4

Ava sat with Arabella in the sitting room, watching Discovery Family on cable. From the look on her face, it was clear she was enjoying the show. Arabella, on the other hand, watched her more than the screen, puzzled by what was so entertaining...some wild-looking guy in the jungle eating all sorts of bizarre things, bugs and snails included.

Sipping her tea and chuckling, Ava nudged Arabella. "Arabella, look! He’s about to eat a raw snail. Ugh, that’s disgusting!"

Arabella just smiled, warmed by seeing Ava so happy.

"Change the channel before you lose your appetite," Arabella said, opening the small dinner plate sitting on the table in front of Ava.

Just then, they heard someone greet them from the front door.

Arabella’s smile widened...it was Lucian. She’d always had a soft spot for him; he was polite and respectful, so different from his friend Sam.

“Well, well, look who’s here,” she said cheerfully, adjusting the couch pillow for him. “The prince himself! Come in, Lucian.”

With a soft smile and his head slightly bowed, Lucian stepped in and knelt briefly on the carpet to greet Arabella.

She responded warmly, while Ava’s heart picked up pace. Every time she saw Uncle Lucian, her stomach turned in knots. She couldn’t even finish her meal anymore.

“Sit down, I’ll get you some breakfast,” Arabella offered, standing up.

“Oh no, Arabella, please don’t trouble yourself. I’m fine, really. I came straight from home, didn’t even stop at the office yet. Just thought I’d check in and see if Sam’s still around.”

He glanced at his watch, still kneeling.

“Nonsense,” Arabella scolded lightly. “You’re not leaving without eating something...especially not when I cooked today. Wait just a second.”

Before he could argue, she was already halfway to the kitchen. “Knowing guys like you, I’m sure you skipped breakfast,” she called back.

Lucian just smiled and made himself comfortable on the carpet. That’s when he noticed Ava still playing with her fork and knife, eyes glued to her plate.

He cleared his throat and smiled. “So Ava, you’ve been sitting here the whole time and didn’t even say good morning? Fine, I’ll say it instead...good morning.”

Ava lowered her head with a shy smile, finally putting her plate on the wooden center table. “Sorry, Uncle Lucian. I was just about to greet you. Good morning.”

She spoke like a bashful child.

He studied her for a moment, still smiling. “Honestly, I had to beg for that greeting?”

She looked up, flustered. “No, Uncle Lucian, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m really sorry.”

He chuckled softly. “It’s fine, I forgive you. Are you doing okay?”

“Yes, I’m good. How’s work?” she asked, now a bit more composed.

“Can’t complain,” he replied, then added, “How’s the progress with opening your foundation?”

She shifted slightly, her leg having gone numb from sitting so long. “It’s coming along. I spoke with Uncle Sam yesterday. He said he has a business trip coming up in a few days. Once he’s back, we’ll have the launch event.”

Lucian smiled again. “That’s great. Hopefully, I’ll get an invite?”

She looked at him and smiled wide, revealing her dimples...just like her twin sister Harper’s. “Uncle, you’re not just invited. You’re one of the organizers.”

He let out a quiet laugh. “Well, I appreciate the honor. I hope it’s a huge success.”

“Thanks,” she replied softly.

Just then, Arabella returned, holding a tray.

Lucian stood up quickly to take it from her. “Come on, Arabella, you should’ve just called me to come get it.”

Arabella laughed. “You know how it is with gentlemen like you....we have to pamper you.”

Lucian scratched his head shyly. Arabella never hid how she felt about people.

“Arabella,” he began, lifting the plate cover, “I may be bringing the woman I want to marry soon. Hopefully.”

“Get out of here,” she teased. “Let’s see if you even have a girlfriend.”

Lucian laughed, and Ava tensed. She hated when Lucian and Arabella talked like that. It made her feel... strange.

“I’ll be upstairs, Arabella,” she said, rising quickly. “Uncle Lucian, see you later.”

Lucian watched her as she walked toward the stairs, using the armrest to steady herself.

“Alright, Ava. Take care of yourself,” he said gently.

She didn’t answer. Her heart thudded at his words.....Take care of yourself...what did he mean by that? Did he care? She didn’t know how to answer the question spinning in her head.

As she was lost in thought, Arabella helped guide her toward the stairs....just as Granny Amelia and Uncle Sam were coming down.

******

Brownsville, Nebraska

With a scarf tied boldly around her neck, gum popping between her lips, and nearly a dozen piercings adorning her ears and nose, Mery strutted like she owned the place. Anyone looking might assume she was some wild rebel or a last-chance misfit....but anyone who dared cross her line of respect would regret it fast. Mery, daughter of Isla, the no-nonsense woman known for both her fists and her fire.

Her makeup was always flawless, bold and bright, drawing attention everywhere she went. She turned heads....boys, men, even teachers...brought her drinks, gifts, flirty smiles. But she'd never dare entertain a guy in the open. Isla wouldn’t just disapprove....she’d raise hell.

Today was no different. Mery had a shawl tossed over one shoulder, hair wrapped up high, a full armful of bangles, and ankle chains that jingled with every step. Right beside her was Zoey, always faithfully trailing along.

As they walked by, whispers followed. People always talked. Mery just kept walking, chewing her gum, eyes straight ahead, completely unbothered.

They reached the gate of Mr. Brian’s school, where, as usual, he stood out front with his arms crossed and eyes glued to the sidewalk like a sentry.

As soon as he spotted Mery, Mr. Brian cleared his throat loudly and started ranting, cursing out "immoral girls" and describing Mery's outfit in colorful detail.

Mery leaned over and whispered something in Zoey’s ear. Zoey burst into laughter. “Let’s do it,” she said.

Without warning, Zoey ripped off her head wrap, tossed it aside, and shook out her hair like someone completely unhinged. She burst into Mr. Brian’s classroom, jumping and spinning like a wild child.

Chaos erupted. Kids screamed and scattered....some out the windows, others ducking under Mr. Brian’s legs.

“Stop! Come back here, now!” Mr. Brian shouted. But it was no use....not a single student listened.

Before he could figure out what was happening, his hat was snatched right off his head. Dazed, he raised his hands. “Someone help! What is going on?”

But Mery was already behind him. She shoved him right into the classroom and slammed the door. Zoey quickly locked it from the inside.

Now Mr. Brian stood face to face with Mery and Zoey. She held the long cane he usually used to beat students.

Shaking, he stammered, “I was just preaching, Mery. I didn’t mean any harm…”

Mery stood her ground, arms crossed. “Is this how you preach at your mother’s house? Every day you stand on this sidewalk, your eyes glued to girls instead of doing your job....the job parents pay you for. You call us names, accuse us of things we’ve never done. Have you ever seen us in a fancy car parading around town? No. But you ignore the real ones, the ones who hide their shame under prim dresses. Why? Because we’re easier targets?”

She stepped closer. “Today, your curses bounce right back to you. Maybe now you’ll learn how to truly guide others. You’ve failed them, Mr. Brian.”

He backed away, pleading. “Please, Mery. I’m sorry. I swear I’ll change. I won’t watch or judge anyone again. Just... please don’t hurt me. I’m a teacher... I’m supposed to help, not harm…”

His desperation was almost funny.

Zoey laughed. “Didn’t stop you from beating kids with that cane. What are you so afraid of now?”

“I swear I’ve changed,” he whispered, clutching his hat.

Zoey rolled her eyes and opened the door. “Get out. Run.”

And he did...bolted out like a dog off a leash, not even glancing back. The girls collapsed in laughter. They knew it was over. Mr. Brian wouldn’t dare watch them again.

Meanwhile…

Barrister Noah turned toward Aurora, who was buttoning up Mia’s school uniform. Daddy was off-duty today....Auntie Aurora had it covered.

He let out a quiet sigh and turned his attention to Jaxon, who stood holding a steaming mug of coffee, eyes fixed on the skyline of New York. From their apartment balcony, the city looked as busy as ever. People, cars, the endless motion....it was overwhelming.

It had been nearly four years since Jaxon left the city without looking back. Now, memories came flooding in like waves. Her voice echoed in his ears, the way she told him she'd been forced into marrying someone else. The sound of a gunshot rang in his mind....he remembered it all. The final scream. The moment he opened his eyes and realized his legs were gone. In his world, that day never ended.

He shut his eyes tightly, pain written all over his face. Then, suddenly, he yelled and hurled the mug across the balcony.

Barrister Noah rushed in, swinging the door open...he didn’t want the kids to hear the crash or the screaming.

What startled him even more was the sound of Jaxon’s broken voice, trembling through his tears.

“They killed her... Those three killed her,” he cried. “I swear I won’t rest until I ruin them. Every last one of them. They’ll suffer like I did. I’ll make sure they taste this pain.”

The vein on Jaxon’s forehead throbbed, anger and grief rising in waves.

Just then, the school bus horn blared downstairs....Finn’s ride had arrived.

Barrister Noah quickly turned to leave. Outside, Aurora was busy helping the kids with their backpacks and lunchboxes, her smile steady, unaware of the storm just behind that balcony door.

They ran up to him with bright smiles, hugging him tightly before waving goodbye. He waved back, watching them with warmth in his eyes until they disappeared around the corner, still waving at their “new Aunt,” Aurora.

Even after they’d gone, Aurora still wore a soft smile, while Barrister Noah kept his gaze fixed on her.

She could feel it....his eyes on her back. When she finally looked up, their eyes met.

She quickly looked down, flustered. “Um… um, where’s my brother?” she asked quietly.

He smiled at her shy nervousness and replied, “He and I were talking. If you don’t mind, why don’t you head to the kitchen and have some breakfast while we finish up?”

She nodded, playing with her fingers as she made her way toward the kitchen. Just as she reached the doorway, she heard him call out, “Auntie Aurora…”

She turned, surprised he’d even heard Mia call her that.

He gave her a gentle smile and said, “Thank you.”

She didn’t respond, only dipped her head shyly and stepped into the kitchen, a smile blooming across her face.

***

Harper turned to Lavinia again, letting out a soft sigh. “Lavinia,” she said gently, “you know I love you like my own sister. I trust you completely. I believe with all my heart that if you ever saw something dangerous coming my way, you’d warn me, right? Do you trust me that way, too? Do you believe I’d never hurt you?”

Lavinia nodded slowly. “I do, Harper. I trust you one hundred percent. I know you’d never hurt me.”

Harper smiled, visibly relieved. “Good. I’m glad you do. And I promise, I’ll always protect that trust.”

Lavinia smiled back, a little comforted....until Harper hesitated, fidgeted a little, then continued.

“Lavinia, I know you and your family haven’t been in town for very long. And I know you probably haven’t looked too deeply into Uncle Sam yet. But even if you have… what people see is only surface-level. Sure, he’s well-liked in the community. He’s got charm, wealth, and status...he comes from one of the most powerful families around.”

Lavinia leaned in a bit, confused, setting her fork down on the plate as she gave Harper a questioning look.

Harper gave a sad smile, pulling her feet up into the chair. “Uncle Sam… he’s actually my uncle. And truthfully, I’ve always loved him more than anyone else in the family—even more than my own sister. But Lavinia, did you know that every woman who’s gotten involved with him ends up dead?”

Lavinia’s chest tightened. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

“I’m not exaggerating,” Harper continued, her tone completely serious. “Do you know how many women have lost their lives because of their relationship with Uncle Sam? Do you want to be the next one? Do you want to die young, Lavinia?”

Lavinia just stared, fear creeping into her expression, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.

“I know it sounds shocking, maybe even impossible,” Harper said. “But it’s the truth. Nobody knows why the women he dates keep dying. If he weren’t rich and powerful, he would’ve been in jail by now....or at least chased out of town. But if you don’t want to take my word for it, ask someone else. My husband Adrian or Lucian, his close friends...they work at the same company with him. They’ve seen things.”

As she said the last words, Harper calmly picked up her coffee mug and took a sip, her eyes quietly observing Lavinia...who now sat stiff and pale, frozen like a statue.

To be continue...