a dimly lit room. I sighed deeply in relief after realizing that I was in a hotel room, my heartbeat still racing. “Take this,” a note read on the drawer beside me. I swallowed the pill with a bottle of water that sat beside it. “2 am,” I whispered, now gazing at my phone. My heart dropped when I heard footsteps outside of the door. I quickly freshened up and changed into the set of pajamas provided by the hotel, since my silk gown was ruined. “Where the hell am I?” I said to myself before walking out of the door with a racing heart.