The Heiress’s Secret Revenge

Raindrops pattered on the windows of La Belle restaurant where the New York elite gathered inside, enjoying the delicious meals and engaging in warm conversations as their faces lit up by the warm candlelight. Ava Sterling sat alone at a corner of her table which she had reserved for her birthday dinner with Blake. She wore a long emerald dress; the silk hugged her full hips and delicate waist. Her chestnut hair was packed in a sleek ponytail, and her hazel eyes flecked with gold in the warm candlelight darted around the diner. It was Ava’s 25th birthday, and she had planned to spend it with her boyfriend, Blake, but he was two hours late. Her hand traced the silver necklace on her neck as she watched the clock tick. Her phone lying on the table lit up with a text from her best friend Jessie, “Having fun with Blake?” Ava quickly dialed Blake’s number, but it led straight to voicemail. She had called five times, but she couldn't get through. “Maybe he's stuck in a meeting,” she told herself, but she doubted what she had just said. She remembered the missed dinners with flimsy excuses. Her mother's hospital bills, $200,000 and rising, and Blake promising to help for a few months without making any move made her cold. The waiter approached Ava again. “Miss, are you ready to order?” His tone was gentle and filled with pity for Ava. She swallowed, and her eyes moved to the empty chair. “No, my date cancelled. I think I will just take my leave. Thank you,” she whispered, standing. She reached for her purse and phone and walked out of the restaurant. The rain soaked her instantly; her emerald dress hugged her body as she called the cab. In a few minutes, she arrived at Blake's penthouse, which was a stone's throw from the restaurant. Tears gathering in her eyes, then she remembered her mother's words to her, “You’re enough.” Her mother, lying helpless in the hospital, and her best friend Jessie were the only people who believed in her. Noy is the sterling who always focuses on Camilia, her stepsister and the heir to the family empire. Not Ava. As the elevator chimed, Ava walked out to Blake's door, which was slightly open, and a warm light reflected outside. Cool music played in the background, and she heard sounds of laughter coming from one of the rooms. This made Ava’s breath cease. She thought Blake would be in a meeting or busy with work. She traced the sound of the voices to a room with the door ajar. A red silk dress and a pair of silver heels were lying on the floor with Blake’s navy blue tie. Her eyes moved to the bed, where she saw a blonde, shirtless woman grinding her waist on the bed. Blake's arms caressed her back as he moaned deeply. His eyes were closed as his chiselled jaw clenched in pleasure. Straddling him was Camilia Sterling, as she moaned and laughed. Ava stood still, and her hazel eyes widened. “Blake? Camila?” she called. Immediately, they both flew apart on the bed. Blake was tensed, and his eyes were filled with guilt. “Ava, damn it. What are you...?” he stammered. Camila slowly covered her bare chest with the duvet, and her lips curled into a little smile. Tears began to fill Ava’s eyes. “You stood me up on my birthday dinner for her?” she asked. Blake swallowed hard and ran his hands through his hair. “It’s not what you think, Ava.” Camilia cuts in. “It is what you think, Ava. I am better than you could ever be,” she said as she took a few steps closer to Ava completely naked. “You are the spare, Ava. You have always been, and Blake deserves the best,” she continued. Tears rolled down Ava’s eyes as she stared at Camilia. The reality began to set in. The late nights, cancelled plans, distracted smiles and texting: Blake had been with Camilia while Ava planned their future. “How long?” Ava’s voice trembled, her soaked dress clung to her body, and her hair fell on her shoulders. Blake looked away and fixed his eyes on the floor. Ava shouted, “I asked how long?” “A couple of weeks,” Blake stammered. “Six months,” Camilia cuts in. Ava's jaw dropped, and her knees became numb. Camilia laughed hard. “Go home, sister, or rather go to the hospital and cry to that dying mother of yours. I will send some flowers tomorrow,” she chuckled. Ava's fist tightened, her nails digging into her palm. She wanted to tear Camila's perfect blonde hair apart; instead, she faced Blake. “You are wicked and pathetic. You cheat on me with my stepsister?” she asked. Ava turned to Camilla, “You will pay dearly for this,” she warned and hurriedly walked out of the room. Camilla’ laugh chased her as Ava stormed out. Rain drenched her; the dress became heavy and her hair plastered to her face.