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 Veil of Deception

Jade walked beside Lady Eleanor in silence, the soft rustling of her dress the only sound breaking the stillness of the night. The lanterns lining the garden path cast flickering light on the manicured hedges and marble statues—silent witnesses to whatever conversation was about to unfold.

She could feel the weight of Eleanor's presence, measured and deliberate, much like the woman herself. Unlike Victoria, who thrived on theatrics and social maneuvering, Eleanor was a different kind of force. She didn't need to manipulate with whispers or veiled threats—her mere existence commanded respect.

"I imagine tonight was… frustrating for you," Eleanor finally spoke, her voice calm, yet knowing.

Jade exhaled slowly. "Frustration implies surprise, Lady Eleanor. I wasn't surprised by what happened tonight."

Eleanor let out a soft chuckle. "Clever girl."

Jade turned to look at her, searching for any sign of malice, but Eleanor's face remained unreadable.

"Do you know why I asked you to walk with me?" the older woman asked.

Jade tilted her head slightly. "To test me, perhaps?"

Eleanor's lips twitched. "A reasonable assumption, but no. I already know what you're made of, Jade." She stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "The question is, do you?"

Jade held her gaze. "I know exactly who I am."

Eleanor's sharp eyes studied her for a moment before she nodded. "Good. That will serve you well. Because if you're going to survive in this family, you need to stop playing defense and start playing the game."

Jade narrowed her eyes slightly. "And what game would that be?"

Eleanor took a step closer, her voice dropping just slightly. "Power, my dear. Control. Influence. Right now, you have none of it, and that makes you vulnerable."

Jade's fingers tightened slightly at her sides. "I didn't marry Alexander for power."

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you?"

Jade inhaled sharply. "I married him because I love him."

Eleanor gave a small, knowing smile. "Love is a beautiful thing. But in this world, it is rarely enough."

Jade's heart pounded, but she refused to let the older woman see any weakness. "And what would you have me do?"

Eleanor turned and continued walking, motioning for Jade to follow. "Victoria will never accept you. Liliana will always be a threat. And Alexander…" She paused, as if choosing her words carefully. "He has yet to decide if he will stand beside you or let his mother dictate his future."

Eleanor's voice softened just a fraction. "You remind me of myself when I was your age. I, too, married into this family as an outsider. I, too, was underestimated." She turned to Jade with piercing eyes. "But I learned that the only way to truly belong was to make myself indispensable."

Jade's breath hitched slightly. "And how did you do that?"

Eleanor smiled, a ghost of amusement in her expression. "By knowing secrets before they became weapons. By turning whispers into leverage. By never letting anyone see my next move until it was too late."

Jade felt a chill run down her spine.

"Do you want to win, Jade?" Eleanor asked, her voice like silk. "Or do you want to survive?"

Jade swallowed. "Aren't they the same thing?"

Eleanor chuckled. "Not quite." She reached out, gently adjusting the edge of Jade's veil. "You are already wearing a mask. Now you must decide how to use it."

Jade exhaled slowly, a new determination settling in her chest.

For the first time since she had entered this family, she realized something crucial.

She was done waiting to be accepted.

A Dance of Shadows