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 barely had time to collect her thoughts before she heard the firm, deliberate footsteps of Alexander approaching. She turned just as he entered the sitting room, his expression unreadable—but his eyes, dark with intensity, told her everything.

Jade braced herself. "How much did you hear?"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Enough."

He took a slow step toward her, his presence towering and commanding. "Why didn't you tell me Mara was back?"

Jade folded her arms, trying to keep her voice steady. "Because I knew what would happen. I knew you'd start questioning everything."

Alexander exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Damn it, Jade. You keep proving me right."

"Right about what?" she shot back. "That I can't be trusted? That I'm hiding some dark secret?"

He let out a humorless chuckle. "Aren't you?"

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Jade's heart pounded as she searched his face. He wasn't angry—he was hurt.

"I was going to tell you," she finally admitted. "I just needed time."

Alexander's gaze softened, but he remained firm. "Jade, I don't care where you came from. I don't care what you had to do to survive. But I won't let secrets poison this marriage."

Jade swallowed hard. "And if I tell you the truth? If you know everything, will you still look at me the same way?"

Alexander took a step closer, cupping her face. "Try me."

Jade closed her eyes, leaning into his touch for just a moment. But before she could speak, the butler appeared at the doorway.

"Sir, Madam—Miss Middleton is requesting an audience with you."

Jade exhaled sharply. Of course, she wasn't done yet.

Alexander straightened, his expression darkening. "Let her in."

Jade forced herself to remain composed as Elara strolled in, her sharp eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Well, this is cozy," she mused, glancing between them. "Trouble in paradise already?"

Alexander folded his arms. "What do you want, Elara?"

Elara smirked. "Oh, I just wanted to chat with our dear Jade." Her gaze locked onto Jade's, unblinking. "It seems you have quite the colorful past. And, lucky for you, I happen to love a good mystery."

Jade's stomach twisted. "And what exactly do you think you've uncovered?"

Elara tilted her head. "Oh, I'm still putting the pieces together. But something tells me Mara isn't the only ghost from your past. And trust me, Jade…" She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "I will find out everything."

Jade met her gaze head-on, her fingers clenching at her sides. She had fought too hard to let someone like Elara unravel her life.

And this time she sure she could win

A Line In The Sand