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 knew the moment she walked into the Middleton estate's grand foyer that something had shifted. The staff whispered as she passed, their eyes darting away. Her instincts screamed that the walls around her were closing in.

And when she reached the sitting room, she understood why.

Perched elegantly on the cream-colored chaise lounge, Mara looked perfectly at home—too at home. A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips as she sipped from a porcelain teacup.

"Did you think you could erase me, dear sister?" Mara mused, setting the cup down with a soft clink.

Jade's pulse pounded, but she kept her expression unreadable. "What are you doing here?"

Mara leaned forward, amusement dancing in her dark eyes. "Oh, you know me. I just couldn't resist seeing how the other half lives. And my, my… you've done well for yourself." She gestured at the opulence surrounding them. "Alexander must truly adore you."

Jade's hands curled into fists. "What do you want, Mara?"

Mara sighed dramatically. "Straight to the point. Fine. Let's talk about us. Our past. You see, I've been thinking—maybe it's time Alexander learned the full story. Not just the bits your lawyer friend dug up."

Jade's blood ran cold. "You wouldn't."

Mara tilted her head. "Wouldn't I?"

Before Jade could respond, a new voice cut through the tension.

Jade turned to see Elara Middleton stepping into the room.

Elara Middleton: A New Player Enters

Elara Middleton, Alexander's cousin, was a force of nature. With sharp wit and an even sharper tongue, she had never been one to blindly follow the family's expectations.

She crossed her arms, studying both women with keen interest. "Go on, Mara. I love a good scandal."

Jade forced a smile. "This is a private conversation."

Elara smirked. "Not anymore. When someone like you marries into the Middleton family, it becomes everyone's business." She turned to Mara. "You must be the long-lost sister. I'd say it's a pleasure, but I'd be lying."

Jade exhaled sharply. "Mara, leave."

Mara stood, her eyes flickering with something unreadable. "I will. But we both know this isn't over." She glanced at Elara. "Nice meeting you. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of each other."

With that, Mara strolled out, leaving an icy silence behind.

Elara watched her go, then turned back to Jade. "So. Want to tell me what that was about, or should I start digging myself?"

Jade forced herself to breathe. The storm she had been avoiding was finally here.

Shadows Of The Past