A new chapter

The streets of New York hummed with familiar energy—car horns blaring, pedestrians rushing, the scent of roasted pretzels wafting through the air. But despite the city's usual bustle, Kiara felt an eerie stillness as she stepped out of the cab onto a street she had walked countless times before.

It had been years since she last visited Ava's mother, Mary Sinclair. The neighborhood held memories—some bittersweet, some warm—but today, it felt different.

She stood for a moment, glancing around. The apartment building that had once been Ava's childhood home looked older now. The paint had faded in patches, and the stair rails were rusted from years of exposure to the elements. It was still standing, still holding onto stories of the past, but something was missing.

The familiarity. The warmth.

With a deep breath, Kiara climbed the short flight of steps and knocked on the door.

She waited.

Silence.

Her brows furrowed. That was odd. Mary was always home around this time, sipping her tea while watching daytime talk shows.

Knocking again, she stepped back, waiting for the familiar sound of slow, shuffling footsteps approaching. Instead, the door cracked open just enough for an elderly woman with silver-streaked hair to peek through.

"Yes?" she asked cautiously, her eyes scanning Kiara with faint curiosity.

Kiara straightened. "Uh… I'm looking for Mary. Mary Sinclair. She used to live here."

Recognition flickered in the woman's eyes before she gave a small, knowing smile. "Ah, Mary. She moved out a while ago, dear."

Kiara's stomach tightened. "Moved?"

The woman nodded. "Yes, a few months back. Her daughter arranged it for her. Said she needed a better place."

Kiara's lips parted slightly in surprise. She had known Ava was doing better for herself, but moving Mary to a new place? That wasn't a small change.

Something in the back of her mind clicked.

Of course. Damien.

Ava would never have been able to afford a new apartment for her mother so soon—not on her salary alone. This had to be Damien's doing, whether Ava admitted it or not.

Pasting a polite smile on her face, she nodded. "Do you know where she moved to?"

The woman shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't, but I believe one of the neighbors might. They helped her move that day."

Kiara thanked her and turned away, gripping her phone tightly. She dialed Ava's number, pressing the device against her ear.

It rang. Once. Twice.

Voicemail.

A sigh of frustration escaped her lips. If Ava wasn't answering, there was only one other way to find out where Mary lived now.

And that was by going directly to Ava.

---

Finding Mary

After a few inquiries—and a favor from one of Mary's old neighbors—Kiara managed to get the address.

The moment she arrived, she knew this was no ordinary apartment.

It was a stark contrast to Mary's previous home. The building stood tall and modern, lined with pristine glass windows that reflected the city skyline. The entrance was well-maintained, the lobby secured with a doorman who politely asked for her reason for visiting.

She didn't need to guess.

This was Damien's money at work.

Kiara swallowed back a comment, thanking the doorman as she stepped into the elevator. The ride up felt unusually long, giving her time to think. She knew Ava had married into wealth, but seeing the effects of that marriage firsthand was different.

She knocked gently when she reached Mary's apartment.

A few moments passed before the door swung open.

Mary stood there, her face lighting up the second she saw her. "Kiara?"

Kiara's heart warmed at the sight of her. Despite the visible signs of aging—the fine lines on her face, the slight frailty in her posture—she still exuded the same warmth she always had.

Kiara beamed. "Surprise!"

"Oh, my dear!" Mary pulled her into a tight hug, her grip still strong despite her smaller frame. "What are you doing here? It's been so long!"

"I just got back in town and had to see you first," Kiara replied, stepping inside and taking in the space.

It was cozy—elegantly furnished, but not too extravagant, which told Kiara that Ava had likely insisted on something practical. Damien could have easily put Mary in a penthouse, but Ava wouldn't have allowed it.

Mary led her to the sofa, already reaching for the teapot on the table.

Kiara sat down, studying her closely. "How have you been? And don't just say 'fine.' I want the real answer."

Mary chuckled, shaking her head. "You and Ava, always so nosy." She sighed, her expression softening. "I'm doing alright, dear. My health has its ups and downs, but Ava makes sure I have everything I need. She worries too much, though."

Kiara smiled knowingly. "That sounds like her."

Mary tilted her head slightly. "Speaking of which… do you know where she lives now? She never really gave me a proper address, just some vague explanation about moving somewhere new."

Kiara's heartbeat quickened slightly, but she forced an easy smile.

"I do. I'm actually heading there next."

Mary looked relieved. "That's good. She never visits as much as she used to. I know she's busy, but sometimes… I wonder if she's lonely."

Kiara paused, absorbing those words. Lonely? Ava had never been one to let loneliness consume her. But… was there truth to it?

She tucked the thought away for later.

"I'll tell her to visit more often," she promised.

Mary smiled warmly. "Thank you, Kiara. You've always been like a sister to her."

Kiara returned the smile, squeezing her hand gently.

"I should get going. Ava doesn't know I'm coming, and I'd love to surprise her."

Mary chuckled. "Give her a big hug from me, will you?"

Kiara nodded, stepping outside into the crisp New York air.

---

On Her Way to Ava

The cab ride to Ava's place was… surreal.

Kiara had always imagined Ava living in a modest but elegant apartment, something that fit her personality—practical, independent, unpretentious.

But when the car slowed in front of a gated estate, complete with security personnel checking visitors, Kiara's stomach twisted.

This wasn't just an upgraded apartment.

This was an entirely different life.

The guards asked for her name before confirming with the system, allowing the cab to drive through. Even the driveway was impressive—long, lined with neatly trimmed hedges and luxury cars parked near the entrance.

Ava wasn't just living comfortably.

She was living in Damien Blackwood's world.

Of course, Kiara had always known Damien was rich, but seeing the reality of it was different. She had spent years by Ava's side, through struggles, heartbreaks, and sacrifices. And now?

Her best friend was married to a man who had the power to change her life overnight.

Still, she played along. Mary didn't need to know the truth.

If she ever found out Ava was married to one of the most powerful men in New York, the questions would never end.

The cab came to a stop.

Kiara took a deep breath, stepping out onto the grand entrance.

And she was about to see for herself just how much Ava's world had changed.