Ayishetu

In a world of wealth, power, and whispered betrayals, Jade Sinclair is an outsider. When she marries **Alexander Middleton**, heir to a powerful and ruthless family, she knows the life she’s stepping into is one of scrutiny and silent warfare. But what no one knows is that Jade didn’t just marry into this world for love—she has her own secrets, her own motives.  

At every turn, she faces resistance. **Victoria Middleton**, Alexander’s calculating mother, sees her as nothing more than an inconvenience, an unworthy intruder in their empire. And then there’s **Liliana Carter**, Alexander’s ex and the woman society expected him to marry, who is determined to reclaim her place by his side.  

But Jade is no naive socialite. She knows that in a world like this, survival isn’t about playing by the rules—it’s about rewriting them.  

When **Lady Eleanor Middleton**, the true matriarch of the family, summons Jade for a private meeting, everything changes. The old woman sees more than Jade expected, sensing the deeper game at play. As the stakes rise, Jade is forced to confront not just the enemies in plain sight but the ones lurking in the shadows—secrets buried within the Middleton family that could destroy them all.  

As deception weaves through every relationship and trust becomes the most dangerous currency, Jade must decide:Is love worth the price of power? And in a game where masks are everything, who will survive when the veil is finally lifted

the veil of deception

The grand chandelier in the Middleton estate ballroom glittered like a constellation of captive stars, casting warm, golden light over the sea of aristocrats gathered beneath it. Every gown, every tuxedo, was a statement of wealth and power. The air was thick with the scent of aged wine, expensive perfume, and veiled deceit.

Jade stepped into the room, her black silk gown hugging her curves, the sheer veil over her face adding an air of mystery she knew would unsettle them. She had long learned that power wasn't always in what was said—it was in what was left unsaid.

"How did she even land Alexander?"

"His parents loathe her. She doesn't belong."

Jade's lips curled in amusement. If only they knew—she had never tried to belong.

She moved with calculated grace, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor as she approached Alexander. He stood near his parents, tall and poised in his tailored black tuxedo, a glass of whiskey resting between his fingers. His gaze locked onto her the moment she entered, and though his expression was unreadable, the slight clench of his jaw told her everything.

Jade reached his side just as a familiar, honeyed voice sliced through the air.

"Jade," Liliana purred, stepping forward in a crimson gown that draped around her like a whisper of fire. The diamonds on her ears caught the light, but nothing gleamed brighter than the satisfaction in her eyes. "What a surprise. I didn't think you were one for… social events."

Jade didn't bother looking at her. Instead, she accepted a champagne flute from a passing waiter, letting the golden liquid swirl in the glass before she finally spoke.

"Strange," she mused, taking a slow sip. "I was just thinking the same about you. I assumed your talents lay elsewhere—like scheming behind closed doors."

Liliana's smile didn't waver, but Jade caught the flicker of irritation in her eyes.

"Now, now," Liliana chided, tilting her head. "I only meant that these circles can be… difficult for those who weren't raised in them. But you're adjusting well, I suppose."

Jade chuckled softly, her eyes finally meeting Liliana's. "Oh, darling. You mistake me for someone seeking approval. I don't need to adjust. This world will bend for me when the time is right."

A soft gasp came from one of the socialites standing nearby, and Liliana's grip tightened around her champagne flute.

Before she could retaliate, Alexander's mother, Victoria Middleton, stepped in. She wore an elegant navy-blue gown, her silver hair swept into an impeccable updo. Her mere presence commanded attention.

"Jade," Victoria said smoothly, a smile curving her lips, though it never quite reached her cold, assessing eyes. "You look… different tonight."

Jade turned to face her mother-in-law, returning the smile with just the right amount of polite indifference. "Thank you, Victoria. Change is inevitable. Some people embrace it, others… resist."

There it was—the barely perceptible stiffening of Victoria's posture.

Alexander sighed, running a hand down his face. "Jade, can we—"

Jade turned slightly, cutting him off with a glance. "Excuse me."

She wasn't here to play their games tonight.

With a slow, deliberate turn, she walked away, her veil trailing behind her like the ghost of a secret yet to be told. She could feel their eyes on her, but she didn't need their approval.

She had walked into this world alone.

And when the time came, she would make sure they never forgot.

whispers in the dark