NICHOLAS’S POV

Morning came too soon. I was awake before dawn, pacing the room, with heaviness that pressed on my chest.

Today wasn’t just a reunion. It was another one of my stepmother’s games, disguised under fancy cutlery, fake laughter, and the smell of old power.

It’s evening and I was in my study. I was lost in thought, but as I turned I froze.

Ava stood by the door, she was well dressed and looked so beautiful. Her long, deep amethyst gown hugged her in the right places, she ...