Chapter 8:The secret room
597 Words
Ava barely slept that night.
Although the bed was softer than anything she had ever known, her mind refused to rest. Every time she closed her eyes, she remembered Emily's cold smile and William's warning.
"In this house, the biggest smiles often hide the darkest secrets."
As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, Ava quietly left her room.
The mansion was unusually peaceful.
Most of the staff were already busy preparing breakfast, while the rest of the family seemed to be asleep.
She wandered through the long hallways, admiring the paintings and antique decorations.
Everything around her reflected wealth and history.
As she reached the end of one corridor, she noticed an old wooden door slightly open.
Curiosity got the better of her.
She gently pushed it open.
The room inside was covered with white sheets protecting expensive furniture from dust.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating countless framed photographs hanging on the walls.
Ava slowly stepped inside.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Every photograph showed Adrian...
And her.
There were pictures of baby clothes, birthday decorations, toys, school bags, and even graduation gifts.
Some of the frames contained sketches instead of photographs.
One drawing showed a little girl wearing a school uniform.
Another showed a teenage girl blowing out birthday candles.
Each picture had a small handwritten note beneath it.
Age 5... I wonder if she likes dolls.
Age 10... Happy Birthday, my princess.
Age 16... I hope she's smiling today.
Tears filled Ava's eyes.
Her father had imagined every birthday she had celebrated without him.
Even though he couldn't find her...
He had never forgotten her.
She gently picked up a small teddy bear resting on a shelf.
A tag was attached.
For Ava's 8th Birthday.
Her hands trembled.
"He really loved me..."
A voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.
"He came here every year."
Ava turned around.
It was Martha.
The housekeeper smiled sadly.
"Every birthday, Mr. Ashford would buy you a present."
"He refused to let anyone touch this room."
"He always believed you'd return one day."
Ava wiped away her tears.
"I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything."
"Just let him have the chance to make up for the years he lost."
Before Ava could answer, a loud crash echoed from downstairs.
Both women rushed into the hallway.
A frightened maid came running toward them.
"Miss Ava!"
"What happened?" Martha asked.
The maid struggled to catch her breath.
"Someone... someone has broken into Mr. Ashford's private office."
Martha's face immediately turned serious.
"Was anything stolen?"
"We don't know yet."
"But the safe has been forced open."
Ava felt a chill run down her spine.
They hurried downstairs, where William, Lucas, and several security guards were already standing outside Adrian's office.
The room had been completely ransacked.
Books were scattered across the floor.
Drawers had been emptied.
The painting behind Adrian's desk had been torn from the wall.
William examined the damaged safe.
His expression darkened.
"They weren't looking for money."
Lucas frowned.
"How do you know?"
William slowly stood up.
"Because all the cash and jewelry are still here."
He looked directly at Adrian, who had just arrived with the help of his doctor.
"There was only one thing inside this safe that could be worth stealing."
Adrian's face suddenly turned pale.
"The file..."
William nodded gravely.
"It's gone."
Ava looked from one man to the other.
"What file?"
Adrian closed his eyes.
"The file that explains..."
He paused, his voice heavy with worry.
"...why someone wanted you dead before you were even born."
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