WANTED BY THE TOP THREE CEOs

Chapter 3: FLASHBACK: Dark Betrayals

Ava slowly moved closer to them, the sound of her steps inaudible from the chatter going on around. ‘Since when did Maurice and Andrew start talking’ she thought to herself as she finally stood close enough for them to see her.

Maurice turned her head to the side, her smile dying down, almost turning to a frown at Ava’s appearance.

She turned back to Andrew again, “We’ll talk later” she says with a smile, not sparing Ava another glance before leaving them.

Ava looks at her stepsister walking figure then shifts her gaze back to Andrew whose expression turned sullen of a sudden.

Just a minute ago he was smiling and now this, “What was that about? Since when did you and Maurice start talking?” she asks, no matter how hard she tries to wrap her head around it, it just didn’t make any sense.

“She congratulated me, asked for a few business tips. Do you really have to do act like this today?” he asked in an annoyed tone.

Ava bit her bottom lip, realizing just how stupid her question was. “Sorry…” she murmurs softly, “it’s just that I’ve never seen you two together”

He didn’t say anything, increasing the guilt she felt, she stretches out the bouquet, “Congratulations” she smiles, watching him take the flowers from her.

She reaches out to touch him but he shifts back slightly, her smile falls, wondering why he was acting cold towards her.

“I don’t get it… just a few minutes ago you were smiling with Maurice, and now you’re giving me the cold shoulders? Did I do something? If I did tell me so that I can-”

“Stop!” He cuts her off sharply, making her flinch.

He runs his hand through his hair, trying to ease himself.

“My parents didn’t show up” he says looking down as he clenched both his fists.

“And it’s all because of the smart and hardworking Christian Smith…” he adds, his voice dripping with venom and so much barely contained hatred.

Ava gulped, knowing where this conversation is heading.

“Your parents must be proud of him, even you’re proud”

She felt even more guilty, seeing the pain in his eyes, and how his voice cracks as he speaks shattered her heart, “Andrew I-”

“My life’s been hell ever since your brother came into the picture, having to beat him every day was my daily routine and I fail miserably, always. And what’s worse is that he’s not even trying Ava, making me look even more stupid!”

Ava tries to speak but he interrupts her again.

“Now you’re here questioning who I talk to? Just what do you take me for!? Everything wrong in my life goes back to your perfect family!” he snapped angrily, his anger boiling over.

Ava’s eyes glistened with tears, her voice trembling.

“I’m sorry…” was the only thing she could say, she moves closer to him, reaching for his hand again.

He scoffs, pulling his hand back then grabbed his things to leave.

She stood there, unable to move as she watch him walk away from her and into his car. She wasn’t at fault but she understood how he felt, the pressure of his family on his shoulders and her… the sister to the boy that is a constant thorn on his flesh.

Their relationship wasn’t all colors and rainbows, but there were some happy moment she could smile back to, especially from the beginning of their relationship.

The Andrew then was loving, sweet, and kind, he couldn’t go a day without seeing her and reminding her just how precious she is to him.

But now it’s just one fight after another, lashing all his anger and frustrations on her which she took despite how hurtful it was, hoping that one day they could go back to how they were before.

She sighs tiredly, feeling her energy drain from her body, “at least he took the flowers” she murmurs to herself.

“Ava!” Claire calls out, “Hurry up, we want to take pictures!”

Ava turned, forcing a smile before joining them, snapping photos as if everything was fine.

After countless shots, it was finally time to go home.

“I’ll come over tomorrow” Claire says as she hugs Ava then turned to Chris, pecking his cheek, “See you tomorrow babe”

Chris pulls her by the waist, kissing her on the lips, slow and gentle before breaking it, “That’s how to say a proper goodbye” he winks, making Claire blush.

Ava rolls her eyes, “Okay, that’s enough. Tomorrow is tomorrow, not next year”

Both Claire and Chris laughed, pulling away from each other.

They waved each other goodbye before Ava and Chris got into the car. The ride home felt longer than usual.

No talks, no jokes, just an uninvited tension. Chris noticed how dull Ava mood was earlier when they were taking pictures, despite how hard she tried to hide it.

He somehow knew what caused it, or rather ‘who’ caused it, but decided to stay quiet for now.

The car finally came to stop in front of the mansion and everyone came down, heading inside.

“Ava” Chris grabbed her hand before she could go in, “What’s wrong?” he asked in a concerned voice.

Ava’s brow furrowed, “Huh? What are you talking about?”

His face hardened slightly, “You’re not going to tell me why you were looking like a lost ghost after going to meet Andrew?” he asked with a frown.

Ava sighs, pulling her arm away from his grip, “It’s nothing, It’s just… he wasn’t in his best moods. His parents didn’t come” she explained

“Then let me guess, he took it out on you, right? Ava when are you going to understand…”

“It’s not his fault!!” She suddenly yelled, cutting him off.

She paused, looking around to see some of the maids looking at her direction before going back to their duties. Realizing she was loud, she looks up at Chris now stern expression.

“I’m sorry” she murmurs apologetically, facing down.

Chris could only look at her and wonder if she has truly gone blind that she can’t see what she’s turning into all because of Andrew.

Ava didn’t understand his silence so she continues, “He was never like this and you know that, he’s going through a lot. I can’t leave him now, he needs me, and if you can’t understand that then this conversation is over.”

She turns away from him, walking into the mansion only to be greeted by the sight of her father arguing with some cops.

“What’s going on?” She asked, looking confused as she got closer.

Mrs. Smith and Maurice were standing by the staircase, both looking confused as well, though something flickered in Mrs. Smith’s gaze.

An officer walked pass Ava, striding towards Chris that was behind her, “Christian Smith, you’re under arrest” he says in a firm voice, bringing out a pair of handcuffs.

Chris stunned, taking a step back “What are you talking about? What’s going on?”

Mr. Smith stepped forward, stepping between his son and the cop, “Officer, we can sit and talk about this…”

Another officer stepped forward, interrupting him, “We’re sorry sir but we’ve already explained everything, and we’ve also confiscated the evidence. If your son refuses to come with us peacefully, we will have no choice but to use force” the officer explained.

The tension in the air got thicker, maids and guards already gathered around, watching everything unfold.

Ava turned to the officer, her eyes going wide with fury, “What evidence are you talking about? What did my brother do!?”

The third officer spoke up, “Miss Ava, your brother is being charged with selling and harboring of harmful drugs”

“What!?” both Ava and Chris shouted at the same time.

“There have been a recent dealership of drugs going on in Briston, the school board and authorities decided to keep the news away from the students and the public until after the graduation ceremony” one of the officers informs, “However, we received an anonymous tip this morning that your brother is involved…”

“That is not true! My brother isn’t that kind of person. I want to see this so called evidence!” Ava demanded.

A huge black bag landed in front of her, the second officer bends down and unzips it, revealing small packages of white powdery substance. “This was found in your brother’s room Miss Ava” the officer says calmly, standing back up again to let her inspect it.

“And who gave you the permission to search my house without informing me!” Mr. Smith spoke up

“It was your wife sir” the officer replied

Everybody’s head turned towards Mrs. Smith who was now shaking in fear.

“I-I can explain…” she stammered.

“Gabe called, telling me that some officers were outside waiting, saying they had a warrant to search the house…” she paused then continues, “… I didn’t want people to see and unnecessary rumors to spread so I told him to let them in.”

“And you couldn’t tell me!” Mr. Smith snapped at her causing her to flinch.

Two officers suddenly grabbed Chris’s arms, “Hey! Let go of me! I’m being framed, I’m innocent!” Chris struggles against the officers.

“We urge you to calm down, for anything you say or do will be used against you in the court of law” one of the officers says as he cuffs Chris, before they both drag him outside.

The third officer picked up the bag of evidence, following them.

“Chris!!” Ava screamed, running towards the door.

A guard stepped in her path, stopping her, “No… Get out of my way! Dad do something!!” she cries, hitting the guard to let her pass but he stood his ground.

Mr. Smith sighs, his hand on his forehead as he tries to take in the situation, “Take her to her room…” he commands the guard then looks over at his wife and Maurice, “Same with you two, nobody is allowed to leave. I’ll be back soon”

The guard nods, lifting up Ava.

She kept struggling, “Put me down! Dad! DAD!” she calls out to her father walking out of the mansion. “Please bring him back!!” she yells, tears streaming down her face as the guard takes her into her room, locking her in.

***********

Her father never came back with Chris, therefore the reason she refused to come out of her room.

More tears slide down as she kept staring at the ceiling, wiping them, she sits up, deciding she can’t stay in here forever.

She picks up her phone, seeing countless missed calls and texts from Claire, but none from Andrew.

The news of her brother’s arrest had already spread, she couldn’t go online to see what people were saying. The company is taking a huge blow from it since Chris was supposed to take over after his graduation, he was already working as an intern while in school, so his understanding in the company affairs were good enough.

Now her father is busy, hardly home because of the situation.

“Not even one phone call?” Her grip tightened around her phone, anger sipping in as the realization hit hard.

Her heart shattering at the thought, the Andrew she knew was gone, forever.

She finally walked out of the room, her dress looking rather unusual but she didn’t care.

A guard stopped her when she tried to go outside, “Sorry Miss Ava but your father…”

“Get out of my way! I’m just going to see a friend, you have no right to stop me!”

“Miss Ava…”

“Let her pass” Mrs. Smith said from the staircase.

The guard was hesitant but stepped out of the way, Ava turned, taking one long look at her stepmother before leaving.

Mrs. Smith blank expression slowly disappeared, a small sly smile forming, she turns, her heels clicking on the tiles as she ascends the stairs.

Ava got to Andrew’s place using a taxi.

She stares at the small but well furnished bungalow which his parents got for him, hesitating whether to go in or not.

After much internal conflict, she straightened up, walking to the door and inputting his security code. It took a while before she heard the beep sound, the door pushing open by itself.

Stepping inside, she took in the familiar surroundings, her eyes sweeping across the room, from the beautiful art work portraits on the grey painted walls to the plush sofas, the small glass table sits in the middle, accompanied with a small flower vase on it.

The house didn’t look much on the outside, but the inside is the total opposite.

Suddenly she heard a sound coming from the direction of his room, making her turn, her brows furrowed suspiciously already thinking he wasn’t around.

Her steps were slow and soundless as she made her way to his room, thinking it could be an intruder or something.

Another sound came again, making her hasten her steps. She finally got his door, pressing her ear to it. Faint noises came from the other side, she couldn’t quite put her finger on it but it sounded like a girl… moaning.

She slowly opens the door, making sure whoever was inside wouldn’t hear.

As she did, her eyes met with the most horrific scene ever, her jaw drops, she could feel her heart racing ten times faster.

On the bed, Andrew lay on his back, bare, arms crossed behind his head, and a small smirk playing on his lips as the girl on top of him moans in ecstasy.

The girl is nude as well, her hands on his shoulder, nails digging into his skin as she rides him, “A-Andrew… I… I’m... ”

Andrew’s grabbed her ass, spanking one of her cheeks, then guiding her to go faster on him, “Faster!” he growls, his voice hoarse as he gives her another spank.

The girl lets out a small cry, rocking her hips faster…

Ava couldn’t move nor say anything, she just stood there, watching as her mind wanders to different places. They haven’t noticed her yet, too lost in their lustful world.

Ava couldn’t see the girl’s face because of the hair, but from the girl’s voice and the figure, it could only be… Maurice.

Never in her life has she prayed to be wrong about something before, but if it turns out that it is indeed her stepsister, then she might just lose it.

Andrew raised himself up with his elbows, wanting to change their position when he caught of the figure standing by the door.

He squinted his eyes a bit before his expression turns into one of surprise more than shock, “Ava?” he calls out, his tone still gruff.

Maurice stopped moving and turns her head back to see, her eyes going wide.

“Ava!?” she quickly gets off Andrew, covering herself with the covers.

Ava’s heart hammered loudly against her chest as she confirms that it is indeed Maurice, the betrayal she felt at the moment couldn’t measure to anything she has ever felt before, not even her love for Andrew.

She saw how his face turned sideways, avoiding eye contact. There was no remorse, none she could point out at least, only the shame of being caught red-handed.

Her gaze shifts to Maurice, they have never gotten along as stepsisters, but she never thought that Maurice would do such a thing, especially after what happened to Chris.

She held back the tears that threatened to fall while clenching her fists. The hurt she felt slowly turned to something else, rage!

“So I was right…” she whispered, chuckling bitterly, “There was something going on between you two, and you made me feel like I was overreacting!” she screamed at Andrew.

Maurice gulped, scooting closer to Andrew for protection, she has never seen Ava this angry before, the sight frightened her.

“My brother is in jail! And you two…” Ava couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence. She faced down, her hand on her chest as the tears started to fall.

“You’re saying it like he was framed or something” Andrew drawled, his shame gone now that everything has come to light.

“They found the evidence in his bedroom, he got what he deserved”

Ava couldn’t believe what she was hearing, the man she loved from her first year, the man she always defended against others, is the same man that’s saying such things.

She straightened up, looking at both of them, “Remember my words, both of you will pay for this…” She turns to Andrew, her eyes fierce and determined, “I will bring you down to your knees and make you beg, you will pay back every tear I shed for a coward like you, this I promise you” and with that, she leaves the room.

Maurice was practically shivering, the news of the evidence found in Chris room was still a secret from the public and she was warned not to tell anyone. The only thing the public knew was that Chris was taken by the police as a suspect. If Ava tells their father then she’s going to be in big trouble.

Hours passed and the sky darkened. Ava sat on the rooftop of a tall building, tall enough to see the world below like an art with people the size of an ant walking all over it.

Her reddened eyes show how much she’s been crying since she left Andrew’s place, her mind still messed up, barely holding herself together. She stands up, walking to the edge.

She closes her eyes and exhale, taking in the fresh cool air, the wind making her hair flutter back and drying the tears on her face, as if trying to soothe her.

Suddenly, everywhere went dark, the world beneath her vanished, the building she was standing on vanished. She felt her body being pulled down with great force, followed by a piercing scream from the darkness.