The Heiress’s Secret Revenge

Chapter 5

The decorated room dazzled with luxurious decoration. The air was filled with the fragrance of roses.

Ava stood near the window, the New York skyline twinkling beyond her reflection. Her golden dress hugged her skin, and her chestnut hair was let down, and it cascaded down her back.

Guests swirled around the reception. Their laughter and voices echoed as they were in awe at the opulence of the evening.

Camila stood across the room, her perfectly manicured fingers tightening around a champagne flute as she watched Ava. Her blue eyes narrowed as they followed Ava.

She was filled with regret. “I never expected Austin to be this handsome and breathtaking,” she thought as her gaze shifted to the centre of the room.

Austin Russell's dark hair fell in an effortlessly charming wave, and his grey eyes were piercing. He moved with grace that made Camilla catch her breath.

‘He looks so hot and handsome. Why didn't I marry him?’ She thought her eyes were following Austin. His black hair fell in a charming wave, and his height seemed to draw attention. But she shook her head and smirked. “He is broke and a loser. I can settle for that because of looks. ‘I made the right choice,’ she reminded herself.

Ava’s attention returned back to the present as Austin approached her. His grey eyes softened as he met hers. “It's time for the bride and groom. May I have this dance?” he asked; his voice was low and deep, which sent shivers down Ava’s spine.

There was no coldness in his tone. Ava’s fingers brushed against his as she nodded. The music started as he walked her to the dance floor. Austin turned to her, and his hands settled on her waist. His touch was tender as they moved together effortlessly. She felt weightless in his arm.

His grey eyes pierced into hers, which made her heart soften. “Your dress is beautiful,” he murmured, his voice low. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. You look good too,” she replied softly. “You are… you are not what I expected.”

Austin's smile widened as he watched her speak, but he didn't say a word after that. The crowd watched them, and they whispered in admiration. “They look good together,” one guest murmured, “like a fairy tale.” Another one agreed.

Camila’s stomach twisted as she watched them. The way Austin placed his hands on Ava’s waist, the way he leaned in to whisper something to her. It was too much that she had to turn away, reminding herself why she chose to be with Blake. That Austin was nothing.

As the music ended, Austin didn't release her immediately. His hand was still on her as his thumbs brushed slightly on her skin. “Stay close,” he whispered.

Ava nodded, her eyes never leaving his. That moment was interrupted by a sharp click of a glass. Austin’s father, Mr. Russel, stood at the centre of the room. His grey hair glittered under the chandeliers.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began. His voice was filled with both excitement and This was the moment that he had been waiting for over the years.

“Tonight is not only a celebration of love but also to acknowledge the bride and the groom for making such a beautiful ceremony happen on this day. I also want to use the medium as a moment of truth. Truth that had been kept in the shadows,” he announced, and everybody went mute. Their eyes were fixed on him as they anticipated the truth.

Mr. Russell’s eyes settled on Austin; a proud smile appeared on his face. “My son, Austin Russell, has been a mystery man to many of you. Bug tonight, I reveal that he is the visionary behind many enterprises. The enigmatic CEO has reshaped so many industries, and right now, I am passing out my enterprise to him because I am retiring tonight. He has always been the second richest man in the world in secret but right now. My enterprise has made him the richest man in the world.”

Every guest in the room gasped as they turned to one another. Their whispers were filled with shock and awe. Ava’s breath caught, and her eyes widened. The richest man in the world? The man who everyone thinks is a broke loser, the man whom she was forced to get married to for her mother’s hospital bills to be paid.

Austin forced a little smile on his face, but he wasn't happy about his father’s announcement. Though it was great news, he had never liked all the attention to be on him.

Camilia’s champagne flute slipped from her finger and shattered on the floor. Her face turned pale. “The richest man in the world?”

She had always rejected the offer of the Russels. She called them all. Her eyes locked on Ava, and her regret was a bitter pill that she couldn't swallow.

Ava’s eyes met Austin's, but she couldn't speak. Before she could say a word, the room erupted in applause. Ava avoided eye contact with Camila’s piercing gaze, and her eyes met a man dressed in a black suit; his face was hidden in the shadows of the guests.

He raised a glass in a silent toast, but the gesture felt like a warning. Ava’s grip tightened in Austin's hands.

Austin followed her gaze, and his eyes noticed the figure. “Do you know him?” he asked.

“No,” she said, shifting her gaze back to Austin, but before she could turn her eyes to meet the man, he disappeared into the crowd.