Ava's POV
I forced my emotions down and curved my lips into a polite smile.
“Grandma Clara,” I said, my voice steady despite the tremor in my chest. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Clara’s face changed instantly.
Joy broke across her features like sunrise. She rose from the sofa far quicker than her age should allow and came to me, taking my hands in hers.
Her fingers were warm and trembling.
Tears filled her eyes.
“Ava,” she breathed, her voice thick with emotion. “You’re finally out.”
Her gaze searched my face, sorrow and relief mingling in her scent.
“Those five years must have been so hard on you.”
I shook my head quickly, forcing my lips into something like a reassuring smile.
“It was okay,” I said. “Victor made sure I was taken care of in prison. I was fine.”
The lie slid
