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

Jade's heart pounded in her chest, but her face remained a mask of calm. Damien Blackwell should not be here.

She hadn't seen him in years, not since she'd left that part of her life behind—buried it under layers of reinvention, ambition, and careful deception.

Yet, here he was, standing in the heart of the Middleton empire, sipping whiskey like he belonged.

Jade turned away, willing herself to stay composed. But the weight of his gaze was unbearable. She could feel it pressing against her skin, demanding acknowledgment.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Alexander asked beside her, his voice low, controlled.

Jade forced a smile. "Of course. Just a little warm in here."

Before he could press further, Victoria glided toward them, her diamond necklace catching the light. "Ah, wonderful, you're mingling. There's someone I'd like you both to meet."

Jade followed Victoria's gaze and felt the air leave her lungs.

Standing next to Victoria was Damien Blackwell.

She should have known. Victoria never left things to chance.

"Mr. Blackwell is one of our newest investors," Victoria said smoothly. "He has taken a particular interest in our upcoming ventures."

Jade swallowed down the panic rising in her throat and extended her hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Blackwell."

Damien's smirk deepened as he took her hand, holding it just a fraction too long. "The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Middleton."

Jade's stomach twisted. He was enjoying this.

Alexander, ever perceptive, studied the exchange before shaking Damien's hand himself. "I wasn't aware we had new investors."

Victoria's smile didn't falter. "The details were finalized recently. Mr. Blackwell comes highly recommended."

"Indeed," Damien added. "And I'm eager to work closely with the Middleton family." His eyes flicked back to Jade. "Very closely."

He knew exactly what he was doing.

Later in the evening, after enduring countless polite conversations and keeping her mask firmly in place, Jade excused herself to the balcony for air.

She should have known he'd follow.

"You've done well for yourself, Jade," Damien said, stepping up beside her. His voice was smooth, laced with amusement.

She didn't turn. "What are you doing here, Damien?"

"Business," he answered easily. "The Middleton name is powerful. And power is always worth investing in."

Jade finally faced him, her expression cold. "Cut the act. Why are you really here?"

Damien studied her, his smirk softening into something more dangerous. "You disappeared. No explanations. No goodbyes." He leaned in slightly. "Did you really think I wouldn't come looking?"

"You shouldn't have," she said quietly.

Damien chuckled, shaking his head. "And yet, here I am."

Silence stretched between them before he added, "Victoria knows, doesn't she?"

Jade's blood ran cold. "Knows what?"

His smirk returned. "That you're not the woman you pretend to be."

Jade forced herself to remain still, to keep her breathing even.

And she wasn't sure if she could contain him.

GHOST OF THE PAST