TEN YEARS AGO - SUMMERIt had been winter break and not everyone came by to school but it was compulsory they did participate in one or two extracurricular to make them more active. Emily on the other hand hated activities, apart from studying, she loved listening to music. She sat outside, her earpieces plugged in, her eyes fixed on her phone screen. A pink petals from the nearby flowers fell gently on her head, like confetti, as she watched Jackson perform on stage. She was completely absorbed in the video, her eyes shining with admiration. Jackson Timberlake was her idol, and she had watched every beat he had ever released, mesmerized by his talent and charisma.As she sat there, lost in the music, she felt like she was a part of something bigger than herself. Jackson's beats were her escape, her happy place, and she knew every lyric, every rhythm, by heart. She had spent countless hours listening to his tracks, imagining herself on stage with him, performing alongside her idol.
PRESENT DAYAs they got to the end of the staircase, Ava left Luke's side and approached the guests with a radiant smile. As she mingled, a guest greeted her, "Ava, you look stunning tonight!"“Thank you,”Ava would reply back. From across the room, Amelia's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Ava with jealous glares. She couldn't help but feel envious of the attention Ava was receiving.Amelia forced a fake smile and approached Ava, "Ava, you look good."Ava replied, her voice sweet and innocent, "Thank you, Amelia. You're looking lovely tonight as well."The exchange was identical to their first encounter, but the tension between them was readable. Amelia's eyes flashed with anger, her smile faltering for a moment before she regained her composure. The rivalry between them was still simmering, waiting to erupt at any moment.Jackson's eyes locked onto Ava, his voice filled with admiration. "Ava, you shine brighter with each passing day."He took her hand in his, his lips inches from ki
Jackson stepped outside, the cool night air enveloping him as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it. He took a long drag, blowing out a stream of smoke that disappeared into the darkness. The sound of the party faded into the background as he stood there, lost in thought.Ava approached him slowly, her footsteps quiet on the pavement. "Hey, Jackson, why did you come outside? There’s a hell lot of partying going on inside, and I’m sure you don’t want to miss out the fun."Instead of answering, Jackson turned to her, his eyes squinting slightly. "That tango song that you danced to... it reminded me of Emily."“Emily Greenfield?” Ava's expression softened. "Isn’t she the one who... passed away?"Jackson nodded, his voice low and husky. "She was my wife. We used to dance to that song when we were in high school."“Oh really?” Ava looked right ahead, “you must really miss her…”“Yeah…now I think about it, I do so badly.” Jackson slowly remove the cigarette from his lips and blows out anothe
After Luke disappeared from view, Ava pushed away from Jackson, her voice firm. "Stop, Jackson. Whatever mess you have, whatever guilt you carry, is none of my business. And never try to make a move on me again."Jackson's face contorted in regret. "Sorry, Ava. I didn't mean to—"Ava cut him off, her tone unyielding. "Just sorry, Jackson. That's all."With a swift turn, she excused herself and walked away, her heels clicking toward the closet. But as she reached for the door handle, a hand grasped her wrist, yanking her into the corner. Ava flinched, her heart racing, until she saw Luke's face... his eyes cold and icy, his jaw clenched in a fierce scowl.The contrast between his usual warm smile and this frozen expression sent a shiver down her spine. Ava's initial fear gave way to a gentle smile, hoping to thaw the chill from his face. But Luke's grip remained firm, his gaze unyielding, as if he struggled to contain a storm brewing within.Ava asked, "What's wrong, Luke?"Luke's vo
Ava sat comfortably in the plush sitting room of the penthouse apartment, sipping her coffee and lost in thought. The morning sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows highlighted the luxurious decor. Suddenly, the tranquility was disrupted by Luke's entrance. He strode in, wearing only a towel, his chiseled chest bare and glistening with dew. He had just taken his bath. Ava's eyes widened, and she coughed, spitting out her coffee. Gosh his body was like that of an idol. For years they’ve been staying together not once had she seen him half naked. The hot coffee spilling on her, Luke rushed to her side, concern etched on his face. "Ava, are you okay?" Ava's gaze lingered on his body, mesmerized by the defined muscles and the tantalizing glimpse of his tattoo. Her eyes seemed glued to the droplets of water trickling down his chest, her mind momentarily stunned. Luke's proximity and the intensity of his gaze only added to her discomfort. As she struggled to r
As the teachers and staff continued to fawn over Amelia Timberlake and Ava Richardson, a sudden scream pierced the air, shattering the tranquility. The group rushed towards the sound, their faces etched with concern. They burst into the classroom, where chaos reigned.Amelia's son, John, lay on the ground, blood trickling from his lips. Another boy, his face red with anger, stood over him, fists clenched. The air was thick with tension.Quickly the teacher rushed to separate the boys. "What happened here?" Mrs. White demanded, her voice firm but laced with a hint of panic.The angry boy, still seething, pointed at John. "He started it! He called my mom a liar!"Amelia's eyes widened in horror as she rushed to John's side. "Oh, my baby! What have they done to you?"Ava's gaze swept the scene, she wasn’t one to talk but she had questions, regardless she remained mute and just watched the show. What had ignited this violence? A question no one asked. “You….” Amelia's face contorted in
“Ohh, please, Mrs. Timberlake, don’t talk like that. Mrs. Roslyn here is just joking. Her son is going to apologize to yours, please don’t be angry.” Mrs white rushed to hold Amelia in the hand but her hands were sent flying in the air.Amelia was even more angrier than she was. It was like the reminder of John not being Jackson’s pained her even more. But, was it true? “Until it’s done, then we would continue with this conversation.” Amelia said and stormed out of the room, her son alongside her. At the Same time, in a distance.Luke emerged from a business meeting, his suit immaculate, his expression focused. He entered his office, Stanley by his side, and they continued discussing business strategies. As they approached Luke's desk, he asked, "Stanley, have you been helping Ava lately?"Stanley's expression turned neutral. "Apart from her plan to replace the CCTV camera at the Timberlakes' house, she's left me in the dark about her other plans, sir."Luke's face clouded with a cu
Ava and Amelia accompanied John to the school clinic, concern etched on Amelia’s face. As the nurse tended to John's wound, Amelia's emotions boiled over. "I'm so pissed, Ava! I can't contain the tears," she whispered, pretending to cry.Ava played along, offering comforting words. "Calm down, Amelia. Thank God John is okay. It could have been worse."Amelia's anger and indignation poured out. "How can they treat my kid like that? I'll make sure the school knows about all this. They must pay for the damages they’ve caused to my son. I'm withdrawing John from this school. I won't let them bully him again!"The nurse, oblivious to the acting, continued treating John's wound, while Ava and Amelia maintained their charade, their eyes locked in a knowing glance. Amelia was determined to protect John and bring the truth to light, no matter the cost. But, Ava on the other hand careless.Ava sat cross-legged, her expression calm, while Amelia paced around the room, her emotions in turmoil. "I